The VLIR-UOS Scholarship scheme is administered by the Flemish Interuniversity Council for University Cooperation (VLIR-UOS) and funded by the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation (DGD). Its goal is to enable highly motivated students and professionals from eligible developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to undertake English-taught Master’s programmes, Short Training stays, or “ICP Connect” programmes in Flanders (Belgium).
What It Covers
The scholarship is fully funded and includes:
- Full tuition fee waiver at the host Flemish university.
- Monthly living allowance (≈ €1,150 per month) to cover board and lodging.
- Return airfare from your country of residence to Belgium.
- Health/accident insurance, accommodation support, and other study-related costs.
Eligible Study Areas & Programmes
Eligible programmes are the “ICP Connect” Master’s (initial or advanced) and sometimes training stays. Examples include:
- MSc in Rural Development (IMRD)
- MSc in Aquaculture (IMAQUA)
- MSc in Epidemiology
- MSc in Sustainable Development
- Master of Governance and Development
- Master of Human Settlements
And many more across fields such as food & nutrition systems, marine & lacustrine science, and road/transportation safety.
Eligibility Criteria
Key requirements include:
- Be a citizen and resident of one of the eligible developing countries listed by VLIR-UOS (≈ 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America).
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent for a Master’s application.
- Age limit: For initial Master’s programmes, under 35 years on 1 Jan of the intake year; for advanced Master’s, under 45 years.
- Strong academic record, motivation to contribute to development in the home country, and, sometimes, relevant work/professional background.
- You may apply for only one VLIR-UOS scholarship per year, and you cannot already hold a Belgian government scholarship or have studied in Flanders previously.
Deadline for 2026 Cycle
- Call opens: End of October 2026.
- Application window: deadlines typically between November 2026 and February 2027, depending on the specific university and programme.
Results announcement: by June 2027 for the September 2027 intake.
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