- ~€3,000–€10,000/yrValue (est., by level)
- KU Leuven (Belgium)Host institution
- Master's in ScienceStudy level
- 1–2 yearsDuration
- Merit-basedBasis
- Founded 1425University
At a glance
partial
Funding
€10k
Max amount
Feb 15, 2027
Deadline
Open to international students (confirm year-specific conditions on the official page)
Country
KU Leuven — Faculty of Science
Provider
The Science@Leuven Scholarship is awarded by the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven in Belgium to international students of strong academic standing who are admitted to a master's programme in the Faculty of Science — for example mathematics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, geography, geology, or statistics. KU Leuven, founded in 1425, is one of the oldest universities in Europe and ranks among the top institutions on the continent. The scholarship is offered at several levels: a full award worth around ~€10,000 per year, plus partial awards of roughly ~€6,000 or ~€3,000 per year, set against the cost of tuition and living in Leuven. It is tenable for the standard duration of the master's (1 or 2 years) and is renewable for a second year only if the holder passes all credits and keeps the required results. You apply for the scholarship together with your master's admission, by the annual deadline of around 15 February (est.) for the September intake. Treat the amounts and date here as estimates and confirm the current figures and closing date on the Faculty of Science's official Science@Leuven page.
What's covered
- Full scholarship — The top award is worth around ~€10,000 per year toward tuition and living costs in Leuven.
- Partial scholarships — Smaller awards of roughly ~€6,000 or ~€3,000 per year for other selected candidates.
- Duration — Tenable for the standard master's length (1 or 2 years).
- Renewal — Second-year renewal only if you pass all credits and maintain the required academic results.
- Not a salary — It is a study scholarship, not employment; you cover any costs above the award yourself.
How to apply
Apply for admission to a Faculty of Science master's and submit the Science@Leuven scholarship application in the same cycle, by the deadline.
- Choose a master's — Select an eligible master's programme in the KU Leuven Faculty of Science.
- Apply for admission — Submit your KU Leuven master's admission application with transcripts and English proof.
- Apply for the scholarship — Complete the Science@Leuven scholarship application, including the motivation and supporting documents.
- Meet the deadline — Submit by the annual deadline of around 15 February (est.) for September entry.
- Selection — The Faculty selects on academic merit and the strength of your application.
- Decision & enrolment — If awarded, accept the scholarship and complete your KU Leuven enrolment.
Eligibility
ProgrammeAdmitted (or applying) to a master's programme in the KU Leuven Faculty of Science.
Academic meritA strong academic record in a relevant bachelor's or prior degree.
International studentAimed at international students; check the specific nationality conditions each year.
English proficiencyProof of English (and any programme-specific requirements) for the master's.
Single applicationApply for the scholarship together with your master's admission application.
A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. The award is tied to a Faculty of Science master's only — programmes in other KU Leuven faculties are not covered by Science@Leuven.
Eligible countries
Open to international students (confirm year-specific conditions on the official page)
Deadlines
2027 master's entry2027-02-15
Selection
The Faculty of Science selects Science@Leuven scholars on academic merit, the relevance of the candidate's background to the chosen master's, and the overall strength of the application. A limited number of full and partial awards are granted each year, so selection is decided among the strongest applicants.
Verified sources
- Science@Leuven Scholarship — KU Leuven Faculty of Sciencewet.kuleuven.beofficial
About the provider
KU Leuven is a research university in Leuven, Belgium, founded in 1425, making it one of the oldest universities in Europe. Its Faculty of Science offers the Science@Leuven Scholarship to attract talented international students to its master's programmes in the exact and natural sciences.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Science@Leuven Scholarship?
+
A merit scholarship from the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven (Belgium) for talented international students admitted to a master's programme in that faculty, offered as full or partial awards.
How much is it worth?
+
The full award is around ~€10,000 per year, with partial awards of roughly ~€6,000 or ~€3,000 per year. The exact amounts are set annually — check the official page.
Does it cover full tuition and living costs?
+
The top award (~€10,000/yr) helps with both tuition and living costs but is not unlimited; smaller awards are partial. Budget for any costs above the scholarship.
Who is eligible?
+
International students with a strong academic record who are applying to (or admitted to) a master's programme in the KU Leuven Faculty of Science.
Which programmes are covered?
+
Master's programmes within the Faculty of Science — such as mathematics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, geography, geology, and statistics. Other faculties are not covered.
How do I apply?
+
Apply for admission to an eligible master's and submit the Science@Leuven scholarship application in the same cycle, by the deadline.
When is the deadline?
+
Usually around 15 February for the September intake; the 2027 date here is an estimate. Confirm the current deadline on the Faculty of Science page.
How long does it last?
+
For the standard duration of the master's (1 or 2 years). Two-year programmes are renewable for the second year only if you pass all credits.
What are the renewal conditions?
+
To keep the scholarship into a second year you must pass all credits and maintain the academic results required by the Faculty.
Is KU Leuven well ranked?
+
Yes — KU Leuven, founded in 1425, is one of the oldest universities in Europe and ranks among the top universities on the continent.
How competitive is it?
+
A limited number of awards are granted each year, so the strongest applicants are selected. A solid academic record and a clear motivation letter help.
Where can I confirm the exact details?
+
On the Faculty of Science's official Science@Leuven scholarship page, which lists current values, eligibility, and the application deadline.