KU Leuven, a leading institution known for its excellence in education and research, is offering the Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship for the academic year 2025-2026. This initiative supports talented international students who aim to pursue a Master’s or Advanced Master’s programme at the university.
The scholarship is part of KU Leuven’s mission to foster academic excellence, innovative research, and societal impact by making higher education accessible regardless of financial circumstances.
Fact About The KU Leuven University
- Oldest University in the Low Countries: Founded in 1425, KU Leuven is the oldest continuously operating university in the Low Countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg).
- Birthplace of Printing: The university’s printing press, established in 1474, was one of the first in Europe, making KU Leuven a hub for knowledge dissemination during the Renaissance.
- Nobel Laureate Hotspot: KU Leuven has produced six Nobel Prize winners, including Father Georges Lemaitre, proposer of the Big Bang theory.
- Global Top 50: Ranked among the world’s top 50 universities (QS World University Rankings 2024), KU Leuven is a powerhouse of academic excellence.
- Innovation Incubator: The university’s research & development expenditures exceed €500 million annually, fueling breakthroughs in fields like medicine, technology, and sustainability.
- Diverse Student Body: With over 20% international students from 160+ countries, KU Leuven boasts one of Belgium’s most diverse academic communities.
- 400+ Programs: Offering an expansive range of programs across 14 faculties, KU Leuven provides students with unparalleled academic choices.
- Historic Architecture: The university’s iconic buildings, including the stunning University Hall (1317), are testaments to Leuven’s rich cultural heritage.
- Collaborative Spirit: KU Leuven partners with top institutions worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford, fostering global research collaborations.
- Economic Powerhouse: The university contributes significantly to Belgium’s economy, generating over €1.5 billion in annual economic impact.
Rewards For Belgium Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship 2025
The Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship provides:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Recipients pay only an annual administration fee. The fee for the 2025-2026 academic year will be announced in December 2024 (the fee in 2023-2024 was €131.50).
- Financial Allowance: A stipend of €12,000 per academic year for up to two years to support living expenses.
- Duration: The scholarship covers the full duration of the program, with a maximum of two years.
Eligibility Criteria For Belgium Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship 2025
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Apply for one of KU Leuven’s Master’s or Advanced Master’s programmes. All programmes are eligible, and a full list is available on the KU Leuven website.
- Hold a previous degree from a higher education institution outside of Flanders.
- Not currently be enrolled at a Flemish higher education institution, except for international students enrolled in a preparatory program for the Master’s programme starting in September 2025.
- Ensure they are not receiving any other scholarships for the same academic year.
Please note that students enrolled in preparatory, bridging, or distance learning programs are not eligible.
How To Apply For Belgium Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship 2025
- Submit a Complete Application: Apply for an eligible Master’s programme, including the KU Leuven Scholarships & Master Mind Candidacy Form
- Register for the Scholarship: Register your Master Mind candidacy via the online registration tool, which opens on 17 October 2024.
Language Proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge CPE, unless they hold a degree from an English-speaking institution in specific countries (e.g., the UK, USA, Australia).
The timeline is as follows:
- 15 January 2025: Application deadline.
- 7 March 2025: Highest-ranked students are invited to submit a motivation video.
- 17 March 2025: Deadline for submitting motivation videos.
- April 2025: Announcement of the selected candidate.
The selected candidate will begin their studies in September 2025.