Belgium is one of the most attractive places in Europe to study, even though most people don’t know it. Belgium is known for its world-class universities, diverse culture, and central location in Europe. It also has relatively low tuition costs compared to many other Western countries, making it an ideal place for international students to get a good education.
What is the most enjoyable part? Belgium has many scholarships for international students at the undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research levels. Some of these scholarships are fully funded, while others are partially funded. The Belgian government, regional governments, universities, and international organisations paid for these scholarships.
This full guide will show you the most competitive scholarships in Belgium for international students in 2026. It will include their benefits, who can apply, and how to do it right.
Why Should You Study in Belgium as an International Student?
Belgium is a wonderful place for students from all over the world to study and work.
Some of the most significant benefits are:
- KU Leuven and Ghent University are two of the most prestigious universities in the world.
- A place where people speak more than one language (English, French, and Dutch).
- In Europe, it’s simple to get to other EU countries.
- A strong ecosystem for research and innovation of ideas
- Tuition fees lower than in the UK and the US
Belgium also offers many scholarships from both the Flemish (Dutch-speaking) and Walloon (French-speaking) regions, so students have many ways to pay for school.
1. ARES Scholarships (Fully Funded Scholarships from the Belgian Government).
ARES Scholarships are the most popular scholarships in Belgium.
Summary
The Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) pays for it, and it helps students from developing countries.
What It Covers
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payments of €1,150
- Travel costs abroad
- Housing allowance
- Insurance for health
Covered Programmes
- Degrees of bachelor….
- Master’s degrees
- Training programmes that last only 4 to 6 months
Why it’s the Greatest
This scholarship pays for almost everything, so it’s excellent for students without money.
2. Scholarships from the Flanders Government Master Mind
This is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Belgium.
Summary
The Flemish Ministry of Education offers it to help outstanding international students get master’s degrees.
Pros
- A €10,225 per year grant
- Free tuition
Who can apply?
- YOU HAVE TO APPLY TO A UNIVERSITY IN FLANDERS.
- Good school grades
- A lot of drive
Main Benefit
Many universities in Belgium offer it.
3. Scholarships from VLIR-UOS (ICP Connect Programme)
This is another fully funded scholarship for developing country students.
Summary
VLIR-UOS offers scholarships for master’s degrees and training programmes in Belgium.
Pros
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- Travel costs
- Help with housing
Best For
- Students from Latin America, Asia, and Africa
- Areas related to development
Main Idea
This scholarship is for programs that promote long-term growth.
4. The KU Leuven Science@Leuven Scholarship
This is one of the most sought-after university scholarships in Belgium.
Summary
KU Leuven offers it to international students in science programs.
Pros
- Funding up to €10,000
- Covers living costs, insurance, and tuition.
What fields are covered?
- Science
- Building
- Tech
What makes it stand out?
This scholarship is very difficult to get because KU Leuven is one of the most prestigious universities in Europe.
5. Scholarships from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
VUB has scholarships for students from other countries.
Summary
These include funds for master’s programs in photonics and engineering.
Pros
- Up to €10,000 a year
- Help with living costs
Benefit
Compared to national-level scholarships, this one is easy to get.
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (Study in Belgium and other parts of Europe)
This is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Europe.
Summary
The European Union pays for Erasmus Mundus, which lets students study in more than one country, including Belgium.
Benefits
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
Why it’s Valuable
You gain international exposure and multiple degrees.
7. Wallonia-Brussels International (WBI) Excellence Scholarships
The French-speaking region of Belgium offers these scholarships.
Overview
They support international students in master’s and research programmes.
Benefits
- Tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Travel allowance
Best for
- Students applying to French-speaking universities in Belgium
Advantage
Less competitive than national scholarships.
8. Hasselt University Scholarships
Hasselt University offers scholarships for ICPConnect and other programs.
Benefits
- Tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Research opportunities
Ideal candidates
- Masters students
- Students in development-related fields
9. Belgian Development Agency (Enabel) Scholarships
These scholarships support students from developing countries.
Overview
They are often linked to developmental cooperation programmes.
Benefits
- Full or partial funding
- Training and professional development
Best for
Students interested in public policy, governance, and development.
10. Research and PhD Fellowships in Belgium
Belgium offers many research-based scholarships.
Examples
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
- FNRS Research Fellowships
- Erasmus+ research funding
Benefits
- Monthly salary/stipend
- Research funding
- Travel grants
Ideal candidates
PhD students and early-career researchers.
How to Apply for a Scholarship in Belgium
To secure a scholarship, follow these steps.
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Decide on:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD
- English-, French-, or Dutch-taught programs
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
You will typically need:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV
- Personal statement
- Recommendation letters
- Language test results (IELTS/TOEFL or French/Dutch)
Step 3: Apply for admission.
Most scholarships require admission to a Belgian university.
Step 4: Apply for scholarships.
- Government scholarships (ARES, Master Mind).
- University scholarships (KU Leuven, VUB).
- EU scholarships (Erasmus Mundus)
Step 5: Attend interviews (if required)
Some scholarships include interviews or assessments.
Tips to Win a Belgian Scholarship
To increase your chances,
1. Maintain Excellent Academic Results
Most scholarships are highly competitive.
2. Write a strong motivation letter
Clearly explain.
- Why Belgium?
- Your academic goals
- Your future plans
3. Apply early.
Deadlines usually fall between January and April.
4. Apply for Multiple Scholarships
Do not rely on one application.
5. Target Development Programs
Scholarships like ARES and VLIR-UOS prioritise developmental impacts.
6. Tailor Each Application
Avoid generic applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing deadlines
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Weak motivation letters
- Apply for only one scholarship
- Ignoring regional scholarships
Cost of Studying in Belgium Without a Scholarship
Understanding costs highlights scholarships’ value:
- Tuition: €800 – €4,000 per year
- Living expenses: €800 – €1,200 per month
- Accommodation: €300 – €700 per month
Fully funded scholarships can eliminate most of these costs.
Best course to study in Belgium
Fields with high scholarship availability include:
- Engineering and technology
- Public Health and Development Studies
- Business and economics.
- Environmental science
- International relations
Belgium is especially strong in research, development, and international policy programmes.
Final thoughts
Belgium offers some of the most accessible and generous scholarship opportunities in Europe. From fully funded ARES Scholarships to prestigious programmes like the Master Mind Scholarship and Erasmus Mundus, there are multiple pathways to studying in Belgium without financial stress.
The key to success is simple.
Start early, prepare strong applications, and apply to multiple scholarships.
If you stay consistent and strategic, you can secure funding and begin your academic journey in one of Europe’s most diverse and academically respected countries.
