Advanced Master in Development Studies at IOB-University of Antwerp

Final call: apply now for VLIR-UOS funded scholarships (Master Programmes 2026–2027)

Are you passionate about making a difference in the world? This is your last chance to apply for a VLIR-UOS funded scholarship for our internationally accredited Master’s Programmes (2026–2027) at the Institute of Development Policy (IOB).

IOB offers high-level education on migration, human rights, conflict, poverty, inequality, globalisation, and climate change—at an affordable tuition fee. Join a diverse community of students from over 30 nationalities and gain hands-on experience through research stays and fieldwork in countries like Nicaragua, Tanzania, and the Philippines. 

Despite recent government budget cuts, our commitment to academic excellence and student support remains unwavering. Our dedicated faculty continues to deliver the high-quality education that makes IOB a trusted name worldwide.

✅ Apply now and become a changemaker!

Why study at IOB?

• Tackle global challenges: Gain expertise in addressing migration, human rights, poverty, inequality, and climate change.
• Become a change agent: Learn to drive local and global development.
• Join a diverse international community: Study alongside students from over 30 countries with varied academic and professional backgrounds.
• Gain hands-on experience: Participate in research stays and fieldwork in Nicaragua, Tanzania, and the Philippines.
• Connect with influential alumni: Build networks with professionals working in NGOs, government, and international organizations.
• Enjoy affordable, high-quality education: Lower tuition fees compared to similar programs in the UK or US—quality without the high price tag.
• Study in the heart of Europe: Antwerp offers world-class beer, fries, chocolates, and diamonds, and is just a train ride from Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Berlin.

✅ Learn about our three Advanced Master programmes

✅ Ask your questions live

✅ Discover fieldwork opportunities in the Global South

✅ Get details on VLIR-UOS scholarships and the application procedure

💡 Want to learn more? Join our Online Info Session on 15 December, at 3.00 PM CET.​

Choose your master programme:

• ​Governance and Development
  Explore how power, institutions, and policy shape development outcomes in the Global South. This advanced master equips you with analytical tools to understand and improve governance for more inclusive and effective development.
  Example topics: Conflict resolution, governance reforms, decentralization
  Example careers: Policy advisor, NGO manager, researcher
• Globalisation and Development
  Looking to shape a fairer world? In just one year, the Advanced Master of Globalisation and Development delivers the toolkit—data, theory, and policy—to drive progress on global inequalities, migration, and climate change.
  Example topics: Trade policies, migration, climate change, inequality
  Example careers: Development economist, sustainability consultant, migration expert
  
• Development Evaluation and Management
  Become a catalyst for accountability and progress: UAntwerp’s Advanced Master in Development Evaluation and Management prepares you to assess effectiveness in areas like gender, climate, migration, and aid—using real-world case studies and mixed-methods.
  Example topics: Aid effectiveness, programme evaluation, impact assessment
  Example careers: M&E specialist, development consultant, impact analyst

You’ll benefit from:

• 📚 An interdisciplinary, research-led curriculum
• ✈️ Fieldwork opportunities in the Global South (e.g. Tanzania, Philippines, Uganda...)
• 🧠 Small, discussion-based classes
• 💼 Career coaching and alumni mentorship
• 💬 All courses taught in English

"My year at IOB? A blend of aha moments, great friendships, and a mindset makeover that’s here to stay." - Sri Milawati Asshagab (Indonesia) Master of Globalisation and Development

"The greatest myth of the 21st century is that the world decolonized with the fall of formal colonial powers. The impact runs deeper than we realize, embedded in even the most progressive notions of development." - Janka Steppe (Belgium) Master of Development Evaluation and Management

"IOB taught me resilience and transformed my perspective on issues; now, complex problems feel like opportunities for impactful solutions." - Paul Otieno Onyalo (Kenya) Master of Development Evaluation and Management

"The most significant change IOB triggered in my life is igniting a sense of relentless curiosity and critical questioning. IOB inspires you to keep exploring." - Michael Kisaka (Kenya) Master of Governance and Development 

• Duration: 1 year full-time (60 ECTS)
• Location: University of Antwerp, Belgium
• Start date: Mid-September
• Tuition fees:
  • EU students: approx. €980
  • Non-EU students: approx. €5,800
• Scholarships available for eligible students via VLIR-UOS and others
• Application deadlines
  • 1 March (for scholarship applicants)
  • 1 June (self-financing students)