KU Leuven will give one student a full tuition waiver plus €13,200 per academic year to study a master’s in Leuven, Belgium. The Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship runs for up to two academic years, and the deadline for every part of the application is 15 January, at 23:59 CET.
Only one scholarship is given each academic year, so this is a highly competitive award for students with a very strong academic record. The application has two steps, and both must be finished before the deadline. See the official programme page for full details.
What the Scholarship Covers
Your tuition fee is waived in full, so you only pay a small annual administration fee of around €100–€140. On top of that, you receive €13,200 for each academic year, which helps with living costs in Leuven.
| Scholarship | Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship |
| University | KU Leuven |
| Location | Leuven, Belgium |
| Level | Master’s degree |
| Funding | Full tuition waiver + €13,200 per year |
| Duration | 1–2 years (60 or 120 ECTS master’s) |
| Number of awards | 1 per academic year |
| Deadline | 15 January, 23:59 CET |
Funding lasts one year for a 60 ECTS master’s and two years for a 120 ECTS master’s. The money comes from donations to the university’s International Scholarship Fund. If you are comparing scholarships in Belgium, the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship is another option, although it follows different rules.
One Award, and What That Means for You
Most scholarships give out many places, so a good application has a fair chance. Here, only the strongest candidate wins, which means your grades and your overall academic record carry more weight than in a larger programme. Do not let that stop you from applying, but go in with clear eyes about the odds.
Your application is also considered for the Master Mind Scholarship and for the regional KU Leuven scholarships for students from ASEAN countries, Africa, and Central and South America, if your nationality makes you eligible. You cannot apply for those separately. Note also that this award cannot be combined with another full scholarship from KU Leuven, the Belgian government or the European Commission.
Who Can Apply, and Who Cannot
Students of all nationalities can apply, with no list of eligible countries. What matters instead is where you studied before and where you study now.
- Your previous degree must have been completed outside Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium where KU Leuven is based.
- You must not already be enrolled at a Flemish higher education institution.
- You must submit a complete application file for an eligible master’s programme at KU Leuven before the deadline.
- Your English test must be taken before the deadline; the results may be submitted after it.
This rule shows who the scholarship is built for: students coming to Flanders from outside. Book your English test early, because the test itself must be taken before 15 January, and test centres may be full in the last week.
How to Apply in Two Steps
Both steps must be finished before 15 January, at 23:59 CET. Missing either step means your scholarship candidacy will not be considered.
- Step 1: Apply for your master’s programme. Submit a complete application file for an eligible master’s programme at KU Leuven through the university’s admissions page, including the KU Leuven Scholarships and Master Mind Candidacy Form as an annexe. You will then receive a 12-digit application number.
- Step 2: Apply for the scholarship. Enter your 12-digit application number and the requested information in the scholarship registration tool. Submit it before the deadline, and then wait for the decision.
What Happens After You Apply
After 15 January, KU Leuven runs its selection. The university sends each scholarship candidate the outcome in writing, with a clear date, so you will know whether to plan for Leuven or to make other arrangements.
If you are not selected for this award, your master’s application still moves forward, so the two-step approach costs you nothing extra beyond a little time, and it leaves you in line for another scholarship.
If you are comparing fully funded options, the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals in Sweden are worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship?
Any student of any nationality whose previous degree was completed outside Flanders and who submits a complete application file for an eligible master’s at KU Leuven before 15 January. Your English test must be taken before the deadline, but the results may be submitted after it.
What does the scholarship cover?
A full tuition waiver plus €13,200 per academic year for living costs. You only pay a small annual administration fee of around €100–€140.
Is the scholarship one year or two years?
No. It is a one-year award for a 60 ECTS master’s and a two-year award for a 120 ECTS master’s. You must enrol in the programme named in your application.
What if I miss the 15 January deadline?
Both steps must be finished before 15 January, at 23:59 CET. If either step is missing, your scholarship candidacy will not be considered.
