CALL International Master Programmes

Transcription

1 CALL International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Open to Flemish universities 30 June 2015

2 Summary Budget Overall ICP budget: tbc. Selection implies entitlement to 12 scholarships per per year during a five-year period ( ). Applicants can apply for incremental funding up to a maximum of (for 2-year / 4 semesters / 120 credits Master programmes); (for 1,5-year / 3 semesters / 90 credits Master programmes); (for 1-year / 2 semesters / 60 credits Master programmes); per year for a five-year period. Duration Selection is renewable for another five-year period after positive evaluation. Eligibility Accredited English master programmes of 60, 90 or 120 credits, organised at a Flemish university. Flemish university colleges can contribute by providing ECTS content. Countries Belgium Scholarships for students from developing countries (list tbc) Possible institutional links with developing countries (list tbc) Launch of the call 30 June 2015 VLIR-UOS information session Submission (two-stage) Deadline submission project proposals at the level of the Flemish universities (ICOS of the university) Deadline sending proposals by ICOS of the university association to VLIR-UOS Selection Implementation period Brussels, end of September 2015 (exact date tbc) By the eligible applicant to the ICOS By the ICOS to VLIR-UOS Please contact the ICOS of the university 18 March 2016 May 2016 (exact date tbc) 2017 (September) 2021 (last intake of scholarships and last payment of incremental funding, if granted at selection) International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

3 Table of contents Abbreviations 5 1. Background A call for International Master Programmes Internal VLIR-UOS policy Formal framework shift 8 2. Definition and objectives Definition General objective Specific objectives Intermediate results (outputs) 9 3. Budget and implementation Budget 10 Overall ICP budget 10 For each ICP that is selected 10 For ICPs that successfully request incremental funding Implementation Eligibility criteria Eligibility of applicants 12 Promoter 12 Budget holder Eligibility of budget and implementation period Eligibility of countries and participants 13 Country where the ICP is organised 13 Activities supported with the incremental funding 13 Participants of the ICP Eligibility of thematic areas Eligibility of activities and related costs Eligibility of submission modalities Selection 17 International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

4 5.1. Selection criteria Track record Peer review Selection commission Interview Application modalities Methodology Formats and annexes Deadline Submission modalities Application support 21 Contact addresses of the ICOS per university association 21 Contact at VLIR-UOS Timeline Annexes Enclosed formats Other forms Background information 24 VLIR-UOS supports partnerships between universities and university colleges in Flanders and the South looking for innovative responses to global and local challenges International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

5 Abbreviations ANGS DGD ICOS ICP INCO ITP IUC STI TEAM VLIR VLIR-UOS Actors of Non-Governmental Cooperation, funded by DGD Directorate General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Institutional Coordinator for Development Cooperation International Course Programme / International Master Programme International Conferences International Training Programme Institutional University Cooperation Short Training Initiatives TEAM projects Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad (Flemish Interuniversity Council) VLIR Universitaire Ontwikkelingssamenwerking (VLIR University Cooperation for Development) International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

6 1. Background 1.1. A call for International Master Programmes The previous VLIR-UOS call for proposals for international masters programmes with relevance for development, organized by the Flemish universities, dates from It led to the selection of 15 master programmes called ICP (International Course Programme) of which 12 receive operational funding and all of which receive a number (varying from 10 to 16) of scholarships on an annual basis. After the 2001 call, a new call was originally envisaged in For various reasons, however, this call was never launched. In the years thereafter, ICP policy review was, albeit interrupted, never abandoned. It was hampered, both by the evolution of the higher education system and funding (new Decree 2008) in Flanders as a consequence of the Bologna process on European level, as well as by various developments on the federal level with implications for university cooperation for development in particular. In 2010 the Flemish rectors conference VLIR adopted the basic principles of the new ICP policy. It took until 2014 for these principles to find the right momentum for being updated and refined. The development of VLIR-UOS country programmes for the South interventions by that time, had challenged VLIR- UOS to define the different levels of alignment of its funds earmarked for North activities (master programmes in Flanders; scholarships at Flemish universities; PhDs for EER students and sandwich PhDs for students from developing countries; travel scholarships for Flemish master students; international conferences and training programmes, ) with countries and themes of the new South country strategies, in order to see where and how greater overall policy coherence and effectiveness of all VLIR-UOS interventions could be achieved. In 2014, an overarching Selection System was implemented for all VLIR-UOS interventions, but needed fine-tuning for North activities. Being the largest of three types of educational programmes in the North supported by VLIR-UOS, and being based on accredited Master programmes, ICP aims to add development relevance value to one of the core business activities of the Flemish universities. Given the evolution of the UOS context as described above, ICP reform required a specific approach. Therefore in 2014, the Bureau UOS commissioned a study for tailoring the selection criteria of the overall Selection System, to the needs of master programmes organized by and at the Flemish universities. In 2015, the Bureau UOS used the conclusions of this study as a basis for final policy review with the aim of producing a new ICP 2017 call. The key elements of the new policy are the following: ICP is maintained as acronym, but stands for International Master programmes (EQF 7), hereby better reflecting the policy choice to focus on this level of education. By opening the call only to existing, accredited Master programmes in English, the portfolio of Master programmes with ICP label can be renewed, without o creating new programmes in times of rationalization; o excluding the present ICP programmes; o disadvantaging other Master programmes without ICP track record. By providing scholarships and, if successfully applied for, a certain volume of incremental funding, the developmental objectives can be achieved o in the most cost-efficient manner; o with primary focus on capacity building, starting from individual scholars, but reaching out to the institutional level for a number of selected South institutions/organisations (critical mass); International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

