Ghent University is a leading public research institution, consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. Located in the vibrant city of Ghent, it offers high-quality English-taught Master’s programmes, excellent research facilities, and strong career prospects in Belgium and across Europe. Belgium boasts high visa approval rates and plentiful part-time job opportunities for students.
Scholarship Benefits
The Master Mind Scholarship provides significant financial support for the 2026-2027 academic year (and is renewable for two-year programmes):
- A grant of up to €10,000–€10,225 per academic year (exact amount may vary slightly by source; the Flemish Government sets the final figure).
- Substantial tuition fee waiver — recipients pay only the reduced rate equivalent to Flemish government study grants (approximately €136.50 for 2025-2026; confirm the latest rate for 2026-2027).
- Coverage towards living expenses, travel, and related costs.
- For 60 ECTS Master’s programmes: funding for 1 academic year.
- For 120 ECTS Master’s programmes: funding for up to 2 academic years (subject to satisfactory progress).
As an international student in Belgium, you can typically work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester to supplement your expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Ghent University Master Mind Scholarship, you must:
- Be a non-Belgian international student (all nationalities except Belgian are eligible).
- Hold (or be about to complete) a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance, with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements of Ghent University and the specific Master’s programme.
- Secure academic admission to a full-time Master’s programme (including advanced Master’s) at Ghent University for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Note: You cannot apply directly for the scholarship. You must first be pre-selected by the coordinator of your chosen Master’s programme after receiving admission. Only academically admitted students are considered.
Approximately 30 scholarships are awarded across Flemish institutions each year, with Ghent University typically allocating around 6.
Eligible Programmes
The scholarship is open to any English-taught Master’s or advanced Master’s programme at Ghent University. Check the full list of programmes for the 2026-2027 intake on the university’s prospective students portal.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The Master Mind Scholarship is integrated into Ghent University’s regular admission process. Follow these clear steps:
- Choose your programme — Browse and select a suitable full-time Master’s programme for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Apply for academic admission — Submit your complete application for admission via Ghent University’s official procedure. Deadline: 1 April 2026 (or earlier for some programmes). Ensure you meet all entry and language requirements.
- Gain pre-selection — After admission, the coordinator of your Master’s programme may pre-select you (maximum 2 candidates per programme). They will submit your motivation and ranking if multiple strong applicants exist. You cannot apply for the scholarship without this pre-selection.
- University shortlisting — Ghent University’s International Relations Office reviews applications and submits a shortlist (maximum 20 candidates) to the Flemish Government by the end of April.
- Complete the scholarship application — If shortlisted, the university’s International Office will contact you by mid-April with instructions to finalise your online Master Mind scholarship application through the Mobility Online tool.
- Await the final decision — The Flemish Government makes the ultimate selection. Successful candidates will be notified in due course.