VLIR-UOS and ARES Are Not the Same — Belgium Has Two Separate Scholarship Systems
If you’ve already read about the ARES Belgium scholarship (also covered on ScholarWing), you know about the French-speaking side of Belgian scholarship funding. VLIR-UOS is entirely separate, it is the Flemish (Dutch-speaking) side.
Belgium is a federal country with two main linguistic communities: the French-speaking Wallonia and Brussels region, and the Dutch-speaking Flanders region. Each has its own university system, its own development cooperation agency, and its own international scholarship program:
| Feature | ARES | VLIR-UOS |
|---|---|---|
| Region | French-speaking Belgium | Flemish (Dutch-speaking) Belgium |
| Universities | Francophone universities (UCLouvain, ULiège, UNamur, etc.) | Flemish universities (KU Leuven, UGhent, UAntwerp, etc.) |
| Deadline | September | February (most programs) |
| Countries | 31 partner countries | 29 partner countries |
| Teaching language | French (mostly) | English (most programs) |
| Funded by | French Community of Belgium | Flemish government (Belgium) |
VLIR-UOS
VLIR-UOS Flemish Interuniversity Council, University Development Cooperation funds bachelor’s, master’s, and advanced master’s programs at Flemish universities and university colleges, with a strong focus on sustainable development and knowledge transfer to the Global South.
Before anything else about VLIR-UOS, one critical operational rule must be stated:
You may only submit one VLIR-UOS scholarship application per year. Applying for more than one program may disqualify all your applications.
ONE application. One program. One university. Per academic year. This is not a guideline, it is a disqualification trigger if violated.
The 2027-28 cycle opens end of October 2026, with most deadlines November 2026 – February 2027.
What Is VLIR-UOS — The Flemish Development Cooperation Agency
VLIR-UOS (Flemish Interuniversity Council for University Development Cooperation) funds study scholarships and academic partnerships between Flemish higher education institutions and universities in partner countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
VLIR-UOS operates the ICP Connect (International Cooperation Program Connect) scholarship, a program that funds students from 29 developing countries to study at Flemish universities in Belgium. The program is funded by the Belgian/Flemish government as part of Belgium’s international development cooperation budget.
Flemish universities are some of Europe’s most respected research institutions:
- KU Leuven — one of Europe’s oldest universities (1425), consistently ranked in QS top 50-100
- Ghent University — world-class research institution, QS top 100-150
- University of Antwerp — strong in science, medicine, social sciences
- Hasselt University — specialized programs in technology and environment
- University Colleges (Hogescholen) — professionally-oriented bachelor’s programs
Why Flemish universities for development? VLIR-UOS programs are specifically designed around development-relevant topics aquaculture, water resources, food technology, rural development, sustainable development, governance. These are not generic academic programs, they are built to produce graduates who return home with knowledge directly applicable to their country’s development challenges.
The Full Financial Package — €1,400/Month Plus Everything Else
The VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship provides full financial support covering all study-related expenses in Belgium. Recipients benefit from a monthly allowance of €1,400 for living expenses including accommodation, food, and local transport.
Complete Coverage:
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Monthly allowance | €1,400/month — covers board, lodging, local transport |
| Full tuition | 100% — all academic and enrollment fees |
| International airfare | Return flight from home country to Belgium |
| Health insurance | For entire program duration |
| Medical certificate | Reimbursed — required for visa |
| Document legalization | Costs reimbursed |
| Visa fees | Reimbursed |
| Embassy travel costs | Reimbursed |
| Duration | For FULL program — no partial scholarships |
VLIR-UOS only gives full scholarships; partial funding is not available.
The administrative cost reimbursements visa fees, document legalization, medical certificate, travel to embassy are a distinctive feature. Many scholarships leave applicants to absorb these costs. VLIR-UOS reimburses them, recognizing that for students in developing countries, these costs can be prohibitive.
The 29 Eligible Countries
The VLIR-UOS scholarship country list (29): Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cuba, DR Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guinea, Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Niger, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Zimbabwe.
