THE ESSENTIALS
Looking for a financial boost for your higher education in Belgium? The study grants, or scholarships, from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (FWB) are there for that. They help you cover your costs if your family’s income is modest. In addition to direct financial aid, being a grant recipient can allow you to pay nothing or less for your tuition fees.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Who can benefit?
You can apply for a grant if you are enrolled in full-time higher education in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (universities, higher education institutions, art schools).
Be careful, you won’t be eligible if you already have a diploma of the same level, if you are doing a doctorate, a specialized bachelor’s or master’s degree, or social promotion studies (adult education).
Income conditions (academic year 2026-2027)
The income taken into account is from 2024 (your 2025 tax assessment notice). The income of all people living at the same address as you at the time of the application is analyzed. Your own student income is not taken into account, nor is that of your siblings, flatmates, or kot owners.
Here are the income ceilings for higher education for the academic year 2025-2026, which serve as a reference for 2026-2027 (the 2026-2027 figures will be officially updated in spring 2026, but the difference is usually minimal):
- 0 dependent person: €27,339.85
- 1 dependent person: €35,750.49
- 2 dependent persons: €43,638.39
- 3 dependent persons: €50,995.02
- 4 dependent persons: €57,828.91
- 5 dependent persons: €64,662.80
- For each additional person, add €6,833.89.
There is also a ceiling for cadastral income and gross rents from real estate (other than your main residence). For higher education in 2025-2026, this threshold is €1,223.17.
Amounts (academic year 2026-2027)
The amount of the grant varies from €400 to €6,000 for higher education, depending on your income, the number of dependents in your household, and whether or not you live in a kot. The amount is paid in a single installment, generally between December and March.
Tuition fees (registration fees) in 2026-2027
If you are a grant recipient, your tuition fees will be €0. If you have a “modest condition,” it will be €374. For an “intermediate condition,” it will be €835. The full rate is €1,194.
Special cases: the lump-sum allowance
If your financial situation has recently changed (parent’s job loss, divorce, long-term unemployment, etc.), you might be entitled to a lump-sum allowance. Its amount is fixed and does not depend on your declared income.
Nationality
Grants are primarily intended for Belgian students. However, certain categories of foreign students may be eligible under specific conditions (EU nationals, refugees, people residing in Belgium for at least 5 years and having studied there, etc.).
HOW TO DO IT
- Prepare your application: The period to submit your application for the academic year 2026-2027 runs from July 1st to October 31st, 2026. It is advisable to do it from September to avoid delays.
- Gather your documents:
- Your 2025 tax assessment notice (AER) (2024 income).
- An official household composition from your commune (valid for 3 months).
- Your definitive registration certificate for the academic year 2026-2027.
- A copy of your identity card or that of your parents.
- A copy of your bank card.
- If you live in a kot, a copy of your lease for a minimum of 3 consecutive months.
- If you are doing an internship or an Erasmus stay, the internship/Erasmus agreement.
- Submit your application:
- Online: This is the simplest and fastest way. Go to the official study grants website (allocations-etudes.cfwb.be) and use your eID (with reader) or the Itsme application. You will receive an immediate acknowledgment of receipt.
- By mail: You can download the paper form from the official website, complete it, and send it by registered mail.
- Complete your file: If you don’t have all the documents at the time of application, you can still submit it. Your file manager will recontact you to ask you to complete it.
THE PITFALLS
- Exceeding income ceilings: Even a small exceeding of income ceilings can lead to a refusal of the grant. Carefully check your 2024 income (2025 AER) before applying.
- Forgetting the deadline: The deadline is October 31st, 2026. If your application arrives after this date, it will not be processed for the current year, except in exceptional circumstances (hospitalization, death, job loss, late registration).
- Not providing all documents: Even if you can submit your application without everything, an incomplete file delays processing. Make sure to provide all requested documents quickly.
- Confusing aids: FWB grants are different from ARES (Académie de recherche et d’enseignement supérieur) grants, which are for international cooperation and have other conditions and deadlines.
WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION
- Wallonia-Brussels Federation Study Grants Service:
- Official website: www.allocations-etudes.cfwb.be
- Toll-free number: 0800 11 869 (Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 12 pm for general questions)
- For tracking your file: 02 413 37 37 (24/7)
- Infor Jeunes Bruxelles: They can help and advise you on the procedures.
Verified sources
- ligue-enseignement.be
- bruxelles-j.be
- ijbxl.be
- infoj.be
- parentia.be
- service-public.gouv.fr
Information verified on 15/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official body.