About Belgium
Due the adoption of the Bologna process, higher education in Belgium is organised as per the bachelor, master and doctorate system and has three types of institutions that are recognized by the Belgian government: universities, university colleges and art colleges, all of which provide many courses and programs to choose from. The universities provide long-term courses for bachelor’s and master’s studies and are the only ones that offer doctorate level programs. On the other hand, the university colleges and art colleges provide long-term programs for bachelor’s and master’s studies or short-term courses for a vocational bachelor’s degree.
While most bachelor level courses will be taught in Dutch or French, there are plenty of courses, particularly at master’s level and above, that are entirely taught in English. Alternatively, universities often offer cheap (or free) courses in Dutch or French as well.
Your tuition fee will depend on which of these you choose and whether they are a public or private institution. That said, there are scholarship programs available for students in need of funding, but they are competitive.
Education System
Same as with the territory, the Belgian education system is divided among the different regions that make up the country —Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels— and depending on where you study, programs will be taught primarily in Dutch or French, but most institutions offer English courses and classes, especially for master’s and doctorate degree programs.
Belgium’s higher education system is part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), set up by the Bologna Process which was designed to introduce a uniform European framework for higher education. It’s also assessed by the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), wherein 1 credit equals 25-30 hours of learning activities.
Student Visas
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students must file for a student visa (D-visa) application with the Belgian diplomatic or consular representation in their own country, granted that they have been accepted to a Belgian school beforehand.
To qualify for a Belgian student visa, students must fulfil the following requirements:
- Accepted into a recognized higher institution in Belgium.
- Studies must be the main occupation of the student during their stay in Belgium.
- The student must have sufficient resources to support themselves during their stay.
- The student must have an adequate health insurance coverage.
- They cannot pose a threat to public security (for example, have no pending criminal cases).
You will generally need to show you have the equivalent qualifications for your course and proof of language proficiency may also be required.
Within 8 days of your arrival to Belgium, you must visit your local municipal administration offices to request your residence permit and be registered on the foreigner’s population register.
Accommodation & Living Costs
Student living costs depend on type of program, type of accommodation and way of life. On average, living costs in Belgium can vary between €750 and €1,100 per month, without taking registration fees into account.
Some average living costs throughout Belgium are:
Meal
€8 – 16
Coffee
€3.54
Beer
€3.88
Cinema Ticket
€10.50
Monthly rent
€200 – 700
Monthly Transport
€20 with a student pass
Housing costs will vary depending on if you choose to stay in university or private accommodations, for more information on student housing in Belgium, you should contact your host institution. Health insurance is another important cost to consider; if you do not hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you will need to either purchase health insurance or ensure that your current policy is valid for your stay in Belgium.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students must pay additional registration fees and those sums will vary in accordance to the field, program level and type of institution you choose. In a public institution in Wallonia, you can expect to pay between €835 and €4,200 per year for a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. For a doctorate degree, students will have to pay an application fee of around €835 the first year, then €50 for subsequent years. In a public institution in Flanders, tuition fees are determined by Flemish law annually, so be sure to contact your host institution for more information. Private institutions will most likely charge more.
Application Process
Thinking of studying abroad in Belgium? We’re here to help you make the process easier. The admission process will vary depending on the field, program level and institution, so make sure to consult the institution of your choice if you have specific questions. In the meantime, you can follow these steps to get you started!
Choose a program
Start by choosing a degree program that is right for you. Select the level of studies you are looking for (bachelor, master, PhD), the language (Dutch, French, English, or partly in Dutch/French and partly in English), the type of institution (university, university college, art college) and your field of study. Keep in mind that you may be required to take a proficiency test or extra language lessons. English programs are more widely available at a postgraduate level or at internationally recognized institutions.
Prepare the Paperwork
The admission requirements depend on the level of studies and field of study chosen, but among the basic paperwork that is commonly required by all institutions is proof of the completion of your previous studies. To satisfy this requirement, send the institution an official transcript from your secondary school if you’re beginning a bachelor’s or from your previous university if you’re pursuing a master’s degree or higher. You may also need to successfully pass a language proficiency test in one of Belgium’s official languages or in English, such as the TOEFL Test.
Check Specific Admission Requirements
Depending on the institution or field, there could be specific requirements. In Belgium, international students must pass an entrance exam to be accepted in arts colleges or study Engineering or take a competitive examination at the end of a first year of study in the fields of Medicine or Dentistry. Always consult the institution’s website for specific admission requirements and contact the appropriate office if you have any questions. Applications and admissions in Belgium are handled by the institution to which you are applying.
Submit Your Application
Applications in Belgium are generally done online on your chosen institution’s website. It’s important to remember to respect the institution’s deadlines. After you’ve completed the application form, submit your application by post or email with the necessary documents that are required by the institution (photocopies of your passport, diploma, cover letter, etc.)
Wait to Be Admitted
Analyzing your application can take several weeks. If accepted and you are studying at a private university, you will usually be asked to pay the tuition fees for the first semester. Otherwise, the institution will send you a registration authorization by the registration office, an acceptance letter and other practical information about studying abroad in Belgium.
Apply for a Visa
Once you’ve been invited to enroll to a Belgian higher education institution, begin the visa application process as soon as possible. The process can take time and requires several important documents, so do not wait. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students won’t be allowed to enter and stay in Belgium without the proper visa.
Arrive in Belgium
After you’ve been admitted to a higher education institution in Belgium and have received the necessary visa, it’s time to start your study abroad adventure! Make sure to investigate the cost of living in the city you will be staying in and what your budget will be. Once you have that, you can begin to look for accommodation. Finally, it’s time to purchase your transportation to Belgium and arrive in your new home city! Don’t forget to visit your local municipal administration offices or town hall within the first 8 days of your arrival. Enjoy!