ICP Connect Scholarships Academic Year 2026–2027

The ICP Connect Scholarships are prestigious, fully-funded opportunities offered by VLIRUOS in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD).

Designed to empower outstanding students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America by providing access to specialized Master’s programmes at KU Leuven, this scholarship is more than financial support, it is a pathway for changemakers to gain advanced knowledge, contribute to sustainable development, and return to their home countries as agents of positive transformation.

   Scholarship Overview

• Type: Fully-funded Master’s scholarship
• Coverage: Tuition fees, travel, insurance, and living expenses
• Allowance: €1,400 per month (covers accommodation, meals, transport, internet, and personal expenses)
• Travel: Round-trip economy ticket to Belgium at the start of the programme and return ticket at the end
• Duration: Full length of the Master’s programme
• Available Scholarships: 50 (10 per eligible programme)

 Eligible Master’s Programmes

Applicants can apply to one of the following five programmes:

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

   Eligible Nationalities

The scholarships are open to nationals and residents of selected countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, D.R. Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa

Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Palestinian Territories, Vietnam

Latin America: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru

  Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, candidates must meet strict requirements:

• Nationality & Residence: Must be a national of one of the 28 eligible countries and reside in one of them at the time of application.
• Age Limit:
  • Maximum 35 years for first Master’s programme
  • Maximum 45 years for advanced Master’s programme
• Professional Background: Preference for candidates working in higher education, government, or civil society. Private sector employees and recent graduates may also apply if they demonstrate strong motivation.
• Scholarship History: Applicants must not have previously received a Belgian government scholarship or enrolled in a Belgian institution before 1 January of the entry year.
• Application Limit: Only one ICP Connect Scholarship application per year.

   Application Process

• Deadline: 1 February 2026, 23:59
• Procedure:
  • Apply directly to one of the eligible Master’s programmes.
  • Submit required documents (including motivation letter and recommendation letters).
  • No application fee required, upload the provided PDF under “Proof of payment of application fee.”

Required Documents:

• Standard programme application documents
• Two letters of recommendation (must follow official format and be sent from recommender’s institutional email)
• Motivation letter (specific requirements vary by programme)
• Digital portfolio (for applicants to Master of Human Settlements with architecture background)
• Proof of English proficiency (unless exempt under programme rules)

  Motivation Letter Guidelines

Each programme has unique requirements:

• Water Resources Engineering: Explain how acquired skills will support future career plans (max. 500 words).
• Sustainable Development: Justify choice of track  Ecology or Space & Society ( max. 500 words).
• Cultural Anthropology & Development Studies: Two-page statement of purpose outlining motivation and research interests.
• Food Technology: 500–1,000 words on personal motivation and perspectives.
• Human Settlements: 500–1,000 words on personal motivation and perspectives.

  Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate strong English skills:

• Accepted tests: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent (minimum scores vary by programme).
• Exemptions: Only Cultural Anthropology programme accepts proof of prior English-medium studies (minimum four years).
• Deadline for test results: 1 March 2026.

   Selection Procedure

The process unfolds in two phases:

• Phase 1: Programme Committee reviews applications and decides admission.
• Phase 2: Admitted candidates are ranked for scholarship selection. Each programme nominates 20 candidates, with 10 selected and 10 placed on a waiting list.

Selection Criteria:

• Motivation and professional goals aligned with sustainable development.
• Potential to act as agents of change in home countries.
• Academic achievements combined with commitment to societal impact.
• Gender balance (strong encouragement for female applicants).
• Regional balance across eligible countries.
• Preference for candidates from vulnerable groups (Leave No One Behind principle).
• Strong institutional recommendations.

   Timeline

• Spring 2026: Selection Committees nominate candidates.
• Last week of May 2026: VLIRUOS informs selected candidates and those on the waiting list.

   Why Apply?

The ICP Connect Scholarship is more than financial aid, it is an investment in future leaders. By joining, scholars gain:

• Access to world-class education at KU Leuven.
• Exposure to diverse international networks.
• Skills to drive sustainable development in their home countries.
• A lifelong role as changemakers and advocates for positive societal transformation.

 

Applicants are encouraged to prepare carefully, meet all eligibility requirements, and craft compelling motivation letters that highlight both academic potential and commitment to societal change. With only 50 scholarships available, competition is strong, but the rewards are life-changing. Futher information Here.

For ambitious changemakers ready to make a lasting impact, the ICP Connect Scholarship is a gateway to growth, leadership, and meaningful contribution to their communities and beyond. Follow the instructions and Apply.