The Master Mind Scholarships, offered by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training, provide excellent funding to talented individuals from around the world to study in Flanders or Brussels.
This prestigious programme aims to promote Flanders and Brussels as top study destinations by attracting bright minds to Flemish higher education institutions.
What Are the Master Mind Scholarships?
The Master Mind Scholarships support exceptional students enrolling in master’s programmes (taught in English) at participating universities and higher education institutions in Flanders and Brussels.
- Grant amount: €10,225 per academic year (to help cover living expenses, accommodation, and insurance)
- Tuition fee waiver: Full waiver of tuition fees (students pay only a small administrative fee, approximately €136.50–€140 for 2026-2027, depending on the institution)
- Duration: Up to two academic years (for 120 ECTS programmes) or one year (for 60 ECTS programmes)
- Estimated number awarded: Around 30 scholarships across all participating institutions for the 2026-2027 academic year
Some scholarships are reserved for priority countries (Japan: 3, Mexico: 3, Palestine: 2, USA: 5). Unfilled reserved spots go to candidates from the general list.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must meet these key criteria:
- Be an international student (all nationalities eligible, with some exclusions — e.g., those who have previously graduated from or are currently enrolled at a Flemish institution; check full rules)
- Apply to an eligible English-taught master’s programme at a participating Flemish higher education institution
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance
- Not hold another incompatible scholarship (e.g., another Flemish Government scholarship, Erasmus+, etc.)
Applicants must first secure admission (or apply for admission) to a participating master’s programme. Institutions select and nominate candidates — you cannot apply directly to the Flemish Government.
Eligible Programmes and Institutions
- Master’s programmes of 60 or 120 ECTS credits (one or two years)
- Must be taught in English
- Offered by participating Flemish higher education institutions (universities and universities of applied sciences in Flanders and Brussels)
Examples of participating institutions include KU Leuven, Ghent University, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), and others. Check the full list and specific deadlines on the official Study in Flanders website.
How to Apply
Applications are institution-specific — each university or college handles its own selection and nomination process.
General steps:
- Check eligibility and choose an eligible master’s programme.
- Apply for admission to your chosen institution (deadlines vary).
- Submit your Master Mind candidacy through the institution’s scholarship application process (often included in or alongside the programme application).
- If nominated by the institution, complete any additional steps (e.g., via Mobility-Online portal).
Important deadlines for 2026-2027 intake (these vary by institution — confirm on their websites):
- KU Leuven: 15 January 2026
- University of Antwerp: 1 February 2026
- Ghent University: Around April 2026
- Other institutions: Up to late April 2026 (final central deadline often around 27–28 April 2026)
The call for 2026-2027 is now open. Start early, as institutions have limited nomination slots (maximum 20 per institution).
Why Study in Flanders with Master Mind?
- World-class education in a multicultural, innovative environment
- Affordable living compared to many Western European countries
- English-taught programmes
- Central location in Europe with easy travel
- Strong focus on research, sustainability, and career prospects