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The VLIR-UOS Undergraduate & Masters Scholarships offer a unique opportunity for students from developing countries, particularly African nations, to pursue full master’s programs in Belgium. These scholarships cover a range of specialized programs that aim to address challenges faced by developing nations, allowing graduates to apply their acquired knowledge back home. Half of the available scholarships are reserved for African students, with special consideration given to female applicants to ensure gender balance.
Application Deadline
The application deadlines for the VLIR-UOS Scholarships vary depending on the chosen master’s program, but final submissions must be made by April 2025. Be sure to verify the specific deadline for each program.
About the VLIR-UOS Undergraduate & Masters Scholarships
The VLIR-UOS Scholarships aim to empower students from developing countries by providing full funding for master’s degrees at Flemish universities in Belgium. These scholarships are structured to develop knowledge, foster academic exchange, and build skills that can be transferred back to the students’ home countries. With a focus on sustainable development, VLIR-UOS hopes to address issues faced by communities in developing nations through this initiative.
Programs eligible for scholarships are taught in English, making them accessible to a broad range of international students.
Eligible Countries
Candidates from a range of developing countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America are eligible, including:
- Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Cameroon, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Niger.
- Asia: Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, Palestinian Territories, Vietnam.
- Latin America: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru.
Eligible Fields
The scholarship is open for specific programs that are deemed valuable for development within the home countries of the recipients. Eligible programs, taught in English at Flemish universities, include:
Professional Bachelor’s Programs
- Bachelor of Hotel Management
- Bachelor of Applied Computer Science
One-Year Master’s Programs
- Master of Human Settlements
- Master of Development Evaluation and Management
- Master of Governance and Development
- Master of Globalization and Development
- Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies
Two-Year Master’s Programs
- International Master of Science in Agro- & Environmental Nematology
- International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD)
- Master of Aquaculture (IMAQUA)
- Master of Epidemiology
- Master of Science in Food Technology
- Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management
- Master of Statistics and Data Science
- Master in Sustainable Development
- Master of Transportation Sciences – Road Safety
- Master of Water Resources Engineering (WRE)
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems
- Master of Science in Sustainable Land Management
- Master of Science in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems
These programs focus on areas crucial to sustainable development, including food security, health, and environmental management.
Selection Criteria
The VLIR-UOS scholarships are highly competitive. Selection is based on a variety of criteria to ensure that candidates are committed to making an impact within their communities. Key criteria include:
- Motivation: Candidates who present a clear, convincing motivation for applying are given priority.
- Professional Experience: Preference is given to those with experience relevant to their intended field of study and those who are likely to transfer new skills back to their communities.
- Gender: When two candidates are equally qualified, preference is given to female applicants to encourage gender balance.
- Regional Balance: The selection committee aims to allocate 50% of scholarships to candidates from Sub-Saharan Africa, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Inclusive Opportunities: Candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds, ethnic minorities, or marginalized communities who demonstrate leadership potential are given preference.
- Previous Scholarships: Candidates who have not previously received scholarships for studies in developed countries are prioritized.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following general eligibility criteria to qualify for VLIR-UOS scholarships:
- VLIR-UOS Funding Eligibility: Candidates must not be receiving support through other VLIR-UOS initiatives like IUC or TEAM projects. A declaration from project leaders may be required if the applicant is from an institution with ongoing VLIR-UOS projects.
- Age Limit: Maximum age limits are 35 years for initial master’s, 40 years for advanced master’s, and 45 years for training programs.
- Nationality and Residency: Candidates must be nationals and residents of one of the 31 eligible countries on the VLIR-UOS list.
- Professional Background: While priority is given to candidates working in academic, governmental, social, or NGO sectors, candidates with private-sector experience or recent graduates are also eligible.
- Previous Scholarship Applications: Candidates can only apply for one VLIR-UOS scholarship per year.
- Previous Education in Belgium: Candidates should not have previously received a scholarship from the Belgian government for a master’s program.
Benefits Of The Fully Funded VLIR-UOS Undergraduate & Masters Scholarships
Recipients of the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarships will receive comprehensive support covering:
- Tuition Fees: Full tuition is covered for the duration of the study program.
- Living Expenses: Financial support for accommodation and daily expenses.
- Travel Expenses: Round-trip airfare between the student’s home country and Belgium.
- Insurance: Health and accident insurance coverage for the entire duration of the program.
The scholarships are offered for the full length of each program (1-3 years) and cannot be extended or partially awarded.
Duration of the Scholarship
Scholarships cover the entire duration of the master’s program. Most programs last between one and two years, while some bachelor’s programs extend to three years.
How To Apply
To apply for a VLIR-UOS scholarship, candidates must follow these steps:
- Apply for the Program: Applicants must first apply for one of the eligible master’s programs through the program’s official website.
- Indicate Scholarship Interest: During the application process for the master’s program, applicants can specify their interest in applying for the VLIR-UOS scholarship. The program coordinator will forward eligible applications to VLIR-UOS.
- Direct Applications Not Accepted: Applications sent directly to VLIR-UOS will not be considered. All applications must go through the master’s program application process.
For detailed application guidelines, visit the official program website linked through each master’s program.
Conclusion
The VLIR-UOS scholarships present an exceptional opportunity for students from developing countries to gain valuable skills and knowledge that they can bring back to their communities. By focusing on areas critical to development and offering financial support to ensure students can fully immerse themselves in their studies, VLIR-UOS fosters a new generation of leaders equipped to address global challenges.
Ready to take your educational journey to Belgium? Check the program-specific deadlines and apply soon to be part of the VLIR-UOS 2025/2026 cohort. This could be your stepping stone toward making a difference in your field and your community.
For more details and to begin your application, visit the official VLIR-UOS scholarship page.
See also:
Valencia College Global Achievers Scholarship 2025/2026 for International Students: Apply Now!
Coca-Cola Scholarship 2024–25: Apply Now!
The University of Turin Scholarships 2024/25 in Italy: Apply Now
