Intended to pursue studies in the academic centre of Europe? KU Leuven Scholarships 2026 in Belgium gives top performers who are international students a chance to study in one of the most ranked universities in the world. KU Leuven supports exceptional students in many disciplines through its numerous funding opportunities including Science Leuven Scholarship, Master Mind Scholarship and Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship.
The scholarships are helpful in Master and Doctoral studies that cover tuition fee, stipends and other allowances to help the scholars focus all their energy on studying and research. Applications to 2026-2027 academic year will be open in the fall of 2025 therefore it is the most appropriate time to organize your documents and begin planning your study adventure to Belgium.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Belgium |
| University | KU Leuven |
| Degree Level | Master’s & PhD |
| Coverage | Fully Funded (Tuition waiver + Monthly Stipend/Grant) |
| Eligibility | International Students |
| Deadline | Expected 15 January 2026 (varies by program) |
Detailed Description
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) is one of the most successful universities in the top 100 universities in the world, and it was established in 1425. Its scholarships target bright, ambitious, and internationally oriented students that are interested in research and innovations.
The university has a variety of scholarship programs, among which are:
- Master Mind Scholarship: Government of Flanders based scholarship, includes tuition waivers and an annual stipend of €9,600
- Science@Leuven Scholarship: up to €12,000 to international masters at the Faculty of sciences.
- Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship: merit based applications to top international students to choose Master programs.
- Global Minds Doctoral Scholarship: fully funded PhD programs to researchers in developing nations.
All the programs are taught in English which makes sure that the international students receive not only academic excellence but also inclusion in the culture of Belgium.
Scholarship/Program Benefits
- Full or partial tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- Health and accident insurance
- Research support and supervision (for PhD students)
- Cultural exchange and networking events
- Travel allowance (for selected programs like Global Minds)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a non-EU/international student.
- Hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs (or Master’s degree for PhD).
- Demonstrate academic excellence and strong motivation.
- Meet the English proficiency requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
- Not already be enrolled at a Flemish higher-education institution.
- Fulfill any additional faculty-specific requirements.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Motivation letter / Statement of Purpose
- Two recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency
- Passport copy
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal (for PhD programs)
Application Process
- Select a Program: Select a degree program that would be eligible using the official portal of KU Leuven.
- Search Academic Scholarships: Fill in the form to find the scholarships that belong to your program (Master Mind, Science@Leuven, etc.).
- Prepare Documents: You need to be ready with all the documents that are needed in PDF format.
- Submit Online Application: Fill the application using the portal of KU Leuven within deadline.
- Await Notification: The shortlisted candidates will be contacted to participate in an interview or even further assessment.
Deadline
For the 2025–2026 cycle, most applications closed on 15 January 2025.
For the upcoming 2026–2027 intake, the expected deadline is 15 January 2026.
Always confirm dates on the official KU Leuven website before applying.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications through the official KU Leuven scholarship portal.
FAQs
1. Are KU Leuven scholarships fully funded?
Some programs like Master Mind and Global Minds are fully funded, while others provide partial support.
2. Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
Yes, most scholarships require a separate application after you apply for admission.
3. What is the application fee for KU Leuven?
There is usually a non-refundable application fee of €75, depending on the program.
4. Can international students work while studying in Belgium?
Yes, students with a valid residence permit can work part-time during their studies.
5. Is IELTS mandatory?
Yes, proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) is required for most English-taught programs.
6. When will results be announced?
Results are typically released 8–10 weeks after the deadline.
