International study programs accredited by ICP Connect are available. Candidates from 30 qualifying nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are given scholarships to enroll in English-taught study programs at one or more Flemish universities or institutions of applied sciences and the arts.
Benefits
Scholarships from VLIRUOS ICP Connect provide living expenses (board and housing), travel, tuition, and insurance. Scholarships are only available for the entire study year (12, 24, or 36 months). Applications for an extension or a partial scholarship are not accepted.
The cost of scholarships may vary depending on government funding decisions.
Criteria
After completing their studies, academics are viewed as potential change agents who could help bring about societal change in their home nation (or region) according to the ICP Connect paradigm. Following an impartial assessment of their scholarship applications using the following standards, scholars are chosen:
Motivation:
Candidates’ professional objectives and motivation should demonstrate their ability to impart knowledge and skills, organize extension activities, and emphasize topics related to sustainable development and the course of study. Academic achievement is crucial, but so is the candidates’ potential and dedication to become an “agent of change” once their studies are over.
Professional experience:
Candidates who can show a higher likelihood of applying and/or transferring newly acquired knowledge and skills after graduation in a sustainable development context such as in the government, higher education, civil society, or private sector will be given preference, helping to bring about positive societal change.
Gender balance:
The goal is to grant ICP Connect scholarships to a balanced number of male and female applicants. Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply by VLIRUOS.
Regional balance:
If there are enough eligible applicants, a fair representation of academics from other nations and areas is sought.
Leave No One Behind (LNOB):
Candidates from vulnerable groups shall be given preference where there are equally competent applicants.
Scholarships previously awarded:
Candidates who have never been awarded a scholarship to study for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a higher-income nation will be given preference.
Who Can Apply?
Candidates may apply for an ICP Connect scholarship if they fulfill the following requirements:
Nationality and place of residence: Applicants must be citizens of one of the 30 qualifying nations and be residing in one of these nations at the time of application, though not always in their home country.
Age:
As of January 1st, of the intake year, applicants for a bachelor’s or initial master’s program must be older than 35, and applicants for an advanced master’s program cannot be older than 45. Additionally, by January 1st of the admission year, applicants for bachelor’s programs must be at least 19 years old.
Professional background and experience:
Candidates working in government, civic society, or higher education, or aspiring to work in these fields, will be given preference. If they have a compelling profile and sufficient motivation, recently graduated individuals or those working in the private sector without any prior job experience may also be taken into consideration.
Applications for scholarships:
Applicants are only permitted to submit one ICP Connect scholarship application year. To engage in this study program or another program concurrently, candidates are not eligible to earn any other grants or scholarships.
Previously awarded scholarships:
Candidates may not have previously received a scholarship from the Belgian government to attend a study program, nor may they have enrolled in a study program at a Belgian higher education institution before 1 January of the year of intake.
Application Instructions
How to submit a scholarship application:
- Verify your eligibility using all of the above criteria.
- Find out more about the chosen courses of study. If a certain program piques your interest, go to the website of the offering institution and adhere to the guidelines.
- Apply for the scholarship and program on the school’s website. Make sure to specify if you are applying for a scholarship when you submit your application for the program. Avoid applying to more than one ICP program in a single year.
Deadline
The deadline for the VLIROUS ICP Connect Study Scholarship 2025 is 1/28 February 2025.
Website Link
Official Website Link; https://www.vliruos.be/get-funded/study-scholarships.
CHECK THESE OUT: