KU Leuven Science@Leuven Scholarship 2026–2027, Belgium
The Science@Leuven Scholarship 2026–2027 is a prestigious academic award offered by the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven, Belgium. It aims to support high-achieving international students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in science-related fields. Funded by the Science@Leuven Fund, this scholarship recognises academic excellence, research potential, and a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
This guide provides complete information on eligibility, subjects, degree level, benefits, application process, and key FAQs.
Degree Level
The Science@Leuven Scholarship is offered for the following degree level:
- Master’s Degree (Graduate level)
All applicants must apply for one of the eligible Master’s programmes at the KU Leuven Faculty of Science.
Available Subjects
The scholarship is open for students applying to the following KU Leuven Master’s programmes:
- Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Master of Biology
- Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology
- Master of Chemistry
- Master of Geography (KU Leuven home students only)
- Master of Geology (KU Leuven home students only)
- Master of Mathematics
- Master of Physics
- Master of Statistics and Data Science
- Master of Sustainable Development
Benefits
The scholarship provides the following financial support:
1. Tuition Fee Waiver
- Non-EEA students receive a partial tuition fee waiver.
- They will pay a fixed fee of €1,651.10 in 2025–2026 (fee for 2026–27 not yet announced).
- EEA students do not receive an additional waiver beyond the allowance.
2. Annual Allowance
- €12,000 per academic year
- Awarded for up to two years, depending on good academic performance in the first year.
3. Scholarship Duration
- Up to two consecutive academic years (full Master’s duration).
4. Number of Scholarships
- Varies yearly depending on available funds.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Science@Leuven Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Academic Requirements
- Must meet KU Leuven’s admission requirements for the chosen programme.
- Must have excellent academic results (equivalent to Distinction at KU Leuven).
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a non-Belgian university.
- Must not already hold a Master’s degree or PhD.
Language Requirements
Strong English proficiency:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 94 (19 reading, 18 listening, 19 speaking, 21 writing)
- IELTS: Minimum 7 overall (6.5 reading, 6 listening, 6 speaking, 6 writing)
Other Requirements
- Must not have studied or worked at KU Leuven before.
- Must be willing to act as an ambassador for the Science@Leuven programme.
Application Procedure
- Applications Open: 1 October 2025
- Deadline: 15 February 2026
Applicants must complete two separate applications:
Step 1: Apply for a KU Leuven Master’s Programme
- Submit your application via the KU Leuven application portal.
- Upload all required admission documents.
- You will receive a confirmation email once your programme application is submitted.
- This email must be uploaded later in the scholarship form.
Step 2: Apply for the Science@Leuven Scholarship
Submit the required documents:
- Completed scholarship registration form
- Confirmation email of Master’s programme application
- Transcript of Records with credit and grading details
- Description of relevant prior coursework (½–1 page)
- Two recommendation letters from internationally renowned professors
- Motivation letter explaining academic goals and interest in KU Leuven
- Your application is complete only after receiving a registration confirmation email for the scholarship.
Selection Process
The multi-stage selection process includes:
- Eligibility check after Master’s programme admission
- Academic ranking by Programme Directors
- Evaluation of motivation, academics, English level, and recommendations
- Shortlisting for online interviews (around 8 candidates)
- Final ranking and selection by the Science@Leuven Fund Board
- Final results are expected by early May 2026.
