Introduction
Belgium has quietly become one of the best places in Europe for African students to study. It has many scholarships that can make studying abroad cheap or even free. This is because it has high-quality universities, a diverse population, and strong government-backed funding programmes.
Belgium offers targeted opportunities for African students through scholarships that focus on development, international partnerships, and university-funded programmes. These scholarships cover everything from bachelor’s degrees to PhDs, with many fully funded.
This in-depth guide will show you the best scholarships in Belgium for Africans, how they work, who can apply, how to apply step by step, and useful tips to help you get the scholarship you want.
Why African Students Love Belgium
Before you start looking for scholarships, you should know what makes Belgium stand out.
KU Leuven, Ghent University, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel are just a few of the world-class universities in Belgium. These schools award internationally recognised degrees and offer excellent research opportunities.
This is why a lot of African students pick Belgium:
- Education of high quality that is known around the world
- A strong focus on research and new ideas
- Programmes taught in English are widely available.
- Scholarships just for people from developing countries
- Located in Central Europe with easy access to travel
- A place that is welcoming to people from many cultures
The most important thing is that Belgium has a number of fully funded scholarships that are only for students from Africa.
The Best Scholarships in Belgium for Africans
1. Fully Funded ARES Scholarships
The ARES scholarship is one of the best and most popular choices for African students.
The Belgian government pays for it through development cooperation programs; it is only available for students from developing countries, many of which are in Africa.
What It Covers
- All tuition costs
- Monthly living allowance of about €1,150
- Costs of travel (flights to other countries)
- Fees for visas
- Help with housing
- Insurance for health
Programmes that are available
- Degrees of Bachelor
- Master’s degrees
- Short courses of study
Every year, more than 100 scholarships are given out for degree programmes and even more for training programmes.
Countries in Africa that are eligible
This list includes Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and many other countries.
Important Requirement
- Some programmes may require at least two years of work experience.
If you want a fully funded opportunity that will have a big impact on your career, this scholarship is perfect for you.
2. The Mastermind Scholarship from the Belgian government
The Flemish government pays for this other well-known scholarship.
What It Gives
- A grant of about €10,000 a year
- Waiver of tuition fees
- Get into the best colleges
You can get scholarships for master’s programs in Flanders and Brussels.
Important Information
- Welcoming students from all over the world
- Demands high academic achievement
- A process for choosing the best candidate
It doesn’t fully cover your costs like ARES does, but it does make them a lot less.
3. Scholarships from VLIR-UOS
This scholarship is only for students from developing countries, which includes many African countries.
Main Advantages
- Full payment for tuition
- Every month,
- Costs of travel
- Help with housing
VLIR-UOS helps students from about 29 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that meet certain criteria.
Covered Programmes
- Master’s degrees
- Programmes for training
Many people think this is one of the best alternatives to ARES.
4. The Science@Leuven Scholarship
This KU Leuven scholarship is for master’s programmes in science.
Pros
- Funding of up to €10,000
- Pays for school costs and living expenses
Best For
Students who want to
- Building
- Science
- Chemistry
- Math
5. Scholarships for Erasmus Mundus
Many Erasmus Mundus programmes take place in Belgian universities, but they are not limited to Belgium. These programs often collaborate with schools and other African organisations. Fully funded scholarships alleviate most of this burden. Fully funded scholarships alleviate most of this burden.
Coverage
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- Money for travel
- Insurance
These scholarships are very difficult to get, but they are one of the best fully funded chances in Europe.
6. Scholarships for Global Minds Doctoral Students
Universities like KU Leuven offer this PhD scholarship.
Best For
- Students working on their doctoral research
- People who want to work in development-related fields
These programs often collaborate with schools and other organisations in Africa.
7. Scholarships for specific universities
There are many Belgian universities that offer their own scholarships. Some of them are:
- Scholarships for Ghent University
- Grants from Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Funding programmes at the University of Antwerp
These could be:
- Fully paid for
- Partially paid for
- Based on merit
Different Types of Scholarships
Knowing what kinds of scholarships there are can help you pick the right one.
Scholarships with Full Funding
These include:
- Costs of tuition
- Cost of living
- Go on a trip
- Insurance
Some examples are ARES, VLIR-UOS, and Erasmus. Mundus
Scholarships with Some Money
These give:
- Lowering the cost of tuition
- Grants that don’t change
For example, the Mastermind Scholarship
Scholarships Based on Research
These are mostly for PhD students and researchers.
Requirements for African Students to Be Eligible
Most scholarships have similar requirements, even though they may differ.
General Requirements
- Must be a citizen of a qualifying African nation.
- Must meet academic standards
- Must apply to a university in Belgium
- Often, you can’t have studied in Belgium before.
Requirements for school
- Good grades in school
- Degree background that is relevant
Requirements for Language
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL if required)
More Requirements
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Experience working (for some programmes)
How to Apply in Steps
Step 1: Pick the Right Scholarship
To begin, figure out which scholarship is right for you:
- Undergraduate
- Master’s
- Doctorate
Step 2: Choose a Programme
Choose a program that fits your schoolwork and career goals.
Step 3: Apply to Get In
You usually need to be accepted into a college before you can apply for a scholarship.
Step 4: Get the papers ready
Some common documents are:
- Transcripts from school
- Certificates of degree
- Results of the English test
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Letters of recommendation
Step 5: Send in your application for the scholarship
Some scholarships need their application, while others don’t.
Step 6: Go to the interview (if you need to)
Some programmes may ask people who made the short list to come in for interviews.
Deadlines for Applications (2026)
Most scholarships follow this schedule:
- ARES: January to February
- Master Mind: February to April
- VLIR-UOS: February to March
- Erasmus Mundus: From December to January
Always apply early so you don’t miss the due date.
How much it costs to study in Belgium without a scholarship
Here is what you should expect if you don’t have enough money:
Fees for School
- €2,500 to €9,000 a year
Costs of Living
- €800 to €1,200 a month
Fully funded scholarships alleviate most of this burden.
How to Improve Your Odds
Apply for More Than One Scholarship
Don’t depend on just one app.
Write a letter of motivation that is strong
Explain clearly:
- Your objectives
- Why Belgium?
- Why the programme?
Make Your Impact Clear
Many scholarships are about development. Explain how your education will help your country.
Get Experience That Matters
Having work or volunteer experience can make your application stronger.
Apply soon
Early applications usually do better.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- Not meeting deadlines
- Turning in papers that aren’t complete
- Writing generic letters of motivation
- Applying without meeting the requirements
- Not following the rules for eligibility
Best Plan for African Students
Follow this plan if you want the best chance of success:
- Please submit your application for both ARES and VLIR-UOS.
- Add one or two scholarships that are specific to your university.
- Add Erasmus Mundus as a backup.
- Make sure to get your paperwork ready at least three months in advance.
This combination makes your chances much better.
Last Thoughts
Belgium has some of the best scholarship options for African students in Europe. There are many ways to get a fully funded master’s degree, a PhD, or short-term training.
Preparation, strategy, and high-quality applications are the most important things.
If you take the process seriously and apply wisely, you can study in Belgium without worrying about money.
This isn’t just about getting a scholarship; it’s also about opening up doors to global opportunities, international experience, and long-term career success.