The VLIR-UOS program offers fully-funded scholarships for international students, with a special focus on candidates from developing countries. Half of these scholarships are dedicated to African students, with priority given to women. The program is designed to enhance academic and professional capacities in English-taught master’s programs at Flemish universities in Belgium.

Key Application Information

• Application Deadlines: Vary by program (typically between January and April 2023).
• Host Country: Belgium.
• Eligible Countries:
• Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe.
• Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Palestinian Territories, Vietnam.
• Latin America: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru.

One-Year Master’s Programs

• Master of Human Settlements – Deadline: 1 February 2023.
• Master of Development Evaluation and Management – Deadline: 1 February 2023.
• Master of Governance and Development – Deadline: 1 February 2023.
• Master of Globalization and Development – Deadline: 1 February 2023.
• Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies – Deadline: 1 February 2023.

Two-Year Master’s Programs

• Master of Science in Food Technology – Deadline: 1 February 2023.
• Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management – Deadline: 1 February 2023.

• Master of Aquaculture (IMAQUA) – Deadline: 1 March 2023.
• Master of Epidemiology – Deadline: 28 February 2023.
• Master of Agro-and Environmental Nematology – Deadline: 1 February 2023.
• Master of Rural Development – Online Application Deadline: 21 February 2023; Hard Copies: 28 February 2023.

• Master of Statistics – Deadline: 1 February 2023.
• Master of Water Resources Engineering – Deadline: 1 February 2023.
• Master of Sustainable Development – Deadline: 1 February 2023.
• Master of Transportation Sciences – Deadline: 1 February 2023.

About the Scholarship

VLIR-UOS provides funding to enable students from developing countries to pursue advanced studies at Flemish universities in Belgium. These programs are tailored to address global development challenges and encourage scholars to apply their knowledge in their home countries.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full Coverage: Tuition fees, travel costs, accommodation, and living expenses.
• Duration: 1-2 academic years, depending on the program.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

•                 1.            Work and Professional Background:
• Priority is given to candidates employed in academia, government, NGOs, or related sectors.
• Newly graduated candidates (without work experience) are eligible for specific programs.
•                 2.            Age Limit:
• Maximum 35 years for initial master’s programs.
• Maximum 40 years for advanced master’s programs.
•                 3.            Country of Residence and Nationality:
• Must be a citizen and resident of one of the 31 eligible countries.
•                 4.            Fungibility:
• Scholarship cannot be combined with other VLIR-UOS funding or financial support within IUC or TEAM projects.
•                 5.            Gender and Social Balance:
• Female candidates and those from disadvantaged groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
•                 6.            Past Scholarships:
•    Candidates who have previously received a scholarship to study in Belgium are not eligible.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Motivation: Strong personal and professional reasons for applying.
• Professional Experience: High potential for applying knowledge in the home country.
• Regional and Gender Balance: Ensuring diversity and inclusion.
• Social Background: Preference for candidates from disadvantaged groups or areas.

Application Process

•                 1.            Apply for a Master’s Program:
• Visit the website of the master’s program of interest and follow the application guidelines.
•                 2.            Indicate Scholarship Interest:
• Mention your intent to apply for a VLIR-UOS scholarship during your master’s program application.
•                 3.            Application Forwarding:
• The program coordinator will submit your scholarship application to VLIR-UOS.
• Note: Direct applications to VLIR-UOS will not be accepted.

Why Choose VLIR-UOS?

This scholarship opens doors for talented individuals to gain world-class education while addressing critical global challenges. If you are passionate about sustainable development and eager to make a positive impact in your community, this opportunity is for you.

Start your application today and join a network of changemakers shaping a better future! View scholarship webpage for more information