Scholarship from the Flemish Government

1. You need a Belgian e-ID with its pincode. If you no longer have the pincode, you can request a new one on ibz.be. This will take a while, but applying with an e-ID also saves you time.
   
   The computer you use needs to have the software to use an e-ID. You can download this on eid.belgium.be for free. Select your language and click 'free download'. The website will guide you through the process. It's important to only connect the card reader once the setup wizard tells you to.    
   
   Important: you can borrow a card reader to submit your application. Contact Financial Support to request one, or to get help with your online application.
2. You can also log in with a 'federal token', which you must possess, along with a username and password. 
    
3. You can also opt to use the "It’s me" app, which allows you to confirm your identity in a safe and easy manner. 

Go to the website of the Flemish Government

• Click "Ga naar het loket en stel je profiel in"
• Click “Ga naar het loket”
• Select how you wish to apply
   

The next steps are only for Belgian students applying with their e-ID & card reader:

• Insert your ID card in the reader and connect to your computer
• Click 'aanmelden'
• Select your name in the tile “een certificaat selecteren” and click “OK”
• Enter your e-ID pincode
• Select 'ik ben een student'
• Follow the instructions on your screen

Want to know the status of your application? Sign in following the steps above, and look into your file, see all communications on your case and an overview of decisions made on your current (and previous) application(s).

Any issues or questions?

Call the Vlaamse Infolijn (1700) for free (only in Dutch) or contact Financial Support.

From next year onward, there will be new (stricter) conditions to qualify for a scholarship from the Flemish Government.

The Flemish government has approved a design for a decree that thoroughly changes the scholarship system. The legislation is still evolving and has yet to be approved by the Flemish Parliament. The exact contents may change. For now, these are the most important changes:

Age limit of 30 years

If you are 30 years old or older on 31 December of the academic year, you no longer qualify for a scholarship.

Full time study load

To qualify for a scholarship you must be registered for a full time study load: at least 54 credits if you start in the 1st semester, at least 27 credits if you start in the 2nd semester. The total may be spread over multiple study programmes at the same time.

Exceptions?

These can be found in the next tab (left menu).

We are very aware that these changes will have a big impact on students who are financially vulnerable. VUB continues to strive to support students and to remove any thresholds to higher education they may experience.

Exception to the 30 year age limit

You can request an exception if you can prove that you couldn't start of finish your higher education before the age of 30 due to special circumstances. The Flemish Government will judge your case based on the proof you provide.

Exception to the full time study load

In some situations, you can qualify for a scholarship with less than a full time study load.

• Either you are in a diploma year (you are about to graduate)
• Or you have a recognised status:
  • Function impairment
  • Student athlete
  • Professional artist
  • Working student
  • Exceptional social or individual circumstances
     

That last one is a broad category. This means your situation makes it impossible to take on a full time study load, for any of the following reasons:

• Your study path (sequentiality, curriculum structure or organisation of academic year) doesn't allow you to take a full study load.
• You are taking a bridging or preparatory programme of less than 54 credits.
• You are starting in the 2nd semester and cannot take a full study load.
• You are combining your studies with the care of a minor.
• You are an informal caregiver
• You did not obtain a high school diploma from a Dutch speaking school and you are enrolling for the first time in Flemish Higher Education.
• You are in an exceptional personal or social situation, so specific that it is impossible to combine with a full time study load.
• Medical reasons
   

Attestation to request exception to the full time study load requirement 

Medical reasons

A doctor must judge and attest that you cannot take a full time study load due to medical reasons. 

Care for a minor

The Flemish Government checks this via the national register.

All other exceptions

VUB judjes and attests whether you qualify for any of the categories of exception.

Important

The detailed criteria for all categories of exception will be drawn up by VUB, according to the final ruling. Make sure to check this page on a regular basis to stay up to date on the criteria and procedures VUB will use to judge and attest any requests for exceptions.