VLIR-UOS Scholarships for master
programmes (ICP Connect)
Brief
Description
Scholarships
for master programmes (ICP Connect)
Host
Institution
Ø Flemish
Universities
Host
Country
Ø Belgium
Presenting
ICP Connect: a new VLIR-UOS framework for ICPs. This aims to integrate global
perspectives in a systematic way and strengthen partner countries and network
dimensions into existing Master’s programmes.
ICP Connect
study programmes are accredited international study programmes organised at one
or more Flemish universities. The programmes focus on subjects aligned with the
Agenda 2030 and SDG principles. VLIR-UOS supports a selection of 15 ICPs and
provides an annual intake of 10 new first-year scholarships for each ICP.
VLIR-UOS
promotes diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where
all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation,
cultural, religious or socio-economic backgrounds, feel encouraged to apply.
VLIR-UOS
respects and seeks to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures,
perspectives, skills and experiences by creating conducive, inclusive
environments for students, staff and alumni to act as critical global citizens.
Scholarship criteria for applying an
ICP Connect scholarship:
Candidates
that meet the following criteria may apply for an ICP Connect scholarship:
Ø Nationality and country of residence: Candidates’ must be nationals
of one of the 29 eligible countries and must be a resident of one of these
countries (not necessarily the same country) at the time of application.
Ø Age: candidates' age on January 1 of
the year of intake must be no higher than 35 for an initial master and 45 for
an advanced master.
Ø Professional background and
experience: Preference
will be given to candidates employed in higher education, government or civil
society, or those targeting a career in one of these sectors. Candidates
employed in the private sector or newly graduated candidates with no work
experience may also be considered if they provide a strong motivation and
profile.
Ø Scholarship applications: Candidates may apply for only one
ICP Connect scholarship application per year.
Ø Previously awarded scholarships: Candidates may not have
previously received a scholarship from the Belgian government to attend a study
programme and may not have enrolled in a study programme at a Belgian higher
education institution before January 1 of the year of intake.
What
are the scholarship selection criteria?
Within the
ICP Connect framework, scholars are seen as potential agents of change that may
contribute to societal change in their home country (or region) after
completing their studies. Scholars are selected following an objective
evaluation of their scholarship applications based on the following criteria:
Ø Motivation: Candidates' motivation and
professional goals must reflect their competence in transferring
knowledge/skills or setting up extension activities and highlighting themes
relevant to sustainable development and pertinent to the study programme. Not
only are academic results important, but so are - especially - the potential
and commitment of the candidates to become an 'agent of change' after
completing their studies.
Ø Professional experience: Preference will be given to
candidates who can demonstrate a greater chance of implementing and/or
transferring newly gained knowledge/skills upon completion in a sustainable
development context, such as in the higher education sector, government, civil
society or the private sector, thereby contributing to positive societal
change.
Ø Gender balance: A balance between male and
female candidates awarded ICP Connect scholarships is targeted. VLIR-UOS
strongly encourages female candidates to apply. Regional balance: A
reasonable cross-section of scholars from different countries and regions is
targeted, provided there are sufficient qualified candidates.
Ø Leave No One Behind (LNOB): In case of equally qualified
candidates, preference will be given to candidates from vulnerable groups.
Ø Previously awarded scholarship: Preference will be given to
candidates who have never received a scholarship to study in a higher income
country (bachelor or master).
Scholarship Benefits of VLIR-UOS
Scholarships for master programmes (ICP Connect)
VLIR-UOS
scholarships cover tuition fees, travel, insurance and living expenses (board
and lodging). We only offer scholarships for the full duration of the Master's
programme (12/24 months). It is not possible to apply for a partial
scholarship.
Scholarship
costs may change in line with government funding decisions. Detailed figures
for academic year 2022-2023 are not yet available.
What is
the application procedure?
Five
steps to apply for a scholarship:
1.
Confirm
your eligibility based on all given criteria.
2.
Take
a look at the selected Master's programmes (15).
3.
Learn
more about the Master's programmes on their respective websites.
4.
If
you are interested in a specific programme, go to the website of the university
organising this and follow the instructions.
5.
On
the university website, apply for admission to the programme as well as for the
scholarship itself. When you apply for the programme, be sure to mention
whether you wish to apply for a scholarship. Do not apply for more than one
Master's programme per year.
What
happens next?
- Deadlines are determined by the
programme. We receive selection results from the programme organisers.
- We will contact selected
candidates as well as the candidates on the waiting list by e-mail as soon
as possible after selection, no later than mid-June.
For
questions regarding your application or selection process, please contact the
university directly.
Application Deadline:
The
application Deadline for Scholarships
for master programmes (ICP Connect) is 2022-02-01