Would you like to study abroad? Get a scholarship!

Living and studying in another country isn’t free. Here’s a non-exhaustive overview of some scholarships available to help you study abroad. Going abroad for studies, whether for a few months or an entire academic year, comes with a range of expenses. Your plane ticket, tuition fees, and living costs (transportation, housing, meals, personal expenses, etc.) can add up quickly. Perhaps your parents can support you with some or all of these costs. If not, missing out on this experience would be a shame. Did you know that under certain conditions, you can apply for a scholarship to study abroad? Of course, scholarships aren’t handed out easily. Most organizations that offer them have strict selection procedures and require a detailed application. Make sure you understand the application process well. It costs nothing to try, but planning ahead is key!

If You’re Not a Student Yet

1. Plan Langues Scholarships (for residents of Wallonia)

As part of the Plan Langues, young people living or studying in Wallonia who have just completed their final year of high school (rhéto) can, under certain conditions, receive financial aid to study Dutch, English, or German. How to Apply?

If you’re finishing high school and are interested in this program, you can submit an application to Forem to study abroad for a semester or a full year.

Available Study Options:

• One year (one language): in an additional high school year or first year of higher education (+ 24 hours of company visits).
• One year in Dutch or German: in a language school (+ 24 hours of company visits).
• One semester (one language): in an additional high school year, first year of higher education, or language school (+ 12 hours of company visits).
• One year (two languages): in an additional high school year, first year of higher education, or language courses (+ 12 hours per semester of company visits).

The available destinations depend on the language:

• Dutch: Flanders or the Netherlands
• German: German-speaking Belgium, Germany, or Austria
• English: The UK, the USA, or Canada

Plan Langues scholarships can be used whether you organize your own trip or use a specialized organization.

However, a minimum language level (A1 or A2) is required depending on your destination. Financial aid ranges from €2,000 to €4,000, depending on your destination and financial situation. Applications open from January 15 to March 15, and scholarships are awarded based on a ranked selection process and available budget.

Find more information on Forem’s website.

2. AFS Scholarships

If you don’t qualify for a Plan Langues scholarship, don’t worry—AFS might be an option. AFS is a nonprofit organization that offers scholarships based on specific criteria. Scholarships are capped at €3,000 and cannot be combined with other financial aid. Since AFS has limited scholarship funds, they are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of pre-registration. Applying early is essential!

How to Apply? After choosing your preferred program, complete the pre-registration form and submit a scholarship application. More details are available on AFS’s website.

If You’re Already a University Student (Bachelor’s or Master’s)

Erasmus+ is the well-known European Union exchange program that allows higher education students to study abroad for 3 to 12 months. You can study in one of the 28 EU countries or in Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, North Macedonia, Turkey, or other partner countries (as long as your school has a partnership agreement).

💡 Did you know? You can participate in the Erasmus+ program once per study cycle (e.g., once during your Bachelor’s and once during your Master’s) for a maximum of 12 months per cycle.

If You Already Have a Degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s)

1. Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) : Study in the USA

If you already have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and dream of studying in the United States, the Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) could be the perfect option for you. The BAEF provides scholarships for Belgian students with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree to study for an academic year or research year in the USA. Students can apply for a:

• Master’s degree (2 years)
• Postgraduate Master’s (9 months)

If you already have a Master’s degree, you can apply for a Postgraduate Master’s (9 months), LLM (Post-Master’s in Law), Ph.D. (Doctoral Research Program), MBA (Master of Business Administration)How to Apply?

To obtain a BAEF scholarship, you must:

• Submit an application
• Provide transcripts, recommendation letters, a CV, and a motivation letter
• Apply to American universities
• Take language tests

If you pass all the selection steps, your dream of studying on an American university campus could come true!

More information is available at www.baef.be.

2. Wallonie Bruxelles International (WBI)

WBI is responsible for international relations in Wallonia-Brussels. It promotes student mobility and offers various scholarships primarily for graduates looking to specialize abroad, researchers wanting to work internationally, more details are available on WBI’s website.

Five Key Things to Remember :

• Your passport (if required): If you’re traveling outside the EU, you’ll need a passport. Apply early at your local municipal office.
• Your visa (if required): Some countries require a student visa. Plan ahead, as visa applications require extra paperwork, embassy visits, and fees.
• Your health insurance: Your Belgian health insurance won’t work the same way abroad. Make sure you’re covered to avoid expensive medical bills. Some countries and scholarship programs require proof of health insurance. The Students Travel insurance plan by AXA is specifically designed for students studying abroad.
• Your vaccinations: Some countries require specific vaccinations before entry. Check with your doctor to ensure you’re up to date.
• Your housing: Watch out for scams! If your accommodation isn’t arranged through your program, be cautious when booking. Check if your university has partnerships, use trusted agencies, and if looking through Facebook, request photos and a video tour before committing.

Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, but proper planning is essential. Between administrative procedures, tuition fees, and daily life abroad, being prepared can help you avoid unnecessary stress. Luckily, financial aid options exist, such as Plan Langues, AFS, and Erasmus+ scholarships. No matter your situation, there’s likely a scholarship that fits your needs. Take the time to research your options and prepare your applications early. With good organization and motivation, your dream of studying abroad could soon become a reality! 🌍✈️

Need more advice? Check out our other articles on studying abroad!