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Organised by KU Leuven
Master in Sustainable Development
Starting
07/11/2023
Period
Sept 2024 - sept 2026
Deadline
01/02/2024
To become a change agent in sustainability, you need tools to imagine, trigger and build the sustainability transition of the twenty-first century in the South. That is exactly what the Master in Sustainable Development offers. This research-driven education programme, mindful of ethics, gender and diversity, prepares the sustainability leaders of the future.
The distinctive strength of this programme is its interdisciplinary nature, bridging societal and ecological sustainability challenges. Its educational ambitions and activities go beyond the dualistic perspective on nature and society that prevails in contemporary education, research, development cooperation and government policies on sustainability and resilience. This two-year Master’s programme (120 ECTS) offers a transversal core programme on sustainable development and two tracks of specialisation: a Space & Society track and an Ecology track.
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 be nationals of one of the 29 eligible countries and must be a resident of one of these countries (not necessarily the same country) at the time of application.
- Age: Candidates cannot be older than 35 on January 1 of the year of intake for an initial master and 45 for an advanced master.
- 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. Candidates employed in the private sector or newly graduated candidates with no work experience may also be considered if they provide a strong motivation and profile.
- Scholarship applications: Candidates may apply for only one ICP Connect scholarship application 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 and may not have enrolled in a study programme at a Belgian higher education institution before January 1 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 and 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 an 'agent 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 targeted. VLIR-UOS 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 higher income country (bachelor or master).