VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2026-2027

Overview

VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships are fully funded awards from the Flemish Interuniversity Council, University Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS), open to students from 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships fund bachelor's, master's, and advanced master's programmes at Flemish (Dutch-speaking Belgian) universities and university colleges, with a strong focus on sustainable development and knowledge transfer to the Global South.

The scholarships cover the full cost of studying in Belgium: tuition fees, international travel, health insurance, and a monthly living allowance for the entire programme. VLIR-UOS does not offer partial scholarships. Every award covers the complete study period, from 12 months for advanced master's programmes to 36 months for bachelor's programmes.

VLIR-UOS prioritises candidates who show a clear commitment to contributing to sustainable development in their home countries after graduation. Preference goes to applicants employed in higher education, government, or civil society, or those targeting careers in these sectors. The programme also weighs gender balance, regional diversity, and the potential for meaningful knowledge transfer.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	VLIR-UOS (Flemish Interuniversity Council – University Development Cooperation), funded by the Belgian government
Host Country	Belgium
Degree Levels	Bachelor's, Master's
Value	Full tuition fees, international travel, health insurance, and monthly living allowance covering board and lodging for the entire programme duration
Deadline	February 2026
Duration	12 months (advanced master's), 24 months (master's), or 36 months (bachelor's)
Eligible Nationalities	Citizens of 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
Official Website	https://www.vliruos.be/get-funded/study-scholarships

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Applicants must hold qualifications that meet the entry requirements of their chosen programme. A strong academic record is expected. Candidates are evaluated on motivation, professional experience, and knowledge transfer potential alongside academic merit.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must hold citizenship from one of the 29 VLIR-UOS eligible countries and must reside in one of these countries at the time of application. Eligible countries span Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Language Requirements

Programmes are taught in English. Applicants must show sufficient English language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent certification. Specific requirements vary by programme and institution.

Work Experience

Preference goes to candidates employed in higher education, government, or civil society, or those aiming for careers in these areas. Recent graduates and private sector employees with strong motivation for development impact may also qualify.

Other Requirements

Age limits apply: bachelor's or initial master's candidates must be under 35 as of 1 January of the intake year; advanced master's candidates must be under 45. Bachelor's applicants must be at least 19. Candidates cannot have previously received a Belgian government scholarship or enrolled at a Belgian institution before 1 January of the intake year. Only one scholarship application per year is permitted.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees for the entire programme duration
• Monthly living allowance covering board and lodging
• International return airfare between the scholar's home country and Belgium
• Health and travel insurance
• Settlement allowance upon arrival in Belgium
• Study materials and course-related costs
• All benefits cover the complete programme duration; no partial scholarships are offered

How to Apply

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm that your country is on the VLIR-UOS list of 29 eligible nations and that you meet the age, residency, and academic requirements. Check that you have not previously received a Belgian government scholarship.
2. Research Available Programmes: Browse the VLIR-UOS website and individual Flemish university websites to find programmes that match your background and career goals. Each programme has its own application process and deadline.
3. Apply for Admission and Scholarship Simultaneously: Submit your application directly to the university offering the programme. When applying for admission, indicate that you want to be considered for the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship. Both applications are processed together.
4. Submit Required Documents: Upload all required documents to the university's application portal: academic transcripts, English proficiency certificates, motivation letter, CV, and any programme-specific requirements.
5. Await Selection Results: Programme committees review applications and rank candidates. Notifications go out by mid-May. Successful candidates receive instructions for visa applications, travel arrangements, and pre-departure preparations.

Required Documents

• Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
• Detailed curriculum vitae or resume
• Motivation letter explaining development goals and knowledge transfer plans
• Proof of citizenship (valid passport)
• Proof of residency in an eligible country
• Reference letters from academic or professional referees
• Medical fitness certificate (upon selection)
• Employer endorsement letter (if currently employed)

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	Varies by programme; typically October–November 2025
Application Deadline	Typically 1 February–28 February 2026 (some programmes close in November 2025)
Results Announced	Mid-May 2026
Course Start	September 2026

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Lead with your commitment to sustainable development and how you will transfer knowledge to your home country after graduation
• Connect your professional background directly to the programme. Show a logical career path.
• Show awareness of development challenges in your country and explain how the programme will prepare you to address them
• If you work in higher education, government, or civil society, highlight this up front since VLIR-UOS gives these sectors preference
• Be specific about your post-graduation plans. Vague intentions to 'make a difference' are less convincing than concrete goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying to more than one VLIR-UOS programme in the same year. Only one application per year is allowed.
• Missing programme-specific deadlines, which vary between institutions and can be as early as November
• Not applying for both admission and the scholarship through the university's portal at the same time
• Exceeding the age limit (35 for bachelor's/master's, 45 for advanced master's) as of 1 January of the intake year
• Failing to show a clear link between your studies and development impact in your home country

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries are eligible for the VLIR-UOS Scholarship?

Twenty-nine countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America are eligible. The list includes Ethiopia, DR Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mozambique, South Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, and others. The full list is on the VLIR-UOS website.

What is the age limit for the VLIR-UOS Scholarship?

Bachelor's or initial master's candidates must be under 35 as of 1 January of the intake year. Advanced master's candidates must be under 45. Bachelor's applicants must be at least 19.

Does the VLIR-UOS Scholarship cover living expenses?

The scholarship provides a monthly living allowance covering board and lodging for the full programme duration. VLIR-UOS only gives full scholarships; partial funding is not available.

Can I apply for multiple VLIR-UOS programmes at the same time?

You may only submit one VLIR-UOS scholarship application per year. Applying for more than one programme may disqualify all your applications.

What programmes are available under the VLIR-UOS Scholarship?

Available programmes include bachelor's degrees in Hotel Management and Applied Computer Science (3 years), master's degrees in Aquaculture, Rural Development, Water Resources Engineering, Food Technology, and Sustainable Development (2 years), and advanced master's programmes in Human Settlements, Governance, and Development Evaluation (1 year).

When is the VLIR-UOS Scholarship deadline?

Deadlines vary by programme but mostly fall between 1 February and 28 February 2026. Some programmes, like the MSc in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, have earlier deadlines in November. Always check the specific programme page for exact dates.

Do I need work experience for the VLIR-UOS Scholarship?

Work experience is not a strict requirement, but VLIR-UOS favours candidates employed in higher education, government, or civil society. Recent graduates with strong motivation for development work are also eligible.

Can I get a partial VLIR-UOS Scholarship?

VLIR-UOS only awards full scholarships covering the complete programme duration. Partial scholarships and extensions are not available.

How do I apply for the VLIR-UOS Scholarship?

Apply directly through the Flemish university offering your chosen programme. When completing the admission application, indicate that you want to be considered for the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship. There is no separate scholarship portal.

Can I apply for the VLIR-UOS Scholarship if I previously studied in Belgium?

Candidates who enrolled at a Belgian higher education institution before 1 January of the intake year are not eligible. Those who received a previous Belgian government scholarship are also excluded.

What are the selection criteria for the VLIR-UOS Scholarship?

Selection weighs motivation tied to sustainable development goals, professional experience showing knowledge transfer potential, academic merit, gender balance, and regional diversity. When qualifications are equal, vulnerability status may be considered.

Is the VLIR-UOS Scholarship fully funded?

The scholarship covers tuition fees, international travel, health insurance, and living expenses for the full programme. Scholars pay no tuition or travel costs.

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