7 o without creating structural programme dependencies from VLIR-UOS funding; o with options for applicants to tailor the requested volume of incremental funding to their programmes strategic plan, within the boundaries of a predefined financial framework; o with the option (as opposed to: obligation) to search for linkages with the VLIR-UOS country strategies in terms of themes and target groups. The award of scholarships o is done in a decentralised manner, i.e. by the universities, but coordinated by VLIR- UOS, thus guaranteeing an optimal quality control of applications by screening them academically (at the universities, according to the institutional criteria) before admitting them to enter into the competition for the limited number of scholarships (according to the criteria set at VLIR-UOS level, in consultation with DGD); o entails an increased focus on post-graduation follow-up of the scholarship awardees, according to the monitoring and evaluation policy and guidelines that will be elaborated by VLIR-UOS by The concept of incremental funding o is introduced as a means to the end of strengthening the South dimension of this North programme; o is provided in the form of a budget which the promoter can apply for and, when granted, account for, on the basis of an approved budget plan; o implies a project approach which, in turn, enables a better monitoring and evaluation and hence a better insight in the real impact that is envisaged at the level of individuals and organisations/institutions; o creates ample room for innovative approaches under the responsibility of the academic supervisors. Selection is valid for a five-year period, with possible renewal for another five-year term o after positive evaluation, thus enabling both the selected programmes and VLIR-UOS to make the necessary adjustments in a dynamic manner; o with reduction of the number of scholarships per ICP from 12 to 10, thus enabling in principle selection of new ICPs even in case of reselection of all ICPs after the first fiveyear-period and thus securing a minimum degree of dynamics as regards the ICP portfolio as a whole, on the condition that sufficient funds are available at the level of VLIR- UOS. Applications are to be submitted via the VLIR-UOS database, with the aim to o improve the cost-efficiency by reducing the logistics related to submitting application files; o improve the internal quality control of the follow-up of applications Internal VLIR-UOS policy By establishing a Selection System Policy and Guidelines in 2014, VLIR-UOS has set up a clear and transparent set of overarching principles for the governance of the selection process of all VLIR-UOS funded intervention types, taking into account both the country strategy approach as required by DGD and the specificities of other intervention types such as ICP. The VLIR-UOS Selection System Policy and Guidelines document is published on under Guidelines and formats and updated regularly. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

8 1.3. Formal framework shift Given the sequences of the ICP application and selection cycle (see 7. Timeline), this 2017 call has to be launched in 2015 in order for the new ICP to be implemented in It is important to note, however, that the present formal framework within which we operate today, will end on 31 December 2016 to be replaced by a new one as from 1 January With formal framework we refer to the government policy and budgetary, technical and administrative provisions that govern the DGD subsidies managed by VLIR-UOS and allocated to the successful applicants that submitted a proposal in response to a call such as the present ICP 2017 call. This formal framework is being shaped at the time of the launch of this call, in a negotiation process between VLIR-UOS and other actors of the non-governmental cooperation (ANGS) and the minister for Development Cooperation. On the policy level, the new framework will essentially be characterized by a more integrated cooperation between ANGS in a context of geographical concentration or, in other words, a smaller number of developing countries, as well as by more complementarity and synergy between individual projects, in view of more overall coherence. The budgetary, technical and administrative requirements all ANGS will have to fulfill are unknown to date. At the time of writing and launching this call which has been postponed in view of the hope of obtaining clarity on certain issues various aspects of the new formal framework were not decided upon yet: o Budget and budget proposal: see below, section 3.1. o Country list: see below, section 4.3. o Reporting requirements (template, frequency, ): to be determined, ultimately at the time of contracting the selected ICPs. DGD will be the author of the framework blueprints and hence will define the speed of developments in this respect. In any case, these issues will be need to be formally defined in the course of 2015 (country list) and 2016 (budget, reporting) in order to translate them, ultimately, into the 2017 contracts and reporting formats. 2. Definition and objectives 2.1. Definition With the International Master Programme VLIR-UOS supports a selected number of accredited (initial or complementary) Master programmes (EQF 7) of 2, 3 or 4 semesters (resp. one, 1,5 or 2 years or 60, 90 or 120 ECTS) on a subject that is deemed relevant to or specific for development, in line with the UOS strategy in place and on the basis of a defined set of criteria. These programmes have a specific but non-exclusive focus on participants from developing countries, to whose specific needs the teaching methods are adapted and to a number of which VLIR-UOS awards fully fledged scholarships for the duration of the programme. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

