Master Mind Scholarship in Belgium 2026 For Masters Program

The Master Mind Scholarship Welcomes International Applicants to Study In Belgium In 2026

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Master Mind Scholarship and International Applicants

Master Mind Scholarship: Belgium has long been recognized as a hub for high-quality education, cultural diversity, and academic innovation. For international students who dream of pursuing a master’s degree in Europe, the Master Mind Scholarship stands out as one of the most attractive opportunities available today. Funded by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training, this prestigious scholarship supports outstanding students from around the world who wish to study in Flanders or Brussels.

Each year, the Master Mind Scholarship helps talented students overcome financial barriers by offering generous funding, tuition fee reductions, and access to some of Belgium’s most respected higher education institutions. If you are academically strong, motivated, and eager to gain an international learning experience, this scholarship could be the perfect fit for you.

Important note: The call for applications for the 2026–2027 academic year is expected to open in February 2026.

What Is the Master Mind Scholarship?

The Master Mind Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based funding program designed to attract high-achieving international students to Flemish higher education institutions. It supports students enrolled in English-taught master’s programmes at universities, universities of applied sciences, and schools of arts in Flanders and Brussels.

Each selected student receives:

A grant of €10,020 per academic year
A tuition fee waiver, meaning students pay only a minimal administrative fee

In this regard, students are encouraged to choose their options carefully, as each one has implications for costs. The scholarship may cover one-year (60 ECTS) or two-year (120 ECTS) master’s programmes, depending on the structure of the chosen degree.

Why Study in Flanders and Brussels?

Studying in Belgium is a great opportunity that offers international candidates extensive experience. The capital of the European Union is in Belgium, thus exposing a student. Studying in Flanders or Brussels offers more than just academic excellence. International students benefit from:

World-class universities with strong global rankings
A multicultural and multilingual environment
Affordable living costs compared to many other European destinations
Easy access to other European countries
Strong links between academia, research, and industry

With English widely spoken and many programmes taught fully in English, Belgium is especially welcoming to international students. Belgium is well-positioned for international students to travel to different parts of Europe and the world easily from there.

Eligibility Criteria for the Master Mind Scholarship

Scholarships have their own criteria that are followed strictly when selecting qualified candidates for the post. Before applying, ensure you meet all eligibility requirements. The selection process is strict, and only candidates who meet all conditions will be considered.

1. Programme Requirements

The first criterion is necessary and, in most cases, opens the door to other options. In this scholarship, instruction should be followed to the letter. Applicants must apply for an eligible master’s degree programme at a Flemish higher education institution. Key conditions include:

The programme must be a master’s degree.
It must consist of at least 60 ECTS per academic year.
The programme can last one or two academic years.
The programme must be on-campus (distance learning is not allowed)
Preparatory programmes, bridging programmes, and distance-learning degrees are not eligible for the scholarship.

2. Academic Requirements

To all students who wish to be considered for scholarship opportunities around the world, they should ensure they perform well in their studies. Academic excellence is one of the core selection criteria. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance or clear academic potential.

A minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 is required.
The GPA is calculated based on the last obtained bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The official GPA conversion tool used is Scholaro.
Applicants are encouraged to calculate their GPA in advance to ensure they meet the requirement.

3. English Language Requirements (Universities & Universities of Sciences)

Belgium uses different languages of instruction, so applicants must be aware of their language proficiency. Applicants enrolling in universities or universities of applied sciences must provide proof of English proficiency. The test results must be no older than three years at the time of application.

Accepted qualifications include:

IELTS: minimum overall band score of 7.0
TOEFL iBT: minimum total score of 94
CEFR level C1
An equivalent score on another official English language test recognized by the host institution

4. English Language Requirements (Schools of Arts)

For students applying to schools of arts, the language requirements are slightly lower:

IELTS: minimum overall band score of 6.5
TOEFL iBT: minimum total score of 90
CEFR level B2
Or an equivalent recognized English test

5. Requirements Set by the Host Institution

All scholarship opportunities around the world have their own criteria that qualified applicants must meet. To receive the Master Mind Scholarship, applicants must first be accepted into a master’s programme by a participating Flemish institution.

Important points to note:

Each applicant can be nominated by only one institution.
If selected by more than one institution, the applicant must choose one.
Admission to the programme is mandatory, even if it is confirmed after scholarship preselection.

6. Previous Degree Restrictions

To remain eligible:

The qualifying degree must not have been obtained at a Flemish institution.
Students already enrolled in a Flemish institution cannot apply, except for those in a preparatory programme starting a master’s degree the following academic year.
Students who previously studied in Flanders through credit mobility programmes (such as Erasmus+) are still eligible.

