The VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship is a fully funded award for study in Belgium. It funds bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Flemish universities. It targets students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Many applicants also compare it with other fully funded routes. For example, some look at the Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship, another major option in Europe.
Overview
- Host country, Belgium
- Level of study, Professional bachelor’s, initial master’s, and advanced master’s
- Field of study, Development focused programmes, across many fields
- Nationality, Open to citizens of about 29 to 30 eligible countries
- Funded by, VLIR-UOS, the Flemish Interuniversity Council
Benefits of the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship
First, scholars get full tuition. Also, they get a monthly living amount. Plus, they get help with travel costs. In short, the award covers this.
- Full tuition fees, for the whole programme
- A monthly living allowance of 1,400 Euro
- Travel costs, to and from Belgium
- Insurance for the full study period
- Funding for 12 to 36 months, based on your level of study
Who Should Apply
This award suits students from eligible countries who want no partial funding gaps. Meanwhile, students who want a broader field mix instead may prefer the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which funds a wide range of postgraduate study.
Eligibility Requirements
Overall, applicants must meet these points.
- Be a citizen and resident of one of the eligible countries
- Apply for one eligible ICP Connect programme per year, not several
- Meet the academic rules set by your chosen university programme
- Show a clear link between your studies and development goals back home
- Meet the English language rules where they apply
Applying Through Each University
Notably, you apply directly through the website of the university offering your chosen programme. This university based process is close to the setup used for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship, where the school also runs the main application.
Required Documents
- Completed application through your chosen university’s own portal
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language skill, where required
- A personal statement, linked to your home country’s development needs
- Letters of reference, as set by your chosen programme
How to Apply
First, browse the list of eligible ICP Connect programmes on the VLIR-UOS site. Next, pick one programme, since only one application is allowed per year. Then, submit your application through that university’s own portal before its internal deadline. This one programme rule is close to the approach used for the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals.
Application Deadline
This cycle has not opened yet. Based on past years, the call usually opens around November. It closes near the end of February. So, this window has not started yet, which gives you real time to prepare a strong application before it begins.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship gives strong, complete funding for study in Belgium. However, if you want a program that starts sooner, check other options too. For instance, the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship has a deadline already open now.
