Belgium scholarships
Belgium is a popular study destination for Iranians, with top universities offering high standards of education and affordable tuition fees. You can study in this country for free or at a very low cost with Belgium scholarships. More than 800 scholarships are available for international students at Belgian universities. There are also various government scholarships offered to students by the government. These scholarships usually cover a monthly stipend along with tuition fees in Belgium , accommodation costs, health insurance and travel expenses.
If you plan to study abroad and immigrate to Belgium , simply contact our experts at GO2TR Immigration Institute now to receive a free initial telephone consultation , or book an immigration consultation appointment to have your situation professionally assessed.
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Types of Belgium scholarships
Belgium scholarships are generally offered in the following 2 ways:
- Government and organizational scholarships for foreign students
- University scholarships
These scholarships vary in the amount of expenses they cover, which can range from a tuition fee reduction to a fully funded scholarship.
Below, we will examine some of the Belgian scholarships and the conditions for each of them.
Belgian government and organizational scholarships
The Belgian government offers many scholarships of varying value, and the competition for these scholarships is very high. In addition to the government, many corporate bodies often award scholarships for their own specific needs, mainly to fill positions that are needed within the organization itself. Depending on the type of organization and company, such scholarships are more specific to individuals who can play a role in the needs of the company and in furthering the company's goals. These companies offer scholarships in fields such as comparative analysis, data analysis, electronics, diamond power devices, operations management, and many other fields of study.
Mastermind Belgium Scholarship
The Flemish Ministry of Education and Training of Belgium awards scholarships to outstanding students from all over the world to study for a Master’s degree in the Flemish region and the city of Brussels. The Master Mind Belgium scholarship includes a grant of €10,000 and a tuition fee waiver per academic year (60 credits). Master Mind scholarship holders only pay the administrative registration fee. The grant is paid to the student in installments and covers accommodation, insurance and a significant amount of living expenses. The scholarship is offered by various universities in Belgium and to receive it, you need to make sure that your university is on the list of the Master Mind scholarship program.
Universities and university colleges offering Mastermind scholarships include:
University of Leuven
University of Antwerp
Ghent University
Hasselt University
Vrije University Brussels
Antwerp Maritime Academy
Artisan Plantin University College Antwerp
Erasmus University College Brussels
University College of Karl de Groot
LUCA College of Arts
PXL University College
Ghent University College
The requirements for receiving the Mastermind Belgium scholarship are as follows:
Having admission from Belgian universities at the master's level
Having a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 out of 4.0
Having an English language certificate of IELTS 7 or TOEFL 94 (for arts majors, an English language certificate of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90)
The applicant's academic record must be approved by the academic institution where he/she has been accepted.
The documents required to receive the Mastermind Belgium scholarship are:
Valid passport
Passport-sized photo
Resume
Diplomas and other educational certificates with transcripts (translated and certified).
English language test results or a letter of exemption from the English language requirement provided by the university.
Motivation letter (in English)
2 letters of recommendation (in English)
To receive a Mastermind scholarship, you must first check whether your university is on the list of scholarship providers. In the next step, you must submit a scholarship application to your university. If the university agrees to your application, it will create a file for you in the Mobility-Online portal. After reviewing your file, if you receive a scholarship, you will be sent an email and you must complete your application process in Mobility-Online and upload the requested documents before the deadline.
The application deadline for the Mastermind Belgium Scholarship can be between February 1 and March 31, 2024, depending on your institution and university.
Universities and university colleges offering Mastermind scholarships include:
University of Leuven
University of Antwerp
Ghent University
Hasselt University
Vrije University Brussels
Antwerp Maritime Academy
Artisan Plantin University College Antwerp
Erasmus University College Brussels
University College of Karl de Groot
LUCA College of Arts
PXL University College
Ghent University College
The requirements for receiving the Mastermind Belgium scholarship are as follows:
Having admission from Belgian universities at the master's level
Having a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 out of 4.0
Having an English language certificate of IELTS 7 or TOEFL 94 (for arts majors, an English language certificate of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90)
The applicant's academic record must be approved by the academic institution where he/she has been accepted.
The documents required to receive the Mastermind Belgium scholarship are:
Valid passport
Passport-sized photo
Resume
Diplomas and other educational certificates with transcripts (translated and certified).
English language test results or a letter of exemption from the English language requirement provided by the university.
Motivation letter (in English)
2 letters of recommendation (in English)
To receive a Mastermind scholarship, you must first check whether your university is on the list of scholarship providers. In the next step, you must submit a scholarship application to your university. If the university agrees to your application, it will create a file for you in the Mobility-Online portal. After reviewing your file, if you receive a scholarship, you will be sent an email and you must complete your application process in Mobility-Online and upload the requested documents before the deadline.
