Study in Belgium: ICP Connect Study Scholarships (VLIR-UOS) in 2027 (Fully Funded)

The Flemish Interuniversity Council – University Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS) funds the ICP Connect Study Scholarships 2027–2028. They provide talented students from eligible countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America with the opportunity to follow selected English-taught degree programmes at Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences and arts.

The VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship aims to improve the capacity of competent professionals, researchers and future leaders who will utilise their education to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries and regions. Successful applicants will receive financial help covering tuition costs, overseas airfare, insurance and living expenses for the full length of the programme they choose.

Overview of the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship

VLIR-UOS stimulates international academic cooperation, education and research partnerships between Flemish universities and other partner countries.

The ICP Connect initiative provides scholarships for qualified students from eligible countries to study in Belgium through VLIR-UOS. The effort is aimed at grooming professionals and future leaders who can utilise their knowledge and expertise to solve development concerns in their communities.

Eligible Countries for ICP Connect Study Scholarships (VLIR-UOS)

Africa

• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)
• Ethiopia
• Guinea
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mozambique
• Niger
• Senegal
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zimbabwe

Middle East and North Africa

• Morocco
• Palestine

Latin America and the Caribbean

• Bolivia
• Cuba
• Ecuador
• Peru

Southeast Asia

• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Vietnam

List of Programmes Available for ICP Connect Study Scholarships (VLIR-UOS)

A. Professional Bachelor’s Programmes – 3 Years

The following professional bachelor’s programmes are available:

1. Bachelor of Hotel Management

• The programme offers training in hospitality management, hotel operations, and other aspects of the tourism and service industries.

2. Bachelor of Applied Computer Science

• This programme focuses on computing, information technology, and applying computer science knowledge.

B. Initial Master’s Programmes – 2 Years

The following first master’s programmes are available:

1. MSc. in Aquaculture (IMAQUA)

• The programme focuses on aquaculture systems, aquatic production, and the sustainable use of aquatic resources.

2. Master of Science in Food Science and Technology

• The programme offers extensive knowledge in food science, food processing, preservation, safety, and technology.

3. MSc in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (Oceans & Lakes)

• The programme focuses on marine and freshwater habitats, aquatic ecosystems, and sustainable resource management.

4. Master of Science in Transportation Sciences – Road Safety

• The programme is concerned with transportation systems, road safety, and improving the safety and sustainability of mobility.

5. MS Nutrition and Food Systems

• The programme focuses on nutrition, food systems, food security and related development issues.

6. MSc. Sustainable Land Management

• The programme intends to promote sustainable land use, natural resource management and environmental sustainability.
• The programme offers specific training in tropical biodiversity, ecosystem conservation, and environmental management.

C. Advanced Master’s Programmes – 1 Year

The programme includes the following advanced master’s programmes:

1. MSc in Development Evaluation and Management

• The programme covers development policies, programme evaluation and management of development programmes.

2. MA in Globalisation and Development

• This programme explores globalisation and its relationship to economic, political and social growth.

3. Governance and Development Master

• The programme focuses on systems of governance, public policy, institutions and processes of development.

Requirements for ICP Connect Study Scholarships (VLIR-UOS)

1. Nationality and Country of Residence

Applicants should:

• Be a citizen of one of the 25 eligible nations.
• Be a resident of one of the eligible countries at the time of application.
• Applicants are not required to be residents in their country of nationality.

2. Age Restrictions

• Professional bachelor’s and beginning master’s programmes: Applicants must be no older than 35 years on 1 January 2027.
• Advanced Master’s Programmes: Candidates must be under 45 years of age on 1 January 2027.
• Professional bachelor’s programme: You must be at least 19 years old by 1 January 2027.

3. Academic Admission Requirements

• Applicants must fulfil the academic admission standards of the study program they have chosen.

4. Professional Background and Experience

• VLIR-UOS provides precedence to candidates with a job or those who plan to work in fields contributing to sustainable development.

These are:

• Higher education institutions.
• Government institutions.
• Civil society organisations.

The private sector.

• Applicants with professional experience may have an advantage if they can explain how they will apply or transfer the knowledge gained in their courses.

5. Motivation and Commitment to Sustainable Development

• Motivation is an important aspect of the selection process for scholarships.
• Candidates should show how their academic ambitions relate to the aims of their selected programme and the wider sustainable development agenda.

6. Gender Balance

• VLIR-UOS tries to maintain a suitable balance between male and female scholarship holders.

7. Regional Balance

• VLIR-UOS seeks to recruit scholars from different qualifying nations and areas, as long as there are enough competent candidates.

Benefits of ICP Connect Study Scholarships (VLIR-UOS)

• First, successful applicants will get financial support for their tuition fees for the ICP Connect programme of their choice.
• Secondly, successful students will receive a return economy class ticket to Belgium at the beginning of their studies and a return ticket to their country of residence at the end of the programme.
• Thirdly, the grant covers insurance fees throughout the education.
• Furthermore, VLIR-UOS contributes financially to your living needs (board and lodging).
• Finally, VLIR-UOS provides scholarships for the entire regular duration of the chosen programme.

How to Apply for ICP Connect Study Scholarships (VLIR-UOS)?

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

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