KU Leuven - Travel Grants to the Global South (KU Leuven)

Travel Grants to the Global South (KU Leuven)

You get a one-off grant of 1,000 EUR for your whole stay. If KU Leuven recognises that you are in financial need, you get 1,750 EUR. The money lets you do an internship, thesis research or field work in one of 28 countries in the Global South, such as Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Indonesia, the Philippines, Bolivia, Colombia or Peru. Your stay must last at least 6 weeks, and your faculty sets the maximum length. Your activity also earns credits in your study programme. The grant comes from VLIR-UOS, the development-cooperation body of the Flemish universities.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree at KU Leuven.
• Type of stay: You do an unpaid internship, thesis research or field work with an organisation, company or education body abroad.
• Where you go: You travel to one of the 28 listed countries in Africa, Asia or Latin America, but not to your own home country.
• Host arranged: You have already applied to the organisation that will host you.
• Preparation: You attend the intercultural preparation and debriefing sessions run by UCOS.
• First time: You have not received a Travel Grant to the Global South before.
• No double funding: You cannot apply if you hold an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.

How to apply

You apply through the KU Leuven online application tool, open from 1 March to 1 May 2027. You need a motivation letter, CV, your transcripts, an invitation letter from your host and your supervisor's confirmation. Your faculty reviews the applications, and KU Leuven's central selection committee awards the grants in June 2027.

You can find more scholarships in our guide Scholarships in Belgium.