The Master Mind Scholarships are funded by the Flemish Ministry of Education to bring talented international students to study Master’s programmes in Flanders and Brussels. The aim is straightforward: position this part of Belgium as a leading study destination and reward students with strong academic records.
For African students, this is a serious opportunity to earn a respected European Master’s degree without carrying the full financial weight. The award combines an annual grant with a tuition fee waiver, and it covers programmes at a wide spread of participating institutions — from research universities like KU Leuven, Ghent University and Vrije Universiteit Brussel to several universities of applied sciences and arts.
Applicants from all countries may apply except Russia, so students across Africa are eligible. Note that you don’t apply for the scholarship directly — your Flemish host institution preselects and nominates eligible candidates.
Scholarship benefits
- A grant of €10,225 per academic year.
- A tuition fee waiver per academic year.
- Duration of one academic year for a 60 ECTS Master’s programme, or two academic years for a 120 ECTS Master’s programme.
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You are applying to take up an eligible Master’s degree programme at a participating Flemish host institution (preparatory, bridging and distance-learning programmes are excluded).
- ✔ You have a high standard of academic performance and/or potential, with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 out of 4.0.
- ✔ You have a good knowledge of English (check the official website for the specific requirements).
- ✔ You are accepted by the host institution — this criterion applies even if acceptance is confirmed after the scholarship selection.
- ✔ You are nominated by only one Flemish higher education institution; if preselected by more than one, you must choose a single institution to submit your application via the Mobility Online tool.
- ✔ You hold any nationality except Russian, and your previous degree was obtained from a higher education institution located outside Flanders.
- ✔ You are not already enrolled in a Flemish higher education institution.
Application tips for African students
- Start with the institution, not the scholarship. Because your Flemish host institution nominates you, identify the universities offering your Master’s programme early and study their separate admission and Master Mind deadlines.
- Plan your English proof in advance. The award requires good English; book an IELTS or TOEFL sitting (or confirm whatever the institution accepts) months ahead so results arrive before any cut-off.
- Get your transcripts and degree certificates certified, and translated into English where needed. Calculate how your grades map to the required 3.5/4.0 GPA and ask your university if they can issue an official conversion.
- Line up strong recommenders early. Approach lecturers or supervisors who know your work well and give them your CV and intended programme so their letters are specific.
- Write a focused statement of purpose that connects your background to the exact programme and explains why Flanders. Avoid generic ambition statements — name courses, research groups or staff.
- Track each host institution’s deadline carefully, since these fall between 1 February and 1 April. Submit your full application package well before the earliest date.
- Prepare visa and proof-of-funds documents in parallel, even though the grant helps; a Belgian student visa needs time, so begin gathering paperwork once admission looks likely.
How to apply
You cannot apply for the Master Mind Scholarship directly. Instead, apply for admission to a participating Flemish host institution, which preselects eligible candidates and submits the scholarship application online on your behalf. Deadlines are set by each host institution and fall between 1 February and 1 April 2026. Read each institution’s “How to Apply” guidance and the official scholarship page for full details: https://www.studyinflanders.be/scholarships/master-mind-scholarships
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Master Mind Scholarships?
International students from all countries except Russia, provided their previous degree was earned at an institution outside Flanders and they are not already enrolled at a Flemish higher education institution.
What does the scholarship cover?
Each award includes a grant of €10,225 plus a tuition fee waiver per academic year, for one year (60 ECTS programmes) or two years (120 ECTS programmes).
What GPA do I need?
The programme requires a high standard of academic performance, specified as a Grade Point Average of 3.5 out of 4.0.
Is there an English language requirement?
Yes. You must have a good knowledge of English; the specific requirements are listed on the official website, so confirm them with your chosen institution.
How do I submit my application?
You do not apply directly. You apply to a Flemish host institution, which preselects eligible applicants and submits the scholarship application via the Mobility Online tool.
When is the deadline?
Deadlines vary by host institution and fall between 1 February and 1 April 2026 (the programme runs annually). Confirm the exact date with your chosen institution.