Katholieke Universiteit Leuven - Science@Leuven Scholarship

Science@Leuven Scholarship

For your Master’s programme at the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven in Belgium, you will receive up to 12,000 EUR per academic year. The board of the Science@Leuven Fund determines the exact amount for each student. The money is intended to cover your living costs. If you are a student from a non-EEA country, you will also pay a reduced tuition fee of approximately 3,252 EUR instead of the full rate during semesters 2026 to 2027. Most of these Master’s programmes last two years. The scholarship may be renewed for the second year if your results in the first year are outstanding. You should also budget for some of your own funds, as the scholarship may not cover all costs. The scholarship is funded by the faculty’s alumni association (the network of former graduates).

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting one of these master's programmes at the Faculty of Science: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biology, Biophysics/Biochemistry/Biotechnology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Data Science, or Sustainable Development.
• Your previous degree: You hold a bachelor’s degree from a university outside Belgium which qualifies you for admission to your chosen master’s programme. At the time of commencing your studies, you have not yet obtained a master’s or doctoral degree.
• No prior KU Leuven link: You have never studied or worked at KU Leuven before.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. The prize is aimed at international students coming to Belgium from abroad.
• Grades: You have achieved outstanding results, equivalent to at least a ‘Distinction’ at KU Leuven.
• English: You must demonstrate a good command of English by passing one of the following examinations: TOEFL iBT with a score of at least 94, IELTS with an overall score of at least 7.0, or a Cambridge Advanced/Proficiency certificate with a score of at least 185.
• Commitment: You are highly motivated and willing to act as an ambassador for your degree programme and KU Leuven. You will also need two letters of recommendation from internationally renowned professors.

How to apply

The application process consists of two steps. First, apply for a place on the Master’s programme via the KU Leuven application portal, and then register separately on the Fund’s website to apply for the scholarship. The application deadline is 15 February. Once you have been admitted to the programme, the selection committee will draw up a ranking list of eligible students and invite around eight candidates to an online interview. The final decision will be made in early May.

If you are weighing your options beyond this KU Leuven award, our guide Scholarships in Belgium covers further funding opportunities across Belgium.