2026/2027 Hasselt University Master Mind Scholarship in Belgium | Fully Funded
The application window for the 2026/2027 Hasselt University Master Mind Scholarship in Belgium officially closed on March 15, 2026. Awarded by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training in collaboration with Hasselt University (UHasselt), this prestigious international award targets top-tier master’s degree candidates worldwide.
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Providing a annual cash grant of €10,225 alongside a full tuition fee waiver (leaving candidates responsible only for a minor administrative enrollment fee), the scholarship supports students pursuing 1-year (60 ECTS) or 2-year (120 ECTS) Master’s programs in Flanders and Brussels. Information verified August 2026 from official host communications.
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Hasselt University Master Mind Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | Hasselt University Master Mind |
| Host Country ⇒ | Belgium |
| Study Level ⇒ | Masters |
| Benefits ⇒ | €10,225 annual living grant + full tuition fee waiver |
| Funded by ⇒ | Hasselt University (UHasselt) & Flemish Ministry of Education and Training |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | All international nationalities (except Russian citizens) |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | March 15, 2026 (Cycle Closed; 2027/2028 cycle opens late 2026) |
What Hasselt University and the Master Mind Program Are and Why They Exist
About Hasselt University (UHasselt)
Hasselt University (UHasselt) is an innovative, top-ranked public research university located across two main campuses in Hasselt and Diepenbeek within the Limburg province of Flanders, Belgium. Established in 1973 as the Limburg University Centre, UHasselt has grown into a modern academic institution encompassing six core faculties—Architecture and Arts, Business Economics, Medicine and Life Sciences, Engineering Technology, Law, and Sciences—alongside a specialized School of Transportation Sciences.
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UHasselt is internationally recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to education and research. The university concentrates a significant portion of its research resources into specialized spearhead institutes, including:
- BIOMED: The Biomedical Research Institute, driving advancements in immunology, neuroscience, and cardiometabolic science.
- CMK: The Centre for Environmental Sciences, tackling urgent climate, biodiversity, and sustainability challenges.
- DSI: The Data Science Institute, leading research in biostatistics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.
- IMOB: The Transportation Research Institute, focusing on sustainable mobility and road safety.
- IUMAT: The Institute for Materials Research, developing innovative materials for sustainable technology and health applications.
Through its problem-based learning (PBL) framework, small-group instruction, and close integration with regional innovation hubs, UHasselt equips students with hands-on technical skills while maintaining an active role in global scientific networks.
About the Master Mind Scholarship Scheme
The Master Mind Scholarship is a flagship international funding initiative fully sponsored by the Government of Flanders (the Flemish-language community of Belgium) through the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training. Administered in collaboration with VLUHR International (Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad) and participating higher education institutions like Hasselt University, the scheme attracts gifted international graduate students to pursue Master’s degree programs in Flanders and Brussels.
The primary objectives of the Master Mind Scholarship program include:
- Promoting Flemish Higher Education Globally: Raising the international profile of Flemish universities as hubs of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and innovation.
- Driving High-Impact Research Output: Injecting exceptional global talent into Master’s thesis projects and ongoing university research initiatives, particularly across STEM, biomedical, and data science disciplines.
- Fostering Long-Term Strategic Partnerships: Building international academic and professional networks by connecting scholars from non-EU nations with Belgian research institutes, industries, and alumni channels.
- Enriching Campus Cultural Diversity: Creating a vibrant, multicultural learning environment within Belgian university classrooms to prepare local and international graduates for globalized careers.
By financing high-achieving scholars with a €10,225 annual living grant and a full tuition fee waiver, the Flemish Government removes financial barriers for top-tier global talent, positioning Belgium as a premier destination for European postgraduate study.
What the Hasselt University Master Mind Scholarship
The Master Mind Scholarship offers comprehensive financial backing throughout the student’s study period:
- Living Allowance Grant: An annual grant of €10,225, paid in scheduled installments throughout the academic year to cover accommodation, medical insurance, study materials, and daily living expenses.
- Tuition Fee Exemption: Scholarship holders receive a tuition fee waiver covering full tuition per academic year (60 ECTS). Recipients pay only a reduced administrative enrollment fee (approx. €115–€280).
- Multi-Year Coverage:
- 1-Year Master’s (60 ECTS): Financed for 1 academic year.
- 2-Year Master’s (120 ECTS): Financed for 2 academic years, subject to passing the first academic year with at least 54 ECTS credits.
- Inclusions & Exclusions: The grant does not cover visa fees, international flight tickets, or optional prep courses; these remain the recipient’s responsibility.
