Begin your academic journey in the heart of Europe—Brussels, Belgium!
Applications are now open for the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Scholarships 2026, specifically for the European Master of Science in Photonics. This fully funded opportunity is open to highly motivated international students with strong academic potential and an interest in engineering, physics, or photonics.
Host Institution: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Program: European Master of Science in Photonics
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Scholarship Duration: Full 2-year MSc program
Deadlines:
Early Deadline: July 31, 2025
Final Deadline: March 31, 2026
VUB is a globally focused university located in Brussels, the political and academic capital of Europe. With a strong emphasis on innovation, research, and inclusion, VUB strives to empower students with world-class education tailored to global challenges.
The Brussels Photonics Research Group (B-PHOT), VUB’s prestigious research unit, plays a key role in this master’s program and offers competitive excellence scholarships to top-performing students.
The program is open to students from fields that bridge physics, photonics, and engineering. Eligible academic backgrounds include:
Electrical Engineering
Applied or Theoretical Physics
Materials Science
Related Engineering Fields
Applicants from other engineering disciplines may enter through a custom preparatory program, which can be combined with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Eligible Belgian degrees (for the preparatory program):
Industrial Sciences (Electronics/ICT)
Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry
Architecture, Engineering Sciences
KMS Polytechnical Department
€10,000 per year
Intended to cover the cost of living in Brussels
Awarded based on academic excellence and motivation
No separate application is required—awarded automatically based on merit.
| Scholarship Type | Amount | When Awarded | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Scholarship | €1,000 | Beginning of 1st semester (Year 1) | Top 3 applicants based on selection criteria |
| Continuation Scholarship | €1,500 | Beginning of 2nd semester (Year 1) | Top 3 students based on academic performance |
| Excellence Scholarship | €5,000 | Beginning of 2nd year | One student who excels in Year 1 and MSc thesis |
🎓 Graduating students with honours may also be encouraged to pursue a PhD at VUB B-PHOT.
Nationality: Open to applicants from all countries
Language Proficiency: English (any one of the following accepted):
TOEFL: 570 (PBT) / 87 (iBT)
IELTS: 6.0 (overall band)
Cambridge English: First Certificate (FCE)
OR proof of completing at least 60 credits in English-medium education
📌 If you do not have your language test result or APS certificate by the deadline, you may submit it later, but don’t miss the initial application deadline.
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents during the online application process:
Copy of passport or national ID
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation letter
Two letters of recommendation
Official bachelor’s degree or graduation certificate
Full academic transcripts for BSc and MSc (if applicable)
Official English language proficiency certificate
Course content description of your bachelor’s program
Apply online via the VUB admissions portal:
🔗 https://www.vub.be/en/apply
Upload all required documents before the stated deadline.
No separate application is needed for the scholarship—all admitted applicants are automatically considered.
Apply early to increase your chances of selection.
Focus on showcasing motivation, academic achievements, and technical potential.
Reach out to former students or explore B-PHOT’s website to understand more about the Photonics community at VUB.
Early Application: July 31, 2025
Final Deadline: March 31, 2026
Start your path to becoming a photonics expert in the heart of Europe with one of the most respected engineering scholarships. If you’d like help crafting your motivation letter or preparing your documents, just ask!