Do you want to study in Belgium but cannot pay for it? The VLIRUOS ICP Connect Scholarship can pay for tuition, travel insurance and living costs for your whole programme. It is open to 12 English taught programmes at Flemish universities. It starts in September 2027.
But it is not for everyone. You must come from one of the eligible countries and meet an age limit. Each programme also has its own deadline. The overall deadline is 28 February 2027. Some programmes close earlier.
Quick Facts
Last Information Checked: 27 October 2026
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | VLIRUOS ICP Connect Scholarship Programme |
| Country | Belgium (Flanders) |
| Programmes | 12 English taught programmes |
| Levels | Professional bachelor’s, initial master’s and advanced master’s |
| Length | 12 to 36 months |
| Who can apply | Nationals and residents of eligible countries in Africa Asia and Latin America |
| Start | 1 September 2027 |
| Overall deadline | 28 February 2027 |
| Information session | 26 November 2026 from 14:30 to 16:30 CET |
What the Programme Is
VLIRUOS supports international higher education that serves sustainable development. Through ICP Connect, eligible students study at Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences and arts. The aim is to train professionals who can apply what they learn to development challenges and help their institutions and communities grow.
The programmes fit people who work on food systems, environmental management, biodiversity, development, governance, technology and related fields.
The 12 Study Programmes
| Level | Programmes |
|---|---|
| Professional bachelor’s | Bachelor of Hotel Management. Bachelor of Applied Computer Science |
| Initial master’s | Master of Science in Aquaculture (IMAQUA). Master of Science in Food Technology. Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (Oceans and 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 | Master of Science in Development Evaluation and Management. Master in Globalisation and Development. Master in Governance and Development |
Each programme has its own admission rules, application steps and closing date. Visit the website of the university that offers your programme.
Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition fees are covered
- International travel expenses are covered
- Insurance is covered
- Living expenses including board and lodging, are covered
- Funding lasts for the full length of your programme from 12 to 36 months
- You study in English at a Flemish university or university of applied sciences and arts
- You join a group of students who plan to bring change to their home countries or regions
Eligible Countries
You must hold the nationality of one of the eligible countries such.
- 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
Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Ghana are not on this list.
Age and Other Rules
- Applicant must not older than 35 on 1 January 2027
- Advanced master’s: not older than 45 on 1 January 2027
- Bachelor’s applicants: at least 19 years old by 1 January 2027
- You must meet the academic and English rules of your chosen programme
- You can apply for only one ICP Connect scholarship each year.
- You cannot apply for a partial scholarship or an extension under this framework
VLIRUOS prefers candidates who work in higher education, government or civil society or who plan a career there. Recent graduates and private sector applicants with no work experience can still be considered if they show strong motivation and a strong profile.
How Selection Works
VLIRUOS looks at more than grades. The selection considers:
- Your motivation and professional goals
- Your potential to use or share what you learn
- Your work experience and career plans
- Your commitment to sustainable development and positive change
- Balance across gender and regions
- Vulnerable groups when candidates are equally qualified
Women are strongly encouraged to apply. In your application explain how the programme fits your career goals and how you will use the qualification after you graduate.
How To Apply
- Visit the VLIRUOS study scholarships page
- Read the eligibility rules there.
- Look through the 12 programmes and pick the one that matches your background and goals.
- Go to the website of the university or institution that offers it.
- Read its admission rules required documents and deadline.
- Apply for admission through the institution’s application system. State clearly that you also apply for a VLIRUOS scholarship.
- Send all required documents before the programme deadline.
- Contact the institution directly if you have questions about admission or documents.
You do not need a separate application to VLIRUOS. The scholarship request goes through your admission application.
Key Dates
- 26 November 2026: Online information session from 14:30 to 16:30 CET
- Before 28 February 2027: Programme deadlines. Some close earlier
- 28 February 2027: Overall call deadline
- 1 September 2027: Studies begin
