The Master Mind Scholarship is a government-backed opportunity awarded by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training in Belgium for outstanding international students who want to pursue a Master’s degree in the Flanders and Brussels region. It aims to attract top global talent and promote Flemish higher education internationally.
Host & Programme Details
- Location: Flanders and Brussels, Belgium
- Sponsor: Flemish Ministry of Education and Training
- Study Level: Master’s (60 ECTS / 120 ECTS programmes)
- Institutions: Participating Flemish universities, schools of arts, and the Antwerp Maritime Academy
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars receive:
• An annual grant of approximately €10,000–€10,225 per academic year. The exact amount may vary by year.
• A tuition fee waiver, meaning holders only pay a small administrative enrollment fee (often around €136.50).
• The award can be renewed for a second academic year if enrolled in a two-year Master’s programme.
The scholarship is typically paid in installments and can help cover living costs, accommodation, insurance, and other study-related expenses during the funded period.
Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify for the Master Mind Scholarship:
• Applicants must be international students applying for a Master’s degree at a Flemish host institution.
• The previous degree must have been obtained outside Flanders; students already enrolled in a Flemish institution are usually not eligible (with limited exceptions).
• All nationalities can apply except Russian nationals.
• A strong academic record — typically a high GPA — is required, and some institutions ask for proof of English language ability if the programme is taught in English.
• Certain programmes, such as preparatory, bridging, or distance learning courses, are usually not eligible for this scholarship.
Application & Selection
Applications are submitted through the host university’s admissions process. Each institution nominates eligible applicants for the Master Mind selection. There is a selection committee that ranks candidates, and in some years reserved quotas exist for students from priority countries (e.g., Japan, Mexico, Palestine, and the USA).
Deadlines and procedures vary by institution, but applicants generally apply first for admission to their chosen Master’s programme and then for the scholarship before the set deadlines in early spring.
Why It’s Important
The Master Mind Scholarship makes studying a master’s degree in Belgium more affordable by providing a substantial living grant plus tuition fee reduction. It also gives international students access to high-quality education in one of Europe’s vibrant academic regions.
