BAEF Master’s-Level Research Fellowship
Offered by Belgian American Educational Foundation
About this scholarship
The BAEF Master’s-Level Research Fellowship provides Belgian students with a $35,000 stipend and health-insurance coverage for a twelve-month research stay at a U.S. university or research institution. The 2027–2028 fellowship is designed as a research gap year rather than credit-bearing master’s study: the proposed work should not count toward degree credits at the applicant’s home university. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree when the fellowship begins and, by July 1, 2027, may have completed no more than one year of their master’s program. They are responsible for identifying a strong U.S. research unit, developing a focused project, and obtaining an official twelve-month invitation from the host by November 15, 2026. Selection emphasizes an outstanding academic record, the quality and feasibility of the research plan, the value of conducting the project in the United States, recommendations, and English proficiency. The fellowship normally starts between July 1 and September 30, 2027 and requires residence in the United States for the full award year. Applicants first complete BAEF’s eligibility form; successful pre-screening provides access to the online application. The principal deadline is October 31, with the invitation, references, and any remaining supporting documents following under the official timetable.
Eligibility
- Hold Belgian nationality
- Hold a bachelor’s degree by activation of the fellowship
- Have completed no more than one year of a master’s program by July 1, 2027
- Plan a research gap year that does not earn degree credits at the home institution
- Obtain a 12-month invitation from a U.S. university or research institution by November 15, 2026
- Demonstrate an outstanding academic record
- Have a good command of English
- Complete BAEF’s eligibility and application process by October 31, 2026