The ICP Connect Scholarships 2026–2027: Fully Funded in Belgium

The ICP Connect Scholarships 2026–2027 are now officially open, offering fully funded study opportunities for students from 29 eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. These prestigious scholarships—funded through VLIR-UOS—support talented international students who want to pursue Bachelor’s, Initial Master’s, or Advanced Master’s programmes in Belgium, starting in September 2026.

For the 2026 intake, VLIR-UOS is providing full scholarships for 20 academic programmes, with funding that covers tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, insurance, and accommodation for the full duration of the study programme. Whether the programme lasts 12, 24, or 36 months, scholars receive complete financial support.

The application deadline is 28 February 2026, while classes begin 1 September 2026. Applicants must also review programme-specific deadlines from each institution.

What Is the ICP Connect Scholarship?

The ICP Connect Scholarship is a flagship initiative designed to support international students committed to driving sustainable and transformative change in their home countries. It focuses on addressing global challenges such as environmental resilience, sustainable agriculture, governance, climate action, and social justice.

These programmes are delivered by leading Belgian universities and colleges, offering world-class academic training combined with fieldwork, research exposure, and immersive practical experience. The scholarship aims to develop graduates who become impactful leaders in government, academia, civil society, and development sectors.

Key Details at a Glance (2026–2027)

• Scholarship Type: Fully funded

• Total Programmes: 20

• Duration: 12 / 24 / 36 months

• Application Deadline: 28 February 2026

• Programme Start: 1 September 2026

• Coverage Includes: Tuition fees, travel costs, insurance, accommodation, monthly living allowance

• Eligibility: Applicants from 29 countries

• Study Levels: Professional Bachelor, Initial Master, Advanced Master

Who Can Apply?

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

Nationality & Country of Residence

Applicants must:

• Be a national of one of the 29 eligible countries

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

• Note: Nationality does not have to match residency

Eligible 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 & North Africa:
Morocco, Palestine

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

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

Age Requirements

• Applicants for Bachelor’s or Initial Master programmes must be 35 years old or younger on 1 January 2026.

• Applicants for Advanced Master programmes must be 45 years old or younger.

• Bachelor’s applicants must be at least 19 years old by 1 January 2026.

Professional Background

Preference is given to candidates who:

• Work in higher education, government ministries, civil society organizations, or public service

• Have a clear professional plan to contribute to development after graduation

However, motivated fresh graduates or private-sector professionals may also be accepted if they show strong alignment with the programme’s goals.

Scholarship Limitations

• Applicants may apply to only one ICP Connect programme per cycle.

• Candidates cannot hold another scholarship simultaneously.

• Applicants must not have studied at a Belgian university before 1 January 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 the long-term potential of each candidate to positively impact their community.

Motivation & Change Impact

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A strong connection to sustainable development themes

• The ability to apply new knowledge to real-world challenges

• A commitment to returning home and contributing to positive change

Professional Experience

Priority is given to those who can create impact in:

• Government and policymaking

• Education and academic research

• Civil society and development organizations

• Private-sector roles that address societal challenges

Gender Balance

The programme encourages strong participation of women to achieve equitable representation.

Regional Balance

Selection ensures fair distribution across all eligible countries and global regions.

Leave No One Behind (LNOB)

When candidates have equal qualifications, disadvantaged applicants may receive priority.

Previous International Study

Applicants who have never studied in a high-income country are prioritized to support inclusivity.

What the ICP Connect Scholarship Covers

The ICP Connect Scholarship offers full financial coverage for the entire duration of the programme.

Tuition Fees

Full tuition costs are waived.

International Travel

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

Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is covered throughout the stay.

Living Expenses

A monthly allowance is provided to cover:

• Food

• Local transportation

• Study materials

• Daily needs

Accommodation

Housing support is included through a monthly allowance or arrangements coordinated by the institution.

Academic Costs

All mandatory academic expenses are fully covered.

Note:
The scholarship cannot be extended beyond the official programme duration, and partial awards are not available.

Available Programmes (2026–2027)

ICP Connect offers high-quality programmes in fields that address global development.

Professional Bachelor Programmes (3 Years)

• Bachelor of Hotel Management

• Bachelor of Applied Computer Science

Initial Master’s Programmes (2 Years)

• International MSc in Agro- & Environmental Nematology

• MSc in Rural Development (IMRD)

• Master of Aquaculture (IMAQUA)

• Master of Epidemiology

• MSc in Food Technology

• MSc in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management

• MSc in Statistics and Data Science

• Master in Sustainable Development

• Master of Transportation Sciences – Road Safety

• MSc in Water Resources Engineering

• MSc in Nutrition and Food Systems

• MSc in Sustainable Land Management

• MSc in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Advanced Master’s Programmes (1 Year)

• Master of Human Settlements

• Master of Development Evaluation and Management

• Master of Governance and Development

• Master of Globalisation and Development

• Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (CADES)

How to Apply for the ICP Connect Scholarship 2026

The application process involves three major steps.

Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, verify that you meet:

• Age requirements

• Nationality and residency rules

• Professional background expectations

• Scholarship restrictions

Step 2 — Research the Programmes

Visit the official website of the institution offering the programme. Review:

• Admission and academic requirements

• Curriculum details

• Language requirements

• Programme-specific deadlines

Remember:
Applicants may only apply for one programme per year.

Step 3 — Apply Through the Institution’s Website

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

When applying:

• Indicate clearly that you wish to be considered for the ICP Connect Scholarship

• Upload all required documents

• Submit before the programme’s internal deadline

Late submissions will not be considered.

After You Apply: What Happens Next?

• The hosting university conducts the initial review.

• Shortlisted applications are forwarded to VLIR-UOS.

• VLIR-UOS finalizes the list of scholarship recipients.

• Selected and waitlisted candidates will be contacted via email.

• Final results are available by mid-June 2026.

ICP Connect Scholarship Timeline (2026–2027)

Note: Internal programme 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 Degrees

Belgium’s education system is globally respected and delivers internationally accredited qualifications.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Ideal for students passionate about solving real-world challenges in:

• Agriculture and food systems

• Environmental management

• Water resources

• Health

• Public policy

• Data sciences

• Governance and development

Strong Career Prospects

Graduates build careers in:

• Government ministries and public service

• Universities and research institutions

• NGOs and global development organizations

• UN agencies

• Private-sector innovation and consulting

Belgium as a Study Destination

Belgium offers:

• A safe and friendly academic environment

• A multicultural society

• High-quality university facilities

• Easy access to Europe

Contact Details (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