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Study in Belgium | KU Leuven’s Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship 2026

December 27, 2025 10:37 am

Study in Belgium | KU Leuven’s Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship 2026

For exceptional students worldwide seeking a transformative Master’s degree in Europe, a remarkable opportunity is now available. KU Leuven, one of Europe’s top-ranked universities, has officially launched applications for its prestigious Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year. This highly competitive, merit-based award is designed to attract the brightest global talent to Belgium by providing a comprehensive financial package that rewards academic brilliance and leadership potential.

A Comprehensive, Fully Funded Award

This scholarship provides outstanding financial support, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their studies at one of the continent’s most respected institutions. The benefits include:

Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Scholars pay only a minimal administrative fee of €136.50 per year.
Generous Living Allowance: An annual stipend of €12,000 to cover living expenses in Belgium.
Duration: Funding is granted for the full length of the Master’s programme—one year for a 60 ECTS degree and two years for a 120 ECTS degree.

Given that only one scholarship is available for the 2026 intake, this award represents an exceptionally selective and prestigious opportunity.

Who Is This Scholarship For?

The Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship targets top-performing international students with a clear vision for their future. You are an ideal candidate if you:

Are a non-Belgian student applying for an eligible on-campus Master’s programme at KU Leuven starting in 2026.
Hold a previous degree obtained outside of Flanders (the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium).
Can demonstrate an excellent academic record through a strong GPA and notable achievements.
Meet the English language proficiency requirement (typically a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 94).
Are not already enrolled at a Flemish higher education institution and are not receiving other substantial funding.

The Unique Two-Stage Selection Process

The application process is streamlined but involves a competitive evaluation. Crucially, submitting a standard application for an eligible KU Leuven Master’s programme automatically enters you into consideration for this and other major university scholarships.

The selection follows a distinct timeline:

Application Deadline: You must submit your Master’s programme application well before the key date of 15 January 2026 to be considered.
Programme Nomination: Individual Master’s programmes review applications and nominate their top candidates.
Video Submission (For Nominees): Students nominated by their faculty will be notified by 10 March 2026 and must then submit a one-minute motivational video by 18 March 2026.
Final Decision: A central university committee makes the final award decision, with results announced by early April 2026.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Positioning Yourself for Success

Given the intense competition, a strategic application is essential. First and foremost, your academic transcripts and credentials must be exceptional, forming the foundation of your candidacy. Furthermore, your application materials—particularly your statement of purpose—should effectively articulate not only your past achievements but also your future potential for leadership and societal impact. If you advance to the video stage, prepare a concise, authentic, and compelling pitch that brings your motivation and personality to life.

The Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship is more than just funding; it is an invitation to join a world-class academic community dedicated to excellence and innovation. Also, by presenting an application that showcases your intellectual curiosity, ambition, and readiness to contribute, you can take a decisive step toward a fully funded Master’s experience at the heart of Europe. For a complete list of eligible programmes and official details, visit the KU Leuven Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship webpage.