Scholarships for Indian Students in Belgium (2025 Edition)

Which Scholarships Are Available for Indian Students in Belgium?

1. VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Flanders)
If you’re aiming to pursue a master’s degree in Flanders, the VLIR-UOS scholarship is one of the best funding options. It targets students from selected developing countries, including India. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, insurance, and a monthly allowance. Only certain English-taught programs (called ICP Connect programs) are eligible, and applications must be submitted through the host university. You should start preparing your application by late 2024, as deadlines vary but often fall between January and March 2025.

2. ARES Scholarships (Wallonia-Brussels)
Indian students can also benefit from Erasmus Mundus scholarships, a European Union initiative that funds full master’s programs across several European universities. Many of these programs include a semester in Belgium. Erasmus Mundus scholarships are extremely competitive but generous, covering tuition, travel, and monthly stipends. You can apply directly through each program’s website. Most applications open in October 2024 and close by February 2025.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
Several Belgian universities offer their own scholarships or tuition waivers for international students. For example, KU Leuven offers Science@Leuven Scholarships, aimed at outstanding students in science and engineering. University of Ghent offers top-up grants for students from developing countries, while ULB (Université libre de Bruxelles) and Hasselt University provide partial or full funding through faculty-specific programs. Each university sets its own rules and deadlines, so be sure to visit their official websites early.

4. University-Specific Scholarships
To apply for most scholarships, you’ll need to prepare a solid application package. This usually includes your academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL), a motivation letter, recommendation letters, a valid passport, and sometimes a resume or research proposal. Most of the programs are highly selective, so your motivation letter should clearly explain why you want to study in Belgium, how the program fits into your goals, and what impact you plan to make after graduation.

General Eligibility Criteria

While requirements vary, here are common conditions:

• Indian citizenship and non-EU residency
• Strong academic record in a relevant field
• English or French proficiency (depending on the program)
• Motivation to contribute to development or return to home country
• Submission of complete documents before the deadline

How to Apply for Scholarships in Belgium: A Step-by-Step Guide

Landing a scholarship in Belgium is within reach—if you follow these clear steps.

1. Check your eligibility
   Belgium offers up to 30 scholarships worth €1,000 per year, limited to first-year students enrolled in a program of at least 10 months with no other concurrent grants. Confirm nationality requirements and your academic threshold (usually a minimum GPA of 3.0).

2. Gather your documents
   Compile your degree certificate, academic transcripts, a strong motivation letter and a copy of your passport. Also, if possible, include up to two academic or professional reference letters and personalize your motivation letter to explain why studying in Belgium matches your career objectives. Translate all documents into English or French and authenticate them (apostille or embassy stamp).

3. Complete the online application
   The window typically opens February–March and closes in April. Create an account on your university’s portal or through Studely’s app, fill in your personal details, upload your files in PDF format and double-check for accuracy.

4. Track deadlines and follow up
   Set calendar reminders one month before closing and one week prior. After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Results usually arrive within 6–8 weeks via mail or portal notification.

Taking a structured approach to each step will increase your chances of securing funding and give you peace of mind during your move to Belgium.

Apply with Studely’s scholarship service (1,000 €/year) — get started at https://studely.com.

Top Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Success in Belgium

Securing a scholarship in Belgium demands more than just strong grades—it’s about showcasing your full potential. By focusing on academic excellence, clear storytelling, solid endorsements, and meticulous organization, you can turn your application into a standout package.

Start by boosting your GPA strategically. Identify courses where you can improve the most and seek additional tutoring or study groups. Consistency counts: set weekly review sessions and tackle the toughest subjects first. Even a 0.2 increase can signal dedication and raise your competitiveness.

Craft a compelling Statement of Purpose that goes beyond listing achievements. Tell a personal story linking your background to your future goals in Belgium. Highlight unique experiences—volunteer work, internships, or cultural projects—and explain how they align with the program’s objectives. A clear narrative arc will make your SOP memorable.

Secure strong recommendation letters by choosing professors or supervisors who know you well. Meet them in person, share your resume, and discuss your scholarship goals. Provide bullet points on your academic accomplishments and extracurricular contributions to guide their writing. Personal, detailed endorsements carry far more weight than generic praise.

Finally, organize deadlines with precision. Create a shared calendar for every scholarship, noting required documents and submission dates. Aim to finish essays and gather transcripts at least two weeks in advance. A buffer helps you avoid last-minute stress and ensures flawless submission.