Study in Belgium | The Master Minds Fellowship 2026

January 4, 2026 10:15 am

Study in Belgium | The Master Minds Fellowship 2026

For high-achieving graduates worldwide, a premier opportunity to study in Europe with significant financial support is now open. The Flemish Government has officially launched the Master Minds Fellowship for the 2026 academic year, inviting outstanding students to pursue a master’s degree at leading institutions like Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). This prestigious, highly selective award combines a generous grant with a major tuition reduction, making a Belgian education exceptionally accessible for top academic talent.

A Substantial and Comprehensive Financial Award

The Master Minds Fellowship provides robust financial support that dramatically lowers the cost of a European master’s degree. The comprehensive package includes:

A Generous Annual Grant: A fixed stipend of €10,020 per academic year.
Drastically Reduced Tuition: Recipients pay only the low statutory tuition fee for Flemish students, approximately €139.40 per year.
Multi-Year Support: Funding is valid for the full duration of your master’s programme. For two-year programmes, the second year of funding is conditional upon successful progress in the first year.

Important to Note: The fellowship does not cover health insurance, international flights, or language courses. Successful applicants should budget separately for these essential costs.

Are You the Ideal Candidate?

This fellowship targets students with an exceptional academic record. You are eligible to apply if you meet all the following criteria:

Hold an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 (as calculated by Scholaro).
You are a citizen of any country except Russia.
Have not previously studied at or graduated from a Flemish higher education institution.
Have received an official admission letter for a master’s programme from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
Meet the elevated English language requirements:
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 94
IELTS Academic: Minimum Band 7.0
Cambridge English: C1 level (minimum score 185)

Application Process

Securing this fellowship requires meticulous planning and a sequential approach:

Step 1: Secure Your Admission to VUB

First, you must apply for and gain full admission to your chosen master’s programme at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. An official admission letter is an absolute prerequisite before you can proceed to the fellowship application.

Step 2: Submit the Fellowship Application

Once admitted, you must complete the separate Master Minds Fellowship application. This requires uploading a comprehensive dossier, including your academic transcripts, proof of GPA calculation, English test scores, a compelling motivation letter, your CV, recommendation letters, and certified copies of your diploma.

Click Here to Apply

The Final Application Deadline

The deadline to submit your complete Master Minds Fellowship application is 26 March 2026 at 23:59 (GMT+1). Given the steps involved in first securing university admission, beginning this process many months in advance is essential.

Preparing a Standout Application

Given the fellowship’s focus on academic excellence, every component of your application must reflect top-tier achievement. Your motivation letter should powerfully articulate not just your past academic success, but also your future goals and why VUB’s specific programme is the ideal place to achieve them. Furthermore, ensure your English proficiency scores comfortably exceed the minimum requirements, as this is a highly competitive evaluation criterion.

The Master Minds Fellowship represents a golden opportunity to join a world-class academic community in the heart of Europe with unparalleled financial support. By securing a strong admission offer from VUB and submitting a polished, complete fellowship application, you can position yourself for this transformative award. For the official application portal and detailed guidelines, visit the Vrije Universiteit Brussel scholarships page.