Master Mind Scholarship Application 2027 at KU Leuven: Eligibility, Awards, Deadline and Steps

One Master Mind Scholarship application at KU Leuven puts you in the running for five Master’s scholarships in Belgium at once: the Flemish Government’s Master Mind Scholarship and four awards from the KU Leuven International Scholarship Fund. Students of every nationality can apply, and the 2027-2028 round closes on 15 January 2027. This guide explains what each scholarship pays, who is eligible, the two application steps and how selection works. The key facts are also on our Master Mind Scholarship 2027 listing.

We checked every detail on 29 October 2026 against KU Leuven’s official 2027-2028 scholarship pages, the candidacy form and the Study in Flanders website. KU Leuven says the Master Mind information is preliminary and will be confirmed by January 2027 at the latest, so check again before you apply.

Master Mind Scholarship at a glance

University	KU Leuven, Belgium
Funder	Flemish Ministry of Education and Training (Master Mind); KU Leuven International Scholarship Fund (other four)
Level	Eligible Master’s programmes starting in 2027-2028
Who can apply	All nationalities
Master Mind award	€10,750 for the full programme; tuition approx. €1,200 a year (preliminary)
Applications open	15 October 2026
Deadline	15 January 2027, 23:59 CET
Results	End of March 2027

The five scholarships covered by one application

Scholarship	What it gives	Number
Master Mind Scholarship	€10,750 for the full programme; tuition approx. €1,200 a year (EEA tariff)	3 at KU Leuven
Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship	Full tuition fee waiver (admin fee approx. €140) and €13,200 a year for up to two years	1
KU Leuven ASEAN Scholarship	Full tuition fee waiver (€140 admin fee) and €4,000 for the full programme	1
KU Leuven Scholarship for Africa	Full tuition fee waiver (€140 admin fee) and €4,000 for the full programme	1
KU Leuven Scholarship for Central and South America	Full tuition fee waiver (€140 admin fee) and €4,000 for the full programme	1

The Master Mind Scholarship lasts one academic year for a 60 ECTS programme and two for a 120 ECTS programme. The three regional scholarships are only for nationals of the listed countries who also live there when they apply. You cannot apply for any of these separately; your one candidacy is considered for every award you are eligible for.

A word of caution: Study in Flanders, the official Flemish study portal, says the Master Mind scheme is under review by the Ministry, so the grant, the selection process and the conditions may change for 2027-2028. Its page currently describes the award as a €10,225 grant plus a tuition fee waiver per academic year, which differs from KU Leuven’s 2027-2028 figure. Treat the figures above as provisional until KU Leuven confirms them.

Who can apply

• Any nationality. The Master Mind and Inspiring the Outstanding scholarships are open to all.
• Excellent grades. KU Leuven looks for a high grade point average on your transcript.
• Degrees from outside Flanders. Your previous degrees must come from an institution outside Flanders, although an exchange (credit mobility) semester in Flanders is fine.
• An eligible programme. Check the official list of eligible Master’s programmes. Bridging and distance learning programmes are excluded.
• Good English. You must take an English test before 15 January; results can follow later. You are exempt if you completed an English-taught programme in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA.

You are not eligible if you are already enrolled at a Flemish higher education institution, unless you are on a specific preparatory programme for a Master’s starting in September 2027. You also cannot combine these awards with another scholarship from KU Leuven, the Belgian national or regional governments, or the European Commission.

Master Mind Scholarship application deadlines for 2027

When	What happens
15 October 2026	Applications opened
15 January 2027, 23:59 CET	Deadline for the Master’s application file (with annexe) and the online candidacy registration
By 10 March 2027	Nominated candidates informed
By 16 March 2027	One-minute motivational video due (nominated candidates only)
End of March 2027	Selection results

For applicants in Pakistan, 23:59 CET on 15 January is 03:59 on 16 January, PKT. Do not leave it to the last evening, because both steps have to be finished by then.

Documents you need

• a complete Master’s application file for an eligible programme, with the documents that programme asks for (transcripts, diploma and so on);
• the KU Leuven Scholarships & Master Mind Candidacy Form, filled in and uploaded as document type ‘Annexe’;
• the €120 application fee, which KU Leuven charges per Master’s application and does not refund;
• your English test, taken before the deadline, unless you are exempt; and
• if you are nominated, a one-minute motivational video.

Your programme application often includes a motivation letter, which weighs heavily for a merit scholarship. Our motivation letter template and IELTS vs TOEFL guide will help.

How to apply step by step

1. Check the programme list. Make sure your Master’s is on the 2027-2028 list of eligible programmes.
2. Download the Candidacy Form from the Master Mind page and fill in your name, nationality and application date.
3. Submit your Master’s application in the KU Leuven online application tool, uploading the Candidacy Form as an ‘Annexe’ and paying the €120 fee.
4. Note your 12-digit application number. You need it for the next step.
5. Register your candidacy in the online scholarship registration tool before 15 January 2027, 23:59 CET.
6. Watch your email. If you are nominated by 10 March 2027, record and send your one-minute video by 16 March.

How selection works

KU Leuven assesses your Master’s application on academic performance, academic awards, motivation, relevant experience, demonstrated leadership, sense of commitment and overall top applicant profile. Nominated candidates then send a short video. The university calls the scholarships highly competitive. When the process ends, KU Leuven announces it on the website; if you have not had a personal message by then, you were not selected. There is no personal feedback.

Tips for a strong application

• Apply early in the window. Some programmes take time to process, and you need your application number to register.
• Book your English test now. It must be taken before 15 January.
• Show leadership and commitment. The criteria go beyond grades, so give concrete examples of what you led and achieved.
• Prepare for the video. Practise a clear one-minute pitch about your goals and why KU Leuven, so you are ready in March.

Looking for more funding in the region? See the Science@Leuven Scholarship and its application guide, or our list of scholarships in the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Master Mind Scholarship?

For 2027-2028 KU Leuven lists €10,750 for the full programme, with tuition of about €1,200 a year. The figure is preliminary.

What is the deadline?

15 January 2027 at 23:59 CET, for both the Master’s application and the scholarship registration.

Can I apply from any country?

Yes. All nationalities can apply for the Master Mind and Inspiring the Outstanding scholarships.

Do I apply separately for the other KU Leuven scholarships?

No. One application covers all five, depending on your eligibility.

Is there an application fee?

KU Leuven charges a non-refundable €120 fee for each Master’s application.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?

You need to show good English with a test taken before 15 January, unless you studied in English in one of the exempt countries.

When are results announced?

At the end of March 2027. Nominated candidates are told by 10 March.

Where to apply

Read the official Master Mind Scholarship page, the Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship page and the scholarship registration tool before you apply. Our Master Mind Scholarship listing keeps the key facts in one place.