The VLIR-UOS ICP Scholarships provide international students with full funding to pursue selected master’s programs in Belgium. These scholarships align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are intended for candidates from 30 eligible developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to attend one of the study programs taught in English at one or more Flemish universities or universities of applied sciences and arts. The eligible Master’s or training programs for this VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2025 are taught in English. VLIR-UOS is offering full scholarships for 20 different programs, out of which 5 are new programs. VLIRUOS ICP Connect scholarships cover tuition fees, travel, insurance, and living expenses (board and lodging).
This year, the ICP Connect scholarship is open for both master’s and bachelor’s degrees. The eligible Master’s or training programs for this VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2025 are taught in English. VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2025 for developing countries are offered for the full duration of the eligible master’s program (12 to 24 months), and for a bachelor’s degree, it will cover a maximum of 2 years of education. Students cannot apply for any partial scholarship or an extension while receiving this fully funded European scholarship.VLIR-UOS is offering these ICP scholarships for students starting in September 2025. There is no separate deadline for scholarships. Each program has a different deadline. So, make sure to check the program details before starting the application.
Universities/Institutions
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded for master’s programs.
- Application Deadline: There is no separate deadline for scholarships. Each program has a different deadline. So, make sure to check the program details before starting the application.
- Duration: 1 year (advanced master) or 2 years (initial master).
Study Areas for VLIR-UOS Scholarships
The VLIR-UOS ICP Scholarships cover both advanced (one-year) and initial (two-year) master’s programs in diverse fields. The selected programs are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focus on topics relevant to global challenges.
Professional Bachelors (3 years):
- Bachelor of Hotel Management
- Bachelor of Applied Computer Science
Initial Master Programs (Two-Year)
- Master of Epidemiology
- International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD)
- Master of Science in Food Technology
- Master of Statistics and Data Science
- Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management
- Master in Sustainable Development
- International Master of Science in Agro and Environmental Nematology
- Master of Water Resources Engineering (WRE)
- Master of Transportation Sciences – Road Safety
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems
- Master of Science in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Mundus tropical c/o TROPIMUNDO)
- Master of Science in Sustainable Land Management
- Master of Aquaculture (IMAQUA)
Advanced Masters (1 year):
- Master of Development Evaluation and Management
- Master of Human Settlements
- Master of Governance and Development
- Master of Globalisation and Development
- Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (CADES)
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- Travel expenses
- Living expenses (board and lodging).
- Health insurance
- An amazing opportunity to study for free in Europe.
Benefits not included
- Visa fees
- Some personal expenses outside the covered living allowance
Scholarship Eligibilities
- Candidates must hold nationality from one of the 30 eligible countries and reside in any of these countries at the time of application (though not necessarily in their country of origin).
- Maximum age: 35 (bachelor or initial master) or 45 (advanced master) by January 1 of the intake year.
- Candidates for a bachelor program must be at least 19 years old by 1 January of the intake year.
- 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.
- Candidates may apply for only one ICP Connect scholarship per year
- Candidates cannot receive any other scholarship or grant to participate in this study program or another program simultaneously.
- Candidates may not have previously received a scholarship from the Belgian government to attend a study program, nor may they have enrolled in a study program at a Belgian higher education institution before 1 January of the year of intake.
Required Documents
- Proof of nationality and residency
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Language proficiency (if required by the program)
Application Process
- Choose a relevant master’s program on the VLIR-UOS website.
- Apply for admission directly at the host university and mention the scholarship interest.
- Submit applications by the relevant program deadline (February 1 or 28, 2024).
- Only one application per program is allowed annually.
Tips for Successful Application
- Align your motivation with the SDGs.
- Provide detailed professional and academic background.
- Ensure timely submission of all required documents.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Belgium
Living expenses for international students in Belgium depend on factors such as city, lifestyle, and personal spending. On average, students may need:
- Accommodation: €350–€500/month (shared or student housing)
- Food and Groceries: €250–€350/month
- Transport: €50–€100/month (depending on public transport usage)
- Health Insurance and Miscellaneous: €100/month
This brings the total average monthly cost to around €850 to €1,200, although smaller cities may offer more affordable living than Brussels or Leuven
Why Choose This Scholarship?
The VLIR-UOS scholarship not only provides full financial support but also offers access to high-quality education in a multicultural environment with a focus on sustainable development.
Official Link for More Details and Application
Visit VLIR-UOS Scholarships for comprehensive information.