You want a fully funded degree in Europe without worrying about tuition, rent, or flights. The VLIR-UOS Scholarships in Belgium are built exactly for you if you come from an eligible country in Africa, Asia, or Latin America and want to study a Bachelor’s or Master’s that drives real impact at home.
For the 2027 intake, VLIR-UOS offers ICP Connect scholarships worth EUR 1,400 per month, plus tuition, insurance, and a paid return ticket. You study at top universities in Flanders like KU Leuven, Ghent University, University of Antwerp, VUB, and Hasselt University, then return with skills your country urgently needs. Fully Funded. Development-focused. Foreigners welcome.
--Advertisement--
If you are serious about a high quality European degree that is funded from start to finish, this is one of the strongest scholarships you can target right now. Read carefully, prepare early, and apply with a focused, impact-driven profile.
Why the VLIR-UOS Scholarship Stands Out
Fully Funded for eligible programmes in Belgium with a generous EUR 1,400 monthly allowance.
Development impact at the core. Programmes are designed to solve real problems in your home country.
Top Belgian universities in Flanders with global rankings and industry links.
Targeted to 29 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to build local capacity.
Clear pathways into government, NGOs, academia, and private sector roles after graduation.
What the Scholarship Covers
VLIR-UOS is a fully funded award for selected Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes under ICP Connect.
Monthly allowance: EUR 1,400
Tuition fee: Full coverage for the scholarship period
Travel: Return flight from your home country to Belgium
Insurance: Health and accident insurance during your studies
Other costs: Programme related expenses as defined by VLIR-UOS and the host university
Note: Exact inclusions can vary slightly by programme. Always verify the current package on the official programme page before you apply.
Available Study Programmes
You apply to eligible ICP Connect programmes hosted by Flemish universities. Three award types are available:
Professional Bachelor’s – 3 years
Initial Master’s – 2 years
Advanced Master’s – 1 year
Study fields typically focus on development priorities such as agriculture and food systems, water and environment, public health, statistics and data science, sustainable energy, urban development, and policy and governance. The exact list of ICP Connect programmes is published on the official VLIR-UOS website and on each university’s page.
Would You Like To Apply For This Connection?
Enter Your Email Address HERE & You Will Receive a Notification About Your Application Immediately.
Participating universities in Flanders include KU Leuven, Ghent University, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Hasselt University.
VLIR-UOS targets candidates who will create impact in their home countries. Here is the core eligibility at a glance:
Criterion
Details for 2027 Intake
Nationality & residence
Must be a national of, and live in, one of the 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America. See the official list on the VLIR-UOS site.
Academic background
Meets the admission requirements of the chosen ICP Connect programme at the host university.
Age limits
Typical maximum at the time of application: 35 for Initial Master’s, 40 for Advanced Master’s. Check your programme page for exact limits.
Professional profile
Relevant academic, professional, or community experience with clear potential to drive development outcomes after graduation.
Language
Meets the English or programme language requirement. Proof such as IELTS or TOEFL may be required by the university.
Return & impact
Strong commitment to return to the home country and apply acquired skills in the public, private, NGO, or academic sector.
Scholarship status
No concurrent fully funded scholarship. Some restrictions apply if you previously received VLIR-UOS or Belgian government funding.
Restrictions – Read Carefully
You can only apply for eligible ICP Connect programmes listed by VLIR-UOS for this intake.
You generally cannot combine this award with another full scholarship.
Holding a prior degree from a high income country can lower your selection priority.
Multiple applications in a single call may not be allowed. Follow the rules on your chosen programme page.
Some programmes are for first year admission only and do not fund continuing students.
Application Timeline
For the 2027 intake, calls typically open in 2026 and close in 2027. Programme deadlines often fall early in the year.
Call opens: 2026
Application window: 2026 to early 2027 depending on the programme
Results and visa process: 2027
Visit the official website for the current deadline for each programme, as dates vary by university and study track.
Selection Criteria
Admissions are competitive. Panels look for candidates who can deliver concrete development outcomes.
Academic merit and fit with the programme
Motivation and clarity of development impact in your home country
Professional experience or community leadership relevant to the field
Diversity and inclusion including gender and regional balance
Potential to multiply impact through networks, training, policy, or entrepreneurship
How to Apply
You apply through the host university for an eligible ICP Connect programme and indicate you want a VLIR-UOS scholarship.
Choose your programme – Start from the official VLIR-UOS list of ICP Connect programmes and open the university page for full details.
Check eligibility – Confirm your country is eligible and you meet academic, language, and age criteria.
Prepare documents – Passport, transcripts, degree certificates, English test (if required), CV, motivation letter, proof of professional experience, reference letters.
Apply via the university portal – Select the VLIR-UOS scholarship option in the online form where available. Some programmes require a separate scholarship form.
Write a focused motivation – Show how your study plan links to concrete development challenges at home and how you will use the skills after graduation.
Submit before the deadline – Each programme sets its own date. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Track your email – Respond quickly to any requests for clarification or interviews from the university.
Prepare for visa and travel – If selected, follow the university’s instructions for student visa, insurance, accommodation, and flights.
VLIR-UOS targets 29 eligible countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The official list is periodically reviewed, so always confirm your country’s status for the 2027 intake before applying.
Yes. It covers tuition, a monthly allowance of EUR 1,400, insurance, and a return flight for the scholarship period, plus defined programme costs. Always verify exact inclusions on your programme page.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
Most programmes require proof of English proficiency unless you qualify for a waiver. The minimum scores and accepted tests are set by the host university, not VLIR-UOS.
What are the age limits?
Typical maximum ages are 35 for Initial Master’s and 40 for Advanced Master’s at the time of application. Some programmes may set different limits, so check your chosen course page.
Can I apply to more than one programme?
Some calls limit the number of VLIR-UOS applications per candidate. Read the rules on the official programme pages and follow them strictly to avoid disqualification.
Do I have to return to my home country after graduation?
Yes. This scholarship is designed to build capacity in eligible countries. A strong return and impact plan is essential for selection and is part of your commitment as a scholar.
Are Professional Bachelor’s degrees funded?
Yes, if the Professional Bachelor’s is listed as an eligible ICP Connect programme for the 2027 intake. Check the official programme list to confirm availability.
Deadline
Programme specific deadlines for the 2027 intake typically fall in 2027. Visit the official website for the current deadline for each programme.
Pro Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Anchor your motivation to a clear development challenge in your country and explain measurable outcomes you will pursue after graduation.
Show evidence of leadership and community or sector engagement, not just grades.
Get strong references that speak to impact, ethics, and persistence.
Apply early to leave time for English testing and document legalization where required.
Follow each programme’s instructions word for word. Small mistakes cost selections.
Ready to Apply?
This is your chance to study in Belgium on a fully funded scholarship that values real-world impact. Shortlist your ICP Connect programme, confirm your eligibility, prepare a laser focused application, and apply early. Your future classmates are already working on their documents. Start now.
