The selection process for scholarships is conducted in two phases to ensure transparency,
inclusivity, and alignment with the objectives of VLIR-UOS.
Phase 1: Eligibility Screening
The first phase determines whether applicants meet the minimum requirements to be
considered for the program, with or without a scholarship. These criteria are strictly
applied as per VLIR-UOS guidelines.
Minimum Requirements
1. Academic Qualification
– Applicants must hold a diploma equivalent to at least EQF level 4 (secondary
education diploma or higher).
– Applicants must be at least 19 years old on January 1 of the year of intake
and not older than 35 years for a Bachelor’s program.
2. English Proficiency
– Applicants must provide a valid English language certificate of CEFR level B2.
The accepted certificates can be found on this website. The certificate must
have been issued no earlier than two years before the application deadline.
3. Residency and Nationality
– Applicants must be nationals and residents of one of the 30 VLIR-UOS
eligible countries at the time of application.
Application Process
• Applications are submitted via an online platform where applicants upload the
required documents. Details can be found on the VIVES website here.
• The application period runs from December 2, 2024, to January 31, 2025 CEST.
Outcome of Phase 1
• Eligible applicants are notified at the beginning of February.
• Applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria are informed and excluded from
further selection.
Phase 2: Scholarship Application and Selection
Applicants who pass the first phase are invited to apply for a scholarship by submitting
additional documents by february 17th CEST.
Additional Requirements
1. Motivation Letter
– A detailed statement outlining career goals, alignment with the program, and
commitment to contributing to the development of their home country.
– Priority will be given to candidates who demonstrate the potential to become
“agents of change,” such as starting their own businesses or leading
sustainable hospitality initiatives in their local communities.
2. Letter of Recommendation (Optional)
– Where possible, applicants should submit a recommendation letter
highlighting their potential and achievements.
3. Extracurricular Engagement
– Relevant work experience, voluntary activities, or sector-specific involvement
strengthens the application.
Selection Criteria
Applications are ranked based on the following:
• Academic qualifications and grades.
• Language proficiency scores.
• Quality of the motivation letter.
• Alignment with the principles of gender balance, geographical diversity, and
inclusivity (LNOB principle).
Selection Process
Selection Commission: A selection commission, held in the week of February 24th, chaired by the Head of Department, will include representatives from:
• The admissions office
• VIVES staff
• Partner institutions
The commission will assess:
• The academic and professional background of candidates
• The level of English
• Motivation and commitment to sustainable development
• Inclusivity considerations such as gender balance, geographical diversity, and
representation of vulnerable and underrepresented groups-
The goal is to create a gender-balanced, motivated and high-quality final shortlist to create
a sustainable scholarship program.
Online Interviews
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview in collaboration with regional
partners. Interviews will take place in the first half of March. The interviews aim to:
• Validate the applicants’ motivation and readiness.
• Assess their potential to contribute to their home country’s development.
Final Selection
• Based on the interviews, the commission will finalize an A-list (selected scholars)
and B-list (reserve candidates) by the end of March, during the international
week at VIVES.
• The lists will be submitted to VLIR-UOS for validation by April 15.
Outcome Communication
• A-list candidates receive scholarship confirmation and further instructions for their
visa application.
• B-list candidates are notified of their reserve status.
• Non-selected applicants are informed of their status and encouraged to reapply if
eligible.
This two-phase process ensures a fair and objective selection while aligning with VLIR-UOS
principles, creating a motivated and diverse cohort of scholars ready to contribute to
sustainable tourism and hospitality development.
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