Belgium, located in the heart of Europe, is a nice country for pursuing studies, with plenty of high-quality education institutions offering exciting study programmes in a number of disciplines.
Indian citizens wishing to pursue studies in Belgium are advised to visit this webpage regarding the visa procedures.
Several scholarships are available for studying in Belgium. You will find them enlisted below, along with general information about studies and studying in Belgium.
1. Federal government traineeships and scholarships
Federal (central) government traineeships and scholarships are available from the Directorate-General of Development (DGD) and other federal institutions. You can find out more here.
2. Scholarship programmes of the Cultural Communities
In Belgium, the Communities are federated authorities which are responsible for taking decisions on services for individuals, such as education. The Flemish Community is therefore responsible for education in the Dutch-speaking part of the country – Flanders – whilst the French-speaking Community is the competent authority for the French-speaking part of Belgium, and the German-speaking Community for education in German.
Our three Communities offer their own scholarship programmes in their respective regions.
2.1. The Flemish Community
In Flanders (Dutch-speaking part of Belgium) there are 6 universities and 22 university colleges. They offer a broad range of study programmes. Dutch is the main language of instruction and most bachelor programmes are offered only in that language. Nevertheless a considerable number of master programmes and internationally oriented courses are offered in English. It is also possible to pursue Ph.D. studies in English or another widely spoken European language.
Ø The Flemish Community offers scholarships through VLIR-UOS, the Flemish Inter-University Organisation
Ø Besides VLIR-UOS, universities in Flanders may have their own scholarship programmes. Find here links to all higher education institutes and here links to all universities in Flanders.
Ø Furthermore, under a special agreement with the Government of India, every year the Flemish Community offers 3 grants for post-graduate studies or post-doctoral research for a period of 10 months (one academic year). For more information on this scholarship programme, please refer to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education.
Ø Other websites with information on higher education in Flanders:
Education in Flanders
Study in Flanders
Useful publications
Recognition of foreign diplomas
2.2. The French-speaking Community
The higher education network of the French-speaking Community is comprised, on the one hand, of universities and, on the other hand, institutes of higher education. 20% of university students are foreigners (40% at doctorate level). The universities and institutes of higher education have signed hundreds of cooperation agreements with foreign educational institutions.
Ø The French-speaking Community of Belgium offers study grants through the University Commission for Development (CUD).
Ø Moreover, the French-speaking Community has also set up a new grant programme called the Wallonia-Brussels International Excellence Grants.
Ø Besides these governmental programmes, higher education institutes in the French-speaking Community may have their own scholarship programmes. Find here the list of all the higher education institutes in the French-speaking Community, including all universities.
Ø Other useful websites:
Study in the Heart of Europe
Etudier en Belgique
Recognition of foreign diplomas: secondary studies
Recognition of foreign diplomas: higher studies
2.3. The German-speaking Community
The German-speaking Community of Belgium grants scholarships to non-EU students only if applicants have been living in Belgium with their family for at least five years, on the date of the application deadline.
You can find an overview of the education system in the German-speaking Community on the following website (in German).
3. Other interesting links
Ø General information about studying in Belgium
Ø European Commission Education & Training portal: EU actions in education and training aim to improve the quality of learning systems and provide greater opportunities for people at all stages of their lives. While each Member State is in charge of its own education and training system, coordinated action can help achieve common aims. The European Commission focuses on two aspects: firstly, co-operation with national authorities and European stakeholders on improving policies and exchanging good practice, and secondly the development and administration of funding programmes.
Ø EU Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA): EACEA is responsible for the management of certain parts of the EU’s programmes in the fields of education, culture and audiovisual.
Ø Eurydice: The Eurydice Network provides information on and analyses of European education systems and policies.
