√Belgium Government and University Scholarships for International Students

Belgium, located in the heart of Europe, is one of the best destinations for international students seeking world-class education, rich cultural diversity, and affordable study options. The country is known for its strong academic institutions and generous scholarship programs funded by both the Belgian government and universities.

If you dream of studying in Europe without worrying about the high cost of tuition, Belgium offers excellent opportunities through fully funded and partial scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Belgium Government and University Scholarships for International Students — including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.

Why Study in Belgium?

Before exploring scholarship options, it’s important to understand why Belgium stands out as a top study destination:

1. World-Class Education System
   Belgian universities rank among the best in Europe for research and innovation.

2. Multilingual Learning Environment
   With courses offered in English, French, and Dutch, Belgium attracts students from around the world.

3. Affordable Cost of Living
   Compared to neighboring countries like France or Germany, Belgium offers a lower cost of living while maintaining a high quality of education.

4. Central European Location
   Living in Belgium gives you access to major European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin within hours.

5. Generous Scholarships
   The Belgian government and universities provide financial support to ensure talented students can pursue higher education regardless of background.

1. Belgium Government Scholarships for International Students

The Belgian government offers several programs designed to support students from developing countries and promote international cooperation. These scholarships are fully funded and available for both Master’s and training programs.

A. ARES Scholarships (Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur)

Type: Fully Funded
Level: Master’s and Advanced Training Programs

The ARES Scholarships are among the most popular Belgian government-funded scholarships. They target students from developing countries who wish to pursue a Master’s degree or professional training in Belgium.

Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly living allowance (€1,150/month)

• Travel expenses

• Insurance and housing allowance

Eligibility:

• Citizen of a developing country (check eligible list on ARES website)

• Holds a relevant bachelor’s degree

• Proficient in English or French

• Strong academic record and motivation

Application Period: September to January

Where to Apply:
Directly through the official ARES scholarship website.

B. VLIR-UOS Scholarships

Type: Fully Funded
Level: Master’s and Training Programs

The VLIR-UOS (Flemish Interuniversity Council) scholarships are designed for students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America who want to study in Flemish universities in Belgium.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly stipend (€1,150)

• Round-trip international airfare

• Insurance and accommodation support

Eligibility:

• Be a citizen of an eligible developing country

• Be under 35 (for master’s) or 45 (for training programs)

• Have relevant academic or professional background

Application Period: November to February

Where to Apply:
Via participating Flemish universities such as KU Leuven, Ghent University, or University of Antwerp.

C. Master Mind Scholarships

Type: Partial Funding
Level: Master’s Programs

Funded by the Flemish Government, the Master Mind Scholarship aims to promote internationalization in higher education.

Benefits:

• Scholarship worth up to €8,000 per academic year

• Tuition fee reduction

• Living expenses support

Eligibility:

• Outstanding academic performance (GPA of 3.5/4.0 or equivalent)

• Admission to a Flemish university

• Excellent English proficiency

Participating Universities:

• KU Leuven

• Ghent University

• University of Antwerp

• Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

D. Erasmus+ Program

Type: Fully Funded (EU-Supported)
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD

The Erasmus+ Program is an initiative of the European Union that funds international mobility and academic exchange between European and non-European universities.

Benefits:

• Tuition coverage

• Monthly stipend (€1,000–€1,200)

• Travel allowance

• Insurance and accommodation

Eligibility:

• Must be enrolled at a partner university

• Demonstrated academic merit and motivation

Application Period: Depends on each Erasmus+ partner program.

2. University Scholarships in Belgium

Belgian universities also provide a variety of scholarships to attract global learners. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or research-focused.

A. KU Leuven Scholarships

Location: Leuven, Flanders
Top Programs: Engineering, Science, and Humanities

KU Leuven is Belgium’s oldest and most prestigious university. It offers several scholarships for international students.

Popular Scholarships:

• Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships: For PhD students from developing countries.

• Science@Leuven Scholarships: For international master’s students in science programs.

Benefits:

• Tuition waiver

• Living allowance

• Travel reimbursement

Deadline: February each year.

B. Ghent University Scholarships

Location: Ghent, Flanders
Top Programs: Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Engineering

Ghent University is known for its research-oriented programs and strong international focus.

Popular Scholarships:

• Top-up Grants: For students from developing countries enrolling in English-taught master’s programs.

• VLIR-UOS Programs: For students from eligible countries.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fee

• Monthly allowance

• Accommodation and travel expenses

Deadline: Usually before March.

C. Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)

Location: Louvain-la-Neuve, Wallonia
Top Programs: Social Sciences, Economics, Biomedical Sciences

UCLouvain is a French-speaking university that offers international scholarships through ARES and its own internal programs.

Benefits:

• Partial or full tuition waivers

• Monthly stipend

• Health insurance

Deadline: Varies depending on the scholarship type.

D. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Location: Brussels
Top Programs: Political Science, Communication, and Engineering

Situated in the capital of the European Union, VUB provides an international environment and multiple scholarship options.

Popular Scholarships:

• Master Mind Scholarships

• VUB Tuition Fee Reductions for non-EU students

Benefits:

• Up to €8,000 per year

• Tuition fee discount

Deadline: February to March.

E. University of Antwerp

Location: Antwerp
Top Programs: Science, Economics, and Law

The University of Antwerp actively supports international students through scholarships funded by the Flemish government.

Popular Scholarships:

• VLIR-UOS Programs

• Master Mind Scholarships

Benefits:

• Tuition fee reduction

• Living allowance

• Travel and insurance costs

How to Apply for Scholarships in Belgium

Here’s a simplified step-by-step process to guide you through:

Step 1: Choose a Program and University

Identify the course that aligns with your academic interests and career goals.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

Review all scholarship details carefully, including nationality, degree level, and language requirements.

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

You’ll typically need:

• Academic transcripts

• Motivation letter

• Recommendation letters

• English or French language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/DELF)

• Passport copy

Step 4: Submit Your Application Online

Applications are usually made through university or scholarship portals. Always submit before the deadline.

Step 5: Await the Results

If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview. Successful candidates receive an official offer via email.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Start Early: Most scholarships close months before the semester begins.

2. Customize Your Motivation Letter: Clearly explain why you chose Belgium and how it aligns with your goals.

3. Highlight Achievements: Include research, volunteer work, and awards.

4. Apply to Multiple Opportunities: Don’t rely on one scholarship.

5. Follow Up: Check your email regularly for updates or requests for additional documents.

Conclusion

Belgium provides a wealth of opportunities for international students through its government-funded and university-based scholarships. Whether you choose the ARES, VLIR-UOS, or Master Mind Scholarships, each program is designed to make studying in Belgium more accessible and rewarding.

By planning ahead, preparing strong application materials, and applying strategically, you can secure a scholarship that allows you to experience Belgium’s academic excellence and European lifestyle — all while studying for free or at minimal cost.

So if you’re looking to study abroad in Europe, Belgium should be at the top of your list.