Master Mind Scholarships

Overview

The Master Mind Scholarships are funded by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training, the education arm of the Government of Flanders in the northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. The programme is designed to bring talented international students to Flemish universities and university colleges, including the schools of arts, for a full master's degree. If your academic record stands out and you want to study in Flanders or Brussels, this is one of the main government routes to do so with real financial support.

Each award combines a yearly grant of EUR 10,225 with a tuition-fee waiver, so you pay only the reduced scholarship-student tuition rate rather than the full international fee. For the 2026-2027 cycle that reduced rate is around EUR 136.50, though it can change slightly from year to year. The scholarship runs for one academic year for a 60 ECTS master's or two academic years for a 120 ECTS master's.

What makes Master Mind notable is that it is open to outstanding students of any nationality, with a handful of places set aside for applicants from Japan, Mexico, Palestine and the United States. The selection is competitive: each Flemish institution can put forward only a limited number of nominees, so the academic bar is high and a clear, well-prepared application matters.

Key Facts at a Glance

Item	Detail
Funding Body	Flemish Ministry of Education and Training (Government of Flanders)
Host Country	Belgium (Flanders and Brussels)
Degree Levels	Master's
Value	EUR 10,225 grant per academic year plus a tuition-fee waiver (you pay only the scholarship-student tuition, around EUR 136.50)
Deadline	Annual spring call; deadlines set by each host institution (the 2026-2027 round has closed)
Eligible Nationalities	Any nationality, with some places reserved for Japan, Mexico, Palestine and the USA
Official Website	studyinflanders.be

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Master Mind targets outstanding students, so your previous results need to be strong. You apply to start a master's programme at a Flemish university or university college, and you must not have been previously enrolled at or graduated from a Flemish higher education institution. Selection is based largely on academic merit, and institutions nominate only their strongest candidates.

Nationality Requirements

The scholarship is open to students of any nationality. A set number of places are reserved for applicants from Japan, Mexico, Palestine and the United States, but applicants from other countries compete for the remaining awards.

Language Requirements

Most Master Mind programmes are taught in English, so you typically need to meet the English-language entry requirement of your chosen master's, usually evidenced by a recognised test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Check the exact score your programme asks for, since requirements are set at programme level.

Other Requirements

You cannot combine Master Mind with certain other grants, including other Flemish Government scholarships, Erasmus+ or Erasmus Mundus funding, BAEF and Fulbright scholarships. You apply for both admission to the master's and the scholarship through your chosen Flemish institution.

What the Scholarship Covers

• A grant of EUR 10,225 per academic year toward living costs.
• A tuition-fee waiver, so you pay only the reduced scholarship-student tuition (around EUR 136.50 for 2026-2027 rather than the full international fee).
• Funding for one year for a 60 ECTS master's, or two years for a 120 ECTS master's.

How to Apply

1. Choose an eligible master's. Pick a master's programme at a Flemish university or school of arts and confirm it participates in Master Mind.
2. Check the institution deadline. Each host institution runs its own selection and sets its own deadline, typically in spring around mid-to-late March. Find the deadline on the institution's scholarship page.
3. Apply for admission. Submit your application for admission to the master's programme, meeting all academic and language requirements.
4. Apply for the scholarship. Complete the Master Mind application through the institution, since institutions nominate candidates to the Flemish government.
5. Submit supporting documents. Provide transcripts, proof of language, and any documents the institution requests before its deadline.
6. Wait for the nomination and selection. Institutions rank and nominate their strongest applicants, and final awards are confirmed by the Flemish authorities.

Required Documents

• Academic transcripts and your bachelor's diploma (or proof of expected completion).
• Proof of English-language proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS, where the programme requires it.
• A motivation letter or statement of purpose explaining your fit for the programme.
• A curriculum vitae.
• Letters of recommendation, if requested by the institution.
• A copy of your passport or national ID.

Key Dates & Deadlines

Master Mind runs once a year. Applications generally open in winter and close in spring, with most institution deadlines falling around mid-to-late March. The 2026-2027 round has already closed. Studies begin in the following September. Because each host institution manages its own timeline, always confirm the exact opening and closing dates on the page of the institution you are applying to.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Apply early so your admission file is complete well before the scholarship deadline.
• Make your academic excellence visible: highlight grades, rankings, awards and relevant projects.
• Write a focused motivation letter that ties your background to the specific master's and to your future plans.
• Confirm your chosen programme actually participates in Master Mind before you invest time in the application.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing the institution's deadline because you assumed there was a single national date.
• Applying for the scholarship without first securing or progressing your admission application.
• Trying to combine Master Mind with an excluded grant such as Erasmus Mundus or Fulbright.
• Submitting generic documents that don't address the specific programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for the Master Mind Scholarships?

There is no single date. Each Flemish host institution sets its own deadline within the annual spring call, with most falling around mid-to-late March. The 2026-2027 round has closed, so check your institution's page for the next cycle.

How much is the Master Mind Scholarship worth?

You receive a grant of EUR 10,225 per academic year plus a tuition-fee waiver, meaning you pay only the reduced scholarship-student tuition of around EUR 136.50 rather than the full international fee.

Who is eligible for the Master Mind Scholarships?

Outstanding students of any nationality entering a master's at a Flemish university or school of arts, who have not previously been enrolled at or graduated from a Flemish institution. Some places are reserved for applicants from Japan, Mexico, Palestine and the USA.

Is the Master Mind Scholarship fully funded?

It is close to full funding for tuition through the fee waiver, plus a yearly living grant. It is not a full-cost package, so plan for any costs beyond the grant.

How long does the Master Mind Scholarship last?

One academic year for a 60 ECTS master's, or two academic years for a 120 ECTS master's.

What documents do I need for the Master Mind Scholarships?

Typically transcripts and your bachelor's diploma, proof of English proficiency, a motivation letter, a CV, recommendation letters if requested, and a copy of your passport.

Can I combine the Master Mind Scholarship with other grants?

No. You cannot combine it with other Flemish Government scholarships, Erasmus+ or Erasmus Mundus, BAEF or Fulbright scholarships.

Do I apply for the Master Mind Scholarship separately from admission?

You apply for both, through your chosen Flemish institution. Institutions nominate their strongest candidates, so your admission and scholarship files are handled together.

How many Master Mind Scholarships are available?

The total varies by year, and each institution may submit a limited number of applications. A set number of places are reserved for Japan, Mexico, Palestine and the USA.

What language are Master Mind programmes taught in?

Most are taught in English, so you usually need to meet the programme's English requirement, often via TOEFL or IELTS. Confirm the exact score with your programme.