Belgium is one of Europe's most underrated study destinations — offering world-class universities, English-taught programs, and generous scholarships. Best of all, many Belgium scholarships for Indian students do not require IELTS — making them accessible even if you haven't taken the English test.
Here is a complete guide to scholarships in Belgium for the 2025/26 academic year that accept Indian applicants without IELTS scores.
Key Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | University/Body | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| VLIR-UOS Scholarship | Flemish Universities (Belgium) | Full tuition + €800–€1,100/month |
| KU Leuven Scholarship | KU Leuven University | Partial–full tuition waiver |
| ULiège Excellence Scholarship | University of Liège | €9,000–€15,000/year |
| Ghent University Scholarship | Ghent University | Partial tuition reduction |
| Belgian Government Scholarship (ARES) | ARES (Académie de Recherche) | Full funding for developing country students |
| Erasmus Mundus (Belgium Consortium) | EU-funded | Full tuition + €1,000/month |
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor's or Master's degree from a recognized Indian university with minimum 60%
- English proficiency can be proven through medium of instruction certificate from your Indian college
- IELTS not required if your prior education was in English medium
- Age limit: Generally 18–40 years
- Strong academic record and motivation letter
How to Apply — Step by Step
Choose Your University & Program
Research Belgian universities (KU Leuven, Ghent, ULiège) and find English-taught programs in your field.
Check IELTS Waiver Policy
Contact the university's admission office to confirm if they accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your Indian college in place of IELTS.
Get Your MOI Certificate
Request a Medium of Instruction certificate from your college registrar — this is your English proficiency proof without IELTS.
Apply for Scholarship
Visit each scholarship's official page and complete the application before the deadline (usually October–January).
Apply for Belgium Student Visa
After receiving a scholarship/admission offer, apply for a Belgium student visa (Type D) from the Belgian Embassy in India.
Documents Required
- ✅ Valid Passport
- ✅ Academic Transcripts & Degree Certificate
- ✅ Medium of Instruction Certificate (English proof)
- ✅ Motivation Letter / SOP
- ✅ 2 Letters of Recommendation
- ✅ Updated CV
- ✅ University Acceptance Letter
- ✅ Passport-size Photos
Pro Tip: The VLIR-UOS scholarship is one of the most generous in Belgium and specifically targets students from developing countries like India. The deadline is usually in February — start your application in October.
Conclusion
Belgium offers excellent scholarship opportunities for Indian students, even without an IELTS score. The key is to choose an English-medium program, get a MOI certificate from your Indian college, and apply well before the deadline. Belgium's education system, multilingual culture, and central European location make it a fantastic study destination.