Master Minds Scholarships 2024 to Study for Free in Belgium

Last updated Jan 10, 2024

Open the door to an exciting educational adventure in the heart of Europe with the Master Minds Scholarships for 2024! Sponsored by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training, these scholarships offer a fantastic opportunity for international students dreaming of pursuing a master’s degree in the picturesque regions of Flanders and Brussels, Belgium. Imagine immersing yourself in a vibrant cultural and academic environment, all while receiving a generous €10,000 annual grant and a significant tuition fee waiver. If you’re ready to embark on this golden opportunity, let’s explore the details of the Master Minds Scholarships and how you can make your dream of studying in Belgium a reality!

Why I Choose Master Minds Scholarships?

Financial Support: Receive a substantial €10,000 annual grant, covering living expenses, accommodation, insurance, and daily costs.
Tuition Fee Waiver: Benefit from a significant tuition fee waiver for up to 60 ECTS credits per academic year, reducing the financial burden of education.
Academic Assistance: Get support with accommodation, networking opportunities, and exclusive invites to events and workshops, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience.
Cultural Environment: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural setting of Flanders and Brussels, known for their rich heritage and academic excellence.
Holistic Eligibility Criteria: The scholarship values academic excellence, language proficiency, motivation, and a commitment to contribute to the community, fostering a diverse and engaged student body.
Gateway to Renowned Institutions: Study at top-tier educational institutions in Belgium, enhancing your academic credentials and opening doors to future opportunities.
International Experience: Gain a global perspective by pursuing a master’s degree in the heart of Europe, contributing to a well-rounded education and personal growth.

Degree Level:

The Master Minds Scholarship is for students pursuing a master’s degree in Belgium.

Scholarship Benefits:

Financial Aid: Get €10,000 per year to help with living expenses, accommodation, insurance, and daily costs.
Tuition Fee Waiver: The scholarship covers a significant part of your tuition fees, making your education more affordable.
Academic Support: Receive assistance with finding accommodation, opportunities to connect with peers and professionals, and exclusive invitations to events and workshops.

Eligibility Criteria:

International Student Status: Open to students from outside Flanders and Brussels.
Enrollment in a Master’s Program:
- Applicants must apply for and be accepted into a full-time master’s program at a participating Flemish higher education institution.
- The program should commence in September 2024.
Academic Excellence: Candidates are required to have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 out of 4.0.
Language Proficiency:
- Proficiency in the language of instruction (typically English or Dutch) is mandatory.
- This is usually demonstrated through standardized language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent exams.
Motivation and Community Contribution:
- Applicants should show strong motivation for studying in Flanders or Brussels.
- A clear intention to contribute to the local or international community during and after their studies.
No Previous Enrollment in Flemish Higher Education: The scholarship is not open to students currently enrolled in a Flemish higher education institution unless they are in a specific preparatory program for a master’s starting in September 2024.
No Overlapping Scholarships: Recipients of the Master Mind Scholarship cannot combine it with any other scholarship from the Flemish government or an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.

Language Proficiency Tests Accepted by Master Mind Scholarships:

English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A score of at least 7.0.
- TOEFL: A score of 94 or higher.
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): C1 level.
- Accepted online tests: IELTS Indicator and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition.
For Arts Programs (potentially lower requirements):
- IELTS: Minimum of 6.5.
- TOEFL: Minimum of 90.
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): B2 level.

Application Process:

Step 1: Check Eligibility:

Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including international student status, academic qualifications, language proficiency, and not being currently enrolled in a Flemish higher education institution.

Step 2: Choose and Apply to a Host Institution:

Select a Flemish higher education institution participating in the Master Mind Scholarship program.
Apply for a master’s program at the chosen institution, submitting academic transcripts, a letter of motivation, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency.

Step 3: Institution Preselection:

After applying, if your application is strong, the institution may preselect you for the Master Mind Scholarship based on academic merit and alignment with the scholarship criteria.

Step 4: Scholarship Application Initiation:

Once preselected, the host institution will initiate the scholarship application process on your behalf, creating your application file in the Mobility-Online application tool.

Step 5: Notification of Preselection:

You will receive an email notification from the Mobility-Online tool confirming your preselection for the scholarship.

Step 6: Complete Application in Mobility-Online:

Register and complete your application file in the Mobility-Online tool before the deadline.
Upload necessary documents, including a passport photo, international passport or national ID, Curriculum Vitae, transcript of records, English language test results, a letter of motivation, recommendation letters, and copies of acquired diplomas.

Step 7: Await Outcome:

The selection committee will review all applications, and successful candidates will be notified.

Application Deadline:

The deadline for host institutions to submit applications for the Master Mind Scholarships in 2024 is April 28, 2024, at 23:59 GMT+1. Applicants should submit their parts well before this date, considering the time needed for the host institution to review and process applications. Be aware of your chosen institution’s internal deadlines and requirements for a prompt and complete application.