Belgium offers a diverse range of academic opportunities for international students through its world-class universities and government-funded initiatives. The country’s higher education system is divided into two main regions: the Flemish Community and the French Community. Each region provides unique scholarships to support talented students at various levels, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Study in Belgium for international students involves navigating competitive funding programs that cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, and travel expenses. These scholarships aim to promote international mobility and research excellence, allowing students to access high-quality education in the heart of Europe regardless of their financial status.
Top 10 Scholarships in Belgium
International students can secure funding through these 10 major scholarship programs in Belgium:
1. Master Mind Scholarships (Flanders)
The Master Mind Scholarship is a prestigious award by the Flemish Ministry of Education for outstanding master’s students. This program provides a grant of approximately €10,000 and a full tuition fee waiver per academic year.
Students must be nominated by a Flemish higher education institution to apply for this award. Selection is based on academic excellence, with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.5 out of 4.0 and strong English language proficiency.
Learn more Master Scholarshps.
2. ARES Scholarships (Wallonia-Brussels)
ARES Scholarships provide fully funded opportunities for students from developing countries to pursue specialized master’s degrees or training courses. The scholarship covers international travel, a living allowance of €1,150 per month, and an arrival allowance of €700.
Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of relevant professional experience in their home country. The program targets specific fields like development, environment, human rights, and business data analysis.
Learn more fully funded Scholarships.
3. VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships
VLIR-UOS awards scholarships to students from 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These awards fund master’s programs focused on themes relevant to sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The scholarship includes full tuition fees, travel costs, insurance, and a monthly stipend for the duration of the 12- or 24-month program. Candidates must be under 35 years old for initial master’s programs.
Lean more about Scholarships in USA.
4. Science@Leuven Scholarships
The Faculty of Science at KU Leuven offers the Science@Leuven Scholarship to highly motivated international students. This award includes an allowance of up to €12,000 per year and a partial tuition fee waiver.
Candidates must apply for an eligible master’s program at the Faculty of Science first. The selection process includes an online interview focused on the applicant’s academic ambition and research potential.
Learn More About International Students Scholarships.
5. Ghent University Top-up Grants
Ghent University provides Top-up Grants to students from countries on the OESO-DAC list who wish to obtain a master’s degree. The grant offers an allowance of €1,000 per month and all-inclusive insurance coverage.
Recipients of this grant pay the same tuition fees as EEA students instead of the higher international rates. There is no separate application form; students are automatically considered during the university admission process.
Learn More About University Scholarships.
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Erasmus Mundus scholarships are funded by the European Union for integrated, international study programs. These prestigious awards cover tuition fees, full insurance, and a monthly subsistence allowance of €1,000.
Students spend their study period in at least two different European countries, including Belgium. The program is open to both “Program Country” and “Partner Country” students based on citizenship and residence.
Learn More About Erasmus Mundas Scholarship.
7. Wallonie-Bruxelles Excellence Scholarships
Wallonie-Bruxelles International (WBI) offers excellence scholarships for researchers from any country. This program supports postdoctoral research stays or doctoral specializations in institutions located in the French Community of Belgium.
The scholarship provides a monthly allowance of approximately €2,120 and covers international travel expenses. Priority is given to fields like mechanical engineering, life sciences, and environmental technologies.
Learn More About Excellence Scholarships over all the world.
8. Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships (KU Leuven)
KU Leuven offers Global Minds scholarships for PhD candidates from developing countries. This unique “sandwich” program allows students to spend half of their research time at KU Leuven and half at their home institution.
The scholarship includes a monthly stipend, travel allowance, and insurance for the periods spent in Belgium. It aims to strengthen research capacity in the applicant’s home country through international collaboration.
Learn More About Doctoral Scholarships.
9. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Scholarships
VUB participates in several specialized scholarship schemes, including awards for the European Master of Science in Photonics. These full scholarships cover tuition and provide a monthly grant to cover living costs in Brussels.
Selection is based on a high level of academic achievement in previous studies. Applicants must demonstrate strong skills in physics or engineering to qualify for these technical fellowships.
Learn More About Fully Funded Master Scholarships.
10. BAEF Fellowships
The Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) provides fellowships for U.S. citizens to study or conduct research in Belgium. The award includes a stipend of $30,000 for one year of study or research.
Applicants must be nominated by the dean of their graduate school or university. The fellowship covers all fields of study and allows scholars to work at any recognized Belgian university or research center.
Learn More About Graduate Scholarships.
Important Guide for International Students
Successful study in Belgium requires attention to administrative and legal requirements.
Language Proficiency Requirements
You must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction, if your native language is not English, French, or Dutch. Most English-taught programs require an IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 94. For French-taught programs, a B2 level according to the Common European Framework (CEFR) is typically required.
Student Visa and Residence Permit
International students from non-EU/EEA countries must apply for a Type D student visa. You must submit your university admission letter, proof of financial means, and a medical certificate to the Belgian embassy. Upon arrival, you must register at the local town hall within eight days to receive a residence permit.
Cost of Living in Belgium
Students should budget between €850 and €1,200 per month for living expenses. This includes accommodation (€350–€550), food (€300), and insurance. Brussels and Ghent are generally more expensive than smaller cities like Namur or Mons.
Work Opportunities
International students with a valid residence permit can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. During university holidays (summer and winter breaks), students can work full-time without any hour restrictions.
