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The VLIR-UOS scholarship program, a key initiative of the Flemish government, is a highly sought-after opportunity for international students from a specific list of developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This fully-funded award is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become “agents of change” and contribute to sustainable development in their home regions. The scholarship’s comprehensive coverage is a significant draw, eliminating financial burdens for recipients. It includes full tuition fees for the duration of the program, a round-trip international flight, a generous monthly allowance of approximately EUR 1,400 to cover living expenses, and comprehensive health insurance.
This prestigious award is open to students pursuing a master’s or bachelor’s degree at a Flemish university, with a preference for candidates who have relevant professional experience in fields like education, government, or civil society. The VLIR-UOS scholarship provides a unique pathway to a top-tier European education and a chance to make a tangible impact on global development. Keep reading to explore the eligibility criteria, and application process, and discover the VLIR-OUS scholarship in Belgium.
| Scholarship Name | VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship |
| Funding Body | Flemish Government (Belgium) |
| Target Audience | Students from 30 eligible developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. |
| Coverage | Fully-funded: covers full tuition fees, round-trip flights, a monthly allowance (approx. EUR 1,400), and health insurance. |
| Eligible Programs | Specific “International Course Programmes (ICPs)” focused on sustainable development. |
| Application Process | Decentralized; apply directly to the specific university’s program. |
| Application Timeline | Opens in October. Deadlines are usually February 1 or February 28, 2026 (varies by program). |
| Notification | Final selection decisions are communicated by VLIR-UOS by late May or early June 2026. |
| Apply Link | Apply directly to the university’s program website. The VLIR-UOS website provides a list of all eligible programs with direct links. |
This Blog Includes:
- Eligibility Criteria For VLIR-OUS Scholarship in Belgium
- Application Process For VLIR-OUS Scholarship in Belgium
- Selection Process For VLIR-OUS Scholarship in Belgium
- Benefits of the VLIR-OUS Scholarship in Belgium
- VLIR-UOS Scholarship Eligible Courses & Universities
- Tips for a Successful VLIR-UOS Scholarship Application
- FAQ’s
Eligibility Criteria For VLIR-OUS Scholarship in Belgium
The VLIR-UOS Scholarship in Belgium has specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to be considered. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to get a VLIR Scholarship in Belgium.
- Applicants must be a national and resident of one of the 30 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America at the time of application.
- Must have a relevant Bachelor’s degree obtained with good grades.
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen Master’s program at a Flemish university or university college. This includes any prior coursework or standardized test scores.
- Be no older than 35 years old on January 1st of the intake year for a Master’s program, and 45 years old for an advanced Master’s program.
- Preference is given to applicants with professional experience in higher education, government, or civil society.
- Recent graduates and those in the private sector can still apply with a strong motivation and relevant profile.
- Candidates may not have previously received a scholarship from the Belgian government to attend a study program, nor can they have been enrolled in a study program at a Belgian higher education institution before January 1st of the year of intake.
- Most Master’s programs require proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
- Candidates may apply for only one VLIR-UOS scholarship per year.
Application Process For VLIR-OUS Scholarship in Belgium
The application process for the VLIR-UOS scholarship is unique in that it is managed directly by the Flemish universities, not by VLIR-UOS itself. Therefore, prospective students must apply for both academic admission to an eligible program and the scholarship simultaneously through the university’s application portal.
- Select one of the eligible master’s or bachelor’s programs offered by a Flemish university. Each program has its own application process, deadlines, and specific requirements.
- You must submit your application directly to the university offering the program. During this process, you will be prompted to indicate that you are applying for the VLIR-UOS scholarship.
- Visit the official portal of the university offering your chosen program.
- Gather certified copies of your Bachelor’s degree transcripts.
- Create a professional CV highlighting your academic background, relevant work experience (if any), and achievements.
- Craft a compelling letter expressing your interest in the chosen program, explaining your academic goals, and highlighting how the VLIR-UOS scholarship aligns with your career.
- Secure two strong letters of recommendation from professors familiar with your academic abilities.
- Obtain and submit documents demonstrating your English language skills (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS scores) if required by the program.
- Within the university’s application system, indicate your intent to apply for the VLIR-UOS scholarship.
- Upload all required documents, including those for the program and the scholarship application, by the program’s deadline.
Also Read: Part-time Jobs in Belgium in 2025
Selection Process For VLIR-OUS Scholarship in Belgium
The VLIR-UOS scholarship selection process in Belgium involves a two-stage evaluation: “University Level Selection” and “VLIR-UOS Final Approval”. Here’s a breakdown of what happens at each stage.
Stage 1: University Level Selection
- The university you applied to will assess your academic credentials first.
- It includes evaluating your transcripts, grades, and any required test scores.
- They will verify if you fulfill the general VLIR-UOS scholarship eligibility criteria like nationality, age, and previous scholarships.
- Based on your academic performance and fit for the program, the university will shortlist a group of qualified candidates.
- The university submits two lists to VLIR-UOS:
- A-List: This list includes the top candidates they recommend for the scholarship (typically 5-10 students).
- B-List: This list serves as a waiting list with additional qualified candidates (usually 5-12 students).
Stage 2: VLIR-UOS Final Approval
- VLIR-UOS receives the A-List and B-List nominations from all participating universities.
- They perform a final verification to ensure all candidates meet the scholarship’s eligibility criteria and that the application files are complete.
