Looking for scholarships in Belgium without IELTS? You are not alone. Every year thousands of students search for Belgium scholarships for international students that do not force them to spend money on an English test first. The good news: several Belgian universities and scholarship programs accept alternatives such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. This guide lists the best fully funded scholarships in Belgium, the universities that are flexible about IELTS, and a simple step-by-step plan to apply.
Quick facts
- Country: Belgium
- Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD (most funding is for Master’s and PhD)
- Funding: Full and partial (tuition, living allowance, travel, insurance, depending on the program)
- English test: IELTS may be waived with proof of English-medium education, but rules differ by program
Table of Contents
Can You Get Scholarships in Belgium Without IELTS?
Yes, in many cases, but with one honest caveat: there are two separate gatekeepers. The university decides whether it will accept your admission without IELTS, and the scholarship provider decides whether it requires proof of English. Most universities will accept a letter confirming that your previous degree was taught in English. Some scholarship programs, however, still ask for a test score or an interview. Always read both requirement pages before you apply.
Belgium Scholarships at a Glance
| Scholarship | Level | Typical coverage | Typical deadline (verify) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLIR-UOS | Master’s, training | Tuition, living allowance, travel, insurance | Varies by programme; often winter (Nov-Feb) |
| ARES (ARES-CCD) | Master’s specialization, training | Living and study costs | Varies by programme; check the ARES call page |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Master’s | Tuition, travel, monthly allowance | Usually Oct-Jan, set per programme |
| KU Leuven (Science@Leuven, IRO) | Master’s, PhD | Partial to full | Usually Dec-Feb, set per programme |
| Ghent University grants | Master’s, PhD | Varies by grant | Varies by faculty and grant |
| ULiege and other university awards | Master’s | Varies | Varies by university |
| BAEF fellowships | Graduate | Stipend and travel | Autumn; one listing shows 31 Oct 2026 |
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Belgium for International Students
1. VLIR-UOS Scholarship
The VLIR-UOS scholarship is one of the best-known fully funded scholarships in Belgium. It is funded through Belgian development cooperation and supports students from eligible partner countries at Flemish universities. It usually covers tuition, a monthly allowance, accommodation support, travel and insurance. Check the official VLIR-UOS website for eligible countries, programs and the current application window.
2. ARES Scholarship (ARES-CCD)
The ARES scholarship Belgium program supports students from developing countries who want a one-year specialization degree or a short advanced training course at universities in the French-speaking community of Belgium. It is a strong option if you are comfortable studying in programs offered by institutions such as ULiege and UCLouvain.
3. Flemish Government and Master Mind-type Scholarships
The Flemish Government has historically supported international Master’s students through targeted scholarship schemes. Programs under this heading change names and budgets, so confirm on the Flanders Knowledge Area and university pages whether a scheme is open before you plan around it.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
These EU-funded Joint Master’s programs often include Belgian universities such as KU Leuven, Ghent University, VUB and the University of Antwerp. The scholarship usually covers tuition, travel and a monthly allowance. Many programs ask for English proof, but some accept a MOI certificate, so read each program page.
5. KU Leuven Scholarships
KU Leuven offers funding such as Science@Leuven scholarships for Master’s students and IRO doctoral scholarships aimed at candidates from developing countries. These are competitive, so a strong academic record and a clear research plan matter.
6. Ghent University Grants
Ghent University offers Master’s grants for students from developing countries and doctoral funding through its Special Research Fund (BOF). Funding rules vary by faculty, so check the scholarship office page for the current list.
More Belgian Scholarships to Check
- Enabel (formerly the Belgian Development Agency, BTC) scholarships and training programs
- ARES-CCD (formerly CIUF-CUD) scholarships
- Liege University scholarships for international students
- Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) fellowships
- Individual university merit awards at Antwerp, VUB and Hasselt
Tip: if you are also comparing destinations outside Europe, read our guides to Stanford University scholarships and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program for other fully funded graduate routes.
Universities in Belgium Without IELTS
These universities in Belgium without IELTS (or with flexible English requirements) are worth shortlisting:
- Ghent University
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
- University of Antwerp
- University of Liege (ULiege)
- Hasselt University
- KU Leuven (program-dependent)
Policies are set per program, not per university. An English-taught Master’s may waive IELTS for you while another program at the same university does not, so always open the exact program admission page.
How to Study in Belgium Without IELTS (Step by Step)
The easiest way to study in Belgium without IELTS is to prove that your previous education was in English.
- Check your eligibility. Confirm that your degree was taught in English.
- Request a MOI certificate. Ask your previous university for an official letter on headed, stamped paper stating that English was the language of instruction.
- Shortlist programs. Choose programs that list MOI or equivalent proof as acceptable.
- Match scholarships. Pick scholarships from the table above that fit your country and degree level.
- Prepare documents. Gather transcripts, passport, CV, motivation letter and references.
- Apply early. Submit to the university first where required, then to the scholarship provider.
- Follow up. Respond fast to interview or document requests.
Need a strong reference? Use our scholarship recommendation letter sample and template to guide your referees.
Documents Required for Belgium Scholarships
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- MOI certificate (or IELTS/TOEFL if required)
- Updated CV
- Motivation letter or study plan
- Two recommendation letters
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Proof of nationality or country of residence for development-based awards
Tips to Win a Belgium Scholarship
- Apply to development-focused awards only if your country is on the eligible list.
- Show how your studies will benefit your home country; Belgian funders value impact.
- Keep your motivation letter specific and under two pages.
- Contact professors early for PhD funding.
- Compare competitiveness with other awards, such as the Fulbright acceptance rate, to build a realistic application list.
- Apply to at least 3-5 scholarships to improve your odds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get scholarships in Belgium without IELTS? Yes, many applicants do. Universities often accept a MOI certificate, but scholarship providers may have their own English requirements, so check both.
2. What is the easiest fully funded scholarship in Belgium? No scholarship is truly easy. VLIR-UOS and ARES are strong options for applicants from eligible developing countries because they are specifically designed for international students.
3. Which universities in Belgium do not require IELTS? Ghent University, VUB, the University of Antwerp, ULiege and Hasselt University are often flexible, depending on the program and your previous English-medium education.
4. How can I study in Belgium without IELTS? Submit a MOI certificate from your previous university proving that your degree was taught in English, and apply to programs that accept it.
5. Are Belgium scholarships for international students fully funded? Some are. VLIR-UOS and Erasmus Mundus typically cover tuition, living costs and travel, while university awards may be partial.
6. Can Pakistani and Indian students apply for Belgium scholarships? Yes, eligibility depends on the program. Some development scholarships have country lists, while Erasmus Mundus and university awards are open worldwide. Always verify the current eligible countries.
7. When should I apply for Belgium scholarships for 2026-27? Most deadlines fall between autumn and early spring for the following academic year. Start preparing 8-12 months in advance and check each official page for dates.
8. Do I need a recommendation letter for Belgium scholarships? Most programs ask for one or two academic or professional references. A clear, specific letter strengthens your application.
9. Can I work while studying in Belgium on a scholarship? Student permit holders can usually work part-time within legal limits, but some scholarships restrict outside work, so read your award terms.
Conclusion
With the right preparation, scholarships in Belgium without IELTS are a realistic goal. Start with a MOI certificate, shortlist programs that accept it, and apply to several fully funded options such as VLIR-UOS, ARES and Erasmus Mundus. Bookmark this page and check back, because we update deadlines and requirements regularly.
Europe’s scholarship landscape is genuinely strong and genuinely accessible from South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East — but the details matter, and several widely-repeated claims about specific programs are wrong. See our Europe Scholarship Hub to get in time information.