Learn how to apply for the KU Leuven Master Mind Scholarship 2025. Discover eligibility criteria, application steps, deadlines, and tips to secure this prestigious scholarship funded by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training.
KU Leuven, one of Europe's leading universities, in collaboration with the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training, offers the Master Mind Scholarship to outstanding international students. This scholarship is a golden opportunity for those aiming to pursue a Master's degree in Flanders or Brussels. This comprehensive guide will provide all the essential information about the scholarship, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and valuable tips to enhance your chances of success.
About KU Leuven and the Master Mind Scholarship
KU Leuven, established in 1425, is Belgium's largest and highest-ranked university, renowned for its research-intensive approach and innovative education. The Master Mind Scholarship is funded by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training and aims to promote the internationalization of Flemish higher education by attracting top international students to pursue a Master's degree in Flanders or Brussels.
Scholarship Summary
The Master Mind Scholarship is a highly competitive program that offers:
- Grant Amount: €10,000 per academic year.
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Full waiver of tuition fees, with the student paying only an annual administration fee.
- Duration: One academic year for 60 ECTS Master's programs and two academic years for 120 ECTS Master's programs.
- Number of Scholarships: The Flemish government awards 30 scholarships, with KU Leuven nominating 20 candidates.
Note: There are reserved scholarships for students from specific countries: Japan (3), Mexico (3), Palestine (2), and the USA (5).
Type, Coverage, and Duration
- Academic Year: 2025 – 2026
- Scholarship Type:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Scholarship holders receive a full tuition fee waiver and pay only an annual administration fee (The fee for the 2025-2026 academic year will be announced in December 2024; for reference, the fee in 2023-2024 was €131.50).
- Allowance: Incoming students receive a scholarship of €10,000 per academic year, for a maximum of two academic years.
- Duration: One or two academic years, depending on the ECTS credits of the Master's program.
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Eligibility Criteria for the KU Leuven Master Mind Scholarship
Study Level
- Master's Programs
Eligible Programs
- All Master's programs at KU Leuven are eligible, except:
- Preparatory programs
- Bridging programs
- Distance learning programs
Eligible Nationalities
- All nationalities are eligible, except Russian citizens (see related information here).
Academic Requirements
- Academic Excellence: High academic performance and potential, reflected in a high Grade Point Average (GPA) as mentioned on the transcript of records.
- Previous Degree: Should have been obtained at a higher education institution outside Flanders. International students who have completed credit mobility at a Flemish institution are still eligible.
Language Proficiency
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate a good knowledge and command of English.
- Accepted Tests:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum overall score of 94.
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 7.
- Cambridge CPE: Minimum level C2.
- Note: The language test must be taken before the 15 January 2025 application deadline. Results can be added after the deadline.
- Accepted Tests:
- Exemption: Students who have previously completed an English-taught program in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA do not need to submit a language proficiency certificate.
Disqualifying Conditions
- Current Enrollment: Students already enrolled at a Flemish higher education institution are not eligible, except those enrolled in a specific preparatory program to start their Master's in September 2025.
- Other Scholarships: Cannot be combined with another scholarship from the Flemish Government or an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.
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How to Apply for the KU Leuven Master Mind Scholarship
Important: One application procedure gives you access to several Master's scholarships offered via KU Leuven. When you apply for a Master Mind Scholarship, you automatically apply for the following scholarships as well:
- Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship
- KU Leuven ASEAN Scholarship (for eligible nationalities)
- KU Leuven Scholarship for Africa (for eligible nationalities)
- KU Leuven Scholarship for Central and South America (for eligible nationalities)
Applications Open
- 17 October 2024
Application Deadline
- 15 January 2025, 11:59 PM CET
Application Procedure
Step 1: Submit Application for a Master's Program
- Deadline: Before 15 January 2025, 11:59 PM CET
- Process:
- Submit a complete application for an eligible Master's program via the KU Leuven application tool.
- Upload the KU Leuven Scholarships & Master Mind Candidacy Form as an annex under "Annexes."
Step 2: Register for the Scholarship
- Deadline: Before 15 January 2025, 11:59 PM CET
- Process:
- Register your Master Mind candidacy via the online registration tool (link will be available on 17 October 2024).
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Selection Process
Procedure
- Faculty Nomination:
- After the application deadline, KU Leuven Master's programs nominate eligible students who have expressed interest in the scholarship.
- Central Selection Commission:
- The central KU Leuven Selection Commission nominates up to 20 students for application at the Flemish level.
- The 20 nominated students are informed about their preselection before 15 April 2025.
- Flemish Government Application:
- Nominated students complete the Flemish government's online Master Mind application form.
- They compete with nominees from other Flemish universities.
- Final Selection:
- The Selection Commission of the Flemish government makes the final selection.
- Results are announced at the end of May or early June.
Selection Criteria
- Academic Performance
- Academic Awards
- Motivation
- Relevant Experience
- Demonstrated Leadership Abilities
- Sense of Commitment
- Top Applicant Profile
Note: Due to the large number of applicants, individual feedback on the selection process is not provided.
Important Deadlines
- Application Opens: 17 October 2024
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2025, 11:59 PM CET
- Nomination Notification: Before 15 April 2025
- Final Results Announcement: End of May or early June 2025
- Program Start Date: September 2025
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Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin preparing your application as soon as possible.
- Exceed Requirements: Aim to surpass the minimum academic and language proficiency requirements.
- Highlight Achievements: Emphasize academic awards, leadership roles, and relevant experiences.
- Tailor Your Motivation Letter: Clearly articulate your motivations, goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
- Proofread Application: Ensure all documents are free of errors and professionally presented.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Adhere strictly to application guidelines and deadlines.
- Prepare Language Tests Early: Schedule your English proficiency test well before the deadline.
Additional Scholarships
By applying for the Master Mind Scholarship, you automatically apply for other scholarships offered via KU Leuven:
- Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship
- KU Leuven ASEAN Scholarship (for eligible nationalities)
- KU Leuven Scholarship for Africa (for eligible nationalities)
- KU Leuven Scholarship for Central and South America (for eligible nationalities)
Note: It's not possible to apply for these scholarships separately.
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply if I am already enrolled at KU Leuven?
A1: No, students already enrolled at a Flemish higher education institution are not eligible, except those enrolled in a specific preparatory program to start their Master's in September 2025.
Q2: Can I combine this scholarship with another scholarship?
A2: No, the Master Mind Scholarship cannot be combined with another scholarship from the Flemish Government or an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.
Q3: Do I need to submit an English proficiency test?
A3: Yes, unless your first language is English or you have previously completed an English-taught program in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA.
Q4: How will I know if I have been nominated?
A4: The nominated students will be informed about their preselection before 15 April 2025.
Q5: Can I receive feedback if I am not selected?
A5: Due to the large number of applicants, individual feedback is not provided.
Conclusion
The KU Leuven Master Mind Scholarship 2025 is an exceptional opportunity for outstanding international students to pursue their Master's studies at one of Europe's leading universities. By carefully following the application procedure, meeting all eligibility criteria, and submitting a strong application, you can enhance your chances of being awarded this prestigious scholarship. Take this significant step towards advancing your academic and professional career in an enriching and supportive environment at KU Leuven.
Embark on your academic journey at KU Leuven and unlock your potential with the Master Mind Scholarship!
- KU Leuven Master's Programs
- KU Leuven Application Tool
- Download KU Leuven Scholarships & Master Mind Candidacy Form
- Master Mind Scholarship Official Website
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