9 These Master programmes are, by definition, accredited by the Flemish ministry of Education and therefore organized by and, at least partially, at a Flemish university. Flemish university colleges (hogescholen) can provide ECTS content. The teaching language is English. The selected ICPs can apply for funding for a number of activities that aim to strengthen the South dimension of the programme, which implies a strategy that aims to spur the internationalization of the programme by linking it with the local context of one or more developing countries by means of student and / or professor mobility and/or partial delocalization of the programme to (one of) these developing countries. Although an ICP does not accommodate VLIR-UOS funded students only, the following objectives are formulated in relation to those students only General objective ICPs are intended to make a contribution to the development of the countries of origin of the students that are supported by VLIR-UOS by means of scholarships, through the professional impact of these students after their graduation (individual performance is increased and this is manifested through changes in behaviour of these change agents ): better higher education, better research, a more performant private sector, better policy making, leadership, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, innovation, local technologies, etc. In case incremental funding is granted: the above-mentioned contribution is also envisaged by the institutions with which a link is built or reinforced, thus enabling these institutions to better play their role as actor in education, research, innovation or service to society Specific objectives Graduates adequately apply the knowledge and skills (changes in behaviour) they have acquired during the ICP in a sustainable manner (in private, academic, public or NGO context). In case incremental funding is granted: the link of the programme with the development context is strengthened in a verifiable manner Intermediate results (outputs) At least two interrelated intermediate results (outputs) are attained by each ICP: (1) A high quality International Master Programme is organized; (2) Skills and knowledge of students are effectively strengthened during the ICP. In case incremental funding is granted, one or both of the following intermediate results are attained: (3) A strategy aimed at gradually building or strengthening the South dimension of the ICP through cooperation with partners in the South is developed; (4) Activities are organised that aim at ensuring quality participation by students and teaching/research staff from the South. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

10 3. Budget and implementation 3.1. Budget Overall ICP budget The overall budget for ICP remains to be allocated within the 2017 global budget of VLIR-UOS. This budget will only be established in the course of 2016, possibly after selection of ICP 2017 has taken place. There are three main factors that will determine the number of ICPs that can be selected. (1) The overall ICP budget will be the principal determining factor for the number of ICPs to be selected. VLIR-UOS aims at selection between 12 and 16 ICPs, provided there will be adequate funding available in (2) The second determining factor for the number of ICPs to be selected, is the volume of incremental funding that is allocated (see below in this section). (3) The third determining factor is the number of present ICPs that will be selected under the new call, as this would imply a decreasing phase-out funding under the present formal framework that does not need to be elaborated at present, but which remains to be determined. For each ICP that is selected Selection of a Master as ICP implies the acquirement of and obligation to attribute 12 fully fledged scholarships per intake year, entirely funded through VLIR-UOS, during the five year cycle Scholarships for students from developing countries The scholarships aim to facilitate the participation of the attendants coming from the VLIR-UOS country list for scholarships. The corresponding scholarship amounts are transferred by VLIR-UOS to the central administration of the Flemish university in the framework of an agreement which is concluded between VLIR-UOS and the Flemish university as a whole. The scholarship guidelines can be downloaded from our website under Guidelines and Forms > Scholarship guidelines and report forms > Allowances and guidelines for scholarships. These guidelines are formulated in agreement with DGD and have a mandatory nature. They aim at harmonizing the different types of grants supported by DGD in function of the duration of the scholar s stay, irrespective of the training he/she conducts and irrespective of the body governing the DGD funds. Coordination costs for the Flemish university The Flemish university is responsible for the payments to the scholarship holders, for their reception, housing and general guidance. Therefore, the management of these scholarships generate coordination costs, which are covered within the scholarship agreement with the university at a rate of 10% of the total scholarships expenses. For ICPs that successfully request incremental funding As part of the overall ICP application (Annex 1), applicants are invited to submit a proposal including a budget proposal (Annex 2) on the strengthening of the South dimension of the envisaged ICP. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

