ICP Connect Scholarships 2027 in Belgium – Amazing Fully Funded Opportunity

The ICP Connect Scholarships 2027 offer an excellent opportunity for eligible international students to pursue fully funded Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Belgium. Funded by VLIR-UOS, these scholarships support students from selected countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America who want to gain advanced knowledge and contribute to sustainable development.

Applications are now open for the 2027–2028 academic year, with selected programmes beginning in September 2027.

Successful scholarship recipients receive tuition fee coverage, living expenses, travel support, and insurance throughout their approved study programme.

The ICP Connect Scholarships 2027 are particularly suitable for students interested in agriculture, food technology, environmental sciences, governance, development studies, and other fields that address important global challenges.

Application deadlines vary by programme, so students should check the official deadline for their chosen course before applying.

ICP Connect Scholarships 2027 Overview

Information	Details
Scholarship name	VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships
Host country	Belgium
Funding organisation	VLIR-UOS
Degree levels	Selected Bachelor’s, Initial Master’s and Advanced Master’s
Scholarship coverage	Fully funded
Eligible applicants	Nationals of 25 approved countries
Host institutions	Participating Flemish higher education institutions
Study duration	12, 24 or 36 months
Academic intake	September 2027
Application fee	Free
Applications	Open
Application deadline	Varies by programme
Application method	Online through participating institutions

You can also Apply for University of Sydney Scholarships 2027 – Up to $60,000 in Australia

About VLIR-UOS and the ICP Connect Programme

VLIR-UOS is a Belgian organisation that supports international partnerships and higher education initiatives focused on sustainable development.

Through its scholarship programmes, VLIR-UOS helps students from eligible countries gain knowledge, professional experience and academic qualifications that can contribute to positive change in their communities.

The ICP Connect Scholarships are linked to selected accredited international study programmes delivered in English at Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences and arts.

The main objective extends beyond providing financial assistance.

VLIR-UOS aims to support future professionals who can apply their education to important challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, public health, governance and economic development.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, the organisation has announced full scholarships for 12 study programmes.

Students exploring other international opportunities can also read about the Swedish Institute Scholarships 2027.

Financial Benefits of ICP Connect Scholarships 2027

One of the major advantages of the ICP Connect Scholarships 2027 is their comprehensive financial support.

Selected students receive funding for the approved duration of their programme.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Living expenses
• Accommodation and board support
• International travel expenses
• Insurance coverage
• Financial support for the approved programme duration
• Access to academic resources at participating institutions

Scholarships are awarded for the full duration of the eligible programme, which may be 12, 24 or 36 months.

Students cannot request funding for only part of the programme or automatically extend their scholarship beyond the approved period.

The exact financial arrangements follow the current VLIR-UOS scholarship framework and may change according to government funding decisions.

Available Study Programmes in Belgium

The 2027–2028 ICP Connect call supports selected Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes.

Applicants must choose a programme included in the official scholarship list.

Professional Bachelor’s Programmes

• Bachelor of Hotel Management
• Bachelor of Applied Computer Science

These programmes generally take three years to complete.

Initial Master’s Programmes

• Master of Science in Aquaculture
• Master of Science in Food Technology
• Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management
• Master of Science in Transportation Sciences – Road Safety
• Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems
• Master of Science in Sustainable Land Management
• Master of Science in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Initial Master’s programmes generally have a duration of two years.

Advanced Master’s Programmes

• Master of Science in Development Evaluation and Management
• Master in Globalisation and Development
• Master in Governance and Development

These programmes generally last one academic year.

Important: Not every university course in Belgium is eligible for VLIR-UOS funding. Applicants should apply only to the programmes listed in the current official scholarship call.

Some programmes supported in previous years, including Water Resources Engineering and Statistics and Data Science, are no longer available for scholarships in the 2027–2028 intake.

Eligible Countries for ICP Connect Scholarships 2027

The scholarships are restricted to applicants from 25 eligible countries.

Candidates must hold citizenship from an eligible country and reside in one of the approved countries at the time of application. Their country of residence does not necessarily have to be the same as their nationality.

