Scholarships in Belgium: Public and Private
Belgium, with its high-quality education system and multicultural environment, is an attractive destination for international students. The country offers numerous scholarships to help students fund their education. This guide explores available scholarships for bachelor's and master's programs, application processes, universities offering scholarships, financial aid, and tips for securing funding.
1. Scholarships Available for International Students
Government-Funded Scholarships
1.1 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree Scholarship
- Offered By: European Union
- Eligibility: Open to students worldwide with a bachelor's degree
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses (€1,000/month stipend)
- Application Process: Apply directly to Erasmus Mundus programs via their online portals
1.2 Master Mind Scholarships by the Flemish Government
- Offered By: Flemish Ministry of Education and Training
- Eligibility: Exceptional students applying for master's programs in Flanders and Brussels
- Benefits: €10,000 per academic year + tuition fee waiver
- Application Process: Apply via the Flemish university of choice
1.3 ARES Scholarships
- Offered By: The Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES)
- Eligibility: Students from developing countries applying for a master's or training program
- Benefits: Covers full tuition fees, travel, and monthly living allowance (€1,150/month)
- Application Process: Apply through ARES official website
University-Specific Scholarships
2.1 Ghent University Top-Up Grants
- Eligibility: International students from developing countries
- Benefits: €1,000 per month + insurance
- Application Process: Candidates are selected automatically upon admission
2.2 Science@Leuven Scholarship (KU Leuven)
- Eligibility: International students applying for science-related master's programs
- Benefits: Up to €12,000 for one year
- Application Process: Submit a separate application after applying for admission
2.3 Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Scholarships
- Eligibility: Merit-based scholarships for master's programs
- Benefits: Partial to full tuition fee waivers
- Application Process: Apply via the university’s scholarship portal
Private and Organization-Based Scholarships
3.1 VLIR-UOS Scholarships
- Eligibility: Students from developing countries applying for master's degrees
- Benefits: Covers tuition, accommodation, travel, and living expenses
- Application Process: Apply through VLIR-UOS website
3.2 Inbev-Baillet Latour Fund Scholarships
- Eligibility: International students applying for bioscience and health-related studies
- Benefits: Varies based on program
- Application Process: Direct application to the fund
2. Application Process for Scholarships
Step-by-Step Guide
- Research Available Scholarships – Visit university and scholarship websites.
- Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet the academic and language requirements.
- Prepare Documents – Common documents include:
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter
- CV/resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Apply for Admission First – Many scholarships require students to be admitted before applying.
- Submit Scholarship Applications – Some require separate applications, while others consider all admitted students automatically.
- Follow Up and Prepare for Interviews – Some scholarships may require an interview.
3. Public and Private Universities Offering Scholarships
Public Universities
- KU Leuven
- Ghent University
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
- University of Antwerp
Private Universities and Institutions
- Thomas More University of Applied Sciences
- Vesalius College
4. Maximum Financial Support Available
- Full tuition coverage: ARES, VLIR-UOS, Erasmus Mundus
- Monthly living allowance: €1,000 - €1,150/month
- Travel and insurance coverage: Included in most full scholarships
- Partial tuition fee waivers: Science@Leuven, Master Mind Scholarships
5. Additional Financial Aid Options
- Student Loans and Grants – Offered by Belgian banks and financial institutions
- Part-Time Work – Students can work up to 20 hours per week
- Internship Programs – Some universities offer paid internships
6. Conclusion
Belgium provides numerous scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing higher education. By carefully researching and preparing strong applications, students can secure financial aid to support their studies. Ensure timely applications and check university portals for updates.
