Synergy for Opportunity: Full Scholarships for Master’s Programs, Enrollment to Start Fall 2025
The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium. This comes following an initiative sparked by our founder and president, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, after he was invited by the university in May 2024. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in DFL’s mission to empower young women through education.
In line with DFL’s commitment to expanding the reach of its mission, the foundation established a chapter in Belgium, known as Daughters for Life Europe (DFLE), in 2021. This new partnership with KU Leuven marks DFL’s fourth collaboration in Belgium, expanding our network and enhancing our impact.
Constructive conversations took place over the summer, facilitated by DFL Executive Director Jacklin Ibrahim, who worked diligently alongside various university officials. These strategic meetings focused on refining agreement terms and crafting a collaborative project that maximizes benefits for future program recipients.
The partnership was formalized with the signing of a Cooperation Agreement in person by Dr. Abuelaish and KU Leuven’s Vice Rector of Biomedical Sciences and Global Development, Professor Chris (Christal) Van Geet, during Dr. Abuelaish’s visit to Belgium on October 24th.
Through this partnership, DFL and KU Leuven are set to offer full 1-year or 2-year scholarships for Master’s and Advanced Master’s programs. With over 74 Master’s and 24 Advanced Master’s programs taught in English, applicants for the 2025-2026 DFL Scholarship Program will have ample flexibility in their choices.
Founded in 1425, KU Leuven is not only Belgium’s oldest university but also holds the title of the oldest surviving Catholic university in the world. The institution is preparing to celebrate its 600th anniversary in 2025, coinciding with its first year as a DFL partner, adding deeper significance to this exciting opportunity.
KU Leuven is home to over 10,000 international students from across the globe, situated in the picturesque city of Leuven, just east of Brussels. The university’s campus features the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Béguinage of Leuven, a beautifully preserved historical complex that exemplifies the harmonious blend of history and modernity within the institution.
As one of Europe’s top universities, KU Leuven ranks #10 among Western European universities according to the QS World University Rankings, while US News and World Report recognizes it as the #1 university in Belgium. This prestigious status highlights the exceptional quality of education and opportunities that DFL scholars will access.
The upcoming scholarship cycle is shaping up to be one of the most impactful yet, and as we approach the launch date, we invite you to stay tuned for more details and exciting announcements!