Belgium · Flemish universities in Belgium
VLIR-UOS Scholarships
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 6
- Components
- L 5.5 / R 5.5 / W 5.5 / S 5.5
- Level
- PG
- Deadline
- November–February
Last verified: 2026-03
About VLIR-UOS Scholarships
VLIR-UOS Scholarships fund students from 31 eligible developing countries to pursue master's programmes at Flemish universities in Belgium. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly allowance, return airfare, and insurance. Programmes are development-relevant and focus on building capacity in partner countries.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 79
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1VLIR-UOS requires IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component. This is a standard requirement, but since the scholarship targets development professionals, your work experience and motivation matter as much as your English proficiency.
- 2VLIR-UOS programmes are specifically designed for professionals from developing countries. Your application should clearly demonstrate how the master's programme will contribute to development in your home country.
- 3Deadlines fall between November and February. Start your IELTS preparation at least 4-5 months before the deadline to allow time for retakes if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score is needed for VLIR-UOS Scholarships?
VLIR-UOS requires IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. TOEFL iBT (79+) is accepted as an alternative. Some specific programmes may require higher scores.
Does VLIR-UOS accept IELTS General Training?
No, VLIR-UOS scholarships require IELTS Academic. The programmes are master's-level academic degrees at Flemish universities, so the Academic format is mandatory.
Can I apply for VLIR-UOS from any country?
No, VLIR-UOS scholarships are available only for nationals from 31 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The list of eligible countries is published on the VLIR-UOS website and is updated periodically.
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