Do you want to study in Belgium and are you wondering why are you looking for a scholarship? This article guides you through the different types of scholarships available to Africans, how to prepare a solid case and tips for maximizing your chances.
Going to study in Belgium is a great opportunity, but also a major financial challenge. School fees, housing, and living costs in cities like Brussels or Louvain-la-Neuve can quickly weigh on a limited budget. Obtaining a scholarship allows you to focus on studies rather than daily expenses.
With financial support, you can:
Beyond the financial aspect, getting a scholarship enhances your CV and opens up networks of former students. It is also a real confidence booster: you maintain your motivation by seeing your project recognized by a committee of experts. In short, looking for a scholarship is not only a way to finance your stay, it is also a way to assert yourself as a serious and ambitious candidate to study in Belgium.
Government grants
This aid comes from Belgian ministries or organizations such as ENABEL(ARES grants). They often offer tuition fees and sometimes a monthly housing allowance. The criteria generally include a good academic record and a project related to sustainable development.
ARES grants : intended for nationals of certain African countries, these scholarships cover registration fees, housing, insurance and offer a monthly allowance.
University scholarships
Several Belgian universities (Catholic University of leuven, University of Liège, Université Libre de Bruxelles) offer specific assistance. They can cover all or part of the registration fees and offer personalized support. Find out directly on the faculty sites and prepare your transcripts in advance.
Private bursaries
Foundations, NGOs and companies also fund African students. For example, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation Or the Rotary Club award grants based on merit and community involvement criteria. These programs are fewer in number but often more flexible.
VLIR-UOS : offers scholarships for programs in English at Flemish universities.
The conditions vary according to the programs: level of studies, academic results, motivation, age, etc. You often have to apply between November and March for the following school year.
To maximize your chances of joining a Belgian university, your file must be complete, clear and adapted to the training in question. Here are the key steps:
1. Gather the essential documents :
• Valid passport.
• Certified copies of your diplomas and transcripts, translated into French or Dutch depending on the institution.
• Personalized motivation letter (1 page maximum), explaining your professional project and why you are choosing Belgium.
• Summary curriculum vitae (1—2 pages), highlighting your experiences and skills.
• Proof of financial resources (blocking notice, bank statements).
2. Check the eligibility criteria :
• Minimum average grade often required: 12/20 or equivalent.
• Mastery of the language of instruction (French: DELF B2, Dutch: NT2).
• Academic background consistent with the desired program.
3. Adopting best practices :
• Take care of the presentation: legible font, clear titles and subtitles.
• Reread and have your file reviewed to eliminate mistakes and inconsistencies.
• Personalize each cover letter: mention specific courses or professors.
• Strictly respect the instructions and deadlines of the university.
By following these tips, you will build a solid file, which will attract the attention of the commissions and will bring you closer to your dream of studying in Belgium.
Start by updating your file:
• Collect your transcripts, diplomas, and letters of recommendation in a single digital file to avoid oversights.
• Check the requirements specific to each university: CV format, language level, specific administrative documents.
• Politely ask your referees to send their recommendations before the deadline.
Then, personalize your application:
• Talk directly to the program manager in your cover letter.
• Emphasize your professional project in connection with the targeted curriculum and show that you know the Belgian system.
Also use automatic notifications from the application portal to make sure you don't miss any dates and create a tracking table for each call.
Finally, anticipate deadlines to keep a clear schedule and give yourself time to review. By applying these tips, you minimize stress and optimize your chances of success.
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