KU Leuven has opened applications for the VLIR-UOS scholarship programme, offering 10 fully funded scholarships for students from eligible countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia to join the two-year Master of Science in Sustainable Development starting in September 2026.
Key deadlines
- 1 February 2026: VLIR-UOS scholarship applicants
- 1 March 2026: Non-European students
- 1 June 2026: European students
About the programme
The Master of Sustainable Development is a research-driven, interdisciplinary degree that integrates ecological and societal perspectives. All students follow a common core in sustainability theory, methods and applications, complemented by academic levelling, an individual research plan, a field trip in the Global South, an internship and a master’s thesis.
Students choose one of two specialisation tracks:
- Space & Society: focusing on social, economic, political and cultural aspects of sustainability transitions.
- Ecology: addressing biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of ecosystems across genes, species and landscapes.
A central feature of the programme is the Sustainable Development Living Lab, a mobile platform linking KU Leuven with partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Lab facilitates dialogue, co-learning and applied research among students, academics, practitioners and policy-makers.
Admissions, fees and support
International applicants must apply through KU Leuven’s Admissions Office and meet all official diploma and language requirements. Tuition fees remain comparatively affordable due to strong public financing of higher education in Belgium. Additional scholarship opportunities are available depending on nationality and programme.
Further information
Programme and scholarship details:
