Admissions • Costs • Scholarships • Visas • Student Life
Study in Belgium
Multilingual degrees in the heart of Europe
Overview
Belgium sits at the crossroads of Europe, hosting EU institutions, NATO headquarters, and thriving industries in technology, life sciences, and logistics. Its higher education system combines centuries-old universities with specialised colleges and art academies, divided across Flanders (Dutch-speaking), Wallonia (French-speaking), and the bilingual Brussels-Capital Region.
International students benefit from multilingual instruction, competitive tuition, and strong research output in engineering, business, biomedical sciences, and social sciences. Degrees follow the Bologna three-cycle structure with ECTS credits, easing mobility across Europe.
Why Choose Belgium
EU capital
High-impact research
Multilingual advantage
Central location
Top Universities in Belgium
KU Leuven
Key Strengths
Ghent University
Key Strengths
Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)
Key Strengths
Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Key Strengths
VU Brussels (VUB)
Key Strengths
Artesis Plantijn University of Applied Sciences
Key Strengths
Popular Programmes & Entry Pathways
Belgium excels in STEM, life sciences, business, and international affairs. Universities of applied sciences (HOGENT, Thomas More, HELMo) offer practice-oriented degrees with mandatory internships, while research universities focus on theoretical and research excellence.
International foundation programmes and language tracks in Dutch, French, or English prepare students for bachelor’s entry.
Biomedical & Life Sciences
Flanders is a biotech powerhouse. Programmes integrate lab rotations with research hospitals and pharma companies.
Featured: KU Leuven, Ghent University, UAntwerp
Business, Finance & EU Policy
Study next to EU institutions, international NGOs, and multinational HQs in Brussels.
Featured: Solvay Brussels School, VUB, UCLouvain
Engineering & Smart Cities
Belgium leads in sustainable mobility, energy, and smart infrastructure.
Featured: Ghent University, KU Leuven, Université de Liège
Admission Requirements
Admission processes vary by region and language community. Flanders uses Surf (Apply@Leuven, Osiris) portals, while Wallonia utilises institution-specific systems. Ensure documents are translated into the language of instruction (Dutch, French, or English).
undergraduate
- Secondary diploma equivalent to Belgian CESS with transcripts and grading scale.
- Language proficiency: IELTS 6.0 (English), DELF B2 (French), or ITNA/NT2 (Dutch) for respective language tracks.
- Motivation letter, CV, and reference letter; some programmes require entrance exams (medicine, dentistry, architecture).
postgraduate
- Bachelor’s degree relevant to the master’s specialisation with diploma supplement.
- Minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0/4.0; some faculties request GMAT (business) or GRE.
- Two academic references, CV, statement of purpose, and proof of language proficiency (IELTS 6.5+, DELF B2/C1).
Language test benchmarks
IELTS Academic
6.0-6.5 for English tracks
DELF / DALF
B2 for undergraduate • C1 for postgraduate French-taught programmes
ITNA / CNaVT
B2 Dutch for Flemish universities
Application Steps
Application cycles open around November/December for September intake. Medicine and dentistry have early entrance exams (January-April).
1. Research institutions
Decide between Flemish (Dutch), Francophone (French), or bilingual programmes.
2. Prepare documents
Gather transcripts, diplomas, translations, language certificates, and passport copy.
3. Submit online application
Apply via university portals, pay application fee (EUR 50-100), and upload supporting files.
4. Entrance exams/interviews
Participate in remote or onsite assessments when required (medicine, art, architecture).
5. Receive admission
Accept offer, pay deposit, and request visa supporting documents (proof of sufficient means, housing).
12-9 months
- Shortlist programmes, confirm language requirements, and schedule IELTS/DELF/ITNA exams.
- Collect transcripts, notarise copies, and start translation/legalisation.
9-6 months
- Submit applications, register for entrance exams if applicable, and apply for scholarships.
- Begin housing search (university residences, private landlords, housing portals).
6-3 months
- Accept offer, pay deposit, and gather financial proof for visa.
- Arrange health insurance and book visa appointment.
3-0 months
- Submit visa application, finalise accommodation, and prepare to register with commune upon arrival.
- Attend orientation webinars and learn basic Dutch/French phrases.
Cost of Studying in Belgium
Belgium keeps public tuition affordable, especially in Wallonia where non-EU students often pay EUR 835-4,175 annually. Living costs average EUR 900-1,100 per month, with Brussels and Leuven at the higher end.
flemish public
EUR 980-4,000 per year (≈ 10,600-43,600 MAD)
wallonia public
EUR 835-4,175 per year (≈ 9,100-45,500 MAD)
specialised colleges
EUR 8,000-15,000 per year (≈ 87,200-163,500 MAD)
Brussels
EUR 1,050-1,300 (≈ 11,400-14,200 MAD)
Shared housing EUR 400-600, transport EUR 49 (STIB student pass), food EUR 250.
Leuven
EUR 950-1,150 (≈ 10,300-12,500 MAD)
Student city with bike-friendly infrastructure and €3 meals at Alma cafeterias.
Ghent
EUR 900-1,100 (≈ 9,800-12,000 MAD)
Affordable housing cooperatives and strong student community.
