The Government of Flanders Mastermind Scholarships 2026/2027 are designed to boost the international reach of Flemish higher education, supporting outstanding students to study at top universities in Flanders. This initiative aligns with the Action Plan for Student Mobility, Brains on the Move, ensuring global talent can experience academic excellence in Belgium.
Applicants cannot apply individually; submissions must be made through the Flemish host institution. Additionally, recipients should note that this scholarship cannot be combined with other awards from the Flemish government or Erasmus Mundus programs, ensuring focused support for selected candidates.
Benefits of Government of Flanders Mastermind Scholarships 2026/2027
- The incoming student is awarded a scholarship of maximum €8000,- per academic year.
Eligibility Criteria for Government of Flanders Mastermind Scholarships 2026/2027
- The applicant applies to take up a Master degree programme at a higher education institution in Flanders (hereafter ‘Flemish host institution’).
- The applicant should have a high standard of academic performance and/or potential. He/she meets all academic entrance criteria, including relevant language requirements, for entering the Master programme in question offered by the Flemish host institution.
- All nationalities can apply. The previous degree obtained should be from a higher education institution located outside Flanders.
- Students who are already enrolled in a Flemish higher education institution cannot apply.
How to Apply for Government of Flanders Mastermind Scholarships 2026/2027?
- Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet all scholarship requirements and that your chosen Flemish institution participates in the Master Mind programme.
- Apply to the host institution: Submit your master’s programme application directly to the university or school before their internal deadline.
- Institution pre-selects candidates: Your host institution reviews applications and may nominate you for the scholarship. Only a limited number of students can be nominated.
- Host institution starts your online application: If pre-selected, your institution creates your file in the Mobility Online system and you’ll receive an email notification.
- Complete your Mobility Online application: Register and upload all required documents before the scholarship deadline, including:
- Passport or ID copy
- Curriculum Vitae (with GPA)
- Academic transcripts (with translations if needed)
- Proof of English proficiency or exemption letter
- Motivation letter in English
- Two signed reference letters
- Diploma copy (translated if applicable)
- Submission to the selection committee: Your host institution sends your complete application to the Flemish Higher Education Council before the final deadline.
- Wait for the final decision: The selection committee reviews all applications, ranks candidates, and announces the scholarship winners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Government of Flanders Mastermind Scholarships 2026/2027 support top international students pursuing master’s degrees in Flanders and Brussels. Recipients receive €10,225, a tuition waiver, and merit-based recognition, with reserved spots for priority countries and clear application rules.
What is the Government of Flanders Mastermind Scholarship 2026/2027?
he Government of Flanders Mastermind Scholarship 2026/2027 is a prestigious award for outstanding international students. It covers tuition fees and provides a grant of €10,225 per academic year to pursue a master’s programme in Flanders or Brussels.
This scholarship supports academic excellence and encourages global talent to study in Flanders, offering both financial support and recognition for high-achieving students who wish to advance their master’s studies in Belgium.
Who is eligible for the Mastermind Scholarship 2026/2027?
Eligibility is open to international students accepted into a master’s programme in Flanders or Brussels. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, meet specific programme requirements, and comply with rules regarding other scholarships or awards.
Students from priority countries like Japan, Mexico, Palestine, and the USA may have reserved scholarships, but all applicants are assessed fairly according to academic merit and the selection committee’s ranking.
How much funding does the Government of Flanders Mastermind Scholarship 2026/2027 provide?
The Mastermind Scholarship grants €10,225 per academic year along with a full tuition fee waiver. For one-year master’s programmes of 60 ECTS, this covers the entire academic year, while two-year programmes of 120 ECTS receive funding for both years.
Students are expected to pay only a minimal local student fee, which for 2026/2027 is €136.50, ensuring that financial barriers are minimized while pursuing their studies in Flanders.
Can I combine the Government of Flanders Mastermind Scholarships 2026/2027 with other awards?
No, recipients cannot combine the Mastermind Scholarship with other Flemish Government scholarships, Erasmus+ or Erasmus Mundus awards, BAEF scholarships, or Fulbright scholarships.
This rule ensures fairness and avoids double funding, allowing more students to benefit from the programme while maintaining the integrity of the scholarship’s selection process.
How do I apply for the Mastermind Scholarship 2026/2027?
Applications are submitted through the host institution in Flanders, which can submit up to 20 applications each. Candidates must follow the university’s procedures, provide required documents, and meet all eligibility criteria before the deadline.
The selection committee evaluates applicants based on merit, and if a candidate declines the scholarship, it is offered to the next highest-ranking eligible applicant to ensure full allocation.
What is the duration of the Mastermind Scholarship?
The scholarship covers one academic year for a 60 ECTS master’s programme or two academic years for a 120 ECTS programme. Funding is provided annually, including tuition waivers and the grant, throughout the scholarship period.
If a student loses the scholarship, they must pay the full tuition fee to continue their programme without financial support from the Mastermind Scholarship.
Which institutions participate in the scholarship?
All recognized higher education institutions in Flanders and Brussels that offer eligible master’s programmes can participate. Each institution handles applications internally and forwards qualified candidates to the Flemish Selection Committee.
This system ensures that students are matched with appropriate universities while maintaining a competitive, merit-based selection process across all participating institutions.
Are there reserved scholarships for specific countries?
Yes, certain scholarships are reserved for priority countries: Japan (3), Mexico (3), Palestine (2), and the USA (5). If a candidate from these countries declines, the scholarship is offered to the next highest-ranking applicant from the same country before moving to the general pool.
This approach ensures representation from these priority nations while maintaining fairness in overall selection, giving all candidates a chance to compete.
What happens if a student cancels or loses the scholarship?
If a scholarship is declined or cancelled, it is offered to the next highest-ranked candidate by the Flemish Selection Committee. Students losing the scholarship must pay the full tuition fee if they wish to continue their programme.
This ensures that funding is fully utilized and fair opportunities are provided to other deserving students on the ranked list.
When is the application period for 2026/2027?
The call for applications for the 2026/2027 academic year is now open. Candidates should submit their materials through their chosen host institution before the deadlines to ensure consideration by the Flemish Selection Committee.
Early preparation and careful adherence to institutional guidelines improve the chances of receiving this highly competitive scholarship for international students.
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