Bureau International Jeunesse (BIJ) - "Bel' J"Grants

Volontariat Bel'J grant

You will receive a lump-sum grant of 44 EUR per day, up to a maximum of 1,760 euros, to carry out a volunteering project in the Flemish or German-speaking part of Belgium. Your placement will last for at least 2 weeks and no more than 6 months. You can complete the placement in a single block of up to 3 months or spread it over a period of up to 6 months. You will be working with a local organisation, getting to know young Flemish or German-speaking people and improving your Dutch or German language skills. Funding is provided by the Bureau International Jeunesse (BIJ), a youth service of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. The BIJ team can discuss your project idea with you and review your application documents before you submit them.

Who can apply

• Age: You are between 16 and 30 years old.
• Where you live: You are a French speaker and have been living in Wallonia or Brussels for at least 2 years. If you are not a Belgian national, you will need a certificate of residence confirming these 2 years.
• Where you go: Your project is taking place in the Flemish or German-speaking Community of Belgium, not in Brussels.
• Field of study: Any topic. There are no prerequisites.
• Type of project: You are carrying out genuine voluntary work for a charitable organisation. The following activities do not count as such: a compulsory school work placement, a profit-making project, an assignment arranged through an agency, or a project that is already funded by Actiris or Forem.
• Group size: You are applying either on your own or together with up to 2 other people from the same organisation. Each person must submit their own application.

How to apply

First, find a Flemish- or German-speaking organisation that is willing to host you. Next, create an account on the e-BIJ portal and complete the online form. You can submit your application on the 1 of any month, and your project can start no earlier than 6 weeks after submission. A committee will make a decision by the end of the same month and notify you by email. Priority is given to applicants who have never received a BIJ grant before.

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