Liège
EUR 850-1,050 (≈ 9,300-11,500 MAD)
Lower rent in Wallonia; easy access to Ardennes and Luxembourg.
| Expense | EUR | MAD |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (public) | EUR 835-4,175 | 9,100-45,500 MAD |
| Accommodation | EUR 3,600-5,400 | 39,200-58,900 MAD |
| Food | EUR 2,400-3,000 | 26,100-32,700 MAD |
| Transport | EUR 450-600 | 4,900-6,500 MAD |
| Insurance & healthcare | EUR 400-600 | 4,350-6,500 MAD |
| Personal expenses | EUR 1,200-1,800 | 13,000-19,600 MAD |
Scholarships & Funding
Belgium offers scholarships via federal, regional, and institutional programmes. Many awards combine tuition reductions with monthly stipends and housing allowances.
Government & Regional
ARES Scholarships
Tuition + monthly stipend EUR 1,150 + travel
Master’s and advanced training programmes in Wallonia; limited to priority partner countries.
VLIR-UOS ICP Connect
Full funding (tuition, stipend, insurance)
Selected master’s programmes in Flanders emphasising sustainable development.
Institutional
KU Leuven Global Minds
Tuition waiver + EUR 10,000 stipend
Targeted at master’s students from developing countries in STEM and social sciences.
ULB International Excellence Grants
EUR 5,000 per year
Recognises academic excellence and community engagement for English-taught master’s programmes.
External
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Fully-funded two-year master’s programmes co-hosted by Belgian universities.
Fulbright Belgium & Luxembourg
Grants for US citizens pursuing graduate work or research placements.
Student Life & Support
Belgian campuses emphasise community. Student unions organise orientation weeks, cultural outings, and affordable dining. Universities provide language courses, visa help desks, and integration support for international students.
Housing
University residences (kot) cost EUR 300-500/month; private studios range EUR 450-650. Start searching early via Kotatgent, Brik, or Immoweb.
Transport
Students benefit from discounted SNCB rail passes (Go Pass, Campus Card) and city transport (STIB/MIVB, De Lijn, TEC).
Culture
Attend festivals like Tomorrowland, Gentse Feesten, and Brussels Jazz Marathon. Student IDs unlock museum discounts and EU institution tours.
Wellbeing
Universities operate health centres, counselling, and sports facilities. Register with a mutualité (health insurance fund) upon arrival.
Working During Studies
International students may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year with a written employment contract (studentterwerkstelling) and Dimona notification. During official holidays, students can work full-time without limits.
Work hours: 20 hrs/week during term • unlimited in July, August, September
Minimum wage: EUR 12-14/hour gross for student jobs (≈ 130-152 MAD)
Popular roles: Hospitality, Retail, Tutoring, EU institutions internships
Internships: Compulsory internships in HBO programmes often provide stipends of EUR 400-700/month.
Post-Graduation Options
Graduates can apply for the Professional Card or Search Year (single permit) depending on the region. Belgium hosts numerous multinational service centres that recruit international graduates.
Single Permit (Arbeidskaart C / Permis de travail)
Duration: Up to 12 months job-search permit in Flanders & Brussels (orientation year)
Completed bachelor’s or master’s in Belgium; must show proof of means and insurance.
EU Blue Card
Duration: Initial 4 years (extendable)
Employment contract with salary above 1.5× average (approx. EUR 62,934/year in 2025).
Professional Card (Self-Employment)
Required for freelancers/entrepreneurs; regional authorities assess business plans.
Long-term residence
Eligible after 5 years of continuous legal stay with integration requirements met.
Visa & Residence Pathway
Non-EU students need a D student visa and residence permit. Universities issue enrolment certificates, while students prove sufficient financial means (approx. EUR 835/month in Wallonia or EUR 1,500/month in Flanders).
Step 1
Receive admission and financial guarantee letter from university.
Step 2
Submit visa application at Belgian embassy/VFS with proof of funds and health insurance.
Step 3
Travel to Belgium, register with local commune within 8 days, and receive residence card.
Step 4
Renew residence permit annually by demonstrating academic progress and financial resources.
Review the Belgium visa guide
Essential Documents Checklist
Academic
- Certified transcripts, diplomas, and sworn translations in programme language.
- Proof of admission or enrolment from Belgian institution.
- Language certificates (IELTS/DELF/ITNA).
Financial
- Bank statements or sponsor guarantee confirming monthly allowance (EUR 835-1,500).
- Accommodation contract or hostel booking.
- Scholarship letters or grant confirmations.
Supporting
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months).
- Two biometric photos.
- Health insurance certificate covering Belgium.
- Police clearance certificate (apostilled) for stays beyond 90 days.
Application Timeline
12-9 months
- Compare programmes across regions, confirm language requirements, and schedule language exams.
- Prepare transcripts and start translation/legalisation if needed.
9-6 months
- Submit university applications, register for entrance exams, and apply for scholarships.
- Initiate housing search through university portals or student cooperatives.
6-3 months
- Accept offer, pay deposits, and gather financial proof for visa application.
- Book visa appointment and arrange insurance.
3-0 months
- Submit visa dossier, finalise accommodation, and plan arrival at least two weeks before classes.
- Schedule commune registration appointment and prepare documents for residence card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak French or Dutch?
Many master’s programmes are in English, but daily life is easier with basic French or Dutch. Universities offer language courses to boost employability.
How long does the student visa take?
Once submitted, processing typically takes 4–8 weeks. Apply as soon as you receive the financial guarantee or invitation letter.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes. You must hold either international health insurance or register with a Belgian mutualité (mutual) shortly after arrival.
Can I stay after graduation?
Yes. Apply for the search year (orientation year) permit or a work permit when you secure an eligible job offer.
Are internships paid?
Many internships provide stipends (EUR 400-700/month) especially in Brussels. Verify that agreements comply with regional labour laws.