KU Leuven has announced that applications are now open for the Belgian government’s Master Mind scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year, one of Belgium’s best scholarship programs for academically outstanding students. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2026.
This scholarship is a prestigious program for academic excellence funded by the Ministry of Education and Training in the Flanders region, which aims to attract the best international students wishing to pursue a master’s degree at universities in Flanders or Brussels, especially at KU Leuven.
The scholarship offers a unique combination of funding and support, including up to €10,000 per year in addition to a near-total exemption from registration fees, with students only required to pay approximately €136.50 per year in administrative fees. The scholarship lasts for one or two years, depending on the duration of the master’s program (60 or 120 ECTS credits).
Brief details about the Master Mind Scholarship – KU Leuven 2026-2027
🎓 Level: Master’s only (not available for preparatory or online programs).
🌍 Eligible students: All nationalities except Russia, with priority given to Japan, Mexico, Palestine, and the United States.
💰 Funding: Annual scholarship of up to €10,000 + almost full exemption from fees.
📅 Application deadline: January 15, 2026
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Benefits of the Master Mind Scholarship at KU Leuven
The scholarship includes two main benefits:
1. Annual financial grant
- The student receives €10,000 per academic year.
2. Full exemption from tuition fees
- Full exemption from study costs.
- The student only pays the annual administrative fees: approximately €136.50.
Duration of financing
- One year: for master’s programs with 60 credits.
- Two years maximum: for master’s programs with 120 credits.
Master Mind Scholarship Application Requirements
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- The scholarship is for master’s programs only.
- Preparatory, bridge, or online programs are not eligible.
- Open to all nationalities except Russian citizens.
- There are seats reserved specifically for students from Japan, Mexico, Palestine, and the United States.
- KU Leuven requires an excellent academic level
- A high grade point average (GPA).
- Academic awards or achievements.
- Leadership skills and a clear and convincing academic track record.
- The student must have obtained a bachelor’s degree from an institution outside the Flanders region.
- Mandatory for all applicants whose native language is not English.
- The certificate may be submitted after the deadline.
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Specializations and degree programs at KU Leuven and Master Mind Scholarships 2026-2027
The scholarship does not cover all KU Leuven programs, but rather a specific set of majors available across various university branches in:
- Leuven
- Brussels
- Antwerp
- Ghent, and others
The full list of programs is available on the university’s official website here.
Eligible majors at a glance
1. Humanities and Social Sciences
- Philosophy, Theology, and Religious Studies
- Law (LLM)
- Business Administration, Economics, and Finance
- Political Science and International Relations
- Social Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology
- Languages and Literature, Cultural Studies, History
- Psychology and Education
- Digital Media and Multilingual Communication
2. Science, Engineering, and Technology
- Architectural, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity
- Basic Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, Biology
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering
- Energy, Transportation, Supply Chain and Industrial Engineering
- Sustainable Development, Nuclear Engineering, Food Engineering
- Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Digital Engineering
3. Medical and Life Sciences
- Medical ethics (Bioethics)
- Rehabilitation sciences and physiotherapy
- Sports and international ethics (Erasmus Mundus)
Schedule for the year 2026-2027
- Application opens: October 15, 2025
- Application deadline: January 15, 2026
- Preliminary selection announcement: before March 10, 2026
- Motivation video submission: before March 18, 2026
- Final selection by KU Leuven: up to 20 candidates
- Final results by the Flemish Government: end of May/beginning of June 2026
Documents required for application
Applicants must provide the following documents:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript.
- Official translation if necessary (English, French, German, or Dutch).
- English language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge).
- Copy of passport or ID card.
- A strong letter of motivation (one page).
- An up-to-date CV.
- Proof of payment of the application fee.
Selection criteria
After the application deadline, KU Leuven’s master’s departments evaluate applications based on:
- Outstanding academic performance.
- Leadership potential and ability.
- Relevant scientific or professional experience.
- Strength of the motivation letter and its relevance to the program.
Selected candidates are asked to record a one-minute motivational video before proceeding to the central selection phase.
Official application link
All official information and details can be found on the official website of KU Leuven:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for more than one master’s program?
Yes, you can, but you must submit a complete application for each program separately.
2. Can I submit my language certificates after the deadline?
Yes, KU Leuven allows you to submit your English language certificate after January 15.
3. Does the scholarship cover housing or health insurance?
No, the scholarship only provides a fixed financial support and tuition waiver. Students are responsible for covering all other expenses.
4. Are Algerian and Moroccan students allowed to apply?
Yes, the scholarship is open to all countries except Russia.
5. Do I need a motivational video when applying?
No, the video is only required in case of initial nomination by the university.
