The Master Mind Scholarship, funded by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training in Belgium, is designed to attract high-achieving international students to pursue a Master’s degree in Flanders and Brussels.
Key Program Details
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Belgium (Flemish & Brussels Capital Region) |
| Degree Level | Master’s Degree |
| Duration | 1 to 2 Academic Years (depending on the program) |
| Funding Body | Flemish Ministry of Education and Training |
Financial Benefits
- Living Allowance: Grant of €9,600 per academic year to assist with living expenses.
- Reduced Tuition: Substantial tuition fee waiver (students pay only a low administrative fee).
- Work & Campus Rights: Access to university facilities, student libraries, and permission to work part-time in accordance with Belgian student regulations.
- Additional Support: University-level assistance with finding accommodation and optional student health insurance coverage.
Participating Institutions
Research Universities
- KU Leuven
- Ghent University
- University of Antwerp
- Hasselt University
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
- University of Mons (selected programs)
University Colleges & Arts Institutes
- Antwerp Maritime Academy
- Artesis Plantijn University College Antwerp (AP)
- Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- LUCA School of Arts
- PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- University College Ghent (KASK & School of Arts)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for consideration, candidates must:
- Academic Record: Possess an outstanding academic record (high GPA/honors in previous studies).
- Admission Status: Apply and be accepted into an eligible Master’s degree program at a participating Flemish institution.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrate a high level of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or institutional equivalent).
- Nationality: Hold a valid passport/ID from a country outside Belgium.
- Prior Status: Must not already be registered or enrolled at a Flemish higher education institution, nor have previously received a Master Mind scholarship. Exchange or short-term mobility students are not eligible.
Application Procedure
The Master Mind application is nomination-based, meaning you cannot apply directly to the Flemish government without first going through a university.
1.Select an Eligible Program:Check each university’s individual internal deadlines.
Identify a participating Flemish university and choose an eligible Master’s program matching your background (Engineering, Science, Business, Arts, Social Sciences, etc.).
2.Apply for University Admission:
Submit your formal admission application directly to the university’s international admissions portal, adhering to their specific documentation requirements.
3.Receive University Nomination:
If accepted, the university will evaluate your academic profile. If selected as a top candidate, the university will officially nominate you for the Master Mind Scholarship.
4.Complete the Scholarship Portal Application:
Upon nomination, you will receive an invitation link to create an account on the central Flemish scholarship tool. Complete the scholarship form and upload required supporting materials (motivation letter, references, transcripts).
5.Await Final Selection Results:
The central Flemish selection committee evaluates all nominated candidates and publishes final award decisions before the start of the academic year.
Applying for the Master Mind Scholarship requires preparing two sets of materials: first for the university admission (to secure nomination), and second for the central Flemish scholarship portal (Mobility-Online) once nominated.
1. Core Academic Documents
- Academic Transcripts: Complete records of all university-level coursework and grades. If not in English, French, German, or Dutch, a certified English translation is required.
- Graduation Diplomas / Degree Certificates: Official copies of your Bachelor’s degree (or highest degree). Certified translations are required if issued in another language.
- GPA Calculation (Scholaro): Official rules require a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 calculated via Scholaro. You should convert your home-country grading scale and note this on your resume.
2. Scholarship & Motivation Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed academic CV outlining education, your calculated 4.0 GPA, publications, awards, relevant work experience, and any previous scholarships.
- Letter of Motivation: Written in English, articulating why you chose this specific Master’s program in Flanders, your academic background, and future career goals.
- Two Letters of Recommendation:
- Signed letters written in English.
- Sourced from professors at your previous university or a recent professional employer.
- Must be on official institutional letterhead.
3. Identity & Language Verification
- Passport / National ID: A clear copy of the biographical page of your international passport (or national ID).
- Passport-Style Photograph: Recent profile picture suitable for administrative identification.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency: Must be valid (usually no older than 3 years):
- For Research Universities: Minimum IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 94, or CEFR C1 level.
- For Schools of Arts: Minimum IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90, or CEFR B2 level.
- (Alternatively: an official English exemption letter issued by the host university).
4. Program-Specific Materials (May Vary by Institution)
- Portfolio of Artistic Works: Mandatory if applying to arts, design, music, or architecture programs at institutions like KASK, LUCA, or AP.
- GRE / GMAT Scores: Occasionally requested by specific business, economics, or engineering programs.
- Course Outlines / Syllabus Descriptions: Some faculties require course descriptions of your previous degree to verify prerequisites.
Typical Deadlines by University
Because you must be admitted before being nominated, pay close attention to the host university’s internal deadlines, which close earlier than the government’s central review:
| Institution | Typical University Deadline |
| KU Leuven | Mid-January |
| University of Antwerp | Early February |
| Hasselt University | Mid-March |
| Ghent University | March to Early April |
| Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) | Early April |
