Study in Belgium – Scholarship Overview
Belgium is a highly respected European study destination known for its quality education, multicultural environment, and strong research opportunities. It is home to several internationally ranked universities and offers many English-taught programs, especially at the Master's and PhD levels. Belgium is particularly attractive for students interested in Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business, Public Health, International Relations, and Development Studies.
Types of Scholarships in Belgium
1. Master Mind Scholarship (Government of Flanders)
The Master Mind Scholarship is funded by the Flemish Government and is one of the most prestigious scholarships available in Belgium for international students. This scholarship is mainly available for Master's degree students.
Coverage
- Scholarship amount: 10,000 EUR per academic year
- Tuition fee waiver (students pay only a small administrative enrollment fee)
Eligible Majors: Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Business, Economics, Sciences, Arts
Apply Here:
https://www.studyinflanders.be/scholarships/master-mind-scholarships
2. VLIR-UOS Scholarship (Fully Funded)
VLIR-UOS offers scholarships for students from selected developing countries, including opportunities for many international applicants through eligible programs. This scholarship is mainly available for selected Master's and training programs.
Coverage
- Full tuition fee
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation support
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
Eligible Majors: Agriculture, Environment, Public Health, Development Studies, Engineering, Science
Apply Here:
https://www.vliruos.be
3. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (Fully Funded)
Many Belgian universities participate in Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree programs.
Coverage
- Full tuition fee
- Monthly stipend: approximately 1,400 EUR/month
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
Eligible Majors: AI, Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Public Health, Environmental Science
Apply Here:
https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en
4. University Scholarships
Many Belgian universities provide merit-based scholarships and tuition support for international students.
Coverage
- Partial tuition fee waiver
- Merit-based grants
- Research funding (selected programs)
Eligible Majors: Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Economics, Social Sciences
Popular University Scholarship Portals
KU Leuven
Apply Here:
https://www.kuleuven.be/english
Ghent University
Apply Here:
https://www.ugent.be/en
University of Antwerp
Apply Here:
https://www.uantwerpen.be/en
Who Can Apply
Belgium welcomes international students at Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels. Most scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and program requirements. Students generally apply to universities first and then apply for scholarships separately. Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, language proficiency, and a strong Statement of Purpose are important factors in scholarship selection.
Eligibility & Qualification
- Must be an international student
- Strong academic record
- HSC/A-Level for Bachelor's admission
- Bachelor's degree for Master's admission
- Master's degree for PhD admission
- IELTS/TOEFL generally required for English-taught programs
- Research proposal may be required for PhD applications
Required Documents (University + Scholarship)
Documents Required
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Passport copy
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Recommendation letters
- IELTS/TOEFL score
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Passport-size photographs
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Steps
- Choose a university and study program
- Check scholarship eligibility
- Apply for admission
- Submit scholarship application
- Upload supporting documents
- Receive admission offer
- Receive scholarship decision
- Confirm enrollment
Visa Required Documents
Student Visa Documents
- Valid passport
- University admission letter
- Scholarship award letter (if applicable)
- Proof of financial support
- Accommodation proof
- Health insurance
- Visa application form
- Passport-size photographs
Student Visa Process (Step-by-Step)
Steps
- Receive admission letter
- Prepare visa documents
- Submit visa application
- Attend interview if required
- Wait for visa decision
- Receive visa approval
- Travel to Belgium
Belgium Cost Overview (2026 Approx.)
Estimated First-Year Cost
Without Scholarship
- Tuition Fee: 2,500 – 12,000 EUR/year
- Living Cost: 8,000 – 14,000 EUR/year
- Health Insurance & Other Costs: 1,000 – 2,500 EUR
Total Estimated Cost: 11,500 – 28,500 EUR/year
With Master Mind Scholarship
- 10,000 EUR annual scholarship
- Tuition fee largely waived
With VLIR-UOS Scholarship
- Tuition covered
- Living allowance provided
- Travel and insurance included
Student expenses become significantly lower.