Science@Leuven Scholarship

Overview

The Science@Leuven Scholarship is awarded by the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven, one of Belgium's leading research universities, through the Science@Leuven Fund. It supports excellent international students who are starting a Master of Science programme in the faculty, helping cover the cost of study and living in Leuven.

The scholarship is worth up to EUR 12,000 for one year. The exact amount is decided by the Fund's board, and it always covers your master's registration fee and basic health insurance, with the rest going toward a living allowance for accommodation and daily costs. If you perform outstandingly in your first year, a second year of funding can follow for a two-year master's.

This award is aimed squarely at top performers. You need results equivalent to at least a Distinction at KU Leuven, a non-Belgian bachelor's that gives access to the programme, and no prior study or work at KU Leuven. It's competitive, so a complete file and strong references make a real difference.

Key Facts at a Glance

Item	Detail
Funding Body	KU Leuven (Faculty of Science / Science@Leuven Fund)
Host Country	Belgium (Leuven)
Degree Levels	Master's (Master of Science)
Value	Up to EUR 12,000 per year, covering the registration fee, health insurance and a living allowance
Deadline	15 February 2026 for the 2026-2027 round (apply to an eligible master's first)
Eligible Nationalities	International students with a non-Belgian bachelor's degree
Official Website	wet.kuleuven.be

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need excellent previous results, equivalent to at least a Distinction at KU Leuven. You must hold a bachelor's degree from a foreign (non-Belgian) university that gives you access to the master's you're applying for, and you must not yet have earned a master's degree or a PhD.

Nationality Requirements

The scholarship is for international students. Your bachelor's degree must be from outside Belgium, and you must not have studied or worked at KU Leuven before.

Language Requirements

The Master of Science programmes are taught in English, so you need to meet the English requirement, typically a TOEFL score of at least 94 or an IELTS score of at least 7. Confirm the exact requirement for your programme.

Other Requirements

You must be entering an eligible Faculty of Science master's programme. A second year of funding for a two-year master's is conditional on outstanding first-year results.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Up to EUR 12,000 for one year, with the exact amount set by the Fund board.
• Your master's registration (tuition) fee.
• Basic health insurance coverage.
• A living allowance toward accommodation and daily expenses.
• A possible second year for a two-year master's, conditional on outstanding first-year results.

How to Apply

1. Pick an eligible programme. Choose a Master of Science programme in the KU Leuven Faculty of Science that takes part in the scholarship.
2. Apply for admission first. Submit your application for admission to the master's through KU Leuven's International Office.
3. Register for the scholarship. Complete the separate scholarship registration on the Science@Leuven website before the deadline.
4. Upload proof of your admission application. When you register, you upload a screenshot confirming you successfully submitted the admission application.
5. Add your references. Provide the required reference letters from professors.
6. Submit before the deadline. Only applications submitted and registered before 15 February 2026 are considered for the 2026-2027 round.

Required Documents

• Proof that you submitted the master's admission application (a screenshot uploaded during scholarship registration).
• Two reference letters from internationally recognised professors.
• Academic transcripts and your bachelor's diploma.
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS).
• A motivation letter and CV, as part of the admission and scholarship file.
• A copy of your passport or ID.

Key Dates & Deadlines

Stage	Timing
Scholarship deadline (2026-2027)	15 February 2026
Admission application	Complete before registering for the scholarship
Studies begin	September (start of the academic year)

The scholarship runs once a year. Apply to the master's first, then register for the scholarship and submit everything before the February deadline. Only files submitted and registered in time are considered.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Submit your admission application early so you can register for the scholarship comfortably before the deadline.
• Line up strong reference letters from well-known professors who can speak to your research potential.
• Make your academic excellence clear, since results equivalent to a Distinction are the baseline.
• Double-check the English score required by your specific programme.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Registering for the scholarship without first submitting the admission application.
• Forgetting to upload the screenshot that proves you applied for admission.
• Missing the 15 February deadline, after which applications aren't considered.
• Applying when you already hold a master's or PhD, which makes you ineligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for the Science@Leuven Scholarship?

For the 2026-2027 round, the deadline is 15 February 2026. Only applications submitted and registered before that date are considered.

How much is the Science@Leuven Scholarship worth?

Up to EUR 12,000 for one year. The exact amount is set by the Fund board and always covers the registration fee and health insurance, with the rest as a living allowance.

Who is eligible for the Science@Leuven Scholarship?

Excellent international students with a non-Belgian bachelor's that gives access to an eligible Faculty of Science master's, results equivalent to at least a Distinction, no prior KU Leuven study or work, and no existing master's or PhD.

Is the Science@Leuven Scholarship fully funded?

It covers your registration fee, health insurance and a living allowance up to EUR 12,000 a year. Depending on your costs it may not cover everything, so plan a budget around the award.

Can the Science@Leuven Scholarship be renewed for a second year?

Yes, for a two-year master's. A second year is conditional on outstanding first-year results.

What English score do I need for the Science@Leuven Scholarship?

Programmes are taught in English and typically require a TOEFL score of at least 94 or an IELTS score of at least 7. Confirm the exact requirement for your programme.

What documents do I need for the Science@Leuven Scholarship?

Proof you submitted the admission application, two reference letters from recognised professors, transcripts and diploma, proof of English, a motivation letter and CV, and your passport.

Do I apply for admission and the scholarship separately?

Yes. You apply for the master's first, then complete a separate scholarship registration on the Science@Leuven website before the deadline.

How many reference letters does the Science@Leuven Scholarship require?

Two reference letters from internationally renowned professors.

Which programmes does the Science@Leuven Scholarship cover?

Eligible Master of Science programmes in the KU Leuven Faculty of Science. Check the faculty's list of eligible master's programmes.