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Belgian American Educational Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$4.1M
Grant Range
$30K - $0.0M
Decision Time
4mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: ~$4.1 million (fiscal year 2023: $1,726,729 in stipends + $2,388,196 in tuition/fees)
  • Fellowships Awarded: 84 fellowships annually (approximately 11 to Americans, 65+ to Belgians)
  • Decision Time: 3-4 months (October 31 deadline, early February notification)
  • Fellowship Range: $30,000 - $34,000 (stipend only, plus health insurance)
  • Geographic Focus: Belgium-USA educational exchange

Contact Details

U.S. Office: 195 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Tel: +1-203-777-5765
Email: emile.boulpaep@yale.edu

Belgium Office: Egmontstraat 11
1000 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32-2-513.59.55
Email: mail@baef.be

Website: https://baef.be/

Overview

The Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) was founded in January 1920 by President Herbert Hoover as the successor to the Commission for Relief in Belgium, which provided humanitarian aid during World War I. With over a century of operations, BAEF is the leading independent philanthropy fostering higher education exchange between Belgium and the United States. Since 1920, the foundation has awarded fellowships to 3,930 Belgians and 1,011 Americans for advanced study and research. In fiscal year 2023, BAEF awarded 84 fellowships totaling $1,726,729 in stipends and $2,388,196 in tuition and fees. The foundation's primary purpose is to instill deep respect and appreciation between Belgium and the United States through educational exchange, with special emphasis on developing the younger generation of scholars and researchers.

Funding Priorities

Fellowship Programs

For Americans to Study/Research in Belgium:

  1. Graduate Study Fellowships

    • Award: $30,000 stipend + health insurance
    • Duration: 12 months (non-renewable)
    • Start date: Fall 2026
    • Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents enrolling in Master's or Ph.D. programs at Belgian universities
    • Number available: Up to 11 fellowships annually

  2. Research Fellowships - Doctoral Level

    • Award: $30,000 stipend + health insurance
    • Duration: 6-12 months (non-renewable)
    • Start window: July 1 - December 31, 2026
    • Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents enrolled in Ph.D. programs in the U.S.

  3. Research Fellowships - Post-Doctoral Level

    • Award: $34,000 stipend + health insurance
    • Duration: 6-12 months (non-renewable)
    • Start window: July 1 - December 31, 2026
    • Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents with Ph.D. and no more than 2 years post-Ph.D. experience by July 1, 2026

For Belgians to Study/Research in the United States:

  • Award: Over 65 fellowships annually to Belgian students and researchers
  • Covers stipends ranging from $20,000-$50,000 plus tuition fees ($40,000-$80,000 for 2-year Master's programs)

Priority Areas

BAEF supports all academic disciplines without restriction, including:

  • Arts and Humanities (History, Philosophy, Music, Literature)
  • STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
  • Social Sciences (Political Science, Economics, Sociology)
  • Business and Management
  • Education and Public Policy
  • Professional fields

Note: While historically the majority of American Fellows pursued Humanities, Arts, History, Philosophy, and Music, there has been recent evolution toward STEM fields among American applicants.

What They Don't Fund

  • Non-graduate level study (undergraduate programs not eligible)
  • Programs outside Belgium (for Americans) or outside the U.S. (for Belgians)
  • Extensions or renewals of existing fellowships (all fellowships are non-renewable)

Governance and Leadership

President and Chairman of the Board: Dr. Emile L. Boulpaep, MD (since 1977)

  • Professor at Yale School of Medicine, Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology
  • University of Louvain (1962)
  • Based in New Haven, CT

Board of Directors:

  • 15-member board (7 Belgian residents, 7 U.S. residents, plus the President)
  • Meets at least 3 times annually in Brussels or New York
  • Binational governance structure established through 1971 reorganization

General Assembly:

  • Approximately 180 members, primarily BAEF alumni
  • Democratic governance structure involving fellowship recipients

Standing Committees:

  • Fellowships Committees (for Belgian and U.S. selections)
  • Alumni Committees (for engagement in Belgium and U.S.)

