Belgium has emerged as one of Europe’s most attractive study destinations for international students. With its world-class universities, multilingual environment, and location in the heart of Europe, Belgium offers excellent academic and cultural opportunities. Better yet, numerous scholarships for international students in Belgium make pursuing a degree here more affordable than ever.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best Belgian scholarships for 2025, the top universities offering funding, and how to maximize your chances of securing financial aid.

🇧🇪 Why Study in Belgium?

Before diving into scholarships, here’s why Belgium is gaining popularity among international students:

• 🌍 Multilingual education in Dutch, French, German, and English

• 🎓 Globally ranked universities with strong research output

• 🏛️ Rich history and cultural diversity

• 🛫 Centrally located in Europe, perfect for travel

• 💼 Career opportunities in international organizations (EU, NATO, etc.)

🏆 Top Scholarships in Belgium for International Students (2025)

1. VLIR-UOS Scholarships

Who it’s for: Students from developing countries
Covers: Full tuition, travel, accommodation, insurance, and living expenses
Programs: Master’s programs in development-related fields at Flemish universities

✅ Highly competitive, fully funded – apply early!

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

Who it’s for: Students from select developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
Covers: Full tuition, monthly allowance, travel costs
Programs: Specialized master’s and training programs

🔍 Check if your country is on the eligible list for 2025.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Who it’s for: Students from EU and non-EU countries
Covers: Tuition, travel, installation, monthly stipend
Programs: Joint master’s degrees across European universities, including Belgian institutions

💡 Apply through the EMJMD portal; early deadlines (usually Jan–Feb).

4. Master Mind Scholarships by the Flemish Government

Who it’s for: High-achieving students from all countries
Covers: Up to €8,400 + tuition fee waiver
Universities: KU Leuven, Ghent University, VUB, UAntwerp, Hasselt University

🎯 One of the top merit-based scholarships for 2025.

5. University-Specific Scholarships in Belgium

➤ KU Leuven

• Offers need-based and merit-based scholarships

• Notable: Science@Leuven Scholarships for international science students

➤ Ghent University

• Doctoral scholarships for developing countries

• Co-funding programs for PhD students

➤ Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)

• International scholarships for master’s students

• Some funding available for short-term programs

➤ University of Antwerp

• Master Mind and internal merit-based funding

• Strong in economics, law, and political science

📌 Eligibility Criteria for Belgian Scholarships

While each scholarship has specific criteria, here are common requirements:

🗓️ How to Apply for 2025 Scholarships in Belgium

1. Research eligible scholarships and deadlines (some open as early as September 2024).

2. Choose a program and apply for admission to the university.

3. Gather documents: transcripts, CV, motivation letter, references, proof of language proficiency.

4. Apply online via the university or scholarship portal.

5. Prepare for interviews (for highly competitive scholarships).

💡 Tips to Improve Your Chances

• Start early: Many top scholarships close 6–10 months before intake.

• Customize your motivation letter for each scholarship.

• Showcase leadership, volunteer work, or social impact in your application.

• Choose programs that align with the scholarship’s mission (e.g., development, sustainability).

💰 Can You Study in Belgium for Free?

While Belgium does not offer free education to international students, fully funded scholarships like VLIR-UOS, Erasmus Mundus, and ARES cover all major expenses. Some universities also have very low tuition fees, especially for EU/EEA students or scholarship recipients.

🏛️ Top Universities in Belgium for International Students (2025)