VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2026 | Study Free in Belgium

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Belgium offers high-quality education with a focus on development and sustainability. VLIR-UOS (Flemish Interuniversity Council University Development Cooperation) funds the ICP Connect Scholarships (formerly VLIR-UOS Scholarships) for students from developing countries. These fully funded scholarships support full-time English-taught master’s programs in Flanders and Brussels.

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The scholarship covers tuition, travel, insurance, living costs, and more. It targets future leaders who will contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda in their home countries. Around 200-300 awards yearly (exact 2026 number varies). Preference goes to women and candidates from least developed countries.

From my experience with European development scholarships, strong motivation letters linking studies to home impact win. One applicant from Ethiopia succeeded with a health policy plan. Another from Indonesia missed renewal for weak progress. Tools like Numbeo show Belgium costs €1,000-1,500/month. Full funding covers essentials.

What Is the Scholarship?

VLIR-UOS ICP Connect supports 20+ English-taught master’s (initial/advanced) and some professional bachelor’s. Funded by Belgian Development Cooperation, it promotes sustainable change.

Key facts:

  • 1-3 years duration.
  • Full funding.
  • English programs in Flanders/Brussels.
  • ~200-300 awards.
  • Priority: women, least developed countries.

Belgium multilingual, safe, high living quality. Cities like Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels vibrant.

Also apply for Swedish Institute Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria

You qualify if:

  • Citizen/resident of one of 29 eligible countries (Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe; Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Palestine, Philippines, Vietnam; Latin America: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru; others).
  • Under 35 (initial master’s/bachelor) or 45 (advanced master’s) on Jan 1, 2026.
  • Professional experience preferred (civil society, government, higher education).
  • Strong motivation for sustainable development.
  • Admitted to eligible program.
  • Not previously received Belgian government scholarship.

Opinion: Work experience/leadership proof important. SDG link critical.

You can also apply for UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program in Japan

Scholarship Benefits

Fully funded.

  • Full tuition.
  • Travel costs (international).
  • Insurance.
  • Living allowance (monthly, covers board/lodging).
  • Other costs (books, etc.).

Table: Typical Coverage

ItemCoveredNotes
TuitionFullDirect to university
TravelYesReturn economy
InsuranceYesHealth
LivingMonthly allowanceSufficient
OtherBooks, materialsIncluded

No family support. Recent stable.

Programs You Can Pick

20+ English-taught ICP Connect programs (2026 list mid-2025):

  • Bachelor Hotel Management
  • Master Epidemiology
  • Master Rural Development (IMRD)
  • Master Food Technology
  • Master Statistics/Data Science
  • Master Marine/Lacustrine Science
  • Master Sustainable Development
  • Master Agro-Environmental Nematology
  • Master Water Resources Engineering
  • Master Transportation Sciences (Road Safety)
  • Master Nutrition/Food Systems
  • Master Tropical Biodiversity (TROPIMUNDO)
  • Master Sustainable Land Management
  • Master Aquaculture (IMAQUA)
  • Advanced Master Development Evaluation
  • Master Human Settlements
  • Master Governance/Development
  • Master Globalisation/Development
  • Master Cultural Anthropology (CADES)

Full list vliruos.be/icp-connect.

Required Documents

  • CV.
  • Motivation letter (SDG/home link).
  • References.
  • Passport/ID.
  • Transcripts/degrees.
  • Work/leadership proof.

How to Apply for VLIR-UOS Scholarships?

  1. Choose eligible program (vliruos.be).
  2. Apply directly to university (deadlines vary, often Dec-Feb 2026).
  3. Indicate VLIR-UOS interest.
  4. University nominates.

No separate SI form. Results mid-year.

Tip: Strong SDG motivation letter key. Apply early.

Why Study in Belgium with VLIR-UOS?

Top development-focused programs. English-taught. International community.

Belgium multicultural, food, central Europe.

Contrarian: Competitive. But full funding + impact focus unique. Reviews: “Transformative, networks last.”

More Scholarships

Useful Links

  • vliruos.be – Official hub.
  • universityadmissions.be – Apply (varies).
  • numbeo.com Belgium – Costs €1,200 single.
  • scholarshipportal.com – Europe.
  • studyinbelgium.be – Living.
  • fastweb.com – General.
  • goingmerry.com – Clean.

Application Checklist

  • Eligible country.
  • Choose 1 program.
  • Strong motivation.
  • Work/leadership proof.
  • Refs ready.
  • Early uni apply.
  • SDG link clear.
  • Visa prep.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Apply multiple programs (1 max). Weak SDG/home tie. No uni admission first. Generic motivation. Miss uni deadline.

PAA: Countries? 29 listed. Awards? ~200-300. Age limit? 35/45.

Living Costs in Belgium

Single €1,000-1,500/month (Numbeo Jan 2026). Rent €500-800 shared. Food €300. Stipend covers.

  • Numbeo honest: Mid Europe.
  • Strong opinion: VLIR-UOS top for development leaders. Full funding + impact focus rare. Apply if SDG passion.

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