11 Additional to the scholarships that are automatically obtained following the acquirement of the ICP label, applicants may request a budget up to a maximum of (for 2-year / 4 semesters / 120 credits Master programmes); (for 1,5-year / 3 semesters / 90 credits Master programmes); (for 1-year / 2 semesters / 60 credits Master programmes); per year of the five-year period This funding facility is available for, basically, two general types of expenses: (1) Costs related to building a strategy to gradually strengthen/build the South dimension of the ICP through cooperation with partners in the South (planning costs); (2) Costs related to the operation of the programme aimed at ensuring quality participation by students and teaching/research staff from the South (operational costs). For more details on the nature of eligible incremental expenses, please see section 4.5. The management of this budget too, generates a coordination cost of 10%. The sum of the expenses and the coordination cost needs to be within the maxima as mentioned above Implementation The present call and its provisions refer to the five-year period This means that the selected (in 2016; see below under section 7. Timeline) ICPs start in academic year E.g. 2-year ICPs each receive their first 12 scholarships (awarded in the second quarter of 2017) as from September- October 2017 (first cohort or intake of scholarship students); amounting to 24 in 2018 (academic year ; the 2017 cohort starts the 2 nd year while a new 2018 cohort of 12 scholarship awardees starts their 1 st year) and so on. Before the end of the first five-year cycle, applicants will be asked to submit a report on the implementation and results of the five-year project, and may submit a new follow-up proposal covering the next five years, building on the results of the first cycle. Annual activity and financial reporting are likely to be maintained, depending on the decision of DGD on the new formal framework. Reselection will be preceded by an evaluation that at the time of publication of this call remains to be elaborated, both in timing and Terms of Reference. Reselection as ICP for implementation during the next five-year cycle ( ) will entitle the reselected ICP to only 10 annual scholarships instead of 12. In this manner, the possible reselection of all ICPs would nevertheless liberate the necessary number of scholarships that can be attributed to newly selected ICPs. 4. Eligibility criteria Eligibility criteria define whether or not a proposal can be accepted to enter the selection process. Eligibility criteria will be checked on the basis of an objective and simple yes/no answer. Therefore, eligibility criteria which are not fulfilled, will in principle result in the rejection of a proposal. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

12 Eligibility of applicants Eligibility of budget and implementation period Eligibility of countries and/or intervention types and/or participants Eligibility of thematic areas Eligibility of activities and related costs Eligibility of submission modalities Eligibility of Flemish (co)promoters and of Flemish and, in the event of incremental funding, possibly local (co)partner institutions. Maximum budget and maximum implementation period. List of eligible countries and participants. Thematic areas as defined in the VLIR-UOS country strategies (see infra: not applicable). Non-fundable items can be taken out of the budget in the postselection phase and thus do not necessarily lead to non-eligibility of the proposal. Timely and complete submission Eligibility of applicants The promoter(s) and budget holder should meet the following criteria. Promoter Professors, researchers and lecturers, who are affiliated with a Flemish university, can apply to this call on the condition that: they will remain affiliated with the institution for at least the scheduled duration of the project; they are authorised to submit a project proposal (this does not mean they have to be able to enter into financial commitments on behalf of the institution, see budget holder); they have the required competences to successfully manage and lead the project; they are the (co-)organiser of the ICP. The Institutional Coordinator for Development Cooperation (ICOS) of the applicant s university will translate these criteria to the various academic statutes. The tasks can be divided among several professors, researchers or lecturers, providing that there is a written statement of each promoter in which he/she agrees with the division of tasks. Budget holder The budget holder is the person who will be mandated to make financial engagements on behalf of the institution. This person can be but is not necessarily the same person as the promoter. If this is not the case, the budget holder will sign the contract together with the promoter and is therefore, together with the promoter, responsible for the implementation of the project. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

