Applications are now open for the 2027/2028 VLIR-UOS Scholarships for master Programmes (ICP Connect). ICP programmes equip students to become leaders and change agents in their fields, contributing to societal transformation across various sectors. Students from 25 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are invited to apply for these scholarships (with Mali recently added to the list).
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates that meet the following criteria* may apply for an ICP Connect scholarship:
- Nationality and country of residence: Candidates must hold nationality from one of the 25 eligible countries and reside in any of these countries at the time of application (though not necessarily in their country of nationality).
- Age: Candidates for a bachelor or initial master programme cannot be older than 35 as of 1 January of the intake year, while candidates for an advanced master cannot be older than 45. Additionally, candidates for a bachelor programme must be at least 19 years old by 1 January of the intake year.
- Professional background and experience: Preference will be given to candidates employed in higher education, government, or civil society, or those targeting a career in one of these sectors. Newly graduated candidates or those employed in the private sector with no work experience may also be considered if they provide strong motivation and a compelling profile.
- Scholarship applications: Candidates may apply for only one ICP Connect scholarship per year. Candidates cannot receive any other scholarship or grant to participate in this study programme or another programme simultaneously. Applying for more than one ICP Connect scholarship or receiving an extra (different) scholarship will lead to exclusion
- Previously awarded scholarships: Candidates may not have previously received a scholarship from the Belgian government to attend a study programme, nor may they have enrolled in a study programme at a Belgian higher education institution before 1 January of the year of intake.
*Please note that additional criteria may be imposed by individual institutions. These can be found under the drop-down menu ‘more detailed information & application’ on the specific page for each programme (see list below).
Benefits
- VLIRUOS ICP Connect scholarships cover tuition fees, travel, insurance and living expenses (board and lodging).
- Scholarship costs may change in line with government funding decisions.
Method of Application
For More Information,
Application Deadline: 28 February 2027.