The ICP Connect Scholarship 2026, funded by VLIR-UOS, offers fully funded opportunities for masters programs in Belgium starting September 2026. This prestigious scholarship targets students from 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, including newly added Mali, to study at top Flemish universities. Applications are open now with program-specific deadlines up to February 2026.
Basic Information
- Scholarship Name and Provider: ICP Connect Scholarships by VLIR-UOS (Flemish Interuniversity Council), supporting international study programs focused on sustainable development and Agenda 2030 goals.
- Academic Year and Start Date: For 2026-2027 intake, programs begin 1 September 2026; durations are 12, 24, or 36 months depending on the masters.
- Number of Scholarships: Up to 10 new first-year scholarships per eligible program, totaling around 200 across 20 programs.
- Eligible Countries: 29 nations including Bangladesh, across Africa (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria), Asia (e.g., Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam), Latin America (e.g., Bolivia, Ecuador); full list on VLIR-UOS site.
- Application Period: Varies by program; generally opens October/November 2025, closes between January-February 2026 (e.g., 1 February 2026 or 28 February 2026); check specific program pages.
- Application Deadline: Program-specific, latest around 28 February 2026, 23:59 CET; no extensions, apply early for ICP Connect Scholarship 2026 Belgium.
- Language of Instruction: All programs taught in English; IELTS/TOEFL may be required unless prior degree in English medium.
- Official Website: www.vliruos.be
- for full calls, programs, and FAQs on ICP Connect Scholarship 2026.
University/Institution Details
- Flemish Institutions Involved: Hosted at universities like KU Leuven, Ghent University, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), UHasselt, and universities of applied sciences.
- Key Hosting Universities:
- KU Leuven: Offers programs like Master of Human Settlements, Statistics and Data Science.
- Ghent University: Hosts International Master in Rural Development (IMRD), Marine and Lacustrine Science.
- University of Antwerp/Hasselt: Programs in Tropical Biodiversity, Sustainable Land Management.
- Others: Artevelde University of Applied Sciences for professional bachelors; focus on accredited, English-taught ICP Connect programs.
- Reputation: Top-ranked Flemish universities in QS World Rankings (e.g., KU Leuven #63 globally); emphasis on research, innovation, and development-oriented education.
- Locations: Primarily Flanders region (Brussels, Leuven, Ghent, Antwerp); safe, student-friendly cities with multicultural environments.
Study Areas
- Professional Bachelors (3 years, new for 2026): Focus on practical skills for development; specific names available via VLIR-UOS program list.
- Initial Masters (2 years):
- International Master of Science in Agro- & Environmental Nematology (Ghent University).
- International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD) (Ghent University).
- Master of Aquaculture (IMAQUA) (Ghent University).
- Master of Epidemiology (KU Leuven).
- Master of Science in Food Technology (Ghent University).
- Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (VLIR-UOS).
- Master of Statistics and Data Science (KU Leuven).
- Master in Sustainable Development (KU Leuven).
- Master of Transportation Sciences – Road Safety (Hasselt University).
- Master of Water Resources Engineering (WRE) (KU Leuven).
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems.
- Master of Science in Sustainable Land Management.
- Master of Science in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems.
- Advanced Masters: 12-24 months, specialized; e.g., human settlements, others listed on VLIR-UOS site for ICP Connect Scholarship 2026 study areas.
- Themes: Aligned with SDGs: environment, agriculture, health, water, food security, biodiversity.
ICP Connect Scholarship 2026 Benefits
- Tuition fees
- Travel costs
- Insurance
- Living expenses
- Covers full programme duration only (12/24/36 months)
- Other Perks: Visa costs support, resettlement allowance upon return; no application fees for scholarship.
Benefits Not Included
- Accommodation Deposit/Extras: Initial housing deposits or premium private rentals beyond allowance.
- Visa Application Fees: Personal costs for visa processing (though supported).
- Family/Dependent Support: No coverage for spouses/children; single student focus.
- Pre-Arrival Costs: Flights before official travel, language courses if needed.
- Post-Graduation Expenses: Beyond resettlement allowance; no job placement aid.
- Miscellaneous: Books/supplies if exceeding allowance, leisure travel.
