Masters Scholarships Visa In Spain For International Students 2024

A variety of scholarships are available in Belgium for overseas students seeking master's degrees. Numerous organisations, universities, and the Belgian government are among those that offer these scholarships. Some of the well-known scholarship possibilities are listed below:

ARES Scholarships

• Description: The Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) offers scholarships to students from developing countries for master's and training courses in Belgium.
• Eligibility: Students from developing countries (especially from Africa, Asia, and Latin America) who have professional experience and meet the academic requirements.
• Coverage: Full tuition, travel costs, living allowance, and health insurance.
• Fields of Study: Varies, but focuses on priority areas like public health, agriculture, and environmental management.
• Application Deadline: Typically in January/February each year.

VLIR-UOS Scholarships

• Description: VLIR-UOS offers scholarships to students from selected countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America for master's programs in Flanders, Belgium.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be from one of the eligible countries and have relevant work experience.
• Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and monthly stipends.
• Fields of Study: Development-related fields like agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, and public health.
• Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program, but typically around February/March.

Master Mind Scholarships

• Description: The Flemish Ministry of Education awards scholarships to outstanding students from all over the world.
• Eligibility: High academic performance, with a minimum GPA requirement and a recommendation from the home university.
• Coverage: Up to €8,000 per academic year, plus a tuition fee waiver.
• Fields of Study: All fields offered by Flemish universities.
• Application Deadline: Varies by institution, usually between February and April.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)

• Description: Erasmus Mundus offers joint master's programs through partnerships between universities across Europe, including those in Belgium.
• Eligibility: Students from any country can apply. Specific eligibility criteria depend on the program.
• Coverage: Tuition fees, travel costs, and living allowance.
• Fields of Study: Varies widely, as each program focuses on specific disciplines.
• Application Deadline: Generally between November and January for programs starting the following academic year.

The Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)

• Description: The BAEF offers scholarships to U.S. citizens for advanced study or research in Belgium.
• Eligibility: U.S. citizens who have obtained a bachelor's degree and are planning to pursue graduate study or research.
• Coverage: Stipend of $28,000 for one year.
• Fields of Study: Any field of study.
• Application Deadline: Generally in October.

Ghent University Top-up Grants

• Description: Ghent University offers top-up grants to students from developing countries who are enrolled in a master’s program.
• Eligibility: Students from specific developing countries with high academic performance.
• Coverage: A top-up grant of €654 per month, plus full insurance coverage and flight tickets.
• Fields of Study: Various fields offered by Ghent University.
• Application Deadline: Typically in March.

Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Scholarship Programs

• Description: ULB offers scholarships for international students, particularly from developing countries.
• Eligibility: Varies depending on the program but generally requires strong academic performance.
• Coverage: Partial or full tuition fee waiver, depending on the scholarship.
• Fields of Study: Various fields available at ULB.
• Application Deadline: Varies by program.

Also Read: Scholarships In Germany 2024

Application Tips:

• Start Early: Scholarship deadlines are often months before the academic year starts, so begin your application process well in advance.
• Check Eligibility: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship.
• Prepare Documents: Ensure that all required documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements) are prepared and translated into the required language if necessary.
• Follow Instructions: Each scholarship program has specific application instructions; make sure to follow them precisely.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to applying for master's scholarships in Belgium for international students:

Who is eligible to apply for scholarships in Belgium?

• Answer: Eligibility varies by scholarship, but most are open to students from developing countries, particularly those with relevant work experience, a strong academic background, and proficiency in English or French (depending on the language of instruction).

• Do I need to be accepted into a university before applying for a scholarship?

  • Answer: For many scholarships, yes. You often need an offer of admission from a Belgian university before you can apply for the scholarship. However, some scholarships allow you to apply concurrently for admission and the scholarship.

  3. What language proficiency tests are required?

  • Answer: Most universities and scholarship programs require proof of proficiency in the language of instruction. Commonly accepted tests include TOEFL or IELTS for English and DALF or DELF for French.

  4. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

  • Answer: Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously. However, if awarded multiple scholarships, you may need to choose one, as most programs do not allow double funding.

  5. What costs are typically covered by the scholarships?

  • Answer: Scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and sometimes additional expenses like study materials. The exact coverage depends on the specific scholarship.

  6. What documents do I need to prepare for the scholarship application?

  • Answer: Commonly required documents include:
    • Academic transcripts
    • Proof of language proficiency
    • A statement of purpose or motivation letter
    • Letters of recommendation
    • A copy of your passport
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Admission letter from the university (if required)

  7. When is the best time to apply?

  • Answer: Scholarship deadlines often range from January to April for programs starting in September. It's advisable to start preparing your application at least six months in advance.

  8. Are there scholarships specifically for certain fields of study?

  • Answer: Yes, some scholarships are targeted at specific fields, such as public health, environmental science, or agriculture. It’s important to check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to see if your field of study is included.

  9. What is the selection process like?

  • Answer: The selection process typically involves a review of your academic qualifications, work experience, motivation, and sometimes an interview. Each scholarship program has its own specific criteria and process.

  10. Can I work while studying in Belgium on a scholarship?

  • Answer: Yes, international students in Belgium are allowed to work part-time, but the number of hours you can work may be limited by your student visa and the scholarship terms. Be sure to check the specific regulations.

  11. What happens if I fail to complete the program?

  • Answer: Scholarship terms usually require you to complete the program. Failing to do so may result in the termination of the scholarship and, in some cases, you may be required to repay the funds.

  12. Is health insurance included in the scholarship?

  • Answer: Many scholarships, especially those offered by government or institutional bodies like ARES or VLIR-UOS, include health insurance. However, always check the details of what is covered.

  13. How can I increase my chances of getting a scholarship?

  • Answer: To improve your chances, focus on:
    • Maintaining a strong academic record
    • Gaining relevant work or volunteer experience
    • Writing a compelling statement of purpose
    • Securing strong letters of recommendation
    • Meeting all eligibility criteria and following application guidelines precisely

  14. Can I stay in Belgium after completing my studies?

  • Answer: After completing your studies, you may be eligible to stay in Belgium to look for work or pursue further studies. However, this depends on the visa regulations in place at the time of your graduation.