Belgium Government Scholarships 2026-2027 [Study in Belgium]

The Master Mind Scholarship, offered by the Flemish Ministry of Education, is open for international students pursuing Master's degree programs in the Flanders and Brussels regions of Belgium. Approximately 30 international students are selected for this highly competitive scholarship. It is available for both one-year (60 ECTS) and two-year (120 ECTS) Master's programs.

This is a fully funded scholarship program. Scholars receive up to €10,225 per academic year, paid in installments based on enrollment milestones. A final payment of €1,525 is given after completing your degree or earning enough credits. The tuition fee is significantly reduced to only €140 per year. For two-year programs, funding is provided for the full duration, provided you earn at least 54 ECTS in the first year. While the scholarship provides substantial financial support, it does not guarantee full coverage of all living expenses, though Belgium's lower cost of living can help stretch the funding further.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria: - Nationality: All nationalities are eligible to apply, with the exception of Russian nationals. Reserved slots are available for Japan (3 slots), Mexico (3 slots), Palestine (2 slots), and USA (5 slots); any unclaimed reserved slots will revert to the general applicant pool. Ethiopian students are eligible. - Academic requirements: You must have a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale from your most recent completed Bachelor's or Master's degree. You should use the Scholaro converter to calculate your GPA. - English language requirements: Regular applicants need an IELTS score of 7.0, or TOEFL 94, or C1 CEFR. Applicants for Schools of Arts programs need IELTS 6.5, or TOEFL 90, or B2 CEFR. - Degree origin: Your qualifying degree must not have been earned at a Flemish institution. Prior credit mobility in Flanders does not disqualify you. - Enrollment status: Students already enrolled in Flemish programs are not eligible, with an exception for those in preparatory tracks who will start a Master's in September 2026.

Prepare the following documents in English or with certified translations: - CV with your American-scale GPA, calculated via Scholaro. - Academic transcripts from your most recent completed Bachelor's or Master's degree. - English test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or CEFR certificate). - A motivation letter explaining your interest in this scholarship. - Two signed recommendation letters from professors or employers. - Diploma copies of your Bachelor's or Master's degree certificates. - A 150-word justification written by the host institution explaining why you are a good candidate (this is submitted by the institution on your behalf).

Follow these steps to apply for the Belgium Government Master Mind Scholarship: 1. Choose a Flemish university: Select a participating Flemish university, School of Arts, or the Antwerp Maritime Academy, and verify that they offer your desired Master's program. 2. Apply for admission: Submit your application directly to your chosen host institution, ensuring you meet all university admission requirements and provide all necessary documents. 3. Receive institutional nomination: If your application is strong, the institution will nominate you for the scholarship. Each institution can nominate a maximum of 20 candidates. 4. University uploads your file: The host institution will upload your application file via the Mobility-Online tool. You do not apply directly to VLUHR. 5. Final selection by VLUHR: Applications are reviewed by two independent jury members, and final decisions are made using a 100-point rubric. Results are announced by the end of May 2026. 6. Accept and enroll: If selected, accept the scholarship offer, complete your enrollment at your host university, apply for a student visa if required, and begin your studies in September 2026.

This scholarship is highly competitive, with only about 30 places available from a total budget of €480,000. It is designed for top-performing students. Participating institutions include KU Leuven, Ghent University, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Hasselt University, Antwerp Maritime Academy, and various Schools of Arts.