ICP Connect Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity designed to support talented students from selected countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Offered by KU Leuven in collaboration with the Belgian development cooperation, this scholarship aims to nurture future leaders who can contribute to sustainable development and social progress in their home countries. It provides recipients with the chance to pursue one of five master’s programmes at KU Leuven while receiving comprehensive financial support, including tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
Eligible Programmes
Scholarship recipients may choose from the following master’s programmes:
- Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies
- Master of Human Settlements
- Master of Food Technology
- Master in Sustainable Development
- Master of Water Resources Engineering
These programmes are designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to tackle complex global challenges. Each programme emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and applied research, preparing graduates to create meaningful impact in their respective fields.
Scholarship Benefits
The ICP Connect Scholarship covers all major expenses required for a student to successfully complete their master’s programme. Key benefits include:
- Full tuition coverage, allowing scholars to study without financial burden.
- Monthly living allowance sufficient to cover accommodation, meals, local transportation, personal expenses, and health insurance.
- Travel support, including round-trip flights between the scholar’s home country and Belgium.
- Health and civil liability insurance for the entire duration of the studies.
- Support for installation costs and indirect travel expenses, ensuring a smooth transition to life in Belgium.
A total of fifty scholarships are awarded each year, with ten scholarships available per master’s programme, offering significant opportunities for qualified applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the scholarship:
- Be a national and resident of an eligible country in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
- Fulfill the academic admission requirements for the chosen master’s programme at KU Leuven.
- Be no older than 35 years for first master’s degrees, or 45 years for advanced master’s programmes.
- Not have previously received a Belgian government scholarship or enrolled in a Belgian higher-education institution before the intended start year.
- Demonstrate strong motivation to contribute to sustainable development or social change in their home country through a clear and feasible plan.
- Provide proof of English proficiency, unless exempted by prior studies in an English-taught programme.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from professional or academic referees. Candidates applying to the Master of Human Settlements with an architecture background must also provide a digital portfolio.
Only one application per candidate is allowed each year, ensuring a fair evaluation process.
Application Process and Timeline
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year open in mid-October 2025 and close in early February 2026. Applicants must complete the standard application process for their chosen master’s programme, and all eligible candidates are automatically considered for the ICP Connect Scholarship. No additional application fee is required, and submission of complete documentation, including recommendation letters and required certificates, is mandatory.
Selection Process
The selection process involves two phases. First, the Programme Committee evaluates applications for admission to the chosen master’s programme. Once admission is granted, candidates are assessed for the scholarship. For each programme, the top twenty candidates are ranked, with the top ten awarded scholarships. The remaining qualified candidates are placed on a waiting list.
Selection criteria prioritize academic excellence, professional and personal experience, motivation, and potential to contribute to positive change. Consideration is also given to gender and regional balance, as well as applicants from vulnerable or underrepresented backgrounds.
Why the ICP Connect Scholarship
The ICP Connect Scholarship provides more than financial support; it offers a transformative opportunity to study at one of Europe’s leading research universities. Recipients gain access to world-class education, interdisciplinary programmes, and global networks, equipping them to tackle pressing challenges in their home countries. This scholarship empowers students to become leaders in development, sustainability, and social innovation, helping to drive long-term positive change in their communities.
For motivated students seeking to combine academic excellence with meaningful impact, the ICP Connect Scholarship represents an unparalleled opportunity to advance both personal growth and societal progress.