13 4.2. Eligibility of budget and implementation period The ICP has to start in September/October 2017 and runs during the five-year period In case of incremental funding, certain activities can precede the start of the actual programme, as long as the first spending date is not before 1 January 2017, and not before the formal approval by the federal minister of development cooperation of the VLIR-UOS five-year programme Eligibility of countries and participants Country where the ICP is organised An ICP can only be organised in Flanders. Activities supported with the incremental funding In case incremental funding is awarded, institutions in the South with which VLIR-UOS-funded activities will be set up, need to be located in countries of the VLIR-UOS country list. As already mentioned, the final 2017 list of developing countries for VLIR-UOS has not yet been established. Therefore, reference can only be made to the present list of 52 countries as attached to Royal Decree of 24 April 2014, but taking into account that this list is currently under revision in the context of the negotiation process between the ANGS and the federal government in view of establishing a new 2017 formal framework. It is expected that, for all actors, the number of countries on that list will be reduced to around 30. But at present, the list contains the following 52 countries: Africa: Angola, Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinee-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauretania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Vietnam. Latin America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru, Surinam. Should a more limited country list become formally applicable, VLIR-UOS will communicate this by means of an addendum to the present ICP call. Participants of the ICP Target group The target group of an ICP is in principle international, as is the case for any Master programme where the teaching language is English. The target group(s) (and criteria) aimed at by the applying promoter should be made clear in the application form (annex 1), together with some preliminary data on the possible participants. The applying promoter should also describe the recruitment strategies that will be used. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

14 General academic admission All students applying for the ICP need to comply with the academic criteria as set by the programme. These requirements relate to the academic level and content, and are therefore not defined by VLIR- UOS. Scholarship applicants The ICP s organising committee, consisting of promoter(s), budget holder, and administrative personnel is responsible for a targeted communication strategy in order to recruit participants, as well as for the organisation of the application by and selection of the participants/scholarship candidates. VLIR-UOS monitors the intake of participants at distance, and provides links to the ICP s website or the website of its organising university on its own website. However, it is up to the applying promoter to develop his / her own communication strategy for the recruitment of participants. The scholarship selection made by the ICP organizers will be validated by VLIR-UOS and finally approved by DGD. This is what we call the decentralised selection of ICP scholarship applicants. In order to be eligible for a VLIR-UOS scholarship, participants that can be admitted academically, must meet a number of criteria defined by VLIR-UOS. The criteria consist of eligibility and selection criteria. Eligibility criteria Nationality and Country of Residence A candidate should be a national and resident of one of the countries of the VLIR-UOS country list for scholarships (not necessarily the same country) at the time of application. Age The maximum age for a ICP candidate is 35 years for an initial masters and 40 years for an advanced masters. The candidate cannot succeed this age on January 1 of the intake year. Professional background and experience VLIR-UOS gives priority to candidates who are employed in academic institutions, research institutes, governments, social economy or NGO s, or aim a career in one of these sectors. However, also candidates employed in the profit sector or newly graduated candidates without any work experience can be eligible for the scholarship. Fungibility with other VLIR-UOS funding 1 A scholarship within the BTP scholarship programme is not compatible with financial support within an IUC- or TEAM-project. Candidates working in a university where such projects are being organized, should submit a declaration of the project leader stating that the department where the candidate is employed is not involved in the project. Former VLIR-UOS scholarship applications and previously awarded scholarships A candidate can only submit one VLIR-UOS scholarship application per year, irrespectively of the scholarship type. As a consequence, a candidate can only be selected for one VLIR-UOS scholarship per year. 1 This criterion stems from the current formal framework. The question whether or not it will still be pertinent in 2017 cannot be answered yet, since the new formal framework is not known to date. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

15 The candidate has never received a scholarship from the Belgian government to attend a master programme or equivalent or was never enrolled in a Flemish higher education institution to attend a master programme or equivalent before January 1 of the intake year. Selection criteria Motivation It is essential that the motivation and the career goals of the candidate focuses on development relevant goals which are dealt with in the master programme. Not only previously obtained academic results are important, but also the possible leadership potential and the possibility of the candidate to act as a change agent in the home country after completion of the master programme. Professional experience Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a higher possibility of implementing and/or transferring the newly gained knowledge upon return to the home country. Gender The selection committee will aim at a relative balance between the number of male and female candidates awarded a VLIR-UOS scholarship. Regional balance 2 The selection committee will aim at a diversification of candidates from different countries and continents. The selection committee will also aim to award at least 50% of the available scholarships to candidates coming from Least Developed Countries of Other Low Income Countries (defined by OESO-DAC for ODA recipients), given that there are sufficient qualitative candidates from these countries. Social background In case of two equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate that they belong to a disadvantaged group or area within their country or an ethnic or social minority group. Previously awarded scholarships Preference will be given to candidates who have never received a scholarship to study in a developed country (bachelor or master) Eligibility of thematic areas An ICP should address challenges that are relevant in developing countries and thereby contribute to the general objectives as stated under section 1 of this call. There is no a priori thematic restriction as to the scientific fields in which ICPs should be situated. Which developmental challenges the proposed ICP claims to address and how it intends to do this for the target group of VLIR-UOS scholarship awardees, should be clearly motivated in the application form. In case 2 This criterion does not exclude a more targeted recruitment policy, if the programme theme would justify this approach and on the condition that this justification is clearly stated in the ICP application form. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

