Eligible countries: Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cuba, DR Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guinea, Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Niger, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Fields of study: Development, Agriculture, Water Resources, Health, Statistics, Environment
VLIR-UOS awards scholarships to applicants from 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to follow an English-taught training or Master's programme at a Flemish university or university college in Belgium. The scholarship aims to facilitate positive change in the scholar's home country through new knowledge and skills.
Benefits
Full Tuition Fee Waiver
Monthly Allowance (€1,400) for board and lodging
One-time Travel Costs (Airline ticket)
Logistical Allowance (€700)
Insurance
Indirect Travel Costs (€150)
Eligibility
Must be a national and resident of one of the 29 eligible countries
Must be under 35 years old for an Initial Master's and under 45 for an Advanced Master's
Must meet the academic admission criteria of the specific Master's programme
Must not have previously received a scholarship from the Belgian government
Must have relevant professional experience (preferred)
Requirements
Complete the university's admission application form
Indicate the desire to be considered for the VLIR-UOS scholarship
Submit a Motivation Letter
Submit Official Transcripts and Diplomas
Provide proof of English proficiency (if required)
Provide letters of recommendation
Required Documents
CV / Resume
Motivation Letter
Certified Academic Transcripts and Diplomas
Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
Two Reference Letters
Passport Copy
Programs of Study
International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD)
Master of Science in Aquaculture
Master of Epidemiology
Master of Statistics and Data Science
Master of Water Resources Engineering
Master of Sustainable Development
Master of Transportation Sciences
Master of Human Settlements
Master of Governance and Development
Application Process
Go to the VLIR-UOS website and select one of the 15 eligible 'ICP Connect' Master's programs
Visit the specific university website for that program (e.g., KU Leuven, UGent)
Apply for admission to the program and check the box for 'VLIR-UOS Scholarship'
Submit the full dossier before the program-specific deadline (usually Feb 1 or Feb 28, 2026)
How to Apply
Do not apply to VLIR-UOS directly. Instead, apply to the organizing Flemish university (e.g., KU Leuven, Ghent University, Hasselt University) for the specific Master's course. During the admission application, follow the instructions to request the VLIR-UOS funding.