Eligibility Criteria for ICP Connect Scholarship 2026
Who Can Apply
- Must be a citizen of one of the 29 eligible countries and living in an eligible country
- Age limit:
- Bachelor / Initial Master: 19–35 years
- Advanced Master: Up to 45 years
- Professional background:
- Preference: education, government, civil society
- Private sector or fresh graduates may apply with strong motivation
- One scholarship only:
- Apply for only one ICP Connect scholarship per year
- Cannot receive any other scholarship at the same time
- No prior Belgian scholarship/study:
- Must not have studied in Belgium or received a Belgian government scholarship before
- Must not have studied in Belgium or received a Belgian government scholarship before
Selection Criteria
- Strong motivation and clear career goals
- Ability to contribute to sustainable development
- Potential to act as an “agent of change” after graduation
- Relevant professional experience
- Gender balance encouraged (women strongly encouraged)
- Regional diversity considered
- Priority to vulnerable groups (Leave No One Behind)
- Preference to those who haven’t studied in high-income countries before
Required Documents
- Academic Transcripts/Degrees: Certified copies of bachelor’s/master’s transcripts and diplomas (provisional OK).
- Proof of English Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL scores or waiver proof (English-medium degree).
- Motivation Letter: Explaining fit for ICP Connect Scholarship 2026, development goals (program-specific).
- Two Recommendation Letters: From employers/academics, on official letterhead.
- CV/Resume: Detailed, highlighting professional experience.
- Passport Copy: Valid ID.
- Portfolio (if applicable): E.g., for architecture-related like Human Settlements.
- ICP Scholarship Form: Download from VLIR-UOS, upload as “proof of payment” (no fee).
ICP Connect Scholarship 2026 Application Process
- Step 1: Choose Program: Visit www.vliruos.be, select one ICP Connect program from 20 listed; note exact deadlines.
- Step 2: Check Eligibility: Confirm country, age, requirements on program/university site.
- Step 3: Prepare Documents: Gather all required files; apply directly via university online portal (e.g., KU Leuven admissions).
- Step 4: Submit Program Application: Upload docs, indicate interest in ICP scholarship (automatic consideration).
- Step 5: University Screening: Program committee admits and ranks candidates (Phase 1).
- Step 6: VLIR-UOS Selection: Nominates top 20 per program; selects 10 + waitlist (Phase 2); results by May/June 2026.
- Step 7: Acceptance/Visa: Accept offer, apply for visa with scholarship letter.
Tips for Successful Application
- Tailor Motivation Letter: Link your background to SDGs, specific program impact in home country (e.g., Bangladesh development).
- Strong References: Choose recommenders who detail your leadership/change potential.
- Apply Early: Beat deadlines; proofread for English fluency.
- Highlight Experience: Emphasize professional roles in development sectors.
- Prepare English Proof: Secure IELTS early if needed (aim 6.5+).
- Watch Infosession: Review VLIR-UOS recording for insights.
- Backup Plan: Apply to multiple cycles if possible, but one per year.
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Monthly Living Expenses (USD)
- Overall Estimate: $1,000-$1,500 USD/month for international students in Belgium; scholarship €1,400 ($1,500) covers fully.
- Accommodation: $550-$850 (shared student housing in Leuven/Ghent; private studio higher).
- Food/Groceries: $250-$350 (cooking at home; eating out adds $100).
- Transportation: $50-$100 (bike/public pass; cities walkable).
- Utilities/Internet: $100-$150 (included in some housing).
- Health/Insurance: $20-$50 (scholarship covers major).
- Miscellaneous (books, leisure): $100-$200; total aligns with allowance for comfortable living.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Fully Funded Excellence: Covers tuition, living (€1,400/month), travel, insurance—no debt for world-class Flemish education.
- Development Focus: Programs align with SDGs, equipping you as change agent for home country impact (e.g., Bangladesh sustainability).
- Top Universities: Study at KU Leuven, Ghent—globally ranked, research-heavy institutions boosting CV.
- No IELTS for Some: Waiver if English-medium degree; accessible for many.
- Returnee Support: Resettlement allowance aids reintegration, career in govt/NGOs.
- Network Building: Join alumni network of leaders from 29 countries.
- Safe, High-Quality Life: Belgium’s student cities offer culture, safety, English-friendly environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Bangladeshi students apply for ICP Connect Scholarship 2026? Yes, Bangladesh is eligible; check program fit.
- Is IELTS required? Often yes, but waivers for English-taught prior degrees; confirm per program.
- What if I miss the deadline? No extensions; wait for next cycle or check waitlists.
- Married applicants? Possible, but no family funding; single preferred.
- Success rate? Competitive; 10/20 nominees per program; strong profiles prioritized.
- Post-study work? Focus on return home; Belgian visa options limited.
- Contact for queries? VLIR-UOS FAQs or program coordinators.
