ICP Connect Full Scholarship in Belgium 2026-2027

The ICP Connect Scholarship 2026-2027 is now officially open, providing a fully funded study opportunity to students from 29 eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. This prestigious scholarship, funded through VLIR-UOS, supports talented international students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s, early master’s or advanced master’s program in Belgium from September 2026.

For admission in 2026, VLIR-UOS is offering full scholarships for 20 study programs with funding covering tuition, travel, living expenses, insurance and accommodation for the entire duration of the study program. Whether the program length is 12, 24, or 36 months, scholars receive full financial support.

The application deadline is February 28, 2026While class starts September 1, 2026. Applicants should also review each institution’s program-specific deadlines.

What is the ICP Connect Scholarship?

The ICP Connect Scholarship is a major initiative designed to support international students working to drive sustainable and innovative change in their home countries. We focus on addressing global challenges such as environmental resilience, sustainable agriculture, governance, climate action, and social justice.

The program is offered at leading universities in Belgium and provides world-class academic training combining field studies, research exposure and immersive practical experiences. The scholarship aims to prepare graduates who will become influential leaders in government, academia, civil society and development.

Key contents at a glance (2026~2027)

• Scholarship Types: Fully funded

• Total program: 20

• continue: 12/24/36 months

• Application Deadline: February 28, 2026

• Start program: September 1, 2026

• Coverage includes: Tuition fees, travel expenses, insurance premiums, accommodation expenses, monthly living expenses

• eligibility: Applicants from 29 countries

• Learning level: Professional Bachelor’s, Early Master’s, Advanced Master’s

Who can apply?

To be considered for the ICP Connect Scholarship 2026, candidates must meet several eligibility requirements that reflect the program’s commitment to fairness, representation, and global development.

Nationality and country of residence

Applicants must:

• You must be a national of one of 29 eligible countries.

• Residing in one of the eligible countries at the time of application

• Note: Your nationality does not have to match your place of residence.

Target Countries (29)

Sub-Saharan Africa:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe.

Middle East and North Africa:
Morocco, Palestine

Latin America and Caribbean:
Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru

East Asia and Pacific:
Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam

Age Requirements

• Applicants to a bachelor’s or initial master’s program must: Under 35 January 1, 2026.

• Applicants for the Advanced Master’s Program include: Under 45.

• Bachelor’s applicants must: At least 19 years old Until January 1, 2026.

professional background

Preference will be given to the following candidates:

• Working in higher education institutions, government departments, civil society organizations and public services

• Have a clear professional plan that will contribute to your development after graduation.

However, highly motivated new graduates or private sector professionals may also be accepted if they demonstrate firm alignment with program goals.

Scholarship Restrictions

• Applicants can apply for: only one ICP Connect program per cycle.

• Candidates cannot receive any other scholarships at the same time.

• Applicants must not have studied at a Belgian university before January 1, 2026.

• Applicants must not have previously received a Belgian government scholarship.

Selection criteria

The ICP Connect selection process is rigorous and objective. VLIR-UOS evaluates not only academic merit, but also each candidate’s long-term potential to make a positive impact on the community.

Motivation and Impact of Change

Applicants must prove:

• Strong connection to sustainable development topics

• Ability to apply new knowledge to real-world tasks

• Commitment to return home and contribute to positive change

professional experience

Priority will be given to those who can make an impact in the following areas:

• Government and policy making

• Education and academic research

• Civil society and development organizations

• The role of the private sector in solving social challenges

gender balance

This program encourages: Women’s active participation To achieve equitable representation.

regional balance

Selection ensures fair distribution to all eligible countries and regions around the world.

Leave no one behind (LNOB)

If candidates are equally qualified, preference may be given to disadvantaged applicants.

Previous international studies

To support inclusivity, we prioritize applicants who have not studied in a high-income country.

Contents of ICP Connect Scholarship

ICP Connect Scholarships Available Full financial coverage For the entire duration of the program.

tuition

Full tuition fee is waived.

overseas travel

Round-trip airfare from your home country to Belgium is provided.

insurance

Comprehensive insurance covers the duration of your stay.

cost of living

A monthly allowance is provided to ensure:

• food

• local transportation

• Learning materials

• everyday needs

lodging

Housing support is included through monthly allowances or agency coordinated arrangements.

study expenses

All required study costs are fully covered.

memo:
Scholarships cannot be extended beyond the official program period and partial scholarships are not available.

Available Programs (2026-2027)

ICP Connect offers high-quality programs in areas covering global development.

Professional Bachelor’s Program (3 years)

Initial master’s program (2 years)

• International Master in Agricultural and Environmental Nematology

• Master of Rural Development (IMRD)

• Master of Aquaculture (IMAQUA)

• Master of Epidemiology

• Master in Food Technology

• Master in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management

• Master of Statistics and Data Science

• Master in Sustainable Development

• Master of Transportation Science – Road Safety

• Master in Water Resources Engineering

• Master in Nutrition and Food Systems

• Master in Sustainable Land Management

• Master in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Advanced Master’s Program (1 year)

• The price of human settlement

• Master of Development Evaluation and Management

• Master in Governance and Development

• Master in Globalization and Development

• Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (CADES)

How to Apply for ICP Connect Scholarship 2026

The application process includes three main steps:

Step 1 – Verify Eligibility

Before applying, please make sure you meet the following:

Step 2 – Research the program

Visit the official website of the institution offering the program. examine:

remember:
Applicants may only apply to one program per year.

Step 3 – Apply through the organization’s website

Applications must be submitted directly to the Belgian university offering the program.

When applying:

• Please clearly indicate that you would like to be considered for an ICP Connect scholarship.

• Upload all required documents

• Submit before program internal deadlines

Late submissions will not be considered.

After applying: What happens next?

• The hosting university will conduct the initial review.

• Finalist applications will be forwarded to VLIR-UOS.

• VLIR-UOS will finalize the list of scholarship recipients.

• Those selected and on the waiting list will be contacted via email.

• The final results can be found here: Mid-June 2026.

ICP Connect Scholarship Schedule (2026-2027)

Note: Internal program deadlines may be earlier.

Why apply for the ICP Connect Scholarship?

Full financial support

The scholarship covers 100% of all study-related and living expenses.

Internationally recognized degree

Belgium’s education system is respected globally and offers internationally recognized qualifications.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Ideal for students who are passionate about solving real-world problems, such as:

strong career prospects

Graduates pursue careers in:

• Government departments and public services

• Universities and research institutes

• NGOs and global development organizations

• UN agency

• Private sector innovation and consulting

Belgium as a study abroad destination

Belgium offers:

Contact information (VLIR-UOS)

address:
Julien Dillensplein 1, Box 1A
1060 Brussels, Belgium

email: info@vliruos.be

Official website: https://www.vliruos.be/get-funded/study-scholarships