The Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS) Scholarship supports talented postgraduate students who want to study international affairs in one of Europe’s most important policy centres. Offered by BSIS, part of the University of Kent, the award helps outstanding applicants manage the cost of a graduate education in international relations, politics, conflict studies, and related fields. This guide explains what the award covers, who can apply, how selection works, and how to build a competitive application.
What Is the BSIS Scholarship?
BSIS is a graduate school focused on international relations, conflict studies, and European affairs, and it operates from a campus in Brussels that places students close to the institutions of the European Union. The scholarship reflects the school’s commitment to attracting diverse, high-achieving students from around the world.
The award is tied to study at the Brussels campus rather than the University of Kent’s UK campuses. It is designed to reward academic excellence and to make postgraduate study more financially accessible for students who show strong academic potential and clear motivation. Selection considers academic merit, the quality of the personal statement, and fit with the chosen programme. The scholarship is one of several funding options available to BSIS applicants, and recipients join a multicultural cohort drawn from many countries.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Provider: Brussels School of International Studies, University of Kent
- Level: Postgraduate (master’s and related programmes)
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Award type: Partial tuition fee reduction
- Selection basis: Academic merit and, where applicable, financial need
- Application route: Through the programme application and scholarship form
- Who can apply: Applicants from the EU and outside the EU are generally welcome
- Competition: Limited number of awards each intake
Scholarship Benefits
- Partial reduction of tuition fees for the selected postgraduate programme.
- Study in Brussels, close to EU institutions, NATO, and major think tanks.
- Access to a network of international scholars, practitioners, and alumni.
- Opportunities to attend guest lectures, seminars, and policy events.
- Career-focused guidance and networking activities at the school.
- Exposure to a diverse, international student community.
- Recognition of academic achievement through a named award.
- Enhanced credibility on a CV when the award is listed.
- Support that makes postgraduate study more financially manageable.
Duration of the Award
- One-year master’s programmes: The award typically covers the standard duration of the programme, usually one academic year.
- Two-year or extended programmes: Where applicable, the award may be reviewed annually and is usually subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Eligibility and Scholarship Requirements
Applicants must meet both the general admission criteria for the chosen master’s programme and the specific conditions attached to the scholarship. These are assessed together during the selection process.
- A completed application for an eligible BSIS postgraduate programme.
- A strong undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification.
- Proof of English language proficiency where required.
- A well-written personal statement explaining academic and career goals.
- Academic references supporting the application.
- Demonstrated academic merit or relevant professional experience.
- Evidence of financial need where the award considers need.
- Compliance with visa and immigration requirements for study in Belgium.
Admission Requirements by Study Level
Master’s Degree Applicants
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised institution.
- A minimum grade level set by the school for the chosen programme.
- Relevant background in international relations, politics, law, or a related field.
- English language proficiency such as IELTS or TOEFL where required.
- A personal statement and academic references.
- A current CV outlining education and experience.
Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate Applicants
- A recognised undergraduate qualification or relevant professional experience.
- Evidence of ability to study at postgraduate level.
- English language proficiency where required.
- A personal statement and supporting references.
Research and Doctoral Applicants
- A relevant master’s degree for doctoral entry.
- A research proposal outlining the intended area of study.
- Academic references and evidence of research capability.
- English language proficiency where required.
- Supervision availability confirmed with the school.
How to Apply for the BSIS Scholarship
Step 1: Choose Your Programme
- Review the list of eligible BSIS master’s programmes.
- Check entry requirements and tuition costs for your chosen course.
- Confirm the intake and study mode that suit your plans.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
- Gather academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Draft a personal statement tailored to the programme.
- Request references from academic or professional contacts.
- Take an English language test if required.
Step 3: Submit the Programme Application
- Complete the online application through the University of Kent system.
- Upload all required documents and pay any application fee.
- Indicate your interest in scholarship consideration where prompted.
Step 4: Complete the Scholarship Form
- Fill in the scholarship section or separate form as instructed.
- Explain why you deserve the award and how it will help you.
- Submit before the stated scholarship deadline for your intake.
Step 5: Await the Decision
- The school reviews applications after the deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further information.
- Successful applicants receive an award letter with conditions.
Step 6: Accept and Enrol
- Confirm acceptance of the scholarship offer within the given timeframe.
- Meet any conditions attached to the award.
- Complete enrolment and visa steps for study in Brussels.
Required Documents
- Completed application form.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- English language test results where required.
- Personal statement.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Academic or professional references.
- Copy of passport or ID.
- Scholarship statement or form.
Tips for a Stronger Application
- Apply early to allow time for document preparation and visa steps.
- Write a personal statement that clearly links your goals to the programme.
- Highlight academic achievements and relevant work experience.
- Choose referees who know your work well and can vouch for you.
- Double-check that all documents meet the school’s format requirements.
- Explain your financial situation honestly if need is considered.
- Research the school’s faculty and courses to show genuine interest.
- Keep copies of everything you submit for your records.
- Check official BSIS pages for current award values and conditions.
- Prepare a backup funding plan in case the award is not granted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the BSIS Scholarship?
Eligibility generally covers applicants admitted to eligible postgraduate programmes at the Brussels campus who meet the school’s academic and language requirements. Always confirm the current eligibility rules on the official BSIS website before applying.
Does the scholarship cover full tuition?
Most BSIS awards are partial tuition reductions rather than full funding. Students should plan for remaining tuition, living costs, and other expenses.
Can international students apply?
Yes, applicants from outside the EU are generally welcome to apply for both admission and scholarship consideration. International students should also plan for visa and residence permit requirements.
Is a separate scholarship application needed?
In many cases the scholarship is assessed through a dedicated section or form linked to the programme application. Check the official instructions to confirm the exact process for your intake.
Can the award be combined with other funding?
Combining awards depends on the terms of each funding source. Applicants should disclose other funding and confirm the rules with the school.
How competitive is the scholarship?
The award is competitive because a limited number of places are available each year. Strong grades, a convincing statement, and relevant experience improve your chances.
Why Study in Brussels?
Studying in Brussels places students within walking distance of the institutions that shape European and global policy. The city hosts the core institutions of the European Union alongside NATO headquarters and a dense concentration of think tanks, NGOs, law firms, consultancies, and media organisations focused on international affairs. For students of international relations, conflict studies, and European affairs, this environment offers practical exposure that complements classroom learning: guest lectures, policy seminars, institutional visits, and networking events connect academic study to the professional world.
This location is also part of what makes the BSIS scholarship valuable. Beyond the financial relief of a partial tuition reduction, recipients gain access to a professional ecosystem that can support internships, research, and career development. The school’s multicultural cohort adds a further dimension, giving students the experience of working alongside peers from many countries and professional backgrounds.
Comparison of Key Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Brussels School of International Studies, University of Kent |
| Level | Postgraduate (master’s and related programmes) |
| Location | Brussels, Belgium |
| Award Type | Partial tuition fee reduction |
| Selection Basis | Academic merit and, where applicable, financial need |
| Application Route | Through the programme application and scholarship form |
Final Thoughts
The Brussels School of International Studies Scholarship is a valuable route to postgraduate study in one of Europe’s most important policy hubs. It rewards academic achievement, supports students who might otherwise struggle to afford graduate study, and connects recipients to a professional and academic network centred on Brussels.
Because award values, conditions, and deadlines can change between intakes, treat the details in this guide as a starting point rather than a final reference. Confirm all current requirements with the school before you apply, prepare your documents carefully, and present a clear academic and career narrative that shows why the programme and the city are the right fit for your goals.