For students dreaming of a European education, Belgium has emerged as a premier destination offering high-quality academic programs and fully funded scholarships many of which do not require an IELTS score. Belgian universities are increasingly flexible regarding English proficiency, especially for students who have previously completed degrees in English.
Top Scholarship Opportunities for 2026
Government of Belgium Scholarship (ARES):
ARES offers fully funded opportunities for one-year Master’s programs or 4-6 month training courses. Aimed at students from developing countries, it covers all expenses without mandatory IELTS requirements.
Master Mind Scholarships:
Funded by the Government of Flanders, this program provides roughly 30 scholarships annually for Master’s students in Flanders and Brussels. Benefits include a €8,200 grant, tuition fee waivers, and health insurance.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters:
One of Europe’s most prestigious awards, providing a monthly stipend of €1,100–€1,200, covering travel, visa, and insurance. Students can apply to Belgian partner universities without IELTS.
VLIR-UOS Scholarship Program:
This program awards 31 full scholarships annually to international students attending Flemish universities. It covers tuition, travel, and provides a monthly allowance.
Global Minds Doctoral Scholarship (KU Leuven):
Designed for PhD candidates from developing countries, this scholarship offers a €2,199 monthly stipend, a research allowance of €310, and full tuition coverage.
Universities Accepting Students Without IELTS
Several world-class institutions in Belgium prioritize academic merit and previous medium of instruction over standardized tests:
Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Hasselt University, ULiège.
How to Apply Without IELTS
If you wish to bypass the IELTS requirement, you must demonstrate your English proficiency through alternative means:
Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate: A formal certificate from your previous university stating that your degree was conducted entirely in English.
English Proficiency Letter: An official letterhead document with a seal from your previous institution confirming your ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
English "Crash Programs": Some Belgian universities offer preparatory English courses for students to sharpen their skills upon arrival.
Note: Always check the specific requirements of your chosen department, as some niche programs may still request a formal test score. However, for the majority of international applicants, these alternative pathways remain a viable gateway to European higher education.