The foundation's mission statement reflects its values: "The primary purpose of the BAEF is to instill in Belgium as well as in the United States a deep respect and appreciation for the other's country and people."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Deadline: October 31 annually (for fellowships beginning the following academic year)

Application Materials Required:

  1. Completed application form
  2. Autobiographical statement
  3. Statement of purpose (detailing research/study goals in Belgium)
  4. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts (demonstrating outstanding academic record)
  5. Three letters of recommendation (submitted separately by recommenders)

Submission Method:

  • Submit complete application as a single PDF document via email to: emile.boulpaep@yale.edu
  • Recommenders should email letters directly to the same address

Important Pre-Application Steps:

  • Applicants must make their own arrangements to register or affiliate with a Belgian university or research institution
  • Language skills in Dutch, French, or German are optional (not required)
  • Preference given to applicants under age 30

Decision Timeline

  • October 31: Application deadline
  • End of November: Preliminary selection completed
  • End of January: Selection interviews conducted
  • Early February: Final decisions made and notifications sent

Total timeline: Approximately 3-4 months from application deadline to notification

Success Rates

While BAEF does not publish specific acceptance rate statistics, available data indicates:

  • Approximately 11 fellowships awarded to Americans annually
  • Total applicant numbers not publicly disclosed
  • Ghent University sources suggest "quite high" chances for strong candidates, particularly when applying through partner institutions
  • The foundation emphasizes selecting "deserving" students with "outstanding academic records"

Reapplication Policy

BAEF does not publicly state an explicit reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. The foundation does not appear to prohibit reapplication in subsequent years, though all fellowships are clearly non-renewable for current recipients.

Application Success Factors

Based on BAEF's stated criteria and guidance:

Academic Excellence is Paramount:

  • "Official transcripts as evidence of outstanding Bachelor's and Master's degree records" are explicitly required
  • The foundation seeks candidates with "demonstrated potential"
  • Strong academic performance is the foundation of a competitive application

Strategic University Selection:

  • BAEF recommends applying to 5-6 well-known Belgian universities (minimum of 3)
  • The admission process to Belgian universities is "rather competitive"
  • Applicants compete with Belgian and other international candidates
  • Having university acceptance strengthens the fellowship application

Plan Well in Advance:

  • BAEF explicitly advises: "Application procedures take time and you should plan well ahead about a year in advance"
  • This demonstrates that successful applicants are strategic and organized

Age Preferences:

  • Preference given to applicants under age 30 (though not an absolute requirement)
  • This reflects the foundation's emphasis on "developing the younger generation"

Supplementary Funding:

  • BAEF encourages applicants to seek additional support from sources like Fulbright, Fernand Lazard Foundation, Rotary, Vocatio, or bank loans
  • This suggests resourcefulness is valued

Strong Recommendations Matter:

  • Three letters of recommendation required
  • Quality and specificity of recommendations contribute to application strength

Clear Statement of Purpose:

  • Must articulate specific research or study goals in Belgium
  • Should demonstrate how the fellowship aligns with academic trajectory
  • Connection to Belgian institutions and scholars can strengthen proposals

Language Skills (Optional but Helpful):

  • While not required, "knowledge of Dutch, or French, or German" may enhance competitiveness
  • Shows commitment to cultural integration

Diversity and Inclusion: The foundation explicitly states it "does not discriminate... and favors applicants from the most various background," suggesting that diversity of perspective and background is valued.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Academic record is the most critical factor - ensure transcripts demonstrate exceptional performance before applying
  • Apply early and strategically - begin planning a full year in advance and secure Belgian university acceptances to strengthen your application
  • Competition is significant but manageable - with only 11 fellowships for Americans annually, applicants must distinguish themselves through academic excellence and clear purpose
  • The foundation values its mission - emphasize how your study/research will foster deeper understanding and appreciation between Belgium and the U.S.
  • Consider your age and career stage - preference for under-30 applicants means early-career scholars have an advantage
  • Interview preparation is essential - final selection includes interviews in late January, so shortlisted candidates should prepare to articulate their goals clearly
  • All disciplines welcome - whether STEM or humanities, strong candidates from any field can succeed
  • One chance only - fellowships are non-renewable, making the single 12-month grant extremely valuable for focused study or research

References

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