VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship 2027-2028 in Belgium (Fully Funded)

Overview

The VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship is a fully funded program operating in Belgium and funded by the Flemish Interuniversity Council for Development Cooperation. It enables talented students from selected developing countries to pursue higher education at Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences and arts. Eligible study levels include Professional Bachelor programs, Initial Master programs, and Advanced Master programs, spanning durations of 12, 24, or 36 months depending on the specific course. The program supports individuals whose acquired education and professional knowledge will contribute to sustainable development and positive change in their home countries or regions.

Who can apply

Applicants must be citizens and residents of specific eligible developing countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Age limits generally require applicants to be under 35 years old for Bachelor and Initial Master programs, and under 45 years old for Advanced Master programs. Candidates must not have previously enrolled at a Belgian higher education institution or held a Belgian government scholarship prior to the intake year. Applicants must also possess strong academic merit combined with a clear motivation to apply their acquired knowledge toward sustainable development in their home country.

What you get

The scholarship covers 100 percent of registration and tuition fees at the Flemish host university. Selected students receive a monthly stipend of approximately 1,400 to 1,600 euros, adjusted annually, to cover housing, meals, and daily living expenses. The funding includes the cost of one return economy-class international flight between the recipient's home country and Belgium, as well as comprehensive health, accident, and third-party liability insurance for the duration of the studies. Additionally, recipients receive a one-time installation allowance upon arrival to assist with settling in, purchasing textbooks, and covering initial moving costs.

Requirements

Applicants are strictly permitted to apply for only one ICP Connect program per year, as submitting multiple applications results in total disqualification. Required supporting documents generally include a detailed motivation letter focused on using the degree to drive sustainable development in the home country, certified copies of university degrees and transcripts, English language proficiency test results such as TOEFL or IELTS, letters of recommendation, and proof of current residence and nationality from an eligible developing country.

How to apply

Candidates must first review the eligible English-taught programs and select one course of interest. Applications are submitted directly through the website of the specific Flemish university hosting the chosen program, which may include institutions such as KU Leuven, Ghent University, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Hasselt University, or VIVES University of Applied Sciences. During the university's online admission application process, candidates must locate the funding section and select the option to apply for the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship to have their eligibility for both the academic seat and the funding processed simultaneously.

Key dates

The application deadline is 28 February 2027, though individual universities or specific English-taught programs may enforce earlier internal deadlines. The program start date is 1 September 2027.