VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships for Bachelor’s and Master’s Study in Belgium 2027–2028 (Fully Funded)

About this opportunity

VLIR-UOS offers ICP Connect scholarships for the 2027–2028 academic year to study accredited international programmes taught in English at universities and universities of applied sciences in Flanders, Belgium. The scholarships target nationals of 25 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and see scholars as agents of change who will contribute to development in their home countries after graduation. Available programmes and application deadlines: Professional bachelor’s: Bachelor of Hotel Management, VIVES University of Applied Sciences: 31 January 2027 Bachelor of Applied Computer Science, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences: 15 January 2027 Master’s (2 years): MSc Aquaculture (IMAQUA), Ghent University: 28 February 2027 MSc Food Technology, KU Leuven & Ghent University: 1 February 2027 MSc Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (Oceans & Lakes), VUB, Ghent University & University of Antwerp: 1 February 2027 MSc Transportation Sciences – Road Safety, Hasselt University: 1 February 2027 MSc Nutrition and Food Systems, Ghent University: 28 February 2027 MSc Sustainable Land Management, Ghent University & VUB: 1 February 2027 MSc Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (TROPIMUNDO), VUB: 30 November 2026 Advanced master’s (1 year), University of Antwerp: Development Evaluation and Management Globalisation and Development Governance and Development (Deadlines for these three programmes are not yet published on the scholarship page) Programmes such as Epidemiology, Statistics and Data Science, Water Resources Engineering, and Sustainable Development are no longer available for scholarship in 2027–2028. Eligible countries: Sub-Saharan Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe. Middle East & North Africa: Morocco, Palestine. Latin America: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Peru. South East Asia: Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam. How to apply: Candidates apply through the website of the institution organising the programme, for both the programme and the scholarship, and indicate that they are applying for the scholarship. VLIR-UOS contacts selected and waitlisted candidates by email no later than mid-May 2027. Selection criteria: Motivation and the ability to transfer knowledge and contribute to sustainable development Professional experience, with preference for those working in higher education, government, or civil society Gender balance, with female candidates strongly encouraged to apply Balance across countries and regions Preference for candidates from vulnerable groups when qualifications are equal Preference for candidates who have not previously studied in a high-income country VLIR-UOS will hold an information session on 26 November 2026, from 14:30 to 16:30 CET. Registration is available on the official scholarship page.

What it covers

• Tuition fees covered
• Travel costs covered
• Insurance covered
• Living costs covered, including accommodation and meals
• Funding for the full programme duration (12, 24, or 36 months)
• Study in English at accredited Belgian universities

Eligibility requirements

• Nationality of one of the 25 eligible countries and residence in one of them at the time of application (not necessarily the country of nationality)
• Maximum age of 35 on 1 January 2027 for bachelor’s and master’s programmes, and 45 for advanced master’s programmes
• Minimum age of 19 on 1 January 2027 for bachelor’s programmes
• Only one ICP Connect scholarship application per year
• No other scholarship or grant for study during the same period
• No previous Belgian government study scholarship, and no previous enrolment at a Belgian higher education institution before 1 January 2027
• Meeting any additional admission requirements of the chosen institution and programme

Required documents

• Vary by institution and programme; check each programme’s application page
• Proof of nationality and residence in an eligible country