At the epicenter of the European government, with a highly educated population, open and attractive research programs and rich partnerships between academia and industry, Belgium is a breeding ground for innovation.

A top contributor to R&D in Europe, Belgium is home to top pharmaceutical, agro food, ICT, aeronautic, renewable energies, industrial automation and automotive industries which provide incredible learning opportunities for students. Each year a select group of highly qualified MIT students intern in leading Belgian companies, universities and research organizations.

Program Opportunities

Internships

MISTI’s award-winning international internship program provides a one-of-a-kind, world-class experience for MIT students: the opportunity to gain real-life work experience in leading companies and labs around the world. Best of all, all expenses are paid, including airfare.

MIT-Belgium matches students with internships and research at leading companies, research labs and universities in Belgium. Internships last from 3 to 6 months and are all-expenses paid.

Open to all MIT undergrads, graduating seniors and graduate students in all disciplines. 

  • GPA 4.0 or better
  • Language
    • Undergraduate students: French IV or equivalent proficiency
    • Graduate students: No language requirement, basic French strongly recommended (for opportunities in French-speaking Belgium)
  • Prerequisites
    • Undergraduate students: One class on French culture, history or society
    • Graduate students: No prerequisites
  • Mandatory Pre-Departure Preparation

Most MISTI internships take place over 10-12 weeks during the summer. However, internships are available year-round for up to 6 months. 

  • Informational meetings are available year-round. Contact Program Manager to schedule.
  • Complete the MISTI Launchpad Application – December 1st and rolling thereafter
  • Schedule official Interview with Country Program Manager – October to January (schedule interview as soon as MISTI Launchpad Application is complete)
  • Select & commit to the MIT-Belgium Program – By February 1st
  • Complete the Country-Specific Application – Deadline set by MIT-Belgium Manager. Country Program Manager begins to explore potential hosts once complete.
  • Internship matching process – January to March
  • Mandatory Pre-Departure Sessions – Early April to Early May
  • September 1 – Complete evaluation

How to Apply

Once matched with a host, students must attend MISTI prep & training sessions and a checkout meeting with the Program Manager. 

Program expenses covered (includes airfare and a stipend to cover food and accommodation). 

Global Seed Funds for MIT-Belgium

MISTI's Global Seed Funds program supports MIT's global engagement by promoting collaborations between MIT faculty and researchers and their counterparts abroad.

Dr. Maria Khotimsky
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MIT-Belgium Université Catholique de Louvain Seed Fund

The UCLouvain is Belgium's largest French-speaking university.

Learn more about this fund
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MIT-Belgium - KU Leuven Seed Fund

Ranked the most innovative university in Europe by Reuters in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, KU Leuven conducts one of the largest independent research operations in the world.

Learn more about this fund

Meet Your Program Manager

Contact Us
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Get in touch with Myriam Zuber, MIT-Belgium Program Manager, to explore your options. For any questions schedule a time to meet MIT Belgium program manager at Calendly.