LIR-UOS
Training/Masters Degree
Deadline: 1 Feb/1 Mar 2026 (annual)
Study in: Belgium
Course starts 2026
Brief description:
VLIR-UOS awards scholarships to students from 31 eligible countries in Africa, Asia and Latin-America, to follow an English-taught training or master program at a Flemish university or university college in Belgium.
Host Institution(s):
Participating Belgian Flemish university or university college
Fields of study/Programmes:
English Taught Training and Master’s Programme at participating Belgian Universities
Number of Awards:
Not specified.
Target group:
Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Cameroon, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa
Asia: Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, Palestinian Territories, Vietnam
Latin America: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru
Scholarship value/inclusions/duration:
VLIR-UOS only provides full scholarships for the total duration of the training or Master. The scholarships cover allowance, accommodation, insurance, international travel and tuition fee.
Eligibility Requirements:
You can only apply for a scholarship if you meet the following requisites:
• Nationality and Country of Residence
A candidate should be a national and resident of one of the 31 countries of the VLIR-UOS country list for scholarships (not necessarily the same country) at the time of application.
• Age
The maximum age for a Master programme candidate is 35 years for an initial masters and 40 years for an advanced masters. The candidate cannot succeed this age on January 1 of the intake year.
• Professional background and experience
Priority is given to candidates who are employed in academic institutions, research institutes, governments, the social economy or NGOs, or who aim at a career in one of these sectors. However, master candidates employed in the profit sector or newly graduated candidates without any work experience can be eligible for the scholarship as well, depending on their motivation and profile. The training candidate should have relevant professional experience and a support letter confirming (re)integration in a professional context where the acquired knowledge and skills will be immediately applicable.
Read the complete eligibility and selection criteria at the official website.
Application instructions:
Via the university’s website, you will have to apply for both 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. The deadline varies and are determined by the programme but most deadlines are around 1 February or 1 March 2026 for Masters Programmes. The call of applications for training programmes will open at various times and can be monitored at this link.
It is important to visit the official website and the websites of the specific Training or Master’s Programme you have chosen for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.
Website:
Official Scholarship Website: https://www.vliruos.be/en/scholarships/6
FAQs
What is the VLIR-UOS Training and Masters Scholarship in Belgium?
The VLIR-UOS Training and Masters Scholarship is a fully funded program offered by the Belgian government to support students and professionals from developing countries. It provides opportunities to pursue selected master’s degree programs or short training courses at Flemish universities and university colleges in Belgium, with a strong focus on sustainable development and global impact.
Who is eligible to apply for the VLIR-UOS scholarship?
Eligibility is primarily limited to nationals of selected developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Applicants must meet academic admission requirements for their chosen program, demonstrate relevant professional experience (especially for training programs), and show a clear motivation to apply their knowledge toward development in their home country. Age limits and work experience requirements may vary depending on the program.
What does the VLIR-UOS scholarship cover?
The scholarship is comprehensive and typically covers full tuition fees, international travel costs, monthly living allowance, accommodation, insurance, and study materials. For training programs, it also includes visa costs and local transportation. The aim is to remove financial barriers so scholars can focus fully on their studies and professional growth.
How can I apply for the VLIR-UOS scholarship?
To apply, candidates must first choose an eligible master’s program or training course offered by participating Belgian institutions. Applications are usually submitted directly through the university or program’s official application portal. Applicants need to prepare academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, motivation letters, and sometimes professional references. It’s important to follow deadlines closely, as scholarship consideration is often automatic once you apply for an eligible course.
Also Read: Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