Sub-Saharan Africa

• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Ethiopia
• Guinea
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mozambique
• Niger
• Senegal
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zimbabwe

Middle East and North Africa

• Morocco
• Palestine

Latin America and the Caribbean

• Bolivia
• Cuba
• Ecuador
• Peru

Southeast Asia

• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Vietnam

Country-list update: The official 2027–2028 scholarship announcement also identifies Mali as a recently added eligible country. Applicants from Mali should confirm the updated eligibility instructions for their chosen programme, as the separate official country-list page has not yet reflected this addition.

Students from countries outside the approved list are not eligible for these scholarships.

Check University of Twente Scholarship 2027: Excellent €22,000 Award

Eligibility Criteria for ICP Connect Scholarships 2027

Applicants must meet both the general VLIR-UOS scholarship requirements and the admission criteria of their selected university.

General Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Hold nationality from an eligible country.
2. Reside in an eligible country when applying.
3. Meet the academic requirements of the selected programme.
4. Satisfy the applicable age requirements.
5. Meet the programme’s English-language requirements.
6. Demonstrate motivation to contribute to sustainable development.
7. Apply for no more than one ICP Connect scholarship during the same year.
8. Comply with the rules concerning previous Belgian government scholarships.
9. Meet any additional admission requirements imposed by the host institution.

Applicants cannot simultaneously receive another scholarship or grant for participation in the same or another study programme.

Candidates who previously received a Belgian government scholarship to attend a study programme, or who were enrolled at a Belgian higher education institution before January 1 of the intake year, may be ineligible.

Age Requirements

The official age requirements are calculated as of January 1, 2027.

Study level	Age requirement
Bachelor’s	At least 19 and no older than 35
Initial Master’s	No older than 35
Advanced Master’s	No older than 45

Applicants should calculate their age carefully before submitting an application.

English-Language Requirements

All ICP Connect study programmes are taught in English.

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English-language proficiency to complete their chosen degree.

Depending on the university, accepted evidence may include:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL
• Other recognised English-language tests
• An approved exemption based on previous English-language education

There is no single universal IELTS score for every programme.

Each participating university sets its own English-language requirements.

Applicants should therefore check the official programme page for accepted tests, minimum scores, exemptions and submission deadlines.

Knowledge of Dutch is not required for admission to these English-taught programmes.

Professional Experience and Selection Preferences

Work experience is not compulsory for every applicant.

However, VLIR-UOS gives preference to candidates who are employed in higher education, government or civil society, or who intend to pursue careers in these areas.

Recent graduates and applicants from the private sector may also qualify if they demonstrate strong motivation and a relevant academic or professional profile.

The scholarship programme particularly values applicants who can explain how they will use their education to contribute to sustainable development.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

VLIR-UOS also considers regional balance and the inclusion of candidates from vulnerable or underrepresented groups.

Required Documents

The exact documents depend on the chosen institution and programme.

Applicants should generally prepare:

• Completed online application form
• Valid passport or identification document
• Academic degree certificates
• Official academic transcripts
• Updated curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter or statement of purpose
• Evidence of English-language proficiency
• Recommendation letters, where required
• Additional programme-specific documents

Some programmes may request additional evidence, such as professional experience or academic qualifications in a related field.

Applicants from certain countries may need legalised academic documents.

Students who have not yet received their final diploma should contact the organising institution to determine whether provisional documents are accepted.

How to Write a Strong Scholarship Motivation Letter

The motivation letter is an important part of the selection process.

Applicants should explain why they selected their academic programme and how their future plans align with sustainable development.

A strong application should address:

• Your academic background and relevant achievements.
• The development challenges affecting your community or country.
• Why the selected Belgian programme is suitable for your goals.
• How you intend to use the knowledge after graduation.
• Your potential to contribute to positive social or economic change.

Avoid generic statements about wanting to study abroad.

Instead, give specific examples of projects, professional experiences or community challenges that influenced your academic interests.

ICP Connect Scholarships 2027 Application Deadline

The 2027–2028 scholarship call is officially open.

There is no single application deadline that applies to every study programme.

Each participating institution determines the dates for its programme.

Confirmed Example

Master of Science in Food Technology

• Applications opened: October 12, 2026
• Application deadline: February 1, 2027
• Programme period: September 2027–September 2029

The general scholarship call page also displays February 28, 2027, but applicants should follow the specific deadline for their chosen programme, which may be earlier.

