Belgian Scholarships
Studies are Distinctively French or Dutch
Belgium is often considered a central location in Europe for business and international affairs. A few centuries ago it was surely one of the leading European centers for art, rich as it is in Flemish history. Students will find that Belgium is quite equally divided between French and Dutch factions, which extends to the university system. International business and the arts are strong programs for U.S. students. Besides immersing themselves in Belgian culture, including world-famous Belgian beer, students have access to other nearby European hotspots like Amsterdam and Paris.
Federal Funding Diversifies Next Gen Professionals
Students whose economic and social background have traditionally excluded them from good old collegiate study abroad programs in places like Belgium, may now take refuge in the plentiful scholarships offered by the federal government. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships are designed to provide up to $5,000 to over 700 financially disadvantaged undergrads annually. Applicants must be Pell Grant recipients, a solid measure of economic challenge. Candidates must also be very academically motivated. The goal of this program? Make a whole new generation of business and industry leaders with roots in all ethnic and economic backgrounds: makes for a more balanced, highly educated social fabric.
Belgian Funding
Fellowships to study in Belgium are often awarded through the Government of Flanders to eligible U.S. students. Applicants must be enrolling for a term of study in a Belgian university that is affiliated with the Flemish, or French region, one of two distinct governmental areas of the country. Courses of study should be in the arts or humanities.
College Scholarships Focus on Business and Humanities
Michigan State University administers the International Relations in Brussels, Belgium program. This particular international program is best suited to students majoring in international politics or business. Applicants may apply for the following scholarships:
- Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Scholarships are given to students heading off to destinations where French is widely spoken. Nearly half of Belgium is French, so this is an appropriate award for students going to Belgium. Preference may be given to students proficient in the language.
- Forest Akers Scholarships are widely distributed to students who have a deep financial need for auxiliary funds.
- MSU Federal Credit Union is a huge provider of scholarships. These are offered to the most general population of students traveling abroad.
Marquette University offers students a unique chance to study in Antwerp, Belgium, right in the heart of European commerce and business. The program is particularly ideal for students whose career track is international business or finance. Besides location-specific scholarships, Marquette offers business majors studying abroad the Square D Scholarship for International Business. Up to $2,500 may be earned for at least a semester in Belgium.
Belgium is renowned among art historians for its Flemish art. Duke University sponsors a summer program in Flanders focused on an intensive survey of Flemish art, past and present. This is a pricey program and students may apply for the Stephenson Pope Babcock Scholarship. Applicants are awarded on a combination of academic merit and need.
Study Abroad Organizations
Knowledge Exchange Institute provides half-dozen programs in Belgium through its well-choreographed organization. Students may participate in programs targeted to international business, law, finance, as well as culture, arts and language. KEI, like other well-respected study abroad organizations, provides its own brand of scholarships especially for students who do not qualify for other study abroad funding. KEI Scholarships are awarded for a combination of outstanding academics as well as financial need. Typical awards range from $500 to $1,000.
