Belgium is a hub for international education, offering a wide range of scholarships to attract students from around the world. These scholarships are designed to support students at various academic levels, from master’s degrees to PhDs, particularly those from developing countries. The scholarships not only provide financial support but also foster cultural exchange and international collaboration. Below are some of the most prominent scholarships to study in Belgium, including details about their application processes and expected dates for the next call for applications.
CIUF-CUD Scholarships in Belgium for Developing Countries
The CIUF-CUD Scholarships in Belgium are targeted at students from developing countries who wish to pursue a master’s degree or undertake research and training in Belgium. These scholarships are offered by the CIUF (Conseil Interuniversitaire de la Communauté française de Belgique) and CUD (Commission Universitaire pour le Développement) and are aimed at students who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries.
The CIUF-CUD Scholarships cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend to help with living costs. The program is highly competitive, with a rigorous selection process that includes academic performance, the relevance of the proposed study or research to the applicant’s home country, and the potential impact of the scholarship on their future career. The next call for applications is typically announced in the autumn, with a deadline in early spring.
VLIR-UOS Scholarships for Developing Countries
The VLIR-UOS Scholarships are another significant opportunity for students from developing countries, particularly those from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are offered annually and support students who wish to pursue training, research, or study in Belgium at selected institutions. The program focuses on fields that are relevant to the development needs of the applicants’ home countries, such as public health, agriculture, and engineering.
The VLIR-UOS Scholarships cover full tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly allowance to cover living costs. The application process is thorough, requiring a detailed proposal of the intended study or research, academic records, and letters of recommendation. The scholarships are highly sought after, and the next call for applications is expected to be announced in late 2024, with a deadline in early 2025.
Ghent University Top-up Grants
Ghent University offers Top-up Grants to new international students from developing countries who are enrolled in English-taught master’s degree programs. These scholarships are intended to support students who may not have the financial means to study in Belgium but have shown exceptional academic potential. The Top-up Grants provide a monthly stipend, as well as insurance and travel expenses, making it easier for students to focus on their studies.
The selection process for Ghent University Top-up Grants is based on academic merit, the relevance of the chosen program to the applicant’s home country, and their potential to contribute to development efforts after graduation. The next call for applications is expected in early 2024, with the program starting in the autumn of the same year.
KU Leuven Science Scholarships for International Students
The Science@Leuven Scholarship at KU Leuven is aimed at outstanding international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in the Faculty of Science. This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students with a strong academic background in science who are interested in studying in Belgium. The scholarship covers tuition fees, and in some cases, a partial living allowance.
The application process is competitive, with applicants required to demonstrate their academic achievements, motivation for studying at KU Leuven, and their future career plans. The next call for applications is expected to be announced in late 2023, with the deadline in early 2024.
KU Leuven IRO PhD Scholarships for Developing Countries
The KU Leuven IRO PhD Scholarships are designed for prospective PhD students from developing countries who wish to study in Belgium within the framework of the Interfaculty Council for Development Cooperation (IRO) at KU Leuven. These scholarships provide full funding for the duration of the PhD program, including tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend.
The program is particularly aimed at students who plan to conduct research that will contribute to the development of their home countries. The selection process is rigorous, with a focus on the research proposal, the applicant’s academic background, and the potential impact of the research. The next call for applications is anticipated in early 2024, with the program commencing later that year.
To explore other scholarship opportunities to study in Europe, please click here.
