ICP Connect Belgium Scholarship to Reopen This October 2025 for Students from 30 Developing Countries

Are you dreaming of studying in Europe on a fully funded scholarship that not only transforms your life but also empowers you to make a difference in your home country? Then it’s time to start preparing for the ICP Connect Scholarship 2026, an opportunity funded by VLIR-UOS that will reopen for applications at the end of October 2025.

This is your early guide to everything you need to know—and do—to increase your chances of being selected for one of the most impactful scholarships for students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

What Is the ICP Connect Scholarship?

The ICP Connect scholarship supports motivated students from 30 eligible low- and middle-income countries to study English-taught master’s programmes at Flemish universities or universities of applied sciences and arts in Belgium. The programmes are designed to contribute to sustainable development and prepare scholars to become agents of change in their home countries after graduation.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The ICP Connect scholarship is fully funded and includes:

• Tuition fees (full coverage)
• Round-trip airfare
• Insurance
• Monthly living allowance (for food, housing, and personal expenses)
• Duration: Full duration of the master’s program (1, 2, or 3 years)

Important Note: Partial funding or extensions are not available—this scholarship covers the full length of your programme.

Are You Eligible? Start Checking Now!

Use this time before applications open to review your eligibility. You must meet the following conditions:

• Nationality & Residence: Be a national of and reside in one of the 30 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America at the time of application.
• Age Limit: Under 35 for bachelor’s or initial master’s programmes, under 45 for advanced master’s programmes, and minimum age 19 for bachelor’s applicants (by Jan 1 of the intake year).
• Professional Background: Preference is given to applicants working in higher education, government, or civil society, or those who can demonstrate how they will contribute to development in these sectors.
• No Prior Belgian Scholarship or Study: You must not have received a Belgian government scholarship or studied in Belgium before the intake year.
• Only One Application: Apply for one ICP Connect scholarship per year—multiple submissions will disqualify you.

What Makes a Strong Applicant?

Selection is based on several key factors, so focus your efforts on building a strong profile in the months ahead:

• Clear Motivation: Articulate how your goals align with the programme and how you plan to contribute to sustainable development in your country.
• Professional Relevance: Experience or interest in areas like education, policy, or development work will strengthen your application.
• Gender & Regional Balance: The scholarship aims for diversity—female candidates and applicants from underrepresented regions are strongly encouraged.
• Leave No One Behind (LNOB): Special consideration is given to candidates from vulnerable backgrounds.

What Should You Do Now? Step-by-Step Prep Plan

Even though applications open in late October 2025, smart students will begin preparing now. Here’s your roadmap:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Visit the VLIR-UOS eligibility page and confirm your country is on the list.
2. Browse the ICP Connect Programmes: Identify ONE eligible master’s programme that aligns with your academic and professional goals.
3. Update Your CV & Documents: Make sure your CV, academic transcripts, certificates, SOP and passport are up to date.
4. Start Drafting Your Motivation Letter: Begin writing a compelling letter that demonstrates your goals, commitment to development, and how the programme will help you make an impact.
5. Contact Programme Coordinators (Optional): If the university website allows, reach out with any questions about the programme content or admissions criteria.
6. Get Recommendation Letters: Contact your professors or employers in advance to write strong letters of support.
7. Prepare for Online Application: Once the applications open, submit your programme application via the university’s website, and indicate that you’re applying for the ICP Connect scholarship as well.

When to Apply?

Applications for the ICP Connect Scholarship 2026 will officially open at the end of October 2025. Each participating university sets its own deadline for programme applications, so be sure to check the specific deadline on the ICP Connect programme page of your chosen institution.