Closing Date: 28 February 2027
ICP Connect Scholarship 2027–2028: Fully Funded Study Opportunities in Belgium
Are you looking for a fully funded scholarship to pursue a degree in Belgium? The ICP Connect Scholarship 2027–2028 offers eligible students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America an opportunity to study selected English-taught degree programmes at Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences and arts in Belgium.
Funded through the Flemish Interuniversity Council for University Development Cooperation (VLIRUOS), the scholarship supports talented students who want to gain advanced knowledge and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries after graduation.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and travel costs for the standard duration of the selected programme. The 2027–2028 application call is open, with the overall deadline listed as 28 February 2027. However, individual programmes may have earlier deadlines, so applicants should check the relevant university’s application page before applying.
About the ICP Connect Scholarship
The ICP Connect Scholarship is part of VLIRUOS’s international development cooperation initiative. It supports students who can use their education and professional experience to address development challenges and contribute to positive change in their communities.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, scholarships are available for 12 selected study programmes. These programmes are taught in English and cover different fields relevant to sustainable development, including food technology, water resources, human settlements, and development studies.
The programmes vary in duration, with eligible studies lasting approximately 12, 24, or 36 months, depending on the degree.
The scholarship is competitive. Selection considers academic qualifications, motivation, relevant experience, and the applicant’s potential to apply newly acquired knowledge to development challenges in their home country.
Benefits of the ICP Connect Scholarship
The ICP Connect Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to successful applicants.
Key benefits include:
- Full tuition coverage: Scholarship recipients receive funding for tuition fees for the standard duration of their selected programme.
- Monthly allowance: The scholarship package includes a grant for living and accommodation expenses in Belgium.
- Travel expenses: Eligible scholars receive economy travel tickets to Belgium and a return ticket to their country of residence after completing their studies.
- Health insurance: The scholarship package includes health insurance during the study period.
- Installation support: Funding includes assistance with initial settlement costs in Belgium.
- International academic exposure: Students study at recognized Flemish higher education institutions and engage with international academic communities.
- Development-focused education: Scholars gain knowledge and skills that can help them contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
The exact scholarship arrangements and financial details should be confirmed through VLIRUOS and the institution offering the chosen programme.
Who Can Apply for the ICP Connect Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to applicants who meet the nationality, residency, age, and academic requirements established by VLIRUOS and the selected university.
The general eligibility requirements include:
- Eligible nationality and residence: Applicants must be nationals of one of the 25 eligible countries and reside in an eligible country when applying.
- Age limit: Applicants for bachelor’s and initial master’s programmes must be no older than 35 on 1 January of the intake year. Applicants for advanced master’s programmes must be no older than 45. Bachelor’s applicants must be at least 19 by that date.
- Academic qualifications: Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen degree programme.
- Professional background: Preference is given to candidates working in, or intending to pursue careers in, higher education, government, or civil society. Other applicants, including recent graduates, may also be considered.
- Development commitment: Applicants should demonstrate how their studies will help them contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
Applicants may apply for only one ICP Connect scholarship per year. Those who have previously received a Belgian government scholarship for a study programme, or who enrolled at a Belgian higher education institution before 1 January of the intake year, are not eligible under the general rules.
How to Apply for the ICP Connect Scholarship 2027–2028
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official VLIRUOS website and review the list of available ICP Connect study programmes.
- Choose a programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
- Read the university’s admission requirements, scholarship conditions, and application deadline.
- Prepare the required documents, which may include academic transcripts, certificates, a motivation letter, proof of English proficiency, and recommendation letters.
- Submit your application through the university’s designated application system before the programme-specific deadline.
Overall application deadline: 28 February 2027. Some universities close applications earlier, so do not wait until the overall deadline to apply.
The ICP Connect Scholarship 2027–2028 is an excellent opportunity for eligible students seeking fully funded higher education in Belgium. With tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and travel included in the scholarship package, recipients can focus on their studies while preparing to contribute to development in their home countries.
If you are interested in applying, start by identifying a suitable programme and carefully reviewing its specific eligibility criteria. A strong academic record, a convincing motivation letter, and a clear plan for applying your knowledge after graduation can strengthen your application.
