ICP Connect Scholarship 2026–2027: A Transformative Study Opportunity at KU Leuven
For ambitious students across the Globe, the dream of studying abroad often feels distant due to financial constraints. The ICP Connect Scholarship for 2026–2027 offers a powerful solution, providing fully funded Master’s study opportunities at KU Leuven, one of Europe’s most prestigious research universities. Designed for students from eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the scholarship aims to build future leaders equipped to address global and local development challenges.
An Overview of the ICP Connect Scholarship
The ICP Connect Scholarship is part of an inclusive initiative that supports international cooperation and capacity building. It focuses on sustainable development, social empowerment, and academic excellence. The programme provides talented students the chance to study in Belgium, gain world-class training, and return home with the skills needed to drive positive societal change.
Applicants can choose from five specialised 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
Each programme addresses pressing global issues—ranging from climate resilience and food systems to urbanisation and cultural transformation—making the scholarship ideal for young professionals committed to becoming agents of change.
ALSO READ: Newcastle University: Fully Funded PhD to Transform Flood Forecasting and Climate Resilience
What the Scholarship Offers
One of the most attractive elements of the ICP Connect Scholarship is its comprehensive financial coverage. Selected students benefit from:
- A full tuition fee waiver
- A monthly allowance of €1,400 to cover accommodation, meals, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses
- A round-trip economy flight to Belgium at the start and end of the programme
- Extra support for installation and indirect travel costs
- Financial coverage for the entire duration of the Master’s programme
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must be nationals and residents of one of the eligible countries at the time of application. They must apply for one of the five designated Master’s degrees and meet the age criteria: 35 years or younger for a first Master’s degree, and 45 years or younger for an advanced Master’s.
Candidates should demonstrate academic merit, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to sustainable development in their home country. The programme seeks individuals who are motivated not only by academic goals but also by a desire to create positive impact within their communities.
Applicants must not have previously studied at a Belgian higher education institution or received a scholarship from the Belgian government before the application period. Only one ICP Connect Scholarship application can be submitted per year. If previous studies were not completed in English, candidates may need to provide proof of English language proficiency.
Application Timeline and Required Documents
Applications open on 16 October 2025 and close on 1 February 2026. When applying for one of the eligible Master’s programmes at KU Leuven, applicants can indicate their intention to be considered for the scholarship. No additional application fee is required.
Required documents include:
- Two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees
- A completed ICP Connect Scholarship form
- A digital portfolio for architecture applicants applying for the Master of Human Settlements
- Proof of English proficiency, if applicable
Shortlisted candidates typically receive notification by late May 2026.
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Why This Scholarship Matters
The ICP Connect Scholarship does more than fund education—it enables long-term impact. Graduates often go on to become policymakers, engineers, researchers, and development practitioners who influence areas such as climate action, food security, water resource management, and urban development.
The scholarship fosters a global network of innovators who return to their home countries equipped with transformative skills and knowledge. For applicants in South Africa, for example, this opportunity offers a pathway to address national development issues through world-class academic training.
Final Thoughts
With its generous funding, development-focused mission, and world-renowned academic environment, the ICP Connect Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for students ready to make a difference. If you’d like, I can help you craft a motivation letter or personal statement tailored to this scholarship.