Some participating institutions have not yet displayed confirmed dates on their programme pages.

Applicants should always consult the current official scholarship listing.

Students considering European postgraduate opportunities can also explore the Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship.

How to Apply for ICP Connect Scholarships 2027

The application process is completed through the university or institution offering the selected programme.

Step 1: Visit the Official VLIR-UOS Website

Open the official study scholarships page and review the programmes available for 2027–2028.

Step 2: Choose an Eligible Programme

Select a Bachelor’s, Initial Master’s or Advanced Master’s programme that matches your academic qualifications and career interests.

Step 3: Check Scholarship Eligibility

Confirm your nationality, residence, age and academic qualifications.

Step 4: Review University Requirements

Visit the organising institution’s official website and check the admission requirements.

Step 5: Prepare Your Documents

Collect your academic certificates, CV, motivation letter, language evidence and any required recommendations.

Step 6: Open the University Application Portal

Apply through the official website of the participating university.

Step 7: Indicate Scholarship Interest

When completing the programme application, clearly indicate that you are applying for the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship.

Step 8: Submit Your Application

Review all uploaded information and submit before the programme-specific deadline.

Step 9: Monitor Your Email

Successful candidates and waiting-list applicants are contacted after the selection process.

VLIR-UOS indicates that scholarship results are communicated as soon as possible and no later than mid-May.

Selection Process for ICP Connect Scholarships 2027

Scholarship selection considers academic achievement alongside an applicant’s ability to contribute to sustainable development.

Important factors include:

• Academic qualifications
• Motivation and professional goals
• Relevant experience
• Potential for positive social impact
• Ability to transfer knowledge after graduation
• Gender and regional balance
• Inclusion of underrepresented groups

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee a scholarship because places are limited and competitive.

Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their education, chosen study programme and long-term development goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are the ICP Connect Scholarships 2027 fully funded?

Yes. Successful scholarship recipients receive tuition fee coverage, travel expenses, insurance and living-cost support for the approved duration of their study programme.

2. What is the deadline for ICP Connect Scholarships 2027?

The deadline varies by programme. For example, the Master of Science in Food Technology has a confirmed deadline of February 1, 2027. Applicants must check the date for their selected programme.

3. Can international students apply for ICP Connect Scholarships?

Yes, but only applicants who meet the approved nationality and residency requirements can apply.

4. Is IELTS required for ICP Connect Scholarships?

English-language proficiency is required. The accepted tests, minimum scores and possible exemptions depend on the participating institution.

5. Is there an application fee for ICP Connect Scholarships?

No. According to the official VLIR-UOS 2027–2028 application information, applications for ICP Connect scholarship programmes do not require an application fee.

6. Can I apply for more than one ICP Connect scholarship?

No. Applicants may apply for only one ICP Connect scholarship per year. Applying for multiple scholarships under this programme may result in exclusion.

Final Thoughts

The ICP Connect Scholarships 2027 provide an excellent opportunity for eligible students to pursue fully funded higher education in Belgium.

With support for tuition fees, travel, accommodation, living expenses and insurance, the programme can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.

Beyond financial support, VLIR-UOS aims to develop professionals who can use their education to address important challenges in their communities.

Interested applicants should first confirm their nationality and residence eligibility, select an approved programme, and carefully review its application requirements and deadline.

Starting early will provide more time to prepare a strong motivation letter and complete the necessary documents.

Apply Now – Official Scholarship Website

Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Scholarship Updates

Here are some other great opportunities you can also apply for.

Stanford Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2027 in USA – Excellent Funded Fellowship

CrossCulture Programme 2027 in Germany – Fully Funded Fellowship

ACC New York Fellowship 2028 in USA – $38,000 Funded Opportunity

Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship 2027 in Qatar – Amazing Funding

Tohoku University IGPAS 2027 – Amazing Fully Funded MEXT Scholarship in Japan

---

Author: Muhammad Khayam Afridi — Founder & Editor

Last verified: October 27, 2026

Global Scholarship Point provides independently researched information about international educational opportunities. Applicants should verify final requirements, deadlines and application instructions directly with the official scholarship provider.