The ICP Connect Study Scholarships 2026, funded by VLIR-UOS, offer talented students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America the opportunity to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or postgraduate degrees at top Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences and arts in Belgium.
When is the Application Deadline:
📅 February 1, 2026
(Deadlines may vary by programme — applicants are advised to check specific university websites.)
Tell Me About the Award:
The ICP Connect Study Scholarships (VLIR-UOS) are fully funded awards for students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue accredited international study programmes in Belgium. These programmes are taught in English and hosted by top Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences and arts.
The scholarships aim to empower talented students who demonstrate potential to contribute to sustainable development and become agents of positive change in their home countries.
Read More:
- The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Scholarship Essay With Real Samples 2026
- Parallex Bank Graduate Trainee Program 2025 (Apply With A Minimum of a Second-Class Lower 2:2)
- YEIDEP Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (₦50,000 to ₦500,000 of Grants)
- 2026 Türkiye Başarı Burs Program for International Students in Turkey (Merit-Based Scholarship)
- List of Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 Available at the University of South Carolina
- African Science Academy (ASA) 2026 Application for Young African Women in STEM
- 2026 Human Rights Essay Award | American University Washington College of Law (Winners Get A Full Tuition Scholarship)
Which Fields are Eligible?
The ICP Connect Scholarships cover a wide range of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Advanced Master’s programmes including:
- Master of Science in Sustainable Development
- Master of Science in Food Technology
- Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management
- Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science
- Master of Science in Water Resources Engineering
- Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD)
- Master of Governance and Development
- Master of Globalisation and Development
- Master of Human Settlements
- Bachelor of Hotel Management
- Bachelor of Applied Computer Science
…and several others.
Type:
🎓 Undergraduate, Master’s, and Postgraduate (Advanced Master’s) Scholarships
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of one of the 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and professional motivation aligned with sustainable development goals.
- Show potential to apply acquired knowledge to drive positive societal change after graduation.
- Preferably have relevant professional or volunteer experience in government, academia, civil society, or the private sector.
- Not have previously received a scholarship to study in a high-income country.
- Female applicants and individuals from vulnerable or underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Motivation and professional goals related to development and social impact.
- Academic merit and potential for leadership.
- Gender and regional balance across selected candidates.
- Preference for candidates with practical experience relevant to development.
- Equity considerations (Leave No One Behind principle).
Each participating programme handles its own selection process, with final results announced by VLIR-UOS by mid-June 2026.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Applicants from the following regions are eligible:
🌍 Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
(See full list of eligible countries on the VLIR-UOS website.)
Where will the Award be Taken?
📍 Belgium — at one or more Flemish universities or universities of applied sciences and arts.
How Many Awards?
The number of awards varies depending on the study programme and annual funding allocation.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
The VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship provides full financial coverage including:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly living allowance
✅ Travel costs to and from Belgium
✅ Health insurance
✅ Board and lodging throughout the study period
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Bachelor’s degree programmes: 3 years
- Master’s programmes: 2 years
- Advanced Master’s programmes: 1 year
How to Apply:
- Check your eligibility for both the programme and the scholarship.
- Choose an eligible ICP Connect programme on the VLIR-UOS website.
- Apply directly to the university offering your chosen programme.
- Indicate that you are also applying for the VLIR-UOS Scholarship within your admission application.
- Submit your application before the programme-specific deadline (no later than February 1, 2026).
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
👉 https://www.vliruos.be/en/scholarships

