The VLIRUOS ICP Connect Scholarship Programme 2027–2028 is accepting applications from eligible students seeking fully funded opportunities to study in Belgium.
The programme offers scholarships for 12 international study programmes delivered by Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences and arts, providing selected candidates with an opportunity to advance their education while developing knowledge and skills relevant to sustainable development.
Students from 25 eligible countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America can apply. The scholarships support programmes taught in English and are intended for candidates who can use their education and professional experience to contribute to positive change in their home countries or regions.
According to VLIRUOS, the scholarship call is open for students beginning their studies in September 2027. The overall call deadline is 28 February 2027, although individual study programmes may have earlier application deadlines. Applicants should therefore consult the specific programme requirements and submit their applications before the relevant closing date.
About the VLIRUOS ICP Connect Scholarship Programme
VLIRUOS supports international higher education and partnerships focused on sustainable development. Through the ICP Connect programme, eligible students can pursue selected study programmes at Flemish higher education institutions in Belgium.
The programme aims to develop professionals and future change-makers who can apply their knowledge to development challenges, strengthen institutions and contribute to social and economic progress.
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For the 2027–2028 academic year, scholarships are available for 12 study programmes covering professional bachelor’s degrees, initial master’s degrees and advanced master’s degrees. The duration depends on the programme, ranging from 12 to 36 months.
The opportunity may be particularly relevant to candidates interested in areas such as food systems, environmental management, biodiversity, development, governance, technology and other fields connected to sustainable development.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The VLIRUOS ICP Connect scholarships provide financial support for the full duration of the selected study programme. According to the official scholarship information, the package covers:
- Tuition fees.
- International travel expenses.
- Insurance.
- Living expenses, including board and lodging.
The scholarships are awarded for the full duration of the programme. Applicants cannot apply for partial scholarships or extensions under the stated scholarship framework.
The availability and precise conditions of funding remain subject to the applicable scholarship framework and government funding decisions. Candidates should review the official information before applying.
Available Study Programmes
The current scholarship call includes 12 programmes across three broad categories.
Professional bachelor’s programmes
- Bachelor of Hotel Management.
- Bachelor of Applied Computer Science.
Initial master’s programmes
- Master of Science in Aquaculture (IMAQUA).
- Master of Science in Food Technology.
- Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (Oceans & Lakes).
- Master of Science in Transportation Sciences – Road Safety.
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems.
- Master of Science in Sustainable Land Management.
- Master of Science in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Mundus tropicalis, through TROPIMUNDO).
Advanced master’s programmes
- Master of Science in Development Evaluation and Management.
- Master in Globalisation and Development.
- Master in Governance and Development.
Each programme has its own admission requirements, application instructions and closing date. Applicants should visit the relevant institution’s website to confirm the programme details, required qualifications and scholarship application procedure.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarships are open to candidates who meet the nationality, residency, age and other eligibility requirements.
Applicants must hold the nationality of one of the 25 eligible countries and reside in an eligible country at the time of application. Applicants do not necessarily have to reside in the country of their nationality, provided they meet the stated residency conditions.
The eligible countries are:
- Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
- Middle East and North Africa: Morocco and Palestine.
- Latin America and the Caribbean: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador and Peru.
- Southeast Asia: Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Age requirements also apply. Candidates applying for a professional bachelor’s or initial master’s programme must not be older than 35 on 1 January of the intake year. Candidates applying for an advanced master’s programme must not be older than 45 on that date. Bachelor’s applicants must also be at least 19 years old by 1 January of the intake year.
VLIRUOS gives preference to candidates working in higher education, government or civil society, as well as those intending to pursue careers in these sectors. Recent graduates and private-sector applicants without work experience may still be considered if they demonstrate strong motivation and a compelling profile.
Applicants must also satisfy any additional requirements imposed by the institution offering their chosen programme, including academic qualifications and English-language proficiency.
How Are Scholarship Applications Evaluated?
Selection considers more than academic performance. VLIRUOS seeks candidates who can demonstrate the potential to transfer the knowledge and skills gained during their studies into practical development outcomes.
Relevant considerations include:
- Motivation and professional goals.
- The potential to apply or share newly acquired knowledge and skills.
- Relevant professional experience and future career plans.
- Commitment to sustainable development and positive societal change.
- Gender and regional balance.
- Consideration of vulnerable groups where candidates are equally qualified.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants should explain how their chosen programme aligns with their career goals and how they intend to use the qualification after graduation.
How to Apply for the VLIRUOS ICP Connect Scholarships
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official VLIRUOS study scholarships page and review the eligibility criteria.
- Explore the 12 available study programmes and identify the programme that matches your academic background and professional goals.
- Visit the website of the university or higher education institution offering that programme.
- Review the institution’s admission requirements, required documents and application deadline.
- Apply for admission to the selected programme through the institution’s application system and indicate that you are also applying for a VLIRUOS scholarship.
- Submit all required documents before the programme’s deadline.
Candidates may apply for only one ICP Connect scholarship per year. Applying for more than one ICP programme in the same year can result in exclusion from the scholarship selection process.
Applicants should contact the relevant institution directly if they have questions about programme admission or specific application requirements.
Application Deadline
The overall deadline for the VLIRUOS ICP Connect Scholarship call for the 2027–2028 academic year is 28 February 2027. However, individual programmes may close earlier, so applicants should confirm the deadline on the institution’s website before preparing their applications.
The study programmes are scheduled to begin on 1 September 2027.
Join the VLIRUOS Information Session
VLIRUOS will host an online information session on 26 November 2026, from 14:30 to 16:30 Central European Time (CET). Interested candidates can use the session to learn more about the scholarship opportunity and application process.
Registration details are available through the official VLIRUOS scholarship website.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the official programme pages carefully, verify their eligibility and submit their applications before the applicable deadline.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.
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