BELGIUM
Why Study in Belgium
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Most student reviews of studying in Belgium focus on the topic of city life and culture in the country, which is seen as very positive.
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Belgium is in the political centre of Europe and it is an exciting place for international students to study in Belgium because of the diverse native population of three official languages.
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Belgian cities provide many cultural attractions, as well as places of entertainment and a vibrant nightlife. Students find it easy to travel around the country or reach other important European cities.
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There are many opportunities for international students to secure a scholarship as they study abroad in Belgium, whether from the Belgian Government or another organization. If awarded a scholarship, you are able to get reduced tuition for your time studying abroad, making for a more affordable experience. You might even consider completing a college degree in Belgium if you deem it necessary.
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In terms of academic excellence, Belgium punches far above its weight for a small nation, several universities in Belgium defend top international rankings and combine cutting-edge science with world-class teaching.
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If you ever wanted to travel to cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam, what if we told you that you can take a two-hour train ride from Belgium to any of these destinations? Because of the close proximity to other countries, it is possible to do so when you are studying abroad in this quaint country. Another side of the language coin is that it’s fairly easy to get around student life in Belgium even if you don’t speak one of the country’s official languages. Many people speak English, particularly in larger cities. What’s more, Belgian universities have many courses which they offer entirely in English. So whether you’re looking to learn a language or find a place where you can study in English, Belgium is a great option to consider.
Requirements to Study in Belgium Student Visa
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If you’re an international student living outside the EU or EEA, you’ll need a visa in order to study in Belgium for longer than three months.
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You’ll need to apply for a national long-stay visa (D visa), which allows you to stay longer than 90 days in Belgium.
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A completed and signed visa application form (you may need to bring more than one).
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A passport or similar travel document valid for more than 12 months. In some countries it’s required for the passport to be no more than 10 years old, and have two empty consecutive pages facing each other.
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Proof that you have sufficient financial income or support for the duration of your stay. This must cover your healthcare, living, study and accommodation costs as well as the cost of your return ticket. This can be in the form of a certificate stating you have received a grant or scholarship, an agreement of financial responsibility from your sponsor, or your personal bank statement showing sufficient funds.
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A medical certificate stating you don’t carry any diseases that may endanger public health (such as TB, diseases that require quarantine and other infectious diseases).
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A police certificate of good conduct confirming that you don’t have any prior convictions (if you are aged over 21). If you’re from the US, you’ll probably need an FBI background check, which can take up to five months to obtain.
Student visa requirements for Belgium also include proof of your student status and study plans. For this, you may need:
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Proof of registration at a recognized higher education institution in Belgium (must cover a full-time course of study, suggesting that the candidate’s main activity in Belgium is studying).
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Application for an equivalence certificate for a diploma or certificate conferred abroad (only required for French Community education).
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Original and certified copy of your diploma, certificate or baccalaureate from your secondary education, and the academic record from your last year of secondary education.
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Copy of all diplomas and certificates obtained since the end of your secondary education.
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An employer’s statement underlining the necessary for you to pursue higher education as part of your work (more likely to apply to postgraduate students).
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Documentation giving a brief description of the courses organized by your institution of choice, with a short explanation comparing those courses to courses organized in your country of origin.
Cost of Studying in Belgium for Indian Students
Belgium is divided into three regions:
The Flemish Region (or Flanders).
The Brussels – Capital Region.
The Walloon Region (or Wallonia).
University fees in Belgium: Flemish Region
In the Dutch-speaking region tuition fees for full-time degree programs are around 940 EUR per year for European students. For non-European nationals, the university fees in Belgium fluctuate from 940-6,000 EUR depending on the program. Study programs in medicine, dentistry or MBA cost significantly more.
Students will also have to register for a credit or exam contract, where the credit contract costs around 245 EUR and the exam contract 111 EUR. For more detailed information about the exact study cost for the program of your choice, contact your Belgian university.
University fees in Belgium: Wallonia Region
In the Wallonian French-speaking region of Belgium, European students will have to pay a maximum annual tuition fee of 835 EUR. For international non-European students, the annual fees are set at 4,175 EUR. Again, the cost might rise in case you are enrolled in a medical or MBA degree. For more detailed information contact your university directly.
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KU Leuven – tuition between 835 – 9,000 EUR/year.
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University of Namur – tuition between 835 – 4,175 EUR/year.
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University of Liége – average tuition of 835 EUR/year.
Study in Belgium: Housing & Living Costs
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In Belgium you can either live in a student dormitory within a university campus or rent a private accommodation. The cost of living in Belgium is student-friendly and affordable, but it all depends on the region you are living and your lifestyle.
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In the Flanders and Brussels region, student dormitory accommodation is rather limited and most students live in private student apartments. Living in a student dormitory though will assist you in reducing your cost of living in Belgium.
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Your personal point of contact should always be your institution, as they can guide you and give you additional information about housing options as a student. Make sure to contact them as soon as you get admitted. If you are able to find a spot in a university student dormitory, then prices start only from 200 EUR per month. If you are interested in student private accommodation, it will cost you between 300-500 EUR per month.
Here are a few examples of average living costs in some Belgian student cities.
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Antwerp: between 780 – 1,230 EUR/month
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Brussels: between 890 and 1,300 EUR/month.
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Gent: between 750 and 1,200 EUR/month.
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Leuven: around 800 and 1,300 EUR/month.
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Liege: around 700 and 1,100 EUR/month.