16 this is not mentioned, the proposal could be declared ineligible. Whether the arguments provided are sound and sufficient however, is to be assessed by the selection commission. A thematic link with the VLIR-UOS country strategies is encouraged, but not required, as ICP is open to students from different countries and therefore cannot be restricted to one specific country strategy in particular Eligibility of activities and related costs It is up to the applicants in the light of the specificity of each Master programme to select the elements they feel are most appropriate for their specific programme with a view to strengthening the South dimension of the proposed ICP, and to clarify the choices made in their application for incremental funding. Elements that may be supported through this funding facility include: (1) Planning costs (institutional cooperation with partners in the South in the context of the ICP): o Meetings and visits in view of exploring the creation of a consortium with academic partners in the South for the co-organization of the Master and for broader institutional cooperation on the themes discussed in the Master; o Meetings and visits aiming at the future organization of components of the programme in the South (delocalization of elements of the programme); o Meeting and visits related to fostering agreements with partners in the South on joint programmes, double degrees, joint degrees; o Meetings and visits related to the review and strengthening of the development relevance of the Master programme through discussions with stakeholders in the South (domestic governments, civil society organizations, business, alumni, other external actors etc); o Follow-up on the programme s graduates in view of monitoring the quality of the programme and of the real use made of the knowledge acquired, in view of scouting for Southern partners, (2) Operational costs (servicing students and scholars from the South in the current Master programme) Applicants may argue that a contribution from VLIR-UOS funds should be made towards the following costs: o o o o o The organization of a preparatory programme 3 for students from the South that are in need of refresher or language courses in order to create a level playing field at the start of the Master; The provision of academic guidance offered by a researcher (e.g. a postdoc) to students from the South; Inviting scholars from the South to take responsibility for parts of the curriculum (such as teaching modules, thesis supervision and examination, curriculum elements in the South ); A field visit in the South; Internships in the South; 3 Timing: immediately preceding the start of the academic year (hence: in September) and of a duration of in principle not more than 2 weeks. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

17 o o o o Activities aimed at alumni from the South; Promotion and marketing of the programme in the South; Meetings with partners in the South if the Master is already organized by a global consortium Other elements aimed at strengthening the South component of the ICP may also be put forward by the applicants, within the budgetary limits as mentioned above in this section. At the time of the publication of this call, the regulatory framework was not yet clear. The decision was made by VLIR-UOS to use the application template from the formal financial framework as applied to South projects over the past years, given the fact that ICP funding has now become incremental, project based funding Eligibility of submission modalities The proposal must meet the application and submission requirements as described in Application modalities. Non-compliance with the obligatory format will lead to non-acceptance of the proposal. 5. Selection 5.1. Selection criteria A proposal will be selected on the basis of a set of 6 selection criteria. This set of selection criteria applies to all VLIR-UOS calls. However, the weighting of each of the 6 criteria and the descriptors elaborating their meaning, can differ per type of call, in order to meet the diversity of different intervention types; objectify the interpretation of the criteria for the assessment of all proposals following the same intervention type call. For ICP, the Bureau UOS agreed upon a weighting identical to the weighting of ITP, STI and INCO; a specific definition of each of the 6 criteria; a non-exhaustive list of descriptors for each of the 6 criteria. Below is the table with the criteria as defined for the purpose of the ICP call, and its weighting. CRITERIA for all intervention types Definition for ICP SCIENTIFIC QUALITY The proposal demonstrates high scientific value and has a strong research connection. RELEVANCE The proposal responds to the development context, and its approaches and objectives contribute to the objectives of the partnering institutions and capacity development. EFFECTIVENESS The proposal demonstrates how it will support the achievement of objectives. Weighting factor 5 5 2,5 International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

