Do you want to study in Belgium? Apply now for the top scholarships in Belgium for international students in 2025. These scholarships can help cover your tuition, living costs, and more, making it easier to achieve your academic goals without financial stress. Belgium offers a variety of scholarships from its top universities and government programs, including fully funded options that cover everything from tuition fees to travel expenses.
Among the best opportunities are the Master Mind Scholarships from the Government of Flanders, which provide a yearly grant and tuition fee waiver, and the KU Leuven Science@Leuven Scholarship, which offers significant support for living costs and insurance. Additionally, KU Leuven’s Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships support PhD students with a unique program split between Belgium and their home country. The ARES Scholarships also offer comprehensive support for undergraduate and master’s students, including travel and living allowances. These scholarships make studying in Belgium more accessible and affordable, helping you focus on your studies and enjoy your time abroad.
1. Master Mind Scholarships
The Government of Flanders Master Mind Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing a master’s degree. These are one of the top scholarships in Belgium providing a grant of €8200 plus a tuition fee waiver per academic year.
- Institution: Various
- Level of Study: Masters
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
2. KU Leuven Scholarship
The KU Leuven offers the fully funded Science@Leuven scholarship for international students pursuing a master’s degree. This scholarship provides €10,000 to cover tuition fees, insurance, health insurance, and living expenses.
- Institution: The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
- Level of Study: Masters
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
3. Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Program at KU Leuven
The Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Program at KU Leuven is among the top scholarships in Belgium. It supports exceptional students from developing countries to pursue their PhD. This ‘sandwich’ program involves conducting 50% of research at KU Leuven and 50% at the scholar’s home institution. The PhD degree is awarded by KU Leuven.
- Institution: K.U. Leuven and Home Institution
- Level of Study: PhD
- Field(s) of Study: Development-related topics
- Deadline: Feb 2024 (annual)
- Target Group: Citizens from eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
- Scholarship Value/Inclusions: Covers tuition fees, monthly allowance, insurance, travel costs, and research allowance.
- Eligibility: Must be a citizen of an eligible country, with a Master’s degree awarded within the last 10 years and an academic grade of High Distinction or higher.
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
4. ARES Scholarships
ARES Scholarships are fully funded scholarships available for international students. These are one of the top scholarships in Belgium supporting undergraduate, master’s, and training courses in Belgium. They cover international travel costs, a monthly living allowance of €1150, an arrival allowance, and tuition and return fees of €700.
- Institution: ARES
- Level of Study: Undergraduate/Masters/Training
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
5. Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program is among the top scholarships in Belgium. It provides fully funded scholarships for PhD studies. The fellowship offers up to $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month period.
- Institution: World Bank
- Level of Study: PhD
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
6. Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel offers several full scholarships for the European Master of Science in Photonics. Each scholarship amounts to €10,000 per year, covering the cost of living in Brussels.
- Institution: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Level of Study: Masters
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
7. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers fully funded master’s scholarships for international students. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, accommodation, economy-class air travel, and a monthly living stipend.
- Institution: Newcastle University
- Level of Study: Masters
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
If you are interested in other Scholarship opportunities abroad, do check out Top Scholarships in Australia.
8. IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program
The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program offers fully funded PhD scholarships for international students. The scholarship is valued at up to $10,000 per year, covering tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, and living expenses.
- Institution: International Mathematical Union
- Level of Study: PhD
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
9. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships
The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship supports PhD and postdoctoral studies with a maximum of $50,000 per year for a PhD and $40,000 per year for a postdoc. The scholarship can be renewed until the completion of studies.
- Institution: Leading universities worldwide
- Level of Study: PhD/Postdoctoral
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
10. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships support master’s and PhD studies at any highly reputable university, except those in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Ireland.
- Institution: Various
- Level of Study: Masters/PhD
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
11. Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowships provide fully funded scholarships for international students. The fellowship includes a living allowance, research and travel allowance, and additional support depending on personal circumstances.
- Institution: Human Frontier Science Program
- Level of Study: Postdoctoral
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
12. IIE-SRF Fellowship
The IIE-SRF Fellowship offers fully funded doctoral research scholarships for international students. It provides a grant of up to $25,000 along with individual health insurance for a visiting academic appointment of up to one year.
- Institution: IIE-SRF
- Level of Study: PhD
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
Wish to study in Germany but can’t afford a blocked account? Read alternative ways to get a student visa from Germany.
13. Facebook PhD Fellowship
The Facebook Fellowship Program provides fully funded scholarships for doctoral research studies. This fellowship covers two years of study and fees, an annual stipend, and conference travel aid.
- Institution: Accredited universities worldwide
- Level of Study: PhD
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I study in Belgium for free?
Belgium offers a variety of scholarships for international students, including fully funded and partially funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral studies.
Which universities in Belgium offer scholarships for international students?
Some top scholarships in Belgium are available at renowned Belgian universities such as The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and institutions supported by the Government of Flanders, among others.
What expenses do top scholarships in Belgium cover?
These scholarships typically cover tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, travel allowance, and may also provide monthly stipends for living expenses.
How can I apply for scholarships in Belgium?
Each scholarship has its own application process. Generally, you need to submit an online application through the respective university or organization’s website, providing necessary documents such as academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
Are there scholarships for all levels of study in Belgium?
Yes, there are scholarships available for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral levels of study in Belgium.
