Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship for International Students at KU Leuven

Critères d'éligibilité

Open to international students of all nationalities applying to eligible KU Leuven Master’s programmes. Applicants must have excellent academic performance, have obtained their previous degree outside Flanders, meet English language proficiency requirements, and not be currently enrolled at a Flemish higher education institution.

Présentation du programme

## Overview KU Leuven is committed to making higher education accessible to students from all backgrounds, regardless of their financial circumstances. The Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship is a highly competitive, merit-based Master’s scholarship specifically designed for exceptional international students. Funded through the KU Leuven International Scholarship Fund, this prestigious award reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, global engagement, and societal impact. This scholarship is intended for outstanding individuals who demonstrate not only strong academic performance but also significant leadership potential and a clear dedication to making meaningful contributions within their chosen field of study. ## Benefits Successful applicants for the Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship will receive comprehensive financial support, ensuring they can focus entirely on their academic pursuits. The benefits include: * **Full tuition fee waiver**: Scholars will be exempt from paying tuition fees, only being responsible for an annual administration fee of €136.50. * **Living allowance**: A generous living allowance of €12,000 per academic year will be provided to cover living expenses. ## Eligibility To be considered for this esteemed scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria: * Be an international student of any nationality. * Apply for an eligible on-campus Master’s programme at KU Leuven. * Demonstrate excellent academic performance, typically indicated by a high GPA. * Have obtained their previous degree outside of Flanders. * Satisfy all English language proficiency requirements for their chosen Master's programme (unless exempt). * Not currently be enrolled at a Flemish higher education institution. (Please note: Preparatory, bridging, and distance learning programmes are not eligible for this scholarship). ## Required documents While the article does not provide a specific list of required documents for the scholarship application itself, applicants are generally expected to provide documents for their Master’s programme application, which typically include: * Academic Transcripts and Certificates from previous degrees. * Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL scores). * Curriculum Vitae (CV). * Motivation Letter. * Letters of Recommendation. * **KU Leuven Scholarships & Master Mind Candidacy Form** (to be included as an annex to the Master’s programme application). * A one-minute motivational video (if nominated). ## Application steps The application process for the Inspiring the Outstanding Scholarship is integrated with the Master’s programme application at KU Leuven. Follow these steps carefully: 1. **Apply for an eligible KU Leuven Master’s programme**: Complete and submit your application for your desired Master’s programme before the deadline of 15 January 2026. Ensure you include the **KU Leuven Scholarships & Master Mind Candidacy Form** as an annex to this application. 2. **Register your scholarship candidacy**: Separately register your scholarship candidacy via the official KU Leuven online registration tool before the application deadline. 3. **Submit a motivational video (if nominated)**: If your application is shortlisted and you are nominated by your chosen KU Leuven Master’s programme, you will be required to submit a one-minute motivational video by 18 March 2026. ## Key dates * **Application Deadline for Master’s Programme and Scholarship Candidacy**: 15 January 2026 (23:59 CET) * **Motivational Video Submission Deadline (if nominated)**: 18 March 2026 ## Selection criteria Applicants are first nominated by their chosen KU Leuven Master’s programme after the application deadline. The final selection is then made by the central KU Leuven Selection Committee based on a holistic review of several factors, including: * **Academic excellence**: Demonstrated outstanding performance in previous academic studies. * **Motivation**: A clear and compelling articulation of academic and career goals. * **Leadership abilities**: Evidence of leadership potential and engagement. * **Relevant experience**: Any academic, professional, or extracurricular experiences that demonstrate potential. * **Commitment**: Demonstrated dedication to their field of study and potential societal impact. * **Overall applicant profile**: A comprehensive assessment of the applicant’s strengths and potential contributions. ## Tips To maximize your chances of securing this prestigious scholarship, consider the following tips: * **Start early**: Begin your Master’s application well in advance of the deadline to ensure all documents are complete and accurate. * **Highlight your achievements**: In your application and motivation letter, clearly articulate your academic successes, leadership roles, and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your potential. * **Tailor your application**: Customize your motivation letter to reflect why you are an ideal candidate for both your chosen Master’s programme and this specific scholarship. * **Perfect your video (if nominated)**: If you reach the video submission stage, ensure your one-minute motivational video is concise, impactful, and genuinely conveys your passion and potential. * **Meet English proficiency**: Ensure you meet all English language requirements or provide proof of exemption. ## Official source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official KU Leuven scholarship page: [https://www.kuleuven.be/scholarships/year/2026-2027/inspiring-the-outstanding-scholarship](https://www.kuleuven.be/scholarships/year/2026-2027/inspiring-the-outstanding-scholarship)

Le descriptif détaillé du bailleur reste en anglais, car c'est la langue du dossier de candidature.

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