ICP Connect Scholarship 2026 in Belgium for Student Applicants Open

The ICP Connect Scholarships 2026, one of Belgium’s most prestigious fully funded scholarship programs, are now open for applications from students across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Funded by VLIR-UOS and the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD), this scholarship offers talented students the chance to pursue a Master’s degree in Belgium with all academic and living costs fully covered.

About the ICP Connect Scholarship

The ICP Connect Scholarships are designed to empower future leaders committed to sustainable development in their home countries. The program provides 50 full scholarships (10 per eligible program) for the 2026–2027 academic year. Scholars will study at KU Leuven and other top Belgian institutions offering five internationally recognized master’s programs:

• Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies
• Master of Human Settlements
• Master of Food Technology
• Master in Sustainable Development
• Master of Water Resources Engineering

Scholarship Benefits

The ICP Connect Scholarship 2026 is fully funded, covering all major expenses for the duration of the study program. Each selected scholar receives:

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver: 100% of tuition fees are covered.
• Monthly Stipend: €1,400 per month to cover living, accommodation, transport, and personal expenses.
• Travel Expenses: Round-trip economy airfare to and from Belgium, including any local connecting flights.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage throughout the study period.
• Installation Costs: Financial support for settling into Belgium.
• Indirect Travel Costs: Assistance for local transportation and relocation needs.

This package allows scholars to focus entirely on their studies and research while gaining world-class academic experience in Europe.

Eligible Countries and Programmes

The scholarship is open to students from 28 developing countries across three regions:

• Africa: Benin, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
• Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Palestine, Vietnam
• Latin America: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru.

Applicants must be nationals and residents of one of these countries at the time of application.

Eligibility Requirements

• Age Limit: Under 35 for first Master’s programs and under 45 for advanced Master’s programs (as of 1 January 2026).
• Academic Background: Must meet the admission criteria of the chosen program.
• Professional Experience: Preference for candidates working in education, government, or civil society, though motivated fresh graduates are also welcome.
• Scholarship Restrictions: Applicants can apply for only one ICP Connect Scholarship per year and must not have previously received a Belgian government scholarship.
• English Proficiency: A valid language test score (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) must be submitted by 1 March 2026, except for those whose prior education meets the exemption criteria.

Application Process

Application Opening: 16 October 2025
Submission Deadline: 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET)

Applicants must apply online for one of the eligible Master’s programs at the host university. Once the application is complete, candidates are automatically considered for the ICP Connect Scholarship — there is no separate fee or application form required.

Required Documents:

• Completed online application form
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Two letters of recommendation (submitted by referees directly via official email)
• Motivation letter (500–1,000 words depending on program requirements)
• Proof of English proficiency or enrollment for a test

Selection Criteria

Selection takes place in two phases:

1. Admission Evaluation – Academic eligibility and motivation are assessed by the Programme Committee.
2. Scholarship Selection – Up to 20 shortlisted candidates per program are ranked, and the top 10 are awarded the scholarship.

Key evaluation factors include:

• Motivation and leadership potential
• Academic excellence
• Relevance of studies to sustainable development goals
• Gender and regional diversity balance
• Strong recommendations and potential for social impact.

Publication of Results

Final results will be announced by late May 2026, with selected candidates receiving official confirmation via email from VLIR-UOS.