The Science@Leuven Scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for distinguished international students to enroll in a Master’s degree program at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium.

This scholarship is applicable to a range of science-focused programs and is designed to assist students who exhibit exemplary academic achievements and a strong commitment to their educational pursuits.

As announced by the university, applications for the Science@Leuven Scholarship for 2025 are now being accepted, providing financial support to qualified students seeking a Master’s degree in the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven. The scholarship can grant up to 12,000 Euros for a single academic year, which can be used to cover tuition fees, health insurance, and living costs.

Eligible Master’s programs  

The Science@Leuven Scholarship is offered for a variety of Master’s programs at KU Leuven, including the Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology

  • Master of Biology
  • Master of Chemistry
  • Master of Geography
  • Interuniversity Master of Geology (specific specializations only)
  • Master of Mathematics
  • Master of Physics
  • Master of Statistics and Data Science
  • Master of Sustainable Development (ICP)
Individuals interested in programs not listed will not be eligible for the scholarship. This scholarship is exclusively intended for students applying to the designated Master’s programs in science.

Eligibility requirements for applicants

To qualify for the Science@Leuven Scholarship, applicants must fulfill several essential criteria:
  • Bachelor’s degree: Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a non-Belgian institution that qualifies them for the master’s program they wish to pursue.
  • Academic performance: Candidates should have a proven track record of outstanding academic achievements in their prior studies and must be able to sustain a high level of performance while enrolled at KU Leuven.
  • Language proficiency: Proficiency in English is essential, with a minimum TOEFL score of 94 (internet-based) or an overall IELTS score of 7.0. Specific score thresholds for reading, listening, speaking, and writing are also required.
  • References: Candidates are required to provide two reference letters from internationally recognized academic professionals.
  • Motivation: Applicants must exhibit a strong desire to study at KU Leuven’s Faculty of Science and possess a clear vision for their academic aspirations.
Those who meet these criteria can submit their applications directly through the KU Leuven application portal.

Scholarship Benefits and Coverage

The Science@Leuven Scholarship provides financial support for eligible students, with an award amount reaching up to 12,000 Euros for a single academic year. This funding encompasses:
  • Tuition Fees: The scholarship fully covers the tuition fees for one year of study.
  • Health Insurance: Basic health insurance is included for the entire duration of the program.
  • Living Expenses: A portion of the scholarship is designated for living costs, although the specific amount may differ.
The scholarship can be renewed for a second year in a two-year Master’s program, contingent upon the student achieving excellent academic performance in their first year.

Required Documents for Application

Candidates wishing to apply for the Science@Leuven Scholarship must provide several key documents during the application process:
  • Transcript of Records: A detailed record of courses taken, including ECTS credits and grades, along with descriptions of relevant coursework.
  • Letter of Motivation: A brief letter outlining the applicant's reasons for pursuing the selected program at KU Leuven.
  • Reference Letters: Two letters of recommendation from internationally recognized professors who can attest to the applicant’s academic capabilities.
These documents should be uploaded via the KU Leuven application portal. Additionally, applicants must submit a screenshot as proof of their completed application, which is necessary for scholarship registration.

The procedure for applying for the Science@Leuven Scholarship consists of two primary steps:

1. Enrollment in the Master’s Program: Initially, candidates are required to submit their application for the selected Master’s program through the KU Leuven application portal. Detailed instructions for this process are available on the KU Leuven website.

2. Scholarship Application: Following the submission of the Master’s program application, candidates must separately apply for the Science@Leuven Scholarship. Confirmation of registration will be sent via email. To finalize the scholarship application, candidates need to upload evidence of their program application, such as a screenshot.

Application Deadline  
The deadline for submitting applications for the Science@Leuven Scholarship is February 15, 2025. Prospective applicants should ensure that both the Master’s program and scholarship applications are completed by this date.

For additional information, including comprehensive application instructions, please visit the KU Leuven website or reach out to the university’s admissions office.