18 EFFICIENCY The proposal demonstrates that the resources are efficiently used to achieve and maintain the objectives. IMPACT The proposal clearly demonstrates the impact on capacity development. SUSTAINABILITY The proposal demonstrates measures how the achievements and activities will be sustained. 2,5 2,5 2,5 For the descriptors, please see 2.7 of the Selection System Policy and Guidelines Track record For each proposal a track record will be asked, in order to assess the financial and operational capacity of the partner(s). A track record consists of possibly three aspects: the applicant will be asked to (i) identify relevant experience with similar projects, and (ii) when it concerns a re-submission of a VLIR-UOS proposal, to comment on how the feedback of the commission has been taken into account; if applicable, VLIR-UOS will provide an overview of earlier VLIR-UOS projects implemented by the applicant. Proposals without track record, i.e. in case there is no previous experience with similar projects or VLIR- UOS projects, will not be disadvantaged a priori. For proposals with track record, i.e. in case there is (are) previous experience(s) with similar projects or VLIR-UOS-projects, positive or negative experiences in the past will be considered by the selection body during discussion. Each proposal will be subject to a budget control by VLIR-UOS, in order to verify whether the pro-posed expenses are in line with the VLIR-UOS financial guidelines. The VLIR-UOS secretariat will be responsible for this budgetary control Peer review Peer review is not applicable to ICP proposal selection Selection commission The North Commission will select the ICP 2017 proposals in May 2016 (tbc). For more information on the functioning of this commission, please see the Selection System Policy and Guidelines Interview For ICP, after preliminary deliberation by the commission, a short interview of the applicant promoter is foreseen. The incremental cost plan is also discussed in this phase. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

19 6. Application modalities 6.1. Methodology Given the current status of the new VLIR-UOS database, the application methodology has a hybrid character. Basic information has to be submitted directly into the database; other information has to be supplied via annexes that need to be uploaded to that database. Some annexes come as mandatory templates, others are free formats. The following sections show what is required in terms of formats and submission modalities. An information session will be organized by VLIR-UOS in Brussels at the end of September Formats and annexes The following scheme outlines the application process and documents Online Submission (upload attachments below) Annex 1: Application Form Annex 2: Budget Proposal Programme (Study Guide / ECTS) CV s (free format) Job description of admin. coordinator Confirmation Budget holder (if applicable; free format) Annex 3: ICOS Checklist (after submission, by the ICOS) These documents need to be submitted in English. Besides the documents listed above, other annexes are not accepted. They will not be sent to the members of the selection committee. Online Submission Go to our online database at data.vliruos.be. First of all an applicant must register, hereby selecting the correct institution. After registration the applicant will be able to see all open calls. Annex 1: Application form The application form has a mandatory format (annex 1). It consists of 2 main sections. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

20 Section 1 concerns general information, Section 2 refers to the selection criteria and their definition and descriptors as stated in the Selection System Policy and Guidelines; Section 3 concerns the incremental funding. Annex 2: Budget proposal In case incremental funding is applied for, this needs to be done using the mandatory Excel-format of annex 2. The budget proposal should be signed by the promoter. Digital signature is sufficient. Kindly submit the budget proposal in Excel and not in pdf. In case incremental funding is granted, the budget can only be used in order to achieve the project s objectives. Any possible balance is to be returned to VLIR.The Flemish institute is required to keep track of the real expenditures and record them in its analytical accountancy system, based on proper underlying justifications. Detailed programme The detailed programme of the training must be included in the application file. This programme consists of the Study Guide and key information of the ECTS sheets on examination system, competencies, Brief CV of the promoter(s) Every (co-)promoter involved in the ICP should add a curriculum vitae. Each CV only contains information which is relevant to this proposal, and is therefore limited to maximum two pages (free format). Job description of administrative coordinator In case an administrative coordinator is included in the applicants team, as is the case in the present ICPs, a complete job description of that staff member, including possible tasks that are not related to the ICP, needs to be uploaded. Written confirmation budget holder In case the promoter is not the budget holder, the application file has to contain a written statement by the budget holder in which he confirms his involvement (free format, e.g. ) Deadline This concerns the deadline before which applicants should submit to the ICOS. This deadline is different for the different university associations. Proposals must be submitted to the ICOS of the Flemish university association electronically. Deadline for submission to the ICOS of the association AUHL: 5 January 2016: UAB, AUG: 15 January 2016 AKUL, AUHA: please contact the ICOS After submission of the project proposal to the ICOS of the Flemish association, a first eligibility check will be done by the ICOS. If necessary, the applicant can update the proposal on the basis of the ICOS feedback. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

