2026 ICP Connect Study Scholarships (VLIR-OUS) in Belgium
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 VLIR-UOS Scholarships for Master Programmes (ICP Connect).
The ICP Connect study programmes ward scholarships to applicants from 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to attend one of the study programmes taught in English at one or more Flemish universities or universities of applied sciences and arts.
The start and end dates of the application procedure can vary depending on the specific programme.
Summary of the 2026 ICP Connect Study Scholarships
- Type: Undergraduate, Masters Scholarships
- Country to study: Belgium
- Duration: Up to 36 months
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Scholarship Perks: Tuition fees, Travel, Insurance and Living expenses
- Deadline: 1st February, 2026
Requirements for the 2026 ICP Connect Study Scholarships
- Motivation: Candidates’ motivation and professional goals must reflect their competence in transferring knowledge/skills or setting up extension activities and highlighting themes relevant to sustainable development and pertinent to the study programme.
- Not only are academic results important, but so are – especially – the potential and commitment of the candidates to become an ‘agent of change’ after completing their studies.
- Professional experience: Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a greater chance of implementing and/or transferring newly gained knowledge/skills upon completion in a sustainable development context, such as in the higher education sector, government, civil society or the private sector, thereby contributing to positive societal change.
- Gender balance: A balance between male and female candidates awarded ICP Connect scholarships is targeted. VLIRUOS strongly encourages female candidates to apply.
- Regional balance: A reasonable cross-section of scholars from different countries and regions is targeted, provided there are sufficient qualified candidates.
- Leave No One Behind (LNOB): In case of equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to candidates from vulnerable groups.
- Previously awarded scholarship: Preference will be given to candidates who have never received a scholarship to study in a higher income country (bachelor or master).
Scholarship Perks
- VLIRUOS ICP Connect scholarships cover tuition fees, travel, insurance and living expenses (board and lodging).
- We only offer scholarships for the full duration of the study programme (12/24/36 months).
Application Guidelines for the 2026 ICP Connect Study Scholarships
- Check if you are eligible based on all given criteria.
- Learn more about the selected study programmes. If you’re interested in a specific programme, visit the website of the institution that offers it and follow the provided instructions.
- Through the institution’s website, apply for both the programme and the scholarship. When submitting your programme application, make sure to indicate if you are also applying for a scholarship. Do not apply for more than one ICP programme per year.
What happens next?
- Each programme sets its own deadlines. We receive the selection results from the programme organisers.
- VLIR-UOS contacts selected candidates and those on the waiting list by email as soon as possible after the selection process, and no later than mid-June.
If you have any questions about your application or the selection process, please contact the institution directly.