The Science@Leuven Scholarships are aimed at motivated, high-achieving international students who want to pursue an international Master’s programme at the Faculty of Science of Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium. The award is offered annually by the Faculty of Science itself, and the next intake begins in September 2026.
For African students with a strong academic record in the sciences, this is a real opening into one of Europe’s most respected research universities. The scholarship covers tuition for a year plus insurance, and can add a living-cost contribution, easing the financial pressure of studying abroad. It spans a broad range of fields — from astrophysics and biology to mathematics, physics, statistics and sustainable development.
Because the value can reach €12,000 for one year and the eligibility bar is genuinely high, this award rewards applicants who can prove excellent past results and very strong English. If that describes you, it’s well worth preparing a careful application.
Scholarship benefits
- An award of up to €12,000 for one year.
- Full coverage of the tuition fee for one year.
- Insurance, including basic health insurance coverage.
- A living-expenses contribution, the amount of which can vary.
- For two-year Master’s programmes, continuation of the scholarship into the second year — but only if the student achieved outstanding results in the first year.
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You have not previously studied or worked at the University of Leuven.
- ✔ You hold a bachelor’s degree from a foreign university that gives you access to the Master’s programme you are applying for.
- ✔ You have not already obtained a master’s degree or a PhD.
- ✔ You can prove excellent study results during your previous training.
- ✔ You can prove very strong English: TOEFL (minimum 94 internet-based, with at least 19 reading, 18 listening, 19 speaking and 21 writing) or IELTS (minimum 7 overall, with at least 6.5 reading, 6 listening, 6 speaking and 6 writing).
- ✔ You show strong motivation to follow a Master’s programme at the KU Leuven Faculty of Science.
- ✔ You can provide two reference letters from internationally renowned professors.
- ✔ You are willing to act as an ambassador for the programme.
- ✔ Note: applicants for the Interuniversity Master of Geology may only apply for the specialisations Geodynamics and Georesources or Surface Processes and Paleoenvironments; the other specialisations (enrolled at Ghent University) are not eligible.
Application tips for African students
- Book your IELTS or TOEFL well ahead of time. The score thresholds here are demanding and include minimums for each section, so leave room to retake a test if one band falls short.
- Start lining up your two reference letters early. The scholarship asks for letters from internationally renowned professors, so approach lecturers who know your work well and give them weeks, not days, to write.
- Get your transcripts and degree certificates certified and, where needed, officially translated into English so they are ready to upload without last-minute delays.
- Write a focused motivation statement that connects your background to the specific Faculty of Science programme you’re targeting — generic essays rarely stand out.
- Remember you must first apply for admission to the Master’s programme through KU Leuven’s application tool, then register on the scholarship website and upload proof of your submitted admission application.
- Apply well before the 15 February 2026 deadline. Both your admission application and scholarship registration must be completed in time to be considered.
- Read every requirement carefully — the Faculty explicitly asks people who don’t meet all conditions not to apply, so confirm you tick every box before starting.
How to apply
You apply in two connected steps. First, submit an application for admission to the Master’s programme of your choice through the KU Leuven application tool. Then register on the scholarship website, where you must upload a screenshot showing that your admission application was successfully submitted. Only applications that have been submitted with the International Office and registered on the scholarship website before 15 February 2026 will be considered. Note that applications are currently closed, so check timing carefully. For the application form and full instructions, visit the official page: http://wet.kuleuven.be/english/scienceatleuvenscholarship
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Science@Leuven Scholarship?
International students who hold a foreign bachelor’s degree giving access to an eligible Faculty of Science Master’s programme, have not yet earned a master’s or PhD, and have not previously studied or worked at the University of Leuven.
What does the scholarship cover?
It provides up to €12,000 for one year, always covering the tuition fee for one year plus insurance and basic health insurance coverage. A contribution toward living expenses may also be included, though the amount varies.
What English level do I need?
You must prove very strong English through TOEFL (minimum 94 internet-based with specific section minimums) or IELTS (minimum 7 overall with specified section minimums). Meeting only the overall score is not enough — each section minimum matters.
What is the application deadline?
The annual deadline is 15 February 2026, with the next course starting in September 2026. Both your admission application and scholarship registration must be completed before this date.
Does the scholarship continue for two-year programmes?
Yes, but conditionally. For two-year Master’s programmes, the scholarship will only continue into the second year if you achieve outstanding results in your first year.