The application deadline for the Mastermind Belgium Scholarship can be between February 1 and March 31, 2024, depending on your institution and university.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Programme
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree (EMJMD) is a prestigious, integrated and international study programme offered jointly by an international consortium of higher education institutions.
This is a Master’s degree program and the applicant must submit a proposal with a joint and accredited study program that, if selected, is ready to be implemented worldwide. Students in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program study at least 2 universities in different countries and upon graduation, they will receive a joint degree or separate degrees from each university, depending on the agreement and the universities. The course includes study, research, thesis preparation and defense. In this course, scholarships are only awarded to full-time students.
To receive an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, you must have a bachelor's degree and not be covered by any other scholarship offered by the European Commission. The scholarship also covers travel costs, visas and living expenses for the student.
The application deadline for Erasmus Mundus scholarships is usually October or January each year.
It is possible to calculate the maximum scholarship for each student through the following formula:
1,400 euros per month x duration of the master's program
Many universities in Belgium are included in this program. The list below shows some of these universities.
Ghent University
University of Leuven
University of Antwerp
Vrije University Brussels
This is a Master’s degree program and the applicant must submit a proposal with a joint and accredited study program that, if selected, is ready to be implemented worldwide. Students in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program study at least 2 universities in different countries and upon graduation, they will receive a joint degree or separate degrees from each university, depending on the agreement and the universities. The course includes study, research, thesis preparation and defense. In this course, scholarships are only awarded to full-time students.
To receive an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, you must have a bachelor's degree and not be covered by any other scholarship offered by the European Commission. The scholarship also covers travel costs, visas and living expenses for the student.
The application deadline for Erasmus Mundus scholarships is usually October or January each year.
It is possible to calculate the maximum scholarship for each student through the following formula:
1,400 euros per month x duration of the master's program
Many universities in Belgium are included in this program. The list below shows some of these universities.
Ghent University
University of Leuven
University of Antwerp
Vrije University Brussels
Belgium University Scholarships
Ghent University Belgium Scholarship for PhD Students from Developing Countries
Ghent University, supported by the ‘Special Research Fund’ (BOF), offers scholarships to doctoral students from developing countries who wish to spend half of their doctoral research at Ghent University (North) and half at a university in a developing country (South).
Ghent University only funds part of the research to be carried out in Ghent (24 months), the candidate must have sufficient funds to carry out the other 24 months of research to be carried out in the South.
The scholarship amounts to €310 per month of research in Ghent and €8,000 to cover (part of) operational costs as well as part of travel costs.
The deadline for this scholarship is February 20, 2024.
Ghent University only funds part of the research to be carried out in Ghent (24 months), the candidate must have sufficient funds to carry out the other 24 months of research to be carried out in the South.
The scholarship amounts to €310 per month of research in Ghent and €8,000 to cover (part of) operational costs as well as part of travel costs.
The deadline for this scholarship is February 20, 2024.
Science@Leuven Scholarship, University of Leuven, Belgium
The Science@Leuven Scholarship is offered by the Faculty of Science of the University of Leuven in Belgium and the Faculty’s Alumni Association to Master’s degree students. The scholarship can be up to 12,000 euros per year per student. The Science@Leuven Board of Directors determines the amount of the scholarship depending on the individual student’s circumstances. The scholarship covers tuition fees for 1 year and basic health insurance. The amount awarded for living expenses can vary. Most Master’s programs at the Faculty of Science are two-year programs and the scholarship is only continued for the second year of the Master’s degree if the student has achieved outstanding results in the first year of study.
Please note that only applications submitted before February 15, 2024 (via the KU Leuven website and registration on the scholarship website) will be considered for the scholarship.
The fields for which the SCIENCE@LEUVEN scholarship is awarded are:
Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Master of Science in Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Master of Science in Biology
Master of Science in Chemistry
Master of Geography
Interuniversity Master of Science in Geology
Master of Mathematics
Master of Science in Physics
Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science
Master of Science in Sustainable Development (ICP)
The requirements and documents required to receive a Master's scholarship from SCIENCE@LEUVEN, Belgium are:
The applicant has not previously studied or worked at the University of Leuven.
The applicant must have a relevant bachelor's degree from a non-Belgian university.
The applicant does not have a master's or doctoral degree.
Having excellent grades and achievements in undergraduate studies
The applicant must have a language certificate (TOEFL 94 or IELTS 7).
Having a strong motivation letter
Having 2 letters of recommendation from internationally renowned professors
The applicant must be willing to act as an ambassador for the Science@Leuven scholarship.
Please note that only applications submitted before February 15, 2024 (via the KU Leuven website and registration on the scholarship website) will be considered for the scholarship.