Selection Process and Framework
The selection for the Master Mind Scholarship at Hasselt University follows a two-tier screening process:
- Stage 1 — Academic Admission: The applicant completes a formal application for an eligible Master’s program at Hasselt University before the program’s specific academic deadline.
- Stage 2 — Institutional Pre-selection: UHasselt’s international selection board evaluates admitted applicants based on academic GPA, English proficiency, motivation, and reference letters to create an institutional shortlist.
- Stage 3 — Central Flemish Ministry Review: The Flemish Ministry of Education and Training reviews nominated candidates from all Flemish universities and confirms final scholarship awards.
- Stage 4 — Award Notification & Registration: Selected candidates receive their official award letters and complete administrative enrollment at UHasselt.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for consideration, candidates must fulfill strict academic and administrative parameters:
- Academic Excellence: Must possess an outstanding academic history with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 out of 4.0 (or international equivalent calculated via Scholaro).
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 7.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 94 (online TOEFL/IELTS tests accepted).
- Cambridge English: Minimum level C1 (Certificate in Advanced English – CAE).
- Enrollment Status: Applicants must not be currently enrolled at a Flemish higher education institution (exception: international students enrolled in a Flemish university preparatory program for Fall entry).
- Previous Qualifications: Primary academic degree must have been obtained from an institution located outside Flanders.
- Nationality Restrictions: Open to all nationalities globally, with the explicit exception of Russian passport holders.
- Excluded Programs: Distance learning programs, preparatory programs without degree entry, bridging courses, and joint Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders are ineligible.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit verified digital copies of the following documentation:
- Identification: Valid International Passport or National Identity Card.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed academic CV detailing education, work experience, and research projects.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency: Valid IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge C1 score report.
- Letter of Motivation: Program-specific personal statement outlining academic goals and research interests.
- Academic Credentials: Certified copies of Higher Education Diplomas and official Transcripts of Records (with official English, French, Dutch, or German translations if issued in another language).
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: Merged into a single PDF document, issued by university professors or professional supervisors in English.
- Program-Specific Requirements:
- Master of Statistics and Data Science: GRE Certificate (recommended) or Exemption Request.
- Master of Management: Thesis Abstract.
- Master of Interior Architecture: Portfolio (maximum file size: 30MB).
- Master Mind Form: Dedicated Master Mind Application Form.
- Admission Letter: Official UHasselt Admission Letter (required for Master of Management and Master of Transportation Sciences).
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to your chosen Master’s degree program directly via the Hasselt University Application Portal.
- Upload all core academic credentials, CV, motivation letter, and language certificates to the program portal.
- Receive your university admission decision or candidate application reference number.
- Download and complete the dedicated Master Mind Scholarship Application Form.
- Merge two signed recommendation letters into a single PDF file.
- Submit the Master Mind application form along with the merged reference letters and your UHasselt admission letter before the scholarship closing date.
- Track your nomination status through your UHasselt portal updates.
Deadline and Next Cycle Timeline
- 2026/2027 Cycle Status: CLOSED. Applications for the 2026/2027 cycle closed on March 15, 2026.
- 2027/2028 Cycle Expectation: The application portal for the 2027/2028 academic year is expected to open in December 2026, with the scholarship submission deadline falling around mid-March 2027. Prospective applicants should take their English proficiency exams (IELTS/TOEFL) and request academic references during Q3/Q4 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my GPA is slightly below 3.5 out of 4.0?
No. The 3.5/4.0 GPA benchmark is a strict minimum criterion mandated by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training. Applications below this threshold are automatically screened out during institutional pre-selection.
Does the scholarship cover my travel costs to Belgium?
No. The €10,225 annual grant covers accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses. Initial visa charges, embassy processing fees, and airfare to/from Belgium must be funded independently by the candidate.
Can I work on a student visa while holding the Master Mind Scholarship?
Yes. International students holding a valid Belgian student residence permit (Type A) are legally permitted to work part-time up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during official holiday periods.
What happens if I do not pass all courses in my first year?
For 2-year master’s programs (120 ECTS), scholarship renewal for the second year requires completing at least 54 ECTS credits in the first academic year. Failure to meet credit requirements results in the termination of the living allowance and tuition waiver.
Disclaimer: All scholarship terms, award values, deadlines, and eligibility criteria outlined in this guide were verified against official Hasselt University and Flemish Ministry communications as of August 2026. Details are subject to updates by the host institution. Applicants should verify all details on the official Hasselt University portal before submitting future applications.
Official Application Portal
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