Most students ask the same question before applying to Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships: is there any funding? Here is the answer, in detail. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships anchored by the Flemish Government’s Master Mind award are hard to beat. They wipe out almost all tuition (leaving you with just around €136.50 per year) and hand you a living stipend of €10,225 annually for the duration of your programme.

They’re open to high-achieving international students from any country who hold a relevant Bachelor’s, secure admission to an English-taught Master’s at VUB, and usually show a strong GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 plus the required English scores. The application window is short, with VUB’s scholarship deadline set for 26 March 2026, while the Master Mind host-institution page lists 1 April 2026 for VUB, and the catch is that spots are extremely limited and fiercely competitive each participating institution can submit a maximum of 20 applications so you’ll need a standout academic record, a compelling motivation letter, and an early, polished application to make the cut.

 

 

Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

 

1. Benefits of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

2. Eligibility criteria for the Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

3. Courses Offered for the Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

4. How to Apply for the Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

5. Deadlines for the Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

6. FAQs about the Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

 

 

 

 

1. Benefits of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

 

VUB Scholarships for the European Master of Science in Photonics:

Vrije Universiteit Brussel offers several full scholarships valued at €10,225 annually to students enrolled in the European Master of Science in Photonics. The funding is intended to cover living expenses while studying in Brussels. Applications are evaluated based on academic excellence and motivation.

B-PHOT Excellence Scholarship Program:

The B-PHOT Excellence Scholarship includes the following awards:

1. Three Entry Scholarships worth €1,000 each, awarded at the beginning of the first semester of the first year of the MSc program to the three highest-ranked applicants according to the selection criteria.
2. Three Continuation Scholarships worth €1,500 each, awarded at the start of the second semester of the first year to the three best-performing students based on their first-semester academic results. Students who did not receive an Entry Scholarship remain eligible for consideration.
3. One Excellence Scholarship worth €5,000, awarded at the beginning of the second year of the MSc program.

Check out the official list of eligible countries.

 

 

2. Eligibility criteria for Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

 

To be eligible for the VUB Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Eligible Countries: Applicants from all countries worldwide may apply.

Language Requirements:

The medium of instruction is English. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:

1. TOEFL score of at least 570 (paper-based) or 87 (internet-based), obtained within the previous two years
2. IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall, with a valid Test Report Form issued within the last two years
3. Cambridge English First Certificate (FCE)

Exemptions from English Language Requirements:

Applicants are exempt from submitting proof of English proficiency if they:

1. Hold a secondary or higher education diploma from a recognized institution in the Flemish Community; or
2. Have completed at least one year (60 credits) of secondary or higher education where English was the language of instruction, supported by an official certificate.

 

Note: If your English language certificate or APS certificate is not available before the application deadline, you may submit it later rather than miss the application deadline.

 

 

 

3. Courses Offered for Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

 

Available Programs:

The scholarships are offered in the interdisciplinary fields of photonics, engineering, and physics. The program is intended for applicants holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree in:

• Electrical Engineering
• Applied Physics or Physics
• Materials Science
• Related disciplines with equivalent qualifications

Students who are in their final year of these degree programs are also eligible to apply.

Applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in other engineering fields may still be admitted through a customized preparatory program. This preparatory pathway can be combined with a specific bachelor’s or master’s degree program.

Graduates of Belgian bachelor’s programs in the following fields may apply for a 30-ECTS preparatory program:

• IR Architecture
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Industrial Sciences (Electronics/ICT)
• Engineering Sciences
• KMS Polytechnical Department

Want to study at Oxford University for free? Learn about the Rhodes scholarship.

 

 

 

4. How to Apply for Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

 

Applications must be submitted through the VUB online application portal. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Required Documents:

Applicants must upload the following documents:

• Clear copy of a valid identification document

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Motivation letter

• Two recommendation letters

• Official bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of graduation

• Official bachelor’s transcript of records

• Official master’s degree certificate or proof of graduation (if applicable)

• Official master’s transcript of records (if applicable)

• Official English language proficiency certificate 

• Detailed description of bachelor’s-level course content

Please note that specific scholarships may require additional documents or have different deadlines. For more information on external grants and other funding opportunities, visit the VUB financial support page.

 

 

 

5. Deadlines for Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

 

Scholarship Deadline: 26 March 2026 at 23:59 (GMT+1)

Please note that incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel may nominate up to 20 candidates to the Flemish Ministry of Education, which is responsible for making the final selection.

 

 

 

6. FAQs about the Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships

 

What expenses does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship provides an annual grant of €10,225 along with a significant reduction in tuition fees. However, travel expenses and insurance costs are not included.

 

Who is eligible to apply?

The scholarship is open to applicants from most countries around the world, with the exception of Russian citizens. Applicants are generally expected to have strong academic records and language proficiency scores that exceed the university’s minimum admission requirements.

 

Can I submit a scholarship application directly?

No. Before applying for the Master Mind Scholarship, you must first receive an official admission letter from Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

 

Where can I find additional information?

Comprehensive eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and program details can be found on the Master Mind Scholarship webpage as well as in the Belgium Government Scholarships Guide.