By Region:
Africa (19 countries): Benin ✅, Burkina Faso ✅, Burundi ✅, Cameroon ✅, DR Congo ✅, Ethiopia ✅, Guinea ✅, Kenya ✅, Madagascar ✅, Mali ✅, Morocco ✅, Mozambique ✅, Niger ✅, Senegal ✅, South Africa ✅, Tanzania ✅, Uganda ✅, Zimbabwe ✅ (Rwanda in some lists)
Asia (5 countries): Cambodia ✅, Indonesia ✅, Philippines ✅, Vietnam ✅, Palestine ✅
Latin America (5 countries): Bolivia ✅, Cuba ✅, Ecuador ✅, Haiti ✅, Nicaragua ✅, Peru ✅
Important nationality/residence note: Candidates must be nationals of one of the 30 eligible countries and must be a resident of one of these countries not necessarily the same country.
You can be a citizen of Nigeria (not on the list) but a resident of South Africa (on the list), your South Africa residence makes you eligible. Or a Kenyan citizen living in Uganda still eligible. Nationality and current residence can be different eligible countries.
Three Study Levels — 20 Programs, 200 Total Scholarships
Twenty programs are offered, each with ten scholarships. They cover three levels: two professional bachelor’s degrees lasting three years, thirteen initial master’s programs lasting two years, and five advanced master’s programs lasting one year.
Level 1: Professional Bachelor’s (3 years) — NEW in 2026-27
Two professional bachelor’s programs were added in 2026-27 a significant expansion:
- Bachelor in Hotel Management — VIVES Noord
- Bachelor in Applied Computer Science — Thomas More University College, Geel
Level 2: Initial Master’s (2 years) — 13 Programs
Confirmed programs include:
- MSc in Aquaculture — fisheries, aquatic production
- MSc in Rural Development — agriculture, rural livelihoods
- MSc in Water Resources Engineering — water management, engineering
- MSc in Food Technology — food safety, processing
- MSc in Sustainable Development — integrated development
- MSc in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (TROPIMUNDO) — ⚠️ November deadline (earliest!)
- Plus other master’s programs
Level 3: Advanced Master’s (1 year) — 5 Programs
Confirmed programs:
- Advanced Master in Human Settlements — urban/rural planning
- Advanced Master in Governance and Development
- Advanced Master in Development Evaluation
- Plus other advanced programs
How to find current programs: Visit vliruos.be → ICP Connect → see the full list of programs with their hosting universities and deadlines for the current cycle.
Eligibility — Full Requirements
Applicants for the ICP Connect 2026 scholarships must meet all eligibility and admission requirements. They must be a citizen and resident of one of the 29 eligible countries, be 35 years old or younger for a bachelor’s or initial master’s, and 45 years or younger for an advanced master’s. They must not have previously received a scholarship funded by the Belgian government.
Complete Eligibility:
1. Citizenship + Residence in Eligible Country National of one of 29 countries AND resident in one of these countries (can be different).
2. Age Limits:
- Bachelor’s + Initial Master’s: ≤35 years
- Advanced Master’s (1 year): ≤45 years
3. Not Previously Held Belgian Government Scholarship Applicants must not have previously received a scholarship funded by the Belgian government. This includes previous VLIR-UOS, ARES, or other Belgian government scholarships.
4. Not Previously Studied in Flanders with Scholarship If you have previously studied at a Flemish university WITH a scholarship, you are not eligible.
5. Academic Qualification Appropriate degree for the chosen level bachelor’s for master’s applicants; recognized undergraduate degree for bachelor’s level.
6. Language Proficiency Proof of language proficiency (English, French, or Dutch, depending on program requirements). Most VLIR-UOS programs are taught in English, IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent required.
7. Development Commitment Candidates must show a clear drive to contribute to sustainable development and act as agents of change after their studies.
Preference Factors (Not Absolute Requirements):
- Women: 50% of scholarships targeted to women
- Sub-Saharan Africa: 50% of budget allocated to sub-Saharan African applicants
- Professional background: Working in higher education, public sector, or civil society organizations
- No prior high-income country scholarship: Preference for those who have NOT previously studied in a high-income country with a scholarship
How to Apply — Through the University, Not VLIR-UOS
Submit your application to the host university of the chosen program, indicating in your application that you are also applying for the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship.
This is the critical process point. VLIR-UOS does not have a central application portal for scholarships. You apply to the Belgian university that runs your chosen program and on that application, you indicate that you are also applying for the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship.
Step-by-Step:
Step 1: Choose ONE program Browse the VLIR-UOS program list on vliruos.be. Choose ONE program that fits your field and career goals. You may only apply to one program per year.
