Scholarships
Erasmus+ scholarships
Students can apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship, by indicating this choice in the application form. An Erasmus+ scholarship has a value of EUR 1400 per month, for a total duration of 24 months. For these students, the tuition fee is waived. The scholarship can cover the living costs incurred by the student, including travel, visa, installation, house-rent and other living costs.
There are a number of dedicated scholarships available for excellent students from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Montenegro.
Student selection for scholarships will be performed by the Selection and Admission Board (with representatives of all partner universities) after ranking all eligible applications. Next to the scores for the online test and Bachelor/Master GPA values, further ranking is based on (1) the educational background (50%), with emphasis on organic chemistry, statistics/math and cell/genetic/immune biology, (2) the curriculum vitae (20%), (3) motivation letter (20%), and (4) the references (10%). The highest ranked applicants are then invited for an online interview, that includes a scientific presentation (5 minutes) prepared by the student, followed by a questioning session. This interview score is then used for the final ranking of the candidates.
Students that have already benefitted from an Erasmus+ EMJM scholarship are not eligible to apply for an additional scholarship.
Self-funded students
Self-funded students are defined as students who did not receive an EC Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship, but have received scholarships or financial support from other sources including their own financial means. These students should be able to provide a proof of sufficient financial means if outside of the EU. More information on how to obtain this can be found here.
The ‘Blocked Account’ procedure to prove financial solvability is highly recommended. However, students are free to choose the alternative procedure as well, but do keep in mind that this is a rigorous procedure that can be very time-consuming. In the ‘Blocked Account’ procedure, Ghent University can provide a certificate of financial solvability that can also be used for other purposes such as e.g. visa applications. The minimum amount required by Ghent University depends on your individual situation.
Please check the UGent website to know the current minimum amount required for a single student.
Depending on the financial situation, a limited number of (partial) waivers of the tuition fee will also be available for the self-funded students.
There are a few scholarship opportunities offered by the Belgian or Flemish government or Ghent University to finance this Master study. Note that competition is very fierce and that you need to fulfil many application requirements. Applying for a scholarship is no guarantee to obtain one! We strongly advise you to search and apply for other sponsorships (e.g. education ministry of your country) and scholarships portals too. Please note: Other funding should be indicated in the application form (ongoing requests as well as granted funding).
Scholarship portals
✓ https://www.scholarshipportal.com/
✓ http://www.european-funding-guide.eu/
✓ https://scholarship-positions.com/
✓ https://globalscholarship.com/
Examples of funding opportunities by international institutions
✓ https://www.fundacionuniversia.net/
✓ https://www.finduddannelse.dk/scholarship/
Examples of funding opportunities for international students by national institutions
✓ VLIR-UOS
National funding opportunities for outgoing students, e.g. Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Peru, Turkey, Uruguay, and the USA.
Students that don't receive a dedicated S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship may be eligible for Erasmus+ scholarships for Studies:
- € 319 /month* for the 2nd semester in Gdansk
- € 369 /month* for the 3rd semester in Groningen or Lille
Travel grants are also available for students performing the master thesis outside of Europe!
*Amounts given for 2023-2024 and subject to changes.
Support for students with special needs
Within the Erasmus+ framework, support to students with individual needs is highly valued. Students with individual needs can therefore be supported by program funding. This funding will be used for enrolled students (with or without scholarship) with disabilities (e.g. long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments), such as those related to the acquisition of special items or services (e.g. assistance by third persons, adaptation of work environment, additional travel/transportation costs). Please contact us to discuss such individual needs when applying to the program.
