Overview
A strong tool for promoting constructive change and sustainable development is education. Understanding the value of empowering people in developing nations, VLIR-UOS provides ICP Connect Scholarships. Students from qualifying countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America can enrol in Master’s programmes taught in English at prestigious Flemish universities and university colleges in Belgium thanks to these fully funded scholarships. This article will examine the requirements for eligibility, the application procedure, the advantages, and the effect that VLIR-UOS ICP Scholarships have on the lives of those who receive them.
Qualification Standards
In order to qualify for the VLIR-UOS ICP Scholarships, applicants need to fulfil certain requirements:
nationality and place of residence
Applicants must be citizens of one of the 29 qualifying nations and residents of that nation at the time of application. The official VLIR-UOS website has a list of countries that qualify.
Age Restriction
Candidates for first-year Master’s programmes must not be older than 35 on January 1st of the year of admission. The age restriction for advanced Master’s programmes is 45 years old.
Experience and Professional Background
Candidates working in higher education, government, or civil society, or those hoping to work in these fields, are given preference. Private sector applicants or recent graduates with a strong motivation and profile, however, might also be taken into consideration.
Scholarship Restrictions
Applicants are only eligible to apply for one ICP Connect scholarship per year, and they are not eligible to receive any additional funding to enrol in the same or a different study programme at the same time. Furthermore, before January 1st of the intake year, candidates cannot have been enrolled in a study programme at a Belgian higher education institution or previously been awarded a scholarship by the Belgian government.
Extra Standards
Additional requirements may be imposed by specific institutions. As a result, it is crucial to go over the particular requirements of the Master’s programme of choice.
Selection Criteria for Scholarships
VLIR-UOS ICP Scholars are chosen based on a number of factors, including the candidates’ potential to effect change in their home countries or regions. The selection process for scholarships takes into account the following factors:
Inspiration
The drive and career objectives of candidates should show that they are capable of imparting knowledge and skills or organising extension programmes that are pertinent to sustainable development. While academic performance is significant, candidates’ commitment to and ability to effect change after graduation are given particular weight.
Work Experience
Candidates who can show a greater likelihood of applying and transferring recently acquired knowledge and skills in the context of sustainable development are given preference. It is encouraged that candidates with experience in the private, public, civil society, or higher education sectors apply because their work has the potential to positively impact society.
Equilibrium Gender
In order to encourage female candidates to apply, VLIR-UOS strives to attain parity between male and female scholarship recipients. One essential component of sustainable development is gender equality.
Equilibrium Regionally
If there are enough eligible applicants from each region, the programme aims to include a fair cross-section of scholars from various nations and areas in order to ensure diversity.
Don’t Forget Anyone
When there are equally qualified candidates, preference is given to those from vulnerable groups in accordance with the “Leave No One Behind” principle.
Prior Scholarship Recipients
Applicants for bachelor’s or master’s programmes who have never been awarded a scholarship are given precedence over those who have previously received funding to study in a nation with a higher standard of living.
Study Programmes Available
Scholarships for a variety of Master’s programmes are available from VLIR-UOS to participating university colleges and Flemish universities in Belgium. There are the ensuing programmes available:
| Program | Duration |
|---|---|
| Master of Human Settlements | 1 year |
| Master of Development Evaluation and Management | 1 year |
| Master of Governance and Development | 1 year |
| Master of Globalisation and Development | 1 year |
| Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (CADES) | 1 year |
| International Master of Science in Agro- and Environmental Nematology | 2 years |
| International Master of Science in Rural Development | 2 years |
| Master of Aquaculture | 2 years |
| Master of Epidemiology | 2 years |
| Master of Science in Food Technology | 2 years |
| Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management | 2 years |
| Master of Statistics and Data Science | 2 years |
| Master in Sustainable Development | 2 years |
| Master of Transportation Sciences – Road Safety | 2 years |
| Master of Water Resources Engineering | 2 years |
Please note that the availability of programs may vary each year. Candidates should refer to the official VLIR-UOS website for the most up-to-date information.
Scholarship Benefits
VLIR-UOS ICP Scholarships are fully funded, covering various expenses to ensure that recipients can focus on their studies. The following costs are covered:
- Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for the chosen Master’s program.
- Travel: Recipients receive travel support, including round-trip airfare from their home country to Belgium.
- Insurance: Comprehensive health and accident insurance coverage is provided throughout the duration of the Master’s program.
- Living Expenses: Scholars receive a monthly stipend to cover their living expenses, including accommodation and meals.
VLIR-UOS aims to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for scholarship recipients, enabling them to excel academically and contribute significantly to their communities upon completion of their studies.
Application Process
To apply for a VLIR-UOS ICP Scholarship, candidates need to follow a five-step process:
- Confirm Eligibility: Review all the eligibility criteria to ensure that you meet the requirements.
- Select a Master’s Program: Explore the list of available Master’s programs and choose the one that aligns with your academic and professional goals.
- Research the Program: Visit the website of the university organizing the chosen program to gather detailed information about the curriculum, faculty, and admission requirements.
- Apply for Admission and Scholarship: Complete the application process on the university’s website. Indicate your intention to apply for a scholarship when submitting your application. Note that you should apply for admission to the program and the scholarship simultaneously.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of the deadlines specified by the program. VLIR-UOS will notify selected candidates via email, usually by mid-June. For any inquiries or clarifications regarding the application or selection process, contact the university directly.
Why Study in Flanders?
Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium, offers an excellent educational environment for international students. Here are some compelling reasons to choose Flanders as your study destination:
- Multilingual Society: Flanders welcomes students from around the world with its open and multilingual society. English is widely spoken, making it easier for international students to communicate and integrate.
- High-Quality Education: Flemish universities and university colleges are renowned for their high academic standards and quality education. By studying in Flanders, you will benefit from a world-class education that prepares you for a successful future.
- Financially Sound: Flanders is known for its financially stable environment, ensuring that students receive excellent value for their investment in education.
- Central Location in Europe: Situated in the heart of Europe, Flanders offers easy access to neighboring countries. This central location provides opportunities for cultural exploration and travel experiences.
- High Quality of Life: Flanders boasts a high standard of living, with a strong focus on quality healthcare, social support, and infrastructure. Students can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle during their studies.
Success Stories: Introducing Indonesia’s Sesam
Sesam is a gifted Indonesian who is one of the many success stories of the VLIR-UOS ICP Scholarships. Sesam was given financial support to enrol in a Master’s programme in Belgium, allowing him to advance his expertise in the field of his choice. The scholarship offered access to a network of mentors and like-minded people in addition to financial support. Sesam is now driving positive change and promoting sustainable development in his native country, leaving a lasting impression.
In summary
VLIR-UOS ICPScholarships are essential in enabling people from developing nations to pursue higher educaionand work as change agents in their local communities.
VLIR-UOS guarantees that talented people can fulfil their potential without financial barriers by providing fully funded scholarships. Students who receive these scholarships have access to professional networks, high-quality education, and the resources they need to build better futures for themselves and their nations.
If you fit the requirements, take advantage of this chance to apply for a VLIR-UOS ICP Scholarship and start your journey towards a life-changing education in Belgium.
Application Deadline: 25th April 2024.
Visit the Official Website for Further Details.