Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management, an ICP Connect Scholarship by VLIRUOS

Applications open: 01/11/26 | Application deadline: 01/02/27 | Programme duration: Sept 2027 - Sept 2029

Get ready to become a change agent in the scientific research and management of marine and lacustrine systems. The Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management is a two-year interuniversity programme (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent University, University of Antwerp) that addresses research and management of aquatic environments, such as oceans, coasts, rivers, lakes, and estuaries.

Human livelihoods directly depend on aquatic ecosystems through the resources they provide, but also through the ecosystem services they offer. Many bodies of water in countries around the world are transboundary, and many are of global importance. This dictates the need for knowledge and understanding of their ecological processes.

The Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (120 ECTS) welcomes participants from partner countries around the world, along with local and other international students, to exploit complementary expertise and strengths through peer training while promoting international networking. The programme focuses on hands-on research, and strongly emphasises development-specific contexts. In addition to intensive coursework and practical training in Flanders (through specialised trajectories and four different majors) the current call includes the development and inclusion of a concrete South component, through course credits (ECTS). Throughout its existence, the ‘Oceans & Lakes’ programme has seen a high return rate amongst professionals and home institutions, demonstrating its effective capacity-building impact.

General Info

Can I apply for this scholarship?

Candidates that meet the following criteria* may apply for an ICP Connect scholarship:

Nationality and country of residence: Candidates must hold nationality from one of the 25 eligible countries and reside in any of these countries at the time of application (though not necessarily in their country of nationality).
Age: Candidates for a bachelor or initial master programme cannot be older than 35 as of 1 January of the intake year, while candidates for an advanced master cannot be older than 45. Additionally, candidates for a bachelor programme must be at least 19 years old by 1 January of the intake year.
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. Newly graduated candidates or those employed in the private sector with no work experience may also be considered if they provide strong motivation and a compelling profile.
Scholarship applications: Candidates may apply for only one ICP Connect scholarship per year. Candidates cannot receive any other scholarship or grant to participate in this study programme or another programme simultaneously.
Previously awarded scholarships: Candidates may not have previously received a scholarship from the Belgian government to attend a study programme, nor may they have enrolled in a study programme at a Belgian higher education institution before 1 January of the year of intake.

*Please note that additional criteria may be imposed by individual institutions. These can be found under the drop-down menu 'more detailed information & application' on this page.

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:

Motivation: Candidates' motivation and professional goals must reflect their competence in transferring knowledge/skills or setting up extension activities, 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 'agents of change' after completing their studies.
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.
Gender balance: A balance between male and female candidates awarded ICP Connect scholarships is the target. VLIRUOS strongly encourages female candidates to apply. Read more about our gender policy here.
Regional balance: A reasonable cross-section of scholars from different countries and regions is targeted, provided there are sufficient qualified candidates.
Leave No One Behind (LNOB): In case of equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to candidates from vulnerable groups.
Previously awarded scholarship: Preference will be given to candidates who have never received a scholarship to study in a high-income country (bachelor or master).