Step 2: Find the hosting university Each program is hosted by a specific Flemish university. Go to that university’s website for the specific program.
Step 3: Apply to the university Apply for admission to the program through the university’s own admission process. Indicate clearly that you are applying for the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship.
Step 4: Submit scholarship documents Typical documents:
- Certified copies of academic degrees and transcripts
- English language proof (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
- Motivation letter (why this program, your development commitment)
- CV
- Reference letters
- Proof of employment (if applicable)
- Passport copy
Step 5: Meet the program’s specific deadline Each program sets its own calendar; deadlines vary significantly from one program to another. Most deadlines are around 1 February or 28 February 2026. The TROPIMUNDO program has the earliest deadline, set for November 30.
For the 2027-28 cycle: Call opens end of October 2026. Application window: deadlines typically between November 2026 and February 2027. Results announcement: by June 2027 for the September 2027 intake.
Step 6: Wait for results Selection is done jointly, the university evaluates academic suitability and VLIR-UOS evaluates development commitment and country priority. Results announced before mid-May/June.
The ONE Application Rule — Critical Warning
You may only submit one VLIR-UOS scholarship application per year. Applying for more than one program may disqualify all your applications.
This is not a soft preference, it is enforced. If VLIR-UOS discovers you have applied to two programs in the same year, ALL your applications are disqualified. You lose your chance for that entire academic year.
Choose carefully before applying. Research the programs, assess which fits your background and career goals best, and commit to one application per cycle.
Quick Reference
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship |
| Funder | Flemish/Belgian government |
| Study in | Flemish (Dutch-speaking) universities in Belgium |
| Programs | 20 programs, 10 scholarships each = ~200/year |
| Levels | Bachelor’s (3yr), Master’s (2yr), Advanced Master’s (1yr) |
| Monthly allowance | €1,400/month |
| Tuition | Full waiver |
| Airfare | Round-trip covered |
| Health insurance | Covered |
| Admin costs | Visa, legalization, medical cert — reimbursed |
| Eligible countries | 29 — Africa, Asia, Latin America |
| Age — Bachelor’s/Master’s | ≤35 years |
| Age — Advanced Master’s | ≤45 years |
| Previous Belgian scholarship | Disqualifies |
| ONE application | Per year — violations = disqualification |
| Apply to | Host university — NOT VLIR-UOS directly |
| 2027-28 opens | End of October 2026 |
| Deadlines | November 2026 – February 2027 (varies) |
| TROPIMUNDO | November deadline — earliest |
| Results | By June 2027 |
| Start | September 2027 |
VLIR-UOS vs ARES — Which Belgium Scholarship Is Right for You?
If you are deciding between VLIR-UOS and ARES:
<tr>Belgium typeFlemishWallonia/French
| Factor | VLIR-UOS | ARES |
|---|---|---|
| Language | English (most programs) | French (most programs) |
| Deadline | February | September |
| Countries | 29 | 31 |
| Level | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Advanced | Master’s, PhD |
| Focus | Development-oriented science/tech | Development + humanities |
If you speak French, ARES may be more accessible. If you speak English, VLIR-UOS is the clear choice. You can also apply to both in the SAME year, VLIR-UOS and ARES are separate programs with separate rules, so applying to one does not affect the other.
FAQ
What is the monthly allowance?
A monthly allowance of €1,400 for living expenses including accommodation, food, and local transport.
Are visa costs covered?
Yes, VLIR-UOS reimburses certain administrative costs linked to the application including medical certificate, document legalization, visa fees, and travel to the embassy.
How many applications can I submit?
One per year — applying for more than one program may disqualify all your applications.
Do I apply to VLIR-UOS directly?
No, submit your application to the host university of your chosen program, indicating you are applying for the VLIR-UOS scholarship.
What are the age limits?
35 years or younger for a bachelor’s or initial master’s, and 45 years or younger for an advanced master’s.
When does the 2027-28 cycle open?
End of October 2026, with deadlines between November 2026 and February 2027, and results by June 2027.
Free Application Tools
- Motivation Letter: Motivation Letter Generator
- SOP / Study Plan: SOP Generator
- CV: Free CV Builder
- Reference Letter: Reference Letter Generator
- MOI Certificate (if needed): MOI Generator
- Research Proposal (PhD): Research Proposal Generator