VUB Master Mind Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship for International Students

Are you an ambitious student seeking to pursue a Master’s degree in Belgium? The Master Mind Scholarship Fellowship Programme at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) offers international students a fully funded opportunity to study in one of Europe’s top universities. Funded by the Flemish Government, this scholarship aims to promote the internationalisation of Flemish higher education by supporting excellent students from around the world.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Master Mind Scholarship 2026, including eligibility, benefits, application requirements, and deadlines.

Master Mind Scholarship Summary

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What is the Master Mind Scholarship?

The Master Mind Scholarship is a prestigious Flemish Government-funded scholarship designed to attract outstanding international students to pursue a Master’s degree at VUB. The programme provides financial support and tuition coverage to ensure that top students can focus on their studies without worrying about costs.

It targets students with excellent academic records, strong motivation, and a desire to contribute to a global academic community.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Open to all nationalities except Russian citizens.
• Previous Education: Applicants cannot have graduated from or be enrolled in a Flemish higher education institution.
• Degree Required: Must hold a Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree.
• Academic Excellence: Minimum CGPA 3.5 out of 4.0.
• Language Proficiency:
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 94
  • IELTS Academic: Minimum Band 7.0
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: Minimum C1 level (score ≥ 185)
• Official Acceptance: You must have an official letter of acceptance from VUB before applying.
• Field of Study: Contact mastermind@vub.be for eligibility in specific programmes.

Note: The scholarship is highly competitive, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.

Also Check: Flemish Government Scholarship 2026 at VUB

Scholarship Benefits

The Master Mind Scholarship covers both living expenses and tuition fees, providing significant financial relief to international students:

• Fixed Stipend: €10,020 per academic year for living expenses.
• Tuition Fee Waiver: Reduced tuition fee for Flemish scholarship students. For 2025–26, this is €139.40.
• Duration: Covers the full duration of the Master’s programme. If the programme is two years, continuation for the second year is conditional.
• Exclusions: Health insurance, flight costs, and language preparation courses are not included.

This makes it one of the most generous scholarships for international students in Belgium.

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Required Documents for Application

The Master Mind application requires thorough documentation. Make sure you prepare the following in advance:

1. Application Form – Complete the official online form.
2. Passport Photo – Recent photograph according to international standards.
3. International Passport or National ID – Proof of nationality.
4. Transcript of Records – Include certified translations if not in Dutch, French, or English.
5. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Include GPA, publications, awards, previous scholarships, and academic achievements.
6. GPA Calculation Screenshot – Use Scholaro GPA Calculator and submit proof of calculation.
7. English Language Test Results – IELTS Indicator or TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition are accepted.
8. Motivation Letter – Written in English, addressed to the Flemish Government jury.
9. Letters of Recommendation – Two signed letters from professors or employers.
10. Diploma Copies – Certified translations if not in Dutch, French, or English.

Note: Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified, so double-check every document.

Also Check: Glenmore Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 in UK

Application Process

Applying for the Master Mind Scholarship involves two main steps:

1. Apply for Admission to VUB: You must first receive an official acceptance letter from the VUB Education and Student Administration Office. Without this letter, you cannot apply for the scholarship.
2. Submit Scholarship Application Online: Once accepted, complete the online scholarship application with all required documents before the deadline.

Deadline

• Application Deadline: March 26, 2026, 23:59 GMT+1
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• VUB will nominate a maximum of 20 students for selection by the Flemish Ministry of Education.

Selection Procedure

The selection is highly competitive. Applications are reviewed based on:

• Academic performance (GPA and achievements)
• Quality of the motivation letter
• Strength of recommendation letters
• English proficiency
• Overall potential to contribute to Flemish higher education

Why Apply?

• Study in a top-ranked European university.
• Receive a fully funded scholarship covering living costs and tuition.
• Join an international academic community.
• Enhance your career prospects with a global education.

Key Takeaways

• The Master Mind Scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition and living expenses.
• Open to all international students (except Russian citizens) with a Bachelor’s degree and a CGPA ≥ 3.5.
• English proficiency is mandatory.
• Applications close on March 26, 2026, and only 20 students will be nominated.
• Prepare all required documents carefully to avoid disqualification.

This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for ambitious students looking to study in Europe with minimal financial burden while gaining a world-class education.