7. Nationality and Mobility Rules

Applicants from all nationalities may apply, except Russian nationals.
Mobility to partner institutions outside Flanders (e.g., Erasmus+) is allowed.
At least 50% of the total credits must be completed at the Flemish host institution.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the Master Mind Scholarship

Scholarship opportunities are a great way to prepare future experts and leaders worldwide. Some countries depend on carriers with stronger economies to attract experts. All scholarship opportunities have their own application criteria. Applying for the Master Mind Scholarship involves multiple steps and close coordination with your chosen institution.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

All scholarship opportunities around the world have criteria that must be met. This scholarship also has its own criteria that applicants need to meet before applying. Carefully review all eligibility criteria to confirm that you qualify academically, linguistically, and administratively.

Step 2: Choose a Participating Institution

Not all Flemish institutions participate every year. Check whether your chosen institution is participating and note their internal application deadline. Applications must be submitted directly to the host institution, not to the Flemish government.

Step 3: Institutional Preselection

After the institution’s deadline:

The institution reviews applications.
Eligible candidates are preselected.
Each institution may submit up to 20 applications to the Flemish Higher Education Council.

Step 4: Mobility Online Application

The application is all done through the online platform. If preselected, the institution creates your application file in the Mobility Online system. You will receive an automated email with instructions. If you are not preselected, your application will not proceed further.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Applicants must upload the following documents in English:

Profile picture
Copy of passport or national ID
Curriculum Vitae (including GPA, awards, publications, and scholarships)
Official academic transcripts
Certified translations (if applicable)
English language test results or exemption letter
Letter of motivation
Two signed letters of recommendation
Copy of diploma(s)

Step 6: Final Submission by the Host Institution

The scholarship committee works closely with the host institution before announcing results. The host institution validates and submits the completed file to the Flemish Higher Education Council before the final deadline. Late submissions are not accepted.

Step 7: Final Selection

The scholarship offers generous grants to students, but it is very competitive due to the large number of applicants. The selection committee ranks candidates and awards scholarships to the highest-performing applicants. Results are communicated directly to students.

Participating Institutions and Deadlines (2026)

Universities

KU Leuven – Deadline: January 15, 2026
University of Antwerp – Deadline: February 1, 2026
Ghent University – Deadline: April 1, 2026
Hasselt University – Deadline: March 15, 2026
Vrije Universiteit Brussel – Deadline: April 1, 2026

Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts

A scholarship could be offered to a student who has been admitted to a certain university. Several applied sciences institutions and schools of arts also participate, each with its own deadline. Applicants are advised to contact international offices directly when deadlines are not specified.

Scholarship Payment Structure

There are different kinds of scholarships in the world: some cover some expenses, and others cover everything. The Master Mind Scholarship is paid in installments over the academic year(s). Payments depend on enrollment, academic progress, and credit completion.

One-Year Master’s Programme

Initial payment after arrival or before the academic year
Second installment in February
Final installment after successful completion of the year
Failure to obtain the master’s degree may result in loss of the final installment.

Two-Year Master’s Programme

Payments are split across both academic years.
Students must earn at least 54 ECTS in the first year to continue funding.
Final installments are paid only upon degree completion.
Students who discontinue their studies early may be required to refund part of the scholarship.

Tuition Fees and Additional Conditions

The Master Mind Scholarships offer many opportunities for international applicants. Although tuition is waived, students may be required to pay a reduced tuition fee, equal to the lowest rate for Flemish grant-holding students. For 2026–2027, this fee is approximately €139.40, subject to slight annual increases.

Reserved Scholarships and Restrictions

The Master Mind Scholarship opportunities are open to all qualified international applicants. However, like all opportunities, it also has its own peculiarity. A number of scholarships are reserved for students from priority countries, including:

Japan
Mexico
Palestine
United States

There are many scholarship opportunities for international students worldwide, and each is unique. The Master Mind Scholarship cannot be combined with other major funding programmes such as Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright, BAEF, or other Flemish Government scholarships.

Conclusion on Master Mind Scholarship

The Master Mind Scholarship in Belgium is an exceptional opportunity for international students seeking academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and financial support. With generous funding, globally respected institutions, and a structured application process, this scholarship opens doors to a transformative educational experience in Europe.

If you meet the requirements and are motivated to study in Belgium, preparing early and applying strategically can significantly increase your chances of success. For official updates and detailed programme information, always consult the Study in Flanders platform.

The Master Mind Scholarship Welcomes International Applicants to Study In Belgium In 2026