21 6.4. Submission modalities Applicant Online application Attachments of which 2 mandatory formats ICOS Online application Attachments Checklist VLIR-UOS Eligibility check Selection Applicants should submit the proposal to the ICOS of the university association with which the promoter is affiliated. In case of an interuniversity programme 4, a lead university / applicant-promoter needs to be identified. The ICOS in his / her turn submits all proposals for his/her association to VLIR-UOS. Once the proposal is submitted to the ICOS, the ICOS and applicant/promoter cannot make any changes to the proposal. The ICOS however is able to send the proposal back to the promoter/applicant can make the necessary changes before sending the proposal back to the ICOS. Before sending the proposals to VLIR-UOS, the ICOS checks all proposals on their eligibility according to the criteria on the checklist in annex 3. The ICOS needs to complete and sign this checklist for every individual proposal 5. Proposals and all annexes should be filled out in English, and uploaded at data.vliruos.be Application support The ICOS functions as liaison between the VLIR-UOS secretariat and the individual Flemish institutions and academics / lecturers. The ICOS are the first line contact persons to assist the promoters with the elaboration of their ICP proposal (eligibility check, etc). General support will be provided in a multi-stage process, in which applicants first contact the ICOS on the level of their institution. The ICOS answer the questions and cluster and forward those questions they cannot answer to VLIR-UOS. Contact addresses of the ICOS per university association University Name ICOS Address Phone Association KU Leuven Martine Dekoninck Dienst Internationalisering Atrechtcollege Naamsestraat 63 bus 5001 Antwerp University Association Karolien Vrints 3000 LEUVEN Dienst Internationale Samenwerking UAntwerpen Gratiekapelstraat karolien.vrints@uantwerpen.be 2000 ANTWERPEN 4 Universities themselves are responsible for the inter-institutional cooperation agreements and management. 5 It is possible that he checklist will be integrated in the flow of submission, without the need of uploading this document. International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

22 Association Ghent University Nancy Terryn Directie Onderzoeksaangelegenheden afdeling Onderzoekscoördinatie Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat GENT Limburg University Association Lia Van Hoef Dienst Internationalisering en Ontwikkelingssamenwerking (DIOS) Martelarenlaan HASSELT University Association Brussels Françoise Decupere Vrije Universiteit Brussel International Relations and Mobility Office Pleinlaan 2 (mailing) Pleinlaan 5 (visiting) 1050 BRUSSEL Contact at VLIR-UOS In July and August 2015 Ellen Van Himbergen ellen.vanhimbergen@vliruos.be Telephone number: 32 (0) As from September 2015 Stefan Wellens stefan.wellens@vliruos.be Telephone number: 32 (0) Bolwerksquare 1A, 1050 Brussel, Belgium (visiting address) Postbus 103 Elsene Naamsepoort, 1050 Elsene, Belgium (mailing address) 7. Timeline STEP IN PROCESS RESPONSIBLE DATE Launch Call VLIR-UOS Secretariat 30 June 2015 Information session VLIR-UOS Secretariat End of September 2015 (tbc) Deadline for Submission to ICOS Applicant Please contact the ICOS of the university International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

23 Deadline for Submission of peer review assessments to VLIR-UOS (if applicable) Peer reviewers (2) Not applicable Deadline for Submission to VLIR-UOS (if applicable) ICOS 18 March 2016 Eligibility Check VLIR-UOS Secretariat Within 1 month after final submission date Notification of Eligibility VLIR-UOS Secretariat Max. 1 month after final submission date Selection Commission Meeting VLIR-UOS Secretariat May 2016 (exact date tbc) Ratification of Selection Bureau UOS and Steering Committee UOS June 2016 Notification of Selection VLIR-UOS Secretariat June 2016 Indicative signing of contract VLIR-UOS and contract partners First quarter of 2017 Indicative start of activities Selected applicant At the earliest: after signing of contract. Possibly between signing contract and end of September 2017 in case of incremental funding. By the end of September 2017 at the latest. 8. Annexes 8.1. Enclosed formats Obligatory formats that are enclosed and need to be submitted. For the promoters: Annex 1 Annex 2 Application form Budget proposal For the ICOS: International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24

24 Annex 3 Checklist 8.2. Other forms Free formats that are not enclosed but need to be submitted: Detailed programme Brief CV of the (co)promoter(s) and job description of administrative coordinator Written confirmation by the budget holder (if applicable) 8.3. Background information Following background documents can be downloaded from the VLIR-UOS website ( when formulating a proposal: VLIR-UOS scholarships guidelines VLIR-UOS selection system - policy and guidelines International Master Programmes (ICP) 2017 Call for proposals 30 June /24