The fields for which the SCIENCE@LEUVEN scholarship is awarded are:
Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Master of Science in Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Master of Science in Biology
Master of Science in Chemistry
Master of Geography
Interuniversity Master of Science in Geology
Master of Mathematics
Master of Science in Physics
Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science
Master of Science in Sustainable Development (ICP)
The requirements and documents required to receive a Master's scholarship from SCIENCE@LEUVEN, Belgium are:
The applicant has not previously studied or worked at the University of Leuven.
The applicant must have a relevant bachelor's degree from a non-Belgian university.
The applicant does not have a master's or doctoral degree.
Having excellent grades and achievements in undergraduate studies
The applicant must have a language certificate (TOEFL 94 or IELTS 7).
Having a strong motivation letter
Having 2 letters of recommendation from internationally renowned professors
The applicant must be willing to act as an ambassador for the Science@Leuven scholarship.
PhD Scholarship at the University of Leuven, Belgium for Researchers from the South
In order to support research related to development in the Global South and to strengthen local capacity building, the University of Leuven in Belgium awards scholarships to its top doctoral students from low-income countries. The scholarship covers the tuition fees at the University of Leuven in Belgium for 4 years, as well as travel expenses to Belgium (maximum 1000 euros).
The conditions for receiving this scholarship are:
The applicant must be from a low-income country. (Iran is on the list of these countries.)
The applicant must not have received their first master's degree more than 15 years ago.
The applicant must have a supervisor in their home country who will supervise the research project.
The applicant must complete their doctoral program and defend their thesis within 4 years.
The applicant must not be a candidate for the University of Leuven Global Mind Scholarship.
The conditions for receiving this scholarship are:
The applicant must be from a low-income country. (Iran is on the list of these countries.)
The applicant must not have received their first master's degree more than 15 years ago.
The applicant must have a supervisor in their home country who will supervise the research project.
The applicant must complete their doctoral program and defend their thesis within 4 years.
The applicant must not be a candidate for the University of Leuven Global Mind Scholarship.
Wilfried Martens Scholarship, University of Leuven, Belgium
In order to preserve, expand and deepen the political legacy and ideas of Wilfried Martens, the Wilfried Martens Scholarship has been established at the University of Leuven. The scholarship covers academic teaching and research activities and projects focusing on topics of interest to Wilfried Martens throughout his political career, such as the institutional architecture of the European Union , neighbourhood policy and the development of European parties and foundations. The scholarship also focuses on the dialogue between politics and religions and on the interaction between the countries of the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership.
The Wilfried Martens Thesis Prize is awarded annually for the best master's thesis. The thesis must be related to the topics listed.
The fund also awards the Wilfried Martens Scholarship to a student from a non-EU country. The scholarship will support the student for one year of study at a Master’s degree program taught in English at the University of Leuven.
The deadline for the Wilfried Martens Scholarship at the University of Leuven, Belgium, is March 1, 2024.
The Wilfried Martens Thesis Prize is awarded annually for the best master's thesis. The thesis must be related to the topics listed.
The fund also awards the Wilfried Martens Scholarship to a student from a non-EU country. The scholarship will support the student for one year of study at a Master’s degree program taught in English at the University of Leuven.
The deadline for the Wilfried Martens Scholarship at the University of Leuven, Belgium, is March 1, 2024.
Thomas More University Belgium Scholarship
Thomas More University offers a non-cash scholarship to international students. This scholarship, which is a merit-based scholarship , provides the opportunity to receive a tuition fee waiver or a reduction in tuition fees.
Students who pay the increased tuition fee (9,000 euros for 60 credits) can benefit from a tuition fee discount. For first-year students, the discount will be calculated based on academic performance after the first semester.
If a student achieves an academic efficiency of 60% at the end of the fall semester, he/she will receive a tuition discount for the spring semester courses. From the second year of registration (new academic year), the discount will be calculated based on the efficiency of the previous academic year.
If a student achieves an academic efficiency of 70% in the previous academic year, he/she can receive a tuition discount for all courses in the following academic year. For example, if the annual tuition of a foreign student is 9,000 euros, after receiving this scholarship, his/her tuition will be reduced to 7,200 euros.
Students who pay the increased tuition fee (9,000 euros for 60 credits) can benefit from a tuition fee discount. For first-year students, the discount will be calculated based on academic performance after the first semester.
If a student achieves an academic efficiency of 60% at the end of the fall semester, he/she will receive a tuition discount for the spring semester courses. From the second year of registration (new academic year), the discount will be calculated based on the efficiency of the previous academic year.
If a student achieves an academic efficiency of 70% in the previous academic year, he/she can receive a tuition discount for all courses in the following academic year. For example, if the annual tuition of a foreign student is 9,000 euros, after receiving this scholarship, his/her tuition will be reduced to 7,200 euros.
University of Antwerp Scholarship, Belgium
The University of Antwerp offers scholarships to outstanding international students. The scholarships are awarded in the form of a tuition fee reduction for Master's students. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Does not have a master's degree.
