√Affordable Education in Europe: Study in Belgium with a Scholarship

For many students around the world, studying in Europe is a dream — a chance to experience world-class education, diverse cultures, and endless career opportunities. However, one common challenge stands in the way: the high cost of tuition and living expenses. Fortunately, Belgium offers a solution. Known for its affordable education system and generous scholarships, Belgium has become one of the best destinations in Europe for international students looking for quality education at a reasonable cost.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about studying in Belgium with a scholarship — from why you should choose Belgium, to the top scholarship opportunities available, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

Why Choose Belgium for Higher Education?

Belgium is located at the crossroads of Europe, bordered by France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. It’s a small yet powerful country that blends tradition, innovation, and academic excellence. Here’s why it’s a top study destination for global learners:

1. High-Quality Education

Belgium is home to some of Europe’s most prestigious universities — such as KU Leuven, Ghent University, and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain). These institutions consistently rank high in global university rankings and are known for their research, innovation, and academic rigor.

2. Multilingual and Diverse Environment

Belgium has three official languages (Dutch, French, and German), but many programs — especially master’s and PhD degrees — are taught entirely in English. This makes Belgium accessible to international students from all over the world.

3. Affordable Living and Tuition

Compared to other Western European countries like France or the UK, Belgium offers lower tuition fees and a moderate cost of living, especially for students receiving financial aid or scholarships.

4. Strategic Location in Europe

With Brussels as the capital of the European Union, Belgium offers unique networking opportunities. Students can easily travel across Europe — Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin are just a few hours away.

5. Abundance of Scholarships

Belgium provides a wide range of scholarships funded by its government, universities, and international organizations. These scholarships make studying in Belgium more accessible and affordable for global learners.

Top Scholarships to Study in Belgium

Belgium offers several types of scholarships — from fully funded programs covering tuition and living expenses, to partial grants for tuition reduction. Below are the most popular scholarship options for international students.

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

The ARES Scholarship program is one of the most well-known opportunities for students from developing countries. It supports Master’s and advanced training programs at top Belgian institutions.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Monthly living allowance (€1,150)

• Round-trip airfare

• Health insurance and housing support

Eligibility:

• Be a citizen of an ARES-eligible developing country

• Hold a bachelor’s degree relevant to the chosen field

• Demonstrate strong academic and professional background

Application Deadline: Typically from November to January each year.

2. VLIR-UOS Scholarships

Funded by the Flemish Interuniversity Council, the VLIR-UOS Scholarship supports students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue master’s or short training programs in Flanders, Belgium.

Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly allowance (€1,150)

• Travel, insurance, and accommodation costs

Eligibility:

• Be a national of an eligible developing country

• Be under 35 years old (for Master’s) or under 45 (for short programs)

• Demonstrate academic excellence

Application Period: Usually between November and February.

3. Master Mind Scholarships

The Flemish Government Master Mind Scholarship is designed to attract outstanding international students to master’s programs in Belgium.

Participating Universities:

• KU Leuven

• Ghent University

• University of Antwerp

• Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

• Hasselt University

Benefits:

• €8,000 grant per academic year

• Partial tuition fee reduction

• Living and accommodation support

Eligibility:

• Excellent academic record (minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 or equivalent)

• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL required)

• Admission to a participating university

Deadline: Around March each year.

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)

Many Belgian universities participate in the Erasmus Mundus program, a European Union initiative that allows students to study in multiple European countries, including Belgium.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fee waiver

• Monthly stipend (€1,000–€1,200)

• Travel and installation allowance

• Health insurance coverage

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

• Excellent academic and language skills

Deadline: Varies by program (October–January).

5. University-Specific Scholarships in Belgium

Each Belgian university has its own scholarship schemes to support international students. Here are some popular examples:

KU Leuven

• Science@Leuven Scholarship: For master’s students in science and engineering.

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

Ghent University

• Top-Up Grants: For students from low- and middle-income countries enrolled in English-taught master’s programs.

UCLouvain (Université Catholique de Louvain)

• UCLouvain International Scholarships: Partial tuition fee reductions for outstanding students.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

• Tuition Fee Waivers for master’s programs and Master Mind Scholarships participation.

University of Antwerp

• Provides scholarships through the VLIR-UOS and Master Mind programs, supporting research-oriented students.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Belgium

Applying for scholarships in Belgium can be straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here’s a practical step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose a Program

Decide your preferred field of study and level (Master’s, PhD, or training). Then, identify universities and scholarships that match your goals.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Carefully read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship program. Requirements vary depending on nationality, age, and academic background.

Step 3: Prepare the Necessary Documents

Typical documents include:

• Academic transcripts and diploma copies

• Motivation or cover letter

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Letters of recommendation

• English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL)

• Passport or ID copy

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Most scholarship applications are submitted online through the university or official program website. Always double-check the submission deadline.

Step 5: Interview or Evaluation

Some scholarships may require an interview, especially for research-based programs or competitive funding schemes.

Step 6: Wait for Results

If selected, you’ll receive an official letter of award and next steps for visa application and enrollment.

Tips to Improve Your Scholarship Application

1. Start Early – Begin researching and preparing your application at least 6 months in advance.

2. Personalize Your Motivation Letter – Explain why Belgium is your ideal study destination and how your goals align with the scholarship’s mission.

3. Apply to Multiple Programs – Don’t rely on one scholarship; increase your chances by applying to several.

4. Highlight Achievements and Leadership – Scholarship committees look for students with both academic excellence and community impact.

5. Maintain a Strong GPA and Test Scores – Many scholarships prioritize students with proven academic performance.

Living in Belgium as an International Student

Belgium offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern living. Cities like Brussels, Leuven, Ghent, and Antwerp are not only academic hubs but also vibrant cultural centers filled with museums, festivals, and international communities.

Cost of Living:
Students typically spend between €900–€1,200 per month, including accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities. Many universities offer affordable student housing and discounts on public transportation.

Part-Time Work Opportunities:
International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester, which can help cover daily expenses and provide valuable work experience.

Conclusion

Studying in Belgium is an opportunity to gain a world-class education at an affordable cost — especially when supported by generous scholarship programs. With options like ARES, VLIR-UOS, Master Mind, and Erasmus Mundus, international students can pursue their dreams without financial barriers.

Belgium stands out as one of the most affordable European destinations for higher education, offering not just academic excellence but also cultural diversity, international networking, and career growth.

So, if you’re looking for affordable education in Europe, consider applying to study in Belgium with a scholarship — your future could begin in the heart of Europe.