Belgium is one of the best places in Europe for international students who speak English. There are a lot of English-taught programmes and fully funded scholarships. If you’re from Nigeria or a non-European country, you can study in Belgium in English and get a lot of money to help pay for it. How about the best scholarships in Belgium for English speakers in 2026? It will cover fully funded options, who can apply, and how to do so successfully.
Can you learn English in Belgium?
Yes, and that is a big plus.
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. However, many universities in Belgium offer courses in English, and if you’re from Nigeria or a non-European country, you can study there in English and get a lot of money to help pay for it. However, many universities, particularly at the master’s and PhD levels, provide programmes entirely in English. However, many universities, particularly at the master’s and PhD levels, provide programmes entirely in English. T programmes are offered by schools like KU Leuven, Ghent University, and Université Libre de Bruxelles.
You usually need:
- TOEFL or IELTS
OR - Certificate of Medium of Instruction (MOI).
OR - Assessment is based on an interview
This makes it easier for English speakers to get around in Belgium.
Best Scholarships in Belgium for People who Speak English (2026)
1. Fully funded ARES Scholarships
The ARES Scholarship is one of the best fully funded choices in Belgium.
What it talks about:
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payments of about €1,150
- Costs of travel
- Housing and insurance
- Extra allowances
Who can apply?
- Students from poorer countries
- People who want to get a master’s degree or short training
Most programmes are taught in English, especially in the fields of development, public health, and the social sciences.
This programme is the best choice for Africans who speak English.
2. Fully funded VLIR-UOS Scholarships
This scholarship is for courses related to development.
What it talks about:
- Full cost of school
- Monthly money for living
- Costs of travel
- Housing and insurance
Best for:
- Students from poorer countries
- Programmes for agriculture, the environment, and growth
Most of the classes at VLIR-UOS are in English.
3. The Government of Flanders Master’s Mind Scholarship
The Flemish government pays for this well-known scholarship.
What it has to offer:
- Free tuition
- Yearly stipend (about €10,000+)
Best for:
- Students who do well in school apply for master’s programmes
The benefits of speaking English:
A lot of Flemish universities offer master’s programmes in English, which is great for students from other countries.
4. Fully funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships
This is one of the best scholarships in Europe.
What it talks about:
- Full cost of school
- Monthly payment
- Money for travel
- Housing
Why is it great for people who speak English?
- All of the programmes are taught in English.
- You can go to school in Belgium and other parts of Europe.
5. Scholarship from Science@Leuven
This KU Leuven scholarship is for students studying science.
What it has to offer:
- Funding of up to €10,000
- Help with tuition
Best for:
- Physics, chemistry, math, and other fields that are similar
English is the language of instruction.
6. Scholarships for Global Minds Doctoral Students
KU Leuven also offers this.
What it talks about:
- Full funding for a PhD
- Help with research
Best for:
- Students from poorer countries
7. Scholarships for specific universities
Many Belgian universities offer scholarships, such as:
- Waivers of tuition
- Funding is based on merit
- Funding for research
For example,
- University of Ghent
- Antwerp University
- Liège University
These scholarships are often available for programmes taught in English.
Levels of Study Covered
In Belgium, you can get scholarships for:
- Bachelor’s degree (a few choices)
- A master’s degree is the most common.
- Programmes for PhDs
- Training and short courses
Most fully funded scholarships are for master’s and doctoral degrees.
What all English-speaking applicants need to do
You need the following items to apply successfully:
Requirements for school
- A bachelor’s degree (for a master’s)
- Good grades in school
What documents do you need?
- Transcripts from school
- Resumé or CV
- Letter of motivation
- Letters of recommendation
- Passage
Proof of the English Language
You can use:
- TOEFL or IELTS
- Language of instruction (MOI).
- Interview for English proficiency
If you can show that your education was in English, many programmes will let you study without taking the IELTS.
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1: Pick a programme that teaches English
Look for programmes that say “taught in English”.
Step 2: Apply to get in
Send your school papers to the university.
Step 3: Apply for scholarships.
Some need separate applications, like ARES, VLIR-UOS, and Erasmus.
Step 4: Write a Strong Paper
Pay attention to:
- Letter of motivation
- Success in school
- Goals for your career
Step 5: Go to the interview if you have to.
Some scholarships use interviews to test how well you speak English.
How much does it cost to live in Belgium?
Compared to other countries in Western Europe, Belgium is not too expensive.
Monthly costs on average:
- €800 to €1,200
This includes:
- Housing
- Food
- Getting around
- Cost to yourself
Most of these costs are usually covered by fully funded scholarships.
Advantages of studying in Belgium for English Speakers
Programmes are taught in English
You don’t have to learn Dutch or French to go to school.
Education of high quality
Belgium boasts highly ranked universities worldwide.
Location in Central Europe
You can travel easily to France, Germany, the Netherlands, and more.
A place with people from many cultures
Students from all over the world come to Belgium.
Lots of job opportunities
This trend is especially true of EU institutions and international organisations.
Useful Advice to Boost Your Chances
Pick scholarships that focus on development.
ARES and VLIR-UOS are two programmes that put developing countries first.
Apply early
Most deadlines are between January and April 2026.
Write a letter of motivation that is strong
Please explain.
- Why Belgium?
- Your objectives
- What do you do?
Apply for more than one scholarship
Apply to as many places as you can to improve your chances.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- Apply to programs that don’t speak English
- Sending in a week’s letters of motivation
- Not meeting the deadlines
- Not checking to see if you meet the requirements
- Apply for just one scholarship
Last Thoughts
Belgium is a wonderful place for English-speaking students to study, especially those from developing countries.
Here are some of the best scholarships to look at:
- Fully funded ARES Scholarships
- VLIR-UOS Scholarship (full funding).
- Scholarship for the Master Mind
- Erasmus Mundus Programmes
- Scholarships from universities
If you plan ahead, you can study in Belgium completely in English, get full funding, and start a career in Europe that will take you around the world.