Master Minds Scholarships 2024 to Study for Free in Belgium

Embark on an exciting educational journey in the heart of Europe with the Master Mind Scholarships, proudly sponsored by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training. These scholarships represent a golden opportunity for international students desiring to pursue a master’s degree in the picturesque regions of Flanders and Brussels, Belgium. Imagine immersing yourself in a vibrant cultural and academic environment, backed by a substantial €10,000 annual grant and a significant tuition fee waiver.

So, are you an international student dreaming of pursuing your master’s degree in Belgium? The Master Mind Scholarships 2024-2025 might just be your golden ticket! These prestigious scholarships are backed by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training and are available to exceptional international students like you, seeking to study in Flanders and Brussels.

Sponsorship Package of Master Minds Scholarship

The Master Mind Scholarships offer a range of significant benefits for international students pursuing master’s degrees in Belgium, including:

Financial Aid: A generous grant of €10,000 per academic year to manage living expenses, including accommodation, insurance, and daily costs.And the tuition fee waiver for up to 60 ECTS credits per academic year. Your only financial responsibility is a small administrative enrollment fee.

Academic Support: Assistance with accommodation, opportunities to network with peers and professionals and exclusive invites to events and workshops.

Eligibility criteria for Master Minds scholarship 2024

To be eligible for the Master Mind Scholarships 2024, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• International Student Status: Open to international students who have earned a degree from a higher education institution outside Flanders and Brussels.
• Enrollment in a Master’s Program: Applicants must apply for and be admitted to a full-time master’s program at a participating Flemish higher education institution, with the program commencing in September 2024.
• Academic Excellence: Candidates are required to have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 out of 4.0. This requirement underscores the scholarship’s emphasis on high academic standards.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the language of instruction, which is typically English or Dutch, is mandatory. This is usually demonstrated through standardized language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent exams.
• Motivation and Community Contribution: Applicants should show strong motivation for studying in Flanders or Brussels and a clear intention to contribute to the local or international community during and after their studies.
• No Previous Enrollment in Flemish Higher Education: The scholarship is not open to students who are currently enrolled in a Flemish higher education institution, except for those in a specific preparatory program for a master’s starting in September 2024.
• No Overlapping Scholarships: Recipients of the Master Mind Scholarship are not allowed to combine it with any other scholarship from the Flemish government or an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.

Language Proficiency Tests Accepted by Master Mind Scholarships

For the Master Mind Scholarships, English language proficiency can be demonstrated through an IELTS score of at least 7.0, a TOEFL score of 94 or higher, or a C1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference. Accepted online tests include IELTS Indicator and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition. For arts programs, the requirements are slightly lower, with a minimum of 6.5 on IELTS or 90 on TOEFL, and a B2 level in the CEFR.

Step-by-step application Process of Master Minds Scholarship

Step 1: Check Eligibility:

Before anything else, ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for the master minds scholarship. This includes being an international student, having the requisite academic qualifications, and language proficiency, and not being currently enrolled in a Flemish higher education institution.

Step 2: Choose and Apply to a Host Institution

Select a Flemish higher education institution that participates in the Master Mind Scholarship program. The list of participating institutions can be found here: List of Host Institutions. Then apply for a master’s program at the chosen institution. This step typically involves submitting your academic transcripts, a letter of motivation, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency.

Step 3: Institution Preselection

After applying to the host institution, if your application is strong, the institution may preselect you for the Master Mind Scholarship. The preselection is based on your academic merit and alignment with the scholarship criteria.

Step 4: Scholarship Application Initiation

Once preselected, the host institution will start the scholarship application process on your behalf. They will create your application file in the Mobility-Online application tool.

Step 5: Notification of Preselection

You will receive an email notification from the Mobility-Online tool, confirming your preselection for the scholarship.

Step 6: Complete Application in Mobility-Online

After receiving the notification, you need to register and complete your application file in the Mobility-Online tool before the deadline. This will include uploading necessary documents such as a passport photo, international passport or national ID, Curriculum Vitae, transcript of records, English language test results, a letter of motivation, recommendation letters, and copies of acquired diplomas.

Step 7: Await Outcome

After submission, the selection committee will review all applications, and successful candidates will be notified

Application Deadline of Master Mind Scholarships 2024-2025

The deadline for institutions to submit applications for the Master Mind Scholarships in 2024 is indeed 28th April 2024, at 23:59 GMT+1. This is the final deadline by which the host institutions must validate and submit the completed application files of the nominated students in the Mobility-Online tool.

As an applicant, it’s important to complete and submit your part of the application well before this date, as the host institution will need time to review and process your application before they can submit it. Make sure to check with your chosen institution for their specific internal deadlines and requirements to ensure your application is completed promptly.