ICP Connect Scholarships 2026-2027 for International Students

Overview

The ICP Connect Scholarships for 2026-2027 represent one of Belgium's most prestigious opportunities for international students from the Global South. Administered by VLIRUOS — the Flemish Interuniversity Council for University Development Cooperation — these scholarships are designed to empower students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue high-quality academic programmes at leading Belgian universities. With a focus on building leadership capacity and fostering societal transformation, the ICP Connect programme goes beyond academic excellence: it cultivates a generation of professionals equipped to drive meaningful change in their home countries. The 2026-2027 call is now open, offering full funding across 20 carefully selected programmes, with studies commencing in September 2026. Students from 29 eligible countries — with Mali recently joining the list — are invited to explore this transformative opportunity.

Scholarship Details

The ICP Connect Scholarships are fully funded awards that cover the core costs of studying in Belgium. Recipients benefit from a monthly scholarship allowance intended to cover both living expenses and tuition fees. The precise breakdown of costs varies by institution: in some cases, the organising university covers tuition, accommodation, and insurance directly, then deducts these from the monthly allowance; in others, students manage these expenses themselves from the allowance provided.

Programmes are available at three duration levels — 12, 24, or 36 months — depending on the degree type. This flexibility allows applicants to pursue shorter advanced postgraduate certificates as well as full two- or three-year Master's programmes. There are no application fees for ICP Connect programmes, meaning the entire process from submission to enrolment is accessible without financial barriers.

Additional programme-specific funding may be available for activities such as Global South immersions, though VLIRUOS does not provide supplementary funds for such activities centrally. Applicants are encouraged to enquire directly with their chosen programme for any additional financial support.

Students may work a limited number of hours per week to supplement their budget, but it is strongly advised that academic commitments remain the primary focus. Working during scheduled classes or study activities is not permitted.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for an ICP Connect Scholarship, applicants must meet a combination of nationality, residency, academic, and professional criteria.

Nationality and Residency: Applicants must be nationals and current residents of one of the 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America. Eligibility is based on nationality and current place of residence — not on where an applicant previously studied. This means that candidates who completed their undergraduate degree abroad may still qualify, provided they meet other criteria.

Applicants for bachelor or initial Master's programmes must not be older than 35 years as of January 1 of the intake year. For advanced Master's programmes, the age limit is 45. Candidates for bachelor's programmes must also be at least 19 years old by January 1 of the intake year.