Study in Belgium – Highlights
Belgium, an exciting destination for international students, hosts over 40,000 students from around the world. With 65 universities and 1,146 study programs, you’ll find ample choices. Notable institutions include KU Leuven (top 50 globally), Ghent University (top 100), and the University of Liège. Belgium’s bilingual regions—Flanders (Dutch) and Wallonia (French)—offer courses in English. Research is a priority, with universities like KU Leuven and Ghent investing significantly.
Core Facts About Belgium
Education in Belgium
University / College Stats
Why Study in Belgium?
- Belgium is a cross-cultural country with a rich history and prestigious university institutions.
- The country promotes innovation and offers a high-quality lifestyle for students.
- The average cost of living for undergraduate or graduate students in Belgium ranges from €800 to €1,000 per month.
- Belgium offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees that cater to modern needs and provide networking opportunities with local and international companies.
- Master's degrees in Belgium are popular for career advancement and gaining a competitive edge in the job market.
- Studying in Belgium enhances skills like intercultural communication and problem-solving, essential for the modern business world.
- Necessary documents include English language certificates, a passport, and translated copies of high school diplomas or degrees.
Universities and Courses
Top Universities in Belgium
Rank | University | QS World University Ranking 2024 |
1 |
KU Leuven |
61 |
2 |
Ghent University |
159 |
3 |
Université catholique de Louvain |
180 |
4 |
University of Antwerp |
248 |
5 |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
260 |
6 |
Hasselt University |
601-650 |
7 |
Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) |
651-700 |
8 |
University of Liège |
701-750 |
9 |
University of Namur |
801-1000 |
10 |
University of Mons |
801-1000 |
Popular Courses in Belgium
- Social Sciences: Explore fields like sociology, psychology, and political science.
- Business: Study business administration, management, and finance.
- Humanities: Dive into literature, history, philosophy, and arts.
- Journalism: Learn about media, communication, and reporting.
- Medicine: Pursue a career in healthcare and medical sciences.
- Engineering: Specialize in areas like civil engineering, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.
- Computer Science: Explore programming, software development, and data science.
- Logistics: Understand supply chain management and transportation.
Belgium Intakes
- February Intake: This is a popular intake for international students.
- Other Intakes: Apart from February, some universities may also offer additional intakes, such as September or October. It’s essential to check specific university websites for precise intake dates and deadlines.
Cost of Studying in Belgium
Category | Amount |
Tuition Fees - Bachelors |
Belgian and EEA students | €835/year |
€4,175/year (or €835 if from least developed countries) |
|
Tuition Fees - Masters and Doctorate |
€940-6,000/year |
Living Expenses |
Accommodation | €300-500/month |
Food | €250-300/month |
|
Total annual living expenses | €9,600 - €12,000 |
Scholarships for Indian Students in Belgium:
Scholarship |
Eligible Degrees |
Funding Type |
Eligible Courses |
Eligible Nationalities |
Scholarship Location |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Education Future International Scholarship - USA & Non-USA 2024 |
Bachelors, Masters |
Partial Funding |
All courses offered by the universities |
Indian nationals |
Universities in all countries (except India) |
ERCIM Alain Bensoussan Fellowship Program 2024 |
Post Doc |
Partial Funding |
Computer Science, Information Technology, and Applied Mathematics |
All nationals |
European Research Institutes |
Leakey Foundation Research Grants 2024 |
PhD, Post Doc |
Partial Funding |
Research related specifically to Human Origins |
All nationals |
Any university or research institution worldwide |
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 |
Research Fellow/Scientist |
Partial Funding |
Nuclear Fusion |
All nationals |
Research institutes anywhere in the world |
Howard G. Buffett Fund for Women Journalists (FWJ) 2024 |
Training & Short courses |
Partial Funding |
Journalism |
All nationals |
Anywhere across the world |
Royal Society International Exchange Programme 2024 |
Post Doc |
Partial Funding |
Natural Sciences |
All nationals |
UK and overseas institutions |
Ramboll Scholarships, 2024 |
Bachelors, Masters |
Partial Funding |
Engineering, Natural Science, Political Science, Economics, and Architecture |
Denmark nationals |
Danish universities |
Student Visa in Belgium:
Cost of Visa Application |
When to Apply |
Visa Processing Time |
---|---|---|
Varies based on visa type |
At least 15 days before the intended departure date |
15 working days (may extend during peak periods) |
Documents Required for Visa Application
- Belgium Visa Application Form: Fill out the visa application form online and submit it electronically to the VFS Visa Application Center (VAC).
- Two Identical Photos: Ensure the photos meet Belgium’s requirements.
- Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your intended stay.
- Copies of Previous Visas: If you’ve had previous visas, provide copies as applicable.
- Language Preference Form: Complete this form.
- Cover Letter: Write a cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit.
- Round-Trip Flight Itinerary: Show proof of your travel plans.
- Schengen Travel Insurance: Obtain travel insurance that covers your entire stay in Belgium.
- Proof of Accommodation: Provide details of where you’ll be staying during your visit.
- Proof of Civil Status: This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means: Show that you have enough funds to cover your expenses while in Belgium.
- Employment Status Documents: If applicable, include employment letters or other relevant documents.
Required Entrance Exams
- Language of Instruction:
- Belgian medical universities offer medical studies in either French or Dutch for the winter semester.
- If you’re proficient in French and/or Dutch (or willing to learn), you can pursue your dream of studying medicine in Belgium.
- NC-Free Study Program:
- Unlike in Germany, where you can approximate your chances of admission based on your high school average, Belgium follows a different approach.
- In Belgium, you qualify for a medical study place through an entrance exam (also known as the “toelatingexamen arts and tandarts”).
- The entrance exam assesses your knowledge in natural sciences and general topics, and it’s conducted twice a year.
- High-Quality Education:
- Belgian universities and colleges are highly regarded across Europe.
- The quality of education is excellent, and students benefit from cutting-edge medical research.
- Low Tuition Fees:
- Public universities in Belgium do not charge tuition fees for university places, even for foreign students.
- Only nominal semester fees apply, making it an attractive option for aspiring medical students.
Work Opportunities in Belgium
Job Role |
Salary (approx) |
---|---|
Software Engineer |
80,000−120,000 per year |
Data Scientist |
90,000−130,000 per year |
Product Manager |
100,000−150,000 per year |
UX Designer |
70,000−110,000 per year |
Financial Analyst |
60,000−90,000 per year |