Are you an international student from a developing nation with a hunger for academic excellence? The VLIR-UOS Scholarship in Belgium is one of the best scholarships. This prestigious scholarship program, funded by the Flemish government and universities, unlocks the best education at Flemish universities and colleges. Get a full-time Master’s degree in English in a diverse range of programs, from engineering and agriculture to social sciences and humanities. The VLIR-UOS scholarship covers more than just fees. It also gives you a monthly living allowance, travel costs, and insurance, so you can focus on your studies without financial problems.
You can start a life-changing career in Belgium and learn the skills you need to make a permanent difference in your home country through programs that cater to a wide range of academic interests. Keep reading to explore the eligibility criteria, and application process, and discover the VLIR scholarship in Belgium.
This Blog Includes:
- Eligibility Criteria For VLIR Scholarship in Belgium
- Application Process For VLIR Scholarship in Belgium
- Selection Process For VLIR Scholarship in Belgium
- Benefits of the VLIR Scholarship in Belgium
- Courses Covered Under VLIR Scholarship in Belgium
- Factors Affecting Selection for VLIR Scholarship in Belgium
- FAQ’s
Eligibility Criteria For VLIR 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.
- Be a citizen of and permanently reside in one of the 29 eligible countries designated by VLIR.
- 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.
- You cannot have received a scholarship for the same purpose from another source or previously enrolled in a Belgian higher education program before the intake year.
- Most Master’s programs require proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
Application Process For VLIR Scholarship in Belgium
In Belgium, there are two parts to the application process for the VLIR-UOS Scholarship: the Master’s program and the scholarship itself. Here is a list of the most important steps.
- Browse the list of eligible Master’s programs offered by Flemish universities and colleges.
- Double-check if the program is included in the VLIR-UOS scholarship scheme.
- 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: 🏫Top Universities in Germany
Selection Process For VLIR 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 Scholarship in Belgium
The VLIR-UOS scholarship in Belgium offers a comprehensive package of benefits designed to support international students from developing countries throughout their Master’s degree program. Here’s a breakdown of the main benefits of the VLIR Scholarship in Belgium.
- The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for your chosen Master’s program at a Flemish university or university college.
- You’ll receive a monthly stipend to cover your living expenses in Belgium, including housing, food, and transportation.
- It provides a one-time allowance to cover the cost of your travel to and from Belgium, making your international academic journey financially feasible.
- It covers the cost of health insurance for the duration of your studies, offering peace of mind and access to necessary healthcare services.
- 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.
- It prioritizes students who can contribute to sustainable development in their home countries upon returning.
Courses Covered Under VLIR Scholarship in Belgium
The VLIR-UOS scholarship in Belgium covers a wide range of Master’s programs taught in English at Flemish universities and university colleges. These programs are designed to provide international students with advanced knowledge and skills in various fields that are relevant to the development needs of their home countries. Here’s a general categorization of the course areas covered under the VLIR-UOS scholarship.
- Master of Science in Aquaculture
- Master of Science in Food Technology
- Master of Science in Rural Development
- Master of Science in Water Resources Engineering
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Law in International Legal Cooperation
- Master of Arts in Cultural Anthropology
- Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies
Factors Affecting Selection for VLIR Scholarship in Belgium
Several factors influence the selection process for the VLIR-UOS scholarship in Belgium. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors.
- Having a strong academic background with excellent grades in your Bachelor’s degree is a main factor.
- If the chosen Master’s program requires standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, or TOEFL/IELTS, achieving high scores can strengthen your application.
- Highlight relevant coursework, projects, or research experiences that showcase your suitability.
- The VLIR-UOS scholarship prioritizes students who can contribute to sustainable development in their home countries after graduation.
- A well-crafted motivation letter is important.
- Strong letters of recommendation from professors that show your academic abilities, work ethic, and potential for success can significantly enhance your application.
- Work Experience (considered, not mandatory).
Also Read: 🎓Best Masters Courses in Germany 2024
FAQ’s
VLIR-UOS scholarships cover tuition fees, travel, insurance, and living expenses.
International students can get the ARES funding to go to Belgium and get higher bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
You can use a TOEFL or IELTS certificate.
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