Study in Belgium | ICP Connect Scholarships 2026/2027
International students who want to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Belgium now have an exciting opportunity. The ICP Connect Scholarships 2026 to 2027 are open for applications, offering complete financial support for twenty advanced master’s programmes across leading Belgian universities. Students beginning their studies in September 2026 can now submit their applications. The programme welcomes motivated scholars from twenty-nine eligible countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with Mali joining the list for the first time in the 2026 cycle.
VLIR UOS funds these scholarships to support talented students who show academic strength, leadership potential, and a strong desire to contribute to development in their home countries. The initiative also strengthens international academic cooperation and encourages students to become future change makers.
What the ICP Connect Scholarship Offers
The ICP Connect Scholarship gives students full financial support throughout their study period. Programmes last twelve, twenty-four, or thirty-six months, depending on the curriculum. Scholars receive:
- A monthly allowance for everyday living
- Tuition fee support
- Coverage of key academic expenses as defined by the host institution
Some universities manage tuition, insurance, or accommodation costs directly, while others may deduct these from the monthly allowance. Either way, students receive enough financial support to cover essential academic needs. Although optional learning trips outside Belgium do not receive additional funding, certain programmes may offer their own support for these opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements for the 2026 Intake
The scholarship accepts applicants only from the 29 VLIR UOS-eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Candidates must satisfy the academic entry requirements of their selected master’s programme and meet the scholarship criteria.
English Language Requirements
Since all ICP Connect programmes are taught entirely in English, applicants must show strong English proficiency. Some institutions may waive the language test for students who completed earlier studies in English-speaking environments. However, this exception depends on the programme and must be confirmed with the university.
Work Experience and Academic Background
Priority goes to candidates working in:
- Higher education
- Public sector institutions
- Civil society organizations
Even so, newly graduated students or applicants from the private sector can still qualify if they demonstrate strong motivation and academic promise. Students with unrelated bachelor’s degrees may also apply if they have relevant professional experience.
Age Rules
- Applicants for bachelor’s or initial master’s programmes must be younger than thirty-five on 1st January 2026
- Applicants for advanced master’s programmes must be younger than forty-five on 1 January 2026
- Applicants for bachelor programmes must be at least nineteen on the same date
Additional Notes
Applicants with foreign degrees may apply if they meet residency and nationality rules
- Those who studied in high-income countries earlier may receive lower priority
- Previous applicants who gained admission without funding may apply again
- Some countries require document legalization through the Belgian embassy
- No application fee applies
- Separate reference letters for the programme and the scholarship are not required
How to Apply for the ICP Connect Scholarships
Applicants must apply directly to the university offering the ICP Connect programme they choose. Each programme follows its own admission portal and document requirements.
Application Steps
- Visit the VLIR UOS website and select an eligible ICP Connect programme
- Apply through the programme’s official admission platform
- Upload all required documents, such as transcripts, certificates, proof of English proficiency, and reference letters
- Wait for the university to complete its academic review and ranking
- VLIR UOS will then finalize the scholarship selection
- Selected applicants and candidates on the waiting list will receive communication from VLIR UOS. Other applicants will receive updates from the programme.
- Dutch is not required for study or daily life, although learning basic Dutch may make living in Belgium easier.
Important Dates for the 2026/2027 Intake
Applicants must submit their complete ICP Connect Scholarship applications by 28 February 2026. Successful scholars will begin their studies on 1 September 2026.
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