STUDY IN BELGIUM
Why study in Belgium?
● Known as the heart of Europe, hosting major EU institutions and international
organisations.
● Offers multilingual education with programs in English, French, and Dutch.
● High-quality universities with strong focus on Business, International Relations,
Science, and Technology.
● Affordable tuition fees compared to other Western European countries.
● Culturally diverse and centrally located, giving students access to the Schengen
travel zone.
● Strong research and innovation environment, especially in life sciences,
nanotechnology, and engineering.
Top Universities & Global Rankings
| University | QS World Ranking (2025) | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| KU Leuven | #66 | Engineering, Humanities, Sciences |
| Ghent University | #155 | Life Sciences, Veterinary, Engineering |
| Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) | #188 | Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine |
| Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) | #207 | Political Science, International Relations |
| University of Antwerp | #243 | Business, Social Sciences |
| Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) | #258 | Business, Law, Political Science |
Belgium has two main language regions (Flemish/Dutch and French), but English-taught programs are increasingly available, especially at Master’s level.
Intakes & Application Deadlines
● September/October (Fall Semester) – Main intake for most programs.
● February (Spring Semester) – Limited programs available at some universities.
Deadlines:
● Fall Intake: Apply between February – April.
● Spring Intake: Apply between September – November.
Tuition Fees & Living Costs
● EU Students: €900 – €4,500 per year.
● Non-EU Students: €2,500 – €6,500 per year (varies by program).
● Living Costs: €9,000 – €12,000 per year (approx. €750 – €1,000/month, higher in
Brussels).
Scholarships available via VLIR-UOS, Erasmus+, and university-specific grants.
Language Proficiency Requirements – IELTS / French / Dutch
● English-taught Programs: IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80–90.
● French/Dutch-taught Programs: B2 level proficiency in respective languages.
● Many universities accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) for English-taught
programs.
Standardized Tests
● Undergraduate: Some programs (Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering) may require
entrance exams.
● Postgraduate: GRE/GMAT may be required for Business and Economics
programs.
● Most Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities programs do not require
standardized tests.
Application Process & Timeline
1. 12 months before intake: Research programs on university websites or via Study
in Flanders / Wallonia portals.
2. Prepare Documents: Passport, transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL/French/Dutch
certificate, SOP, LORs, CV.
3. Submit Applications: Directly through university portals.
4. Receive Admission Letter: Decisions usually within 1–3 months.
5. Apply for Visa (Long-Stay Type D): Submit application to Belgian
embassy/consulate with proof of admission and financial means
Belgium Student Visa – Requirements & Documents
● Visa Type: Long-Stay Student Visa (Type D)
● Visa Fee: €220 (approx. USD $240) + service fees
● Required Documents:
○ Admission letter from Belgian university
○ Valid passport
○ Proof of sufficient funds (~€870/month or €10,440/year)
○ Proof of accommodation
○ Health insurance
○ Academic transcripts & certificates
Visa processing time: 6–10 weeks.
Work While Studying & Post-Graduation
● During Studies: Students can work up to 20 hours/week with a work permit (valid
only during academic sessions).
● After Graduation:
○ Non-EU graduates can apply for a 12-month residence permit extension to
look for work.
○ Transition to a work visa once employed.
Belgium offers excellent opportunities in EU institutions, international NGOs, research,
and multinational corporations.
List of Universities & Colleges
● KDG University of Applied Science
● KU Leuven
● Thomas More University of Applied Sciences
● University of Liège
● Vrije Universiteit Brussel