Not have received any other scholarship.
Have good academic performance.
Academic performance can be demonstrated by a high GPA, but it can also be demonstrated through other means, such as a strong motivation letter or a successful interview.
The fields eligible for this scholarship include:
Applied Economics and Economic Policy
Biology
Biomedical Sciences
Business Economics
Business and Financial Engineering
Business Engineering and Management Information Systems
Chemistry
Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology
Physics
Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy
Does not have a master's degree.
Not have received any other scholarship.
Have good academic performance.
Academic performance can be demonstrated by a high GPA, but it can also be demonstrated through other means, such as a strong motivation letter or a successful interview.
The fields eligible for this scholarship include:
Applied Economics and Economic Policy
Biology
Biomedical Sciences
Business Economics
Business and Financial Engineering
Business Engineering and Management Information Systems
Chemistry
Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology
Physics
Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy
Belgium scholarships at various levels
Belgium scholarships for master’s and doctoral studies are usually more generous than undergraduate scholarships, and they are also relatively easier to obtain. Below you can see Belgium scholarships by different levels of study.
Belgium scholarships for undergraduate studies
In the table below you can see some of the Belgian undergraduate scholarships.
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Coverage rate |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas More University Belgium Scholarship | Thomas More University, Belgium | Tuition discount of 1,800 euros |
| Wernaers Scholarship | Royal Conservatory College Brussels | Covering living and educational expenses |
| Scholarship, study allowance | Wallonia-Brussels Federation | Covering living and educational expenses |
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Belgium scholarships for master’s degree
In the table below, you can see some of the Belgium scholarships for international students at the master’s level.
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Coverage rate |
|---|---|---|
| Mastermind Belgium Scholarship | Ministry of Education of the Flemish Region of Belgium | A grant of 10,000 euros plus a tuition fee waiver |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Programme (EMJMD) | International Consortium of Higher Education Institutions | Coverage of travel, visa, and living expenses up to a maximum of 1,400 euros per month |
| Science@Leuven Scholarship | University of Leuven, Belgium | A stipend of 12,000 euros plus health insurance |
| Wilfried Martens Scholarship | University of Leuven, Belgium | Financial support and coverage of living and study expenses |
| University of Antwerp Scholarship, Belgium | University of Antwerp, Belgium | Discount on tuition |
| Scholarship for Master in Photonics | Vrije University Brussels | 10,000 euros per year |
| Brussels Photonics Research Fellowship (B-PHOT) | Vrije University Brussels | 5,000 euros per year |
| Wernaers Scholarship | Royal Conservatory College Brussels | Covering living and educational expenses |
| Scholarship, study allowance | Wallonia-Brussels Federation | Covering living and educational expenses |
Belgium scholarships for PhD studies
In the table below, you can see the scholarships offered for doctoral studies in Belgium.
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Coverage rate |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarships for PhD students from developing countries | Ghent University, Belgium and the Special Research Fund (BOF) | €310 per month of research in Ghent plus a stipend of €8,000 |
| PhD Scholarship for Researchers from the South at the University of Leuven, Belgium | University of Leuven, Belgium | Coverage of tuition and travel expenses to Belgium |
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Steps to receive Belgium scholarships
Scholarship selection : First, choose one of the types of Belgian scholarships according to your circumstances.
Preparing documents : Prepare all required documents and requirements based on your chosen scholarship.
Send request : Submit your application for the selected scholarship according to the guidelines of the scholarship provider organization.
Get result : Wait for the scholarship committee's decision and, if you receive a scholarship, complete the registration process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Belgium Scholarships
How do I find suitable scholarships in Belgium?
You can find out about available scholarships by visiting the university website or contacting the social services department of the university in question. BIA2EU experts can also guide you in this regard.
How will I cover living expenses if I don't receive a fully-funded scholarship in Belgium?
In addition to fully funded scholarships, universities offer many grants. As an international student, you also have the opportunity to work up to 20 hours a week while studying.
Do Belgian universities offer tuition fee discounts?
Yes, many Belgian universities offer scholarships in the form of tuition fee reductions.
Which Belgium scholarships are offered at the doctoral level?
Scholarships for PhD students from developing countries at Ghent University in Belgium and PhD scholarships for researchers from the South at the University of Leuven in Belgium are two examples of Belgian scholarships for doctoral studies.
Which universities offer the Mastermind Belgium Scholarship?
The Mastermind Belgium Scholarship is offered by the University of Leuven, University of Antwerp, Ghent University, Hasselt University, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Antwerp Maritime Academy, Artisans Plantin University College Antwerp, Erasmus University College Brussels, Karel de Groot University College, LUCA College of the Arts, PXL University College and Ghent University College.
