Université Libre de Bruxelles - Student Social Service Grants

What you get

If you find yourself in financial difficulty whilst studying, you will receive need-based financial support from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). There is no fixed monthly amount. The Student Social Service (Service social étudiants, SSE) tailors the support to your individual circumstances; this may take various forms:

• Contributions towards books and course handouts, study equipment, public transport and dissertation costs
• Exceptional medical expenses, such as those for spectacles or hearing aids
• A cash top-up
• A compensation payment if you lose income due to exams or a compulsory work placement

You’ll also benefit from a range of practical additional services: priority access to ULB halls of residence, discounted sports and culture passes, meals in the canteens for 2 EUR, a communal grocery shop, medical care and psychological support.

You can receive this funding for a total of up to 7 years: a maximum of 4 years during your Bachelor’s degree and a maximum of 3 years during your Master’s degree.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled as a full-time student at the ULB on a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Financial need: Your household income is below the specified thresholds. This grant is intended for students on a low income.
• Nationality: You are a Belgian national or are treated as such, for example if you hold a long-term residence permit, have refugee status or subsidiary protection status, or have a close family member who is an EU citizen. Refugees recognised by the UN may also apply.
• EU citizens: You can submit an application, but you must prove that you have sufficient means to support yourself.
• Non-EU students: Generally not eligible. In exceptional cases, you may submit an application if you can provide proof of your income and name a guarantor.

How to apply

You apply through your MonULB dashboard, under "Ma situation financière". You answer an eligibility questionnaire, fill in the online form and upload your documents. Then you email the SSE with your name and student number to book an appointment with a social worker. For 2026-2027 you can submit your file from 24 August 2026 until 16 April 2027 at 1 p.m.

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