Master of Science in Sustainable Land Management, an ICP Connect Scholarship by VLIRUOS

Applications open: 01/11/26 | Application deadline: 28/02/27 | Programme duration: Sept 2027 - Sept 2029

Sustainable land and groundwater management, along with urban land problems and engineering, are important global and current environmental issues. Sustainable Land Management refers to practices and technologies aimed at integrating the management of land, water, and other environmental resources to meet human needs while ensuring the long-term sustainability of ecosystem services and livelihoods. Worldwide, population pressures, severe degradation, pollution, and desertification are threatening these natural resources — relatively scarce in several countries — and creating competition between agricultural, industrial, urban planning, and nature conservation needs.

To ensure the proper use and management of these essential resources, well-trained specialists with thorough knowledge of their properties and characteristics, as well as a solid understanding of factors and measures that may alter their current state and value, are essential. This calls for high-standard scientific and practical education.

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).

More detailed information & application

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The Master of Science in Sustainable Land Management is a two-year, full-time programme. The first year is hosted at Ghent University, while the second year takes place either at Ghent University or VUB, depending on your chosen specialisation.

Students can select one of two main subjects:

Land and Groundwater Management (Ghent University): This track prepares professionals to assess land and groundwater capacity, understand groundwater dynamics, and apply sustainable management practices under varying conditions.
Urban Land Engineering (VUB): This track focuses on sustainable urban land use, hydrology, and mobility, equipping graduates with the skills to address challenges in urban environments.

‼️ To apply, students interested in Land and Groundwater Management should register at Ghent University, while those pursuing Urban Land Engineering should register at VUB. ‼️

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