Scholarship details
Are you a bright and ambitious student who wants to pursue a master’s degree in one of the best universities in Europe? Do you dream of studying in a diverse and dynamic environment that offers world-class education and research? If yes, then you should apply for the Mind 2024 Master Scholarship in Belgium 2024.
Introduction
The Mind 2024 Master Scholarship is a prestigious and competitive program funded by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training. The scholarship aims to attract outstanding students from around the world to study in Flanders and Brussels, the two regions of Belgium that are known for their excellence in higher education, innovation, and culture.
The scholarship covers a grant of €9,600 and a tuition fee waiver per academic year (60 ECTS). The scholarship holders only pay an administrative enrolment fee of €128.80, which is the lowest rate for students who receive a study grant from the Flemish government. The scholarship also covers accommodation costs, insurances, and a significant amount of living expenses.
The scholarship is open to students who want to enroll in a master’s program of 60 or 120 ECTS in any field of study offered by one of the participating Flemish higher education institutions. The scholarship is awarded for one or two academic years, depending on the duration of the chosen program.
The scholarship is not only a great opportunity to get a high-quality education, but also a chance to experience the rich and vibrant culture of Belgium, a country that is located at the heart of Europe and has a history of diversity, tolerance, and innovation. Belgium is famous for its chocolate, beer, waffles, fries, and festivals, as well as its art, architecture, music, and literature. By studying in Belgium, you will be able to explore its beautiful cities, such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Leuven, and enjoy its multicultural and multilingual society.
Scholarship Provider
The scholarship provider is the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training, the government department responsible for the education policy and quality assurance of the Flemish Community in Belgium. The Flemish Ministry of Education and Training supports and promotes the internationalization of higher education in Flanders and Brussels and fosters the mobility and cooperation of students, teachers, and researchers.
The Flemish Ministry of Education and Training works in collaboration with the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLUHR), which is the umbrella organization of the Flemish universities and university colleges. The VLUHR coordinates the application and selection process of the scholarship program, and provides guidance and support to the scholarship holders.
Eligible Applicants
The eligible applicants for the scholarship are students who meet the following criteria:
– They have a high standard of academic performance and/or potential. They have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 out of 4.0 or equivalent, and a good knowledge of the English language. They have to provide official transcripts and proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English).
– They have not been enrolled in a master’s program or equivalent before. They have to provide a certificate of non-enrolment or a declaration of non-enrolment.
– They have not received a scholarship from the Flemish government or an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship before. They have to provide a declaration of non-receipt of any other scholarship.
– They are nationals of any country in the world, except for the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. They have to provide a copy of their passport or identity card.
Host Country
The host country for the scholarship is Belgium, a federal state that consists of three regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. The scholarship is available for studying in Flanders and Brussels, the two regions that speak Dutch and French respectively, but also have a large population of English speakers.
Flanders and Brussels are renowned for their high-quality and internationally oriented higher education system, which offers a wide range of programs in various disciplines, such as engineering, science, humanities, social sciences, arts, and business. The Flemish higher education institutions are recognized for their academic excellence, research impact, and innovation potential and are ranked among the top universities in the world.
Flanders and Brussels are also known for their cultural diversity and dynamism, which reflect their historical and geographical position at the crossroads of Europe. Flanders and Brussels have a rich and varied cultural heritage, which includes famous artists, such as Rubens, Van Eyck, Bruegel, Magritte, and Hergé, as well as contemporary creators, such as Stromae, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah. Flanders and Brussels also have a lively and vibrant cultural scene, which offers a plethora of events, festivals, museums, theaters, cinemas, and concerts.
Scholarship Worth
The scholarship is worth €9,600 per academic year, which covers the following expenses:
– A grant of €8,000, which is paid in three installments: a first installment of €4,800 before the start of the academic year, a second installment of €2,400 in February, and a final installment of €1,600 in June. The grant is intended to cover the accommodation costs, insurances, and a significant amount of the living expenses of the scholarship holder.
– A tuition fee waiver, which means that the scholarship holder does not have to pay the full tuition fee, but only an administrative enrolment fee of €128.80, which is the lowest rate for students who receive a study grant from the Flemish government. The tuition fee waiver is valid for the entire duration of the master’s program, up to a maximum of two academic years.
The scholarship does not cover the following expenses:
– The travel costs to and from Belgium, which have to be borne by the scholarship holder or by another funding source.
– The visa costs, which have to be paid by the scholarship holder or by another funding source.
– The health insurance, which has to be arranged by the scholarship holder or by another funding source. The scholarship holder has to provide proof of health insurance coverage before the start of the academic year.
– The additional costs of the master’s program, such as books, materials, field trips, etc., which have to be paid by the scholarship holder or by another funding source.
Level and Field of Study
The scholarship is available for studying at the master’s level, which corresponds to the second cycle of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The master’s programs in Flanders and Brussels are organized according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which measures the workload of each course and program. The master’s programs are either one-year programs of 60 ECTS or two-year programs of 120 ECTS.
The scholarship is open to any field of study offered by the participating Flemish higher education institutions, which include five universities and 13 university colleges. The fields of study range from engineering, science, humanities, social sciences, arts, and business to more specialized and interdisciplinary fields, such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, urban studies, and maritime sciences.
The scholarship holder can choose any master’s program that matches his/her academic background, interests, and career goals as long as the program is taught in English or Dutch. The scholarship holder can also opt for a joint or double degree program, which involves studying at two or more institutions in different countries and obtaining a joint or multiple diploma.
How to Apply
The application process for the scholarship consists of two steps:
– The first step is to apply for academic admission to one of the participating Flemish higher education institutions. The applicant has to choose a master’s program that he/she is interested in and that he/she meets the admission requirements for. The applicant has to submit the required documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, language certificates, motivation letters, etc., before the deadline of the chosen institution, which is usually April 1. The applicant has to indicate in the application form that he/she is applying for the Mind 2024 Master Scholarship. The applicant can only apply to one institution and one program.
– The second step is to apply for the scholarship itself. The applicant has to be preselected by the master program coordinator and, if necessary, by the International Relations Office of the chosen institution. The institution will contact the applicant by mid-April with the necessary information to complete the online scholarship application in the Mobility Online tool. The applicant has to submit the scholarship application before the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLUHR) deadline, which is April 30.
The selection process for the scholarship is based on the following criteria:
– The academic excellence and potential of the applicant, as demonstrated by his/her academic records, language skills, motivation, and recommendations.
– The relevance and quality of the chosen master’s program and its alignment with the applicant’s academic background, interests, and career goals.
– The diversity and balance of the applicant’s profile, such as his/her nationality, gender, age, field of study, etc.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mind 2024 Master Scholarship represents a unique opportunity for ambitious and talented students from around the globe. This scholarship not only offers financial support but also opens the door to a world-class education in the heart of Europe. With its comprehensive coverage of living expenses, tuition fees, and a vibrant cultural immersion, this program stands out as an ideal choice for those seeking to advance their academic and professional careers.
Additionally, the diverse fields of study available and the chance to be part of a dynamic, multicultural community in Belgium add significant value to the educational experience. For those who meet the eligibility criteria and are eager to embrace this chance to study in Flanders and Brussels, applying for the Mind 2024 Master Scholarship could be a life-changing decision. It’s more than just a scholarship; it’s a gateway to new opportunities, experiences, and a bright future in the global arena.