VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2026/2027 – Fully Funded Masters in Belgium
Last updated: August 6, 2026
VLIR-UOS offers fully funded ICP Connect scholarships that enable talented students from selected countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to pursue English-taught master’s programmes at universities and universities of applied sciences in Flanders, Belgium.
These scholarships are specifically designed to support students who will use their education to contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries. The funding is comprehensive and removes the major financial barriers to studying in Europe.
What the VLIR-UOS Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition fees for the entire duration of the programme
- Monthly living allowance (approximately €1,400)
- Round-trip economy airfare
- Health insurance
- Installation and indirect travel costs
The scholarship is awarded for the full standard length of the study programme (usually 12, 24 or 36 months depending on the course).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship, you generally need to meet the following conditions:
- Hold the nationality of one of the 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia or Latin America
- Be a resident of one of those eligible countries at the time of application
- For initial master’s programmes, candidates are usually expected to be under 35 years of age on 1 January of the intake year
- Demonstrate a strong academic background and motivation related to development
- Preference is often given to candidates working in higher education, government, or civil society, although strong newly graduated candidates can also be considered
Eligible countries typically include a range of nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, selected countries in Asia (such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines), and several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
How to Apply
- Check the list of eligible ICP Connect study programmes on the official VLIR-UOS website.
- Review the specific admission requirements of the programme and university you are interested in.
- Submit your application for admission to the programme through the university’s application system.
- Indicate that you wish to be considered for the VLIR-UOS scholarship (in most cases the scholarship application is integrated into the programme application).
- Provide all required documents, including academic transcripts, motivation letter, CV, proof of English proficiency, and recommendation letters where required.
Deadlines vary by programme but are often in the early months of the year for programmes starting in September.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly explain how the programme relates to development challenges in your home country.
- Highlight any relevant professional or voluntary experience.
- Write a focused and genuine motivation letter.
- Make sure all documents are complete and submitted before the deadline.
Official website: https://www.vliruos.be/
Disclaimer: Always verify the current list of eligible countries, programmes, age limits and application deadlines on the official VLIR-UOS website, as these details can change from year to year.
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