Overview
The VLIR-UOS Scholarships are awarded by the Flemish Interuniversity Council for University Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS), a Belgian organisation that supports academic partnerships between Flemish universities and universities in the Global South. The scholarships aim to build academic and research capacity in developing countries by enabling scholars from eligible countries to pursue advanced studies or training in Belgium.
Two main types of scholarships are offered: the VLIR-UOS Masters Scholarship, which supports a full Master’s degree programme at a Flemish university in Belgium, and the VLIR-UOS Training and Short Programme Scholarship, which covers short courses and training programmes. Both types are exclusively available for students from 31 eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
What’s Included?
The VLIR-UOS Scholarships are fully funded and cover all major costs associated with studying in Belgium. Recipients receive full coverage of tuition fees, a monthly living allowance to cover accommodation and daily expenses, round-trip travel costs between their home country and Belgium, health insurance for the duration of the programme, and a settlement allowance upon arrival in Belgium. These comprehensive financial provisions ensure scholars can focus entirely on their studies and research without financial burden.
Eligibility
The VLIR-UOS Scholarships are open only to nationals from the 31 designated partner countries listed on the VLIR-UOS website, which include countries from sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, have strong academic results, and demonstrate professional experience relevant to their chosen programme. For the Masters Scholarship, candidates must be under 35 years of age at the start of the programme. VLIR-UOS also requires that applicants intend to return to their home country after completing their studies, as the programme is specifically designed to support development in the Global South.
Importantly, applicants must apply simultaneously for both the scholarship and the specific Master’s programme at a Flemish university. Each scholarship corresponds to a specific programme, so candidates must check which programmes are accepting VLIR-UOS scholarship applications for the academic year in question.
How to Apply
Applications for the VLIR-UOS Masters Scholarship are submitted online through the VLIR-UOS scholarship portal. Candidates must first select an eligible programme from the VLIR-UOS approved list of Master’s programmes and then complete the online application form, which includes uploading academic transcripts, a motivation letter, a CV, a copy of their passport, and proof of language proficiency. Letters of recommendation may also be required depending on the programme.
For training and short course scholarships, the application process may vary by programme. Candidates should visit the VLIR-UOS website to identify open calls and follow the specific instructions provided for each training opportunity. All applications must be submitted before the stated deadline, and late applications are not accepted.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | October 2025 |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2026 |
| Results Notification | April–May 2026 |
| Programme Start Date | September/October 2026 |
Contact Information
For more information about the VLIR-UOS Scholarships, visit the official website at vliruos.be. For programme-specific queries, contact the scholarship coordinator at the relevant Flemish university or reach out to VLIR-UOS directly through their contact page.
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