VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2025 in Belgium

Applications are now open for the VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2025 in Belgium, offering an exciting opportunity for students from 30 developing countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This scholarship program prioritizes African students, with half of the awards designated for them, and gives special preference to women applicants. These ICP scholarships are available for programs starting in September 2025.

This year, the ICP Connect scholarship supports both master’s and bachelor’s degrees, with eligible programs taught in English. VLIR-UOS is providing full scholarships for 20 programs, including five new options. These ICP programs aim to develop students into leaders and change-makers, driving societal transformation in their fields. This fully funded scholarship opens doors for international students to study in Flanders, Belgium, enhancing educational and career opportunities in Europe.

The VLIR-UOS Scholarships cover full tuition fees, insurance, travel, and living expenses for the entire duration of the eligible master’s program (12 to 24 months) or up to three years for a bachelor’s degree. Students cannot apply for partial scholarships or extensions while receiving this fully funded scholarship in Europe. Upon graduation, scholars are encouraged to act as agents of change, contributing to social progress in their home countries.

This is a highly competitive scholarship, with selection criteria based on Motivation, Professional experience, Gender balance, Regional representation, the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) principle, and any prior scholarships awarded.

Studying in Europe is a dream for many, and international students from developing countries often seek scholarships to support their education. The VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2025 provide a rare, fully funded opportunity to study in Belgium, fostering both personal and professional growth. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to pursue your education abroad through the VLIR-UOS Scholarships for Developing Countries 2025.

Scholarship details:

  • Country: Belgium
  • Financial coverage: Fully Funded
  • Duration: 12/24/36 months
  • Deadline: 01 February 2025
  • Project Start Date: 01 September 2025

List of host institutions:

  1. KU Leuven
  2. Universiteit Antwerpen
  3. Universiteit Gent
  4. UHasselt
  5. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
  6. AP Hogeschool Antwerpen
  7. Artevelde Hogeschool
  8. Erasmus Hogeschool Brussel
  9. Hogere Zeevaartschool
  10. HOGENT
  11. PXL Hogeschool
  12. Howest Hogeschool
  13. VIVES Hogeschool
  14. Karel de Grote Hogeschool (KdG)
  15. LUCA School of Arts
  16. Odisee Hogeschool
  17. Thomas More
  18. UC Leuven-Limburg (UCLL)

Available Study Programs:

Professional Bachelors (3 years):
  • Bachelor of Hotel Management
  • Bachelor of Applied Computer Science
Initial Masters (2 years):
  • Master of Epidemiology
  • International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD)
  • Master of Science in Food Technology
  • Master of Statistics and Data Science
  • Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management
  • Master in Sustainable Development
  • International Master of Science in Agro and Environmental Nematology
  • Master of Water Resources Engineering (WRE)
  • Master of Transportation Sciences – Road Safety
  • Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems
  • Master of Science in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Mundus tropical c/o TROPIMUNDO)
  • Master of Science in Sustainable Land Management
  • Master of Aquaculture (IMAQUA)
Advanced Masters (1 year):
  • Master of Development Evaluation and Management
  • Master of Human Settlements
  • Master of Governance and Development
  • Master of Globalisation and Development
  • Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (CADES)

Eligibility Criteria :

  • Applicants must be nationals of one of the 30 eligible countries and must reside in one of these countries at the time of application.
  • For bachelor or initial master’s programs, applicants must be no older than 35 years as of January 1, 2025.
  • For advanced master's programs, applicants must be no older than 45 years.
  • Additionally, applicants for bachelor programs must be at least 19 years old by January 1, 2025.
  • Applicants should have relevant professional experience, with priority given to those working in higher education, civil society, government, or careers in these sectors.
  • Newly graduated applicants or those from the private sector with limited work experience may also be considered, provided they demonstrate strong motivation and a compelling profile.
  • Applicants are permitted to apply for only one VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship per year. They may not hold any other scholarship or grant for the same or a different program during this period.
  • Applicants should not have previously received any scholarship from the Belgian government or enrolled in a program at a Belgian institution before January 1, 2025.

Scholarship Benefits:

The ICP Scholarship (VLIR-UOS) benefits include:

  • Monthly Allowance: €1,400 for living expenses, board, and lodging in Belgium.
  • Health Insurance: Coverage for health-related expenses.
  • Installation Costs: Assistance for initial setup in Belgium.
  • Indirect Travel Costs: Support for other travel-related expenses.
  • Tuition Fees: Included within the scholarship; coverage specifics depend on the institution.
  • Flight Tickets: Round-trip economy class ticket to Belgium at the beginning and end of the scholarship. Three-year bachelor's students get an additional round-trip ticket.
  • Summer Break Allowance: Monthly stipend continues over the summer break, though other expenses are the scholar's responsibility.
  • Limited Employment Options: Scholars can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and full-time during official holidays, excluding the summer before their first academic year.

Required documents:

The required documents for the VLIR-UOS ICP scholarship typically include:

  • Applicants must be nationals of one of the 30 eligible countries and must reside in one of these countries at the time of application.
  • For bachelor or initial master’s programs, applicants must be no older than 35 years as of January 1, 2025.
  • For advanced master's programs, applicants must be no older than 45 years.
  • Additionally, applicants for bachelor programs must be at least 19 years old by January 1, 2025.
  • Applicants should have relevant professional experience, with priority given to those working in higher education, civil society, government, or careers in these sectors.
  • Newly graduated applicants or those from the private sector with limited work experience may also be considered, provided they demonstrate strong motivation and a compelling profile.
  • Applicants are permitted to apply for only one VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship per year. They may not hold any other scholarship or grant for the same or a different program during this period.
  • Applicants should not have previously received any scholarship from the Belgian government or enrolled in a program at a Belgian institution before January 1, 2025.

Application Process:

  • Click the Application link button below to access the official website.
  • Ensure that you review and meet all eligibility criteria.
  • Choose one of the eligible programs and go to its specific website to read all instructions thoroughly.
  • Be sure to check each program's unique deadline, as they may vary.
  • Follow the instructions to apply for both the program and the scholarship directly through the institution’s website.
  • When submitting your program application, indicate if you are also applying for a VLIR-UOS scholarship.
  • Remember to apply for only one ICP program per year.
  • VLIR-UOS will contact selected applicants via email as soon as possible after the selection process, no later than mid-June.

Scholarship Deadline:

The VLIR-UOS scholarship deadline is February 1, 2025; however, each program may have its own specific deadline. Be sure to review the program details carefully before starting your application.

Here are several downloadable documents that may assist you with this scholarship application: