VLIRUOS Scholarships Program to Sutdy in Belgium 2026/2027
- February–March 2026.
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Flemish university cooperation agency VLIR-UOS has opened its call for applications for the 2026/2027 academic year. The ICP Connect scholarships program funds full studies at Dutch-speaking Belgian universities and targets students and professionals from thirty countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
This year, twenty programs are offered, each with ten scholarships. They cover three levels: two professional bachelor’s degrees lasting three years, thirteen initial master’s programs lasting two years, and five advanced master’s programs lasting one year. The key new feature of this call is the opening to bachelor-level programs, previously not included, with a bachelor’s in hotel management (VIVES Noord) and a bachelor’s in applied computer science (Thomas More, Geel campus).
What the VLIR-UOS scholarship covers
The VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship program provides full funding:
- tuition fees,
- a monthly allowance of €1,400 to cover accommodation and daily expenses,
- health insurance,
- a round-trip economy-class flight ticket.
VLIR-UOS also reimburses certain administrative costs linked to the application: medical certificate, document legalization, visa fees, and travel to the embassy.
Eligible programs and deadlines
Applications for the VLIRUOS ICP Connect scholarships 2026–2027 are submitted directly to the university responsible for the relevant program. Each program sets its own calendar; deadlines vary significantly from one program to another.
Professional bachelor’s degrees (3 years)
| Program | University | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Hotel Management | VIVES Noord | January 31, 2026 |
| Bachelor of Applied Computer Science | Thomas More – Geel campus | February 1, 2026 |
Initial master’s programs (2 years)
| Program | University | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| International Master of Science in Agro & Environmental Nematology | Ghent University (UGent) | January 18, 2026 |
| International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD) | Consortium (UGent & partners) | February 28, 2026 |
| Master of Aquaculture (IMAQUA) | Ghent University (UGent) | February 28, 2026 |
| Master of Epidemiology | University of Antwerp | February 28, 2026 |
| Master of Science in Food Technology | KU Leuven & UGent | February 1, 2026 |
| Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (Oceans and Lakes) | Vrije Universiteit Brussel, UGent & University of Antwerp | February 1, 2026 |
| Master of Statistics and Data Science | KU Leuven & UHasselt | February 1, 2026 |
| Master in Sustainable Development | KU Leuven | February 1, 2026 |
| Master of Transportation Sciences – Road Safety | Hasselt University (UHasselt) | February 1, 2026 |
| Master of Water Resources Engineering (WRE) | KU Leuven & UGent | February 1, 2026 |
| Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems | KU Leuven | February 28, 2026 |
| Master of Science in Sustainable Land Management | KU Leuven & UGent | February 1, 2026 |
| Master of Science in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (TROPIMUNDO) | International consortium | November 30, 2025 |
Advanced master’s programs (1 year)
| Program | University | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Human Settlements | KU Leuven | February 1, 2026 |
| Master of Development Evaluation and Management | University of Antwerp (IOB) | February 1, 2026 |
| Master of Governance and Development | University of Antwerp (IOB) | February 1, 2026 |
| Master of Globalisation and Development | University of Antwerp (IOB) | February 1, 2026 |
| Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (CADES) | KU Leuven | February 1, 2026 |
Note: The TROPIMUNDO program has the earliest deadline, set for November 30, 2025. Results and waiting lists are communicated by email before mid-May 2026.
Eligible programs and deadlines for the VLIRUOS ICP Connect scholarships 2026Eligibility conditions
To be eligible for the VLIRUOS ICP Connect 2026 scholarships, the applicant must be a national and resident of one of the 29 partner countries listed below. Nationality and residence do not necessarily need to match: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Indonesia, Palestine, Philippines, Vietnam, Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru.
The age limit is set at 35 for applicants to bachelor’s and initial master’s programs, and 45 for advanced master’s programs. The program gives priority to people working in (or aiming to move into) higher education, research, public administration, or the non-profit sector. Recent graduates and candidates from the private sector may still apply if they provide strong motivation.
Only one application per year is allowed. Combining an ICP Connect scholarship with another funding source for the same program is not permitted.
How to apply for the VLIRUOS scholarship
Applications for the VLIRUOS ICP Connect scholarship are submitted through the admissions portal of the relevant university, explicitly indicating that you are applying for the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship. Typically requested documents include transcripts and diplomas, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent), a copy of the passport, recommendation letters, a CV, and a motivation letter. The language of instruction is English in all programs.
Applicants are advised to gather documents and take language tests well in advance, as deadlines vary widely by program. It is also essential to submit only one application: any attempt to apply to multiple programs simultaneously results in automatic disqualification.
Official website Full regulations and 2026/2027 call