- VLIR-UOS makes the final scholarship award decisions based on the university recommendations and any remaining scholarship quotas for specific countries or programs.
- Both you and the university will be informed of the scholarship award decision (acceptance or waiting list) via email.
NOTE: The entire selection process, including VLIR-UOS approval, can take several months, so patience is key.
Benefits of the VLIR-OUS Scholarship in Belgium
The VLIR-UOS scholarship is a fully funded program that offers a comprehensive package of benefits designed to cover all major expenses for international students from eligible countries. The financial support provided by the scholarship is substantial, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their studies without the burden of financial stress.
- The scholarship provides a full tuition fee waiver, meaning the student does not have to pay for the academic program. The university covers these costs directly or subtracts them from the monthly allowance.
- Scholars receive a generous monthly allowance of approximately EUR 1,400. This stipend is an all-inclusive grant to cover essential living costs, such as housing, food, local transportation, and personal expenses.
- The scholarship covers a round-trip economy ticket to Belgium at the start of the program and a return ticket to the student’s home country at the end. For three-year bachelor’s programs, an additional round-trip ticket is provided once during the program’s duration.
- Comprehensive health insurance and other necessary insurance are also covered by the scholarship for the entire duration of the study program.
- Studying in Belgium allows you to gain valuable international experience and broaden your horizons by interacting with diverse faculty and fellow students from around the world.
VLIR-UOS Scholarship Eligible Courses & Universities
The VLIR-UOS scholarship covers specific “International Course Programmes (ICPs)” at various Flemish universities. The scholarship is only for these selected courses and not for all programs a university offers. The following table provides a general overview of eligible courses and their host universities for the 2025-2026 academic year. Note that this list is subject to change.
| Course Name | University Name | Level & Duration |
| Master of Science in Food Technology | KU Leuven and Ghent University | Initial Master (2 years) |
| Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD) | Ghent University | Initial Master (2 years) |
| Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management | Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent University, University of Antwerp | Initial Master (2 years) |
| Master of Science in Epidemiology | University of Antwerp | Initial Master (2 years) |
| Master of Science in Water Resources Engineering | KU Leuven and Vrije Universiteit Brussel | Initial Master (2 years) |
| Master of Science in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems | Vrije Universiteit Brussel and KU Leuven | Initial Master (2 years) |
| Master of Statistics and Data Science | Hasselt University | Initial Master (2 years) |
| Master of Aquaculture | Ghent University | Initial Master (2 years) |
| Master of Science in Agro- and Environmental Nematology | Ghent University | Initial Master (2 years) |
| Master of Human Settlements | KU Leuven | Advanced Master (1 year) |
| Master of Governance and Development | University of Antwerp | Advanced Master (1 year) |
| Master of Globalisation and Development | University of Antwerp | Advanced Master (1 year) |
| Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (CADES) | KU Leuven | Advanced Master (1 year) |
| Master of Sustainable Development | KU Leuven | Initial Master (2 years) |
| Master of Development Evaluation and Management | University of Antwerp | Advanced Master (1 year) |
| Bachelor of Hotel Management | University of Applied Sciences and Arts (various) | Professional Bachelor (3 years) |
| Bachelor of Applied Computer Science | University of Applied Sciences and Arts (various) | Professional Bachelor (3 years) |
Tips for a Successful VLIR-UOS Scholarship Application
Securing a VLIR-UOS scholarship is a highly competitive process, but a well-prepared and strategic application can significantly increase your chances of success. Beyond simply meeting the eligibility criteria, the selection committee looks for candidates who demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainable development and a clear plan for how they will use their education to create a tangible impact.
Here are some important tips for crafting a successful application:
- Start Early: The application process is lengthy and requires numerous documents.
- Choose the Right Program: Select a course that not only aligns with your academic and career goals but also has a clear connection to the development needs of your home country.
- Craft a Powerful Motivation Letter: This is arguably the most crucial part of your application. Don’t just rehash your CV. Instead, tell a compelling story that highlights your professional experience, explains why you chose this specific program, and clearly outlines your plan for applying your new knowledge upon returning home.
- Secure Strong Recommendation Letters: Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, professional experience, and potential for leadership. Provide them with your CV, motivation letter, and a clear explanation of what the VLIR-UOS scholarship is about so they can write a detailed and personalized letter.
- Proofread Meticulously: A sloppy application with typos and grammatical errors suggests a lack of attention to detail. Review your entire application multiple times and ask someone else to read it as well.
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The scholarship committee gives preference to candidates with professional experience in higher education, government, or civil society.
- Be Authentic: Avoid generic statements and use your own voice. The committee wants to understand your unique aspirations and how this scholarship will help you achieve them.
Also Read: Belgium Student Visa: All You Need to Know
FAQ’s
The VLIR-UOS scholarship is a fully-funded program for students from 30 eligible developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It allows recipients to pursue a master’s or bachelor’s degree in Belgium at a Flemish university, with the goal of fostering sustainable development. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance.
In 2025, there are several fully-funded scholarships available for international students in Belgium. Key examples include the VLIR-UOS scholarship and the ARES scholarships, both of which are government-funded programs. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, international travel costs, and health insurance.
You don’t always need IELTS to study in Belgium. While many universities accept it as proof of English proficiency, they often accept alternatives like TOEFL, PTE, or the Duolingo English Test.
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