VLIR-UOS (FLEMISH INTERUNIVERSITY COUNCIL – UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION)
VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships
full · masters
- Fully FundedScholarship type
- Flanders, BelgiumHost region
- 31 countriesEligibility
- Master’s (ICP)Study level
- Development focusTheme
- Apply via programmeApplication route
At a glance
full
Funding
€18k
Max amount
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
31 VLIR-UOS scholarship countries (Africa, Asia, Latin America)
Country
VLIR-UOS (Flemish Interuniversity Council – University Development Cooperation)
Provider
VLIR-UOS awards scholarships to students from 31 developing countries to pursue a 1- or 2-year English-taught master's programme (an International Course Programme, or ICP) at a university or university college in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium. VLIR-UOS is the development-cooperation arm of the Flemish higher education institutions, funded by the Belgian government. The scholarship is fully funded: it covers 100% of tuition, a monthly living allowance, accommodation costs, international travel, and insurance, with the goal of building expertise that contributes to development in the student's home country. Each eligible ICP programme has a fixed number of scholarships attached to it each year. Applicants apply directly to one of the roughly 20 eligible ICP master's programmes (in fields such as development, agriculture, public health, water, and technology), indicating that they wish to be considered for the VLIR-UOS scholarship. Selection prioritises candidates whose study will have a clear development impact at home.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full tuition for the eligible ICP master's programme.
- Living allowance — A monthly maintenance allowance for the study period.
- Accommodation — A contribution toward accommodation costs.
- Travel — International return travel between the home country and Belgium.
- Insurance — Insurance coverage during the study period.
How to apply
Choose an eligible ICP master's programme, then apply to that programme and request the VLIR-UOS scholarship within the same application, by the programme's deadline.
- Find an eligible ICP — Browse the VLIR-UOS list of eligible ICP master's programmes and check that you meet the criteria.
- Confirm your country — Ensure you are a national of and resident in one of the 31 scholarship countries.
- Prepare documents — Assemble transcripts, a motivation letter, references, and proof of any required experience.
- Apply to the programme — Submit the programme application and tick/request the VLIR-UOS scholarship.
- Selection — The programme selects scholarship holders from eligible applicants.
- Award & enrolment — Selected students receive the scholarship and enrol in the master's in Flanders.
Eligibility
CountryNational of and resident in one of the 31 VLIR-UOS scholarship countries at application.
ProgrammeAdmitted (or applying) to an eligible ICP master's at a Flemish institution.
BackgroundRelevant academic and (often) professional background for the chosen programme.
AgeFor some programmes an age limit applies (commonly under ~35).
Development relevanceA profile and plan showing development impact in the home country.
You apply directly to the ICP programme and indicate you seek the VLIR-UOS scholarship — there is no separate central scholarship portal. Each programme has a fixed number of scholarships and its own deadline.
Eligible countries
31 VLIR-UOS scholarship countries (Africa, Asia, Latin America)
Deadlines
Varies by ICP programme2027-02-01
Selection
Each ICP programme selects its VLIR-UOS scholarship holders from eligible applicants, weighing academic background, relevant experience, motivation, and the likely development impact of the candidate's study on their home country. The number of scholarships per programme is fixed each year.
Verified sources
- VLIR-UOS Scholarshipsvliruos.beofficial
About the provider
VLIR-UOS is the development-cooperation initiative of the Flemish (Dutch-speaking Belgian) universities and university colleges, funded by the Belgian government. It supports partnerships between Flemish institutions and counterparts in the Global South and funds scholarships for students from developing countries to study in Flanders and contribute to development at home.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships?
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Belgian (Flemish) development scholarships funding students from 31 developing countries to study an English-taught master's (an International Course Programme) at a university or college in Flanders.
Who is eligible?
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Nationals of and residents in one of the 31 VLIR-UOS scholarship countries who are admitted to (or applying for) an eligible ICP master's and have a relevant background.
What does it cover?
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Full tuition, a monthly living allowance, an accommodation contribution, international travel, and insurance for the master's programme.
How do I apply?
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Apply directly to an eligible ICP master's programme and request the VLIR-UOS scholarship within that application — there is no separate central scholarship portal.
When is the deadline?
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Deadlines vary by ICP programme, commonly ~February–March for a September start. Check the specific programme's page for its date.
Which countries are eligible?
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A defined list of 31 developing countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, set by VLIR-UOS. Confirm your country is on the current list before applying.
Do I need work experience?
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Many ICP programmes prefer or require relevant professional experience, and some apply an age limit (often under ~35). Check the requirements of your chosen programme.
Are the programmes taught in English?
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Yes — the eligible ICP master's programmes are taught in English, so you do not need Dutch to study, though it can help with daily life in Flanders.
How competitive is it?
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Competitive — each programme has a fixed, limited number of scholarships, and selection prioritises academic merit and development impact at home.
What fields can I study?
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Development-relevant master's programmes such as agriculture and food, public health, water and environment, technology, economics, and governance.
Is there a development-impact expectation?
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Yes — VLIR-UOS scholarships are development scholarships, so selection favours candidates whose study will contribute to development in their home country.
Can I apply to more than one ICP?
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You can consider multiple eligible programmes, but each is a separate application with its own deadline and scholarship quota; focus on the best fit for your background.