Study in Belgium for international students is a popular choice due to Belgium’s world-ranked universities, affordable tuition fees, multilingual academic culture, and central location in Europe.With a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs taught in English, Top universities in Belgium such as KU Leuven, Ghent University, and Université Catholique de Louvain are known for excellence in fields like engineering, medicine, business, law, and social sciences.
The average Belgium tuition fees range from €800 to €9,000 per year, depending on the program and institution. Monthly living costs range from €700 to €900, and part-time work rights of 20 hours per week are allowed. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is accepted. Alternatively, a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter may be accepted. The bank statement typically required at least €6,000 for visa purposes.
Additionally, Belgium offers scholarships for international students, including the VLIR-UOS, Erasmus Mundus, and university-specific grants, which may cover full tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, and insurance. With a visa approval rate of around 80%, Belgium continues to be a welcoming and academically rewarding destination for global students.
Quick Facts Of Study in Belgium 2025–2026
| Language of Instruction | English, Dutch, French, German |
| Popular Cities | Brussels, Leuven, Ghent, Antwerp, Liège |
| Degree Duration | Bachelor: 3 yrsMaster: 1–2 yrsPhD: 3–4 yrs |
| Eligibility | Results, Transcripts, recommendation letters & 60% academic record |
| Tuition Fees | €800 – €9,000/year |
| Living Costs | €700 – €1,000/month |
| Work Rights | 20 hrs/week during term, full-time on breaks |
| Post-Study Visa | 12-month job-seeking residence permit |
| Visa Processing Time | 30–60 days |
| Visa Approval Ratio | 80% |
| Block account | €12,350 suggested |
| English Requirement | IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL / MOI accepted |
| Top Scholarships | VLIR-UOS, Erasmus Mundus, university-based |
| Top Universities | KU Leuven, Ghent UniversityUCLouvainVUBUniversity of Antwerp |
| Popular Programs (by Level) | Bachelor: Business, Social SciencesMaster: Engineering, Law, ITPhD: Life Sciences, AI |
| Intakes | September (main), some February |
| Application Timeline | Apply 3–6 months before intake |
Top Universities in Belgium for International Students
Here are some of the best universities to study in Belgium for international students, offering a wide range of English-taught bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. These public universities in Belgium provide strong academic support, affordable tuition, and globally recognized degrees.
| University | Top Programs | Tuition Range (€/year) |
| KU Leuven | Law, Engineering, Arts | €900 – €6,000 |
| Université Libre de Bruxelles | Political Science, Medicine, Philosophy | €900 – €7,000 |
| Ghent University | Life Sciences, Agriculture, Engineering | €900 – €7,000 |
| University of Antwerp | Social Sciences, IT, Law | €1,000 – €6,000 |
| University of Liège | Business, Environmental Sciences | €1,200 – €6,500 |
| Université de Mons | Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics | €900 – €5,500 |
| Hasselt University | Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science | €2,500 – €9,000 |
Note: All listed are universities in Belgium for international students, offering subsidized fees and international scholarships.
Scholarships in Belgium for International Students
Many international students benefit from a scholarship in Belgium, which can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, monthly living expenses, travel, and insurance—making quality education at public universities in Belgium accessible to students from around the world.
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Eligibility Criteria |
| VLIR-UOS Scholarship | Full tuition, monthly stipend, insurance | Students from select developing countries |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Full funding, travel, living costs, insurance | Based on program selection and academic merit |
| Master Mind Scholarship | Up to €8,000/year + tuition waiver | High academic achievers applying for master’s |
| ARES Scholarships | Full degree funding or short-term training | Citizens of ARES-partner developing nations |
| University-Specific Grants | Partial or full tuition coverage | Based on merit and financial need |
Whether applying to KU Leuven, Ghent University, or Université Libre de Bruxelles, securing a scholarship in Belgium can open doors to a world-class education at the top universities.
Belgium Tuition Fees and Living Costs
Many universities in Belgium offer affordable dormitories, and public transport is discounted for students. Below are typical annual cost estimates for tuition, accommodation, and daily living expenses, helping you plan your budget
| Bachelor’s Tuition | €800 – €4,000 |
| Master’s Tuition | €1,000 – €9,000 |
| Student Accommodation | €2,400 – €5,000 |
| Food, Travel, Utilities | €2,500 – €4,500 |
| Health Insurance | €300 – €500 |
Step-by-Step Admission Process to Study in Belgium
Applying to a university in Belgium for international students is a straightforward process if you plan ahead. Whether you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, follow these key steps to ensure a smooth and successful admission. From selecting your program to receiving your offer letter, Follow these steps to apply to top universities in Belgium confidently:
1. University Application Process in Belgium
It begins with choosing the right program and university based on your academic background, interests, and career goals. With expert support from Right Turn, students can navigate every step from understanding university application requirements and preparing documents to submitting forms and tracking results. Whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program, the university application process becomes smooth, structured, and stress-free when supported by experienced education advisors.
2. Check Entry Requirements
- Academic marks: 60% or CGPA 2.5+
- English: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, or Medium of Instruction letter (MOI)
- Some programs (like Medicine or Law) may require an entrance exam or interview.
3. Prepare and Upload Documents
- Passport (valid for 1+ years)
- Academic transcripts & certificates
- Motivation letter
- CV/Resume
- English test or MOI
- Recommendation letters (1–2)
5. Get Offer Letter & Pay Tuition Deposit
After approval, receive your conditional/unconditional offer. Pay the initial deposit to secure your spot.
Belgium Student Visa Requirements (Long Stay Type D Visa)
To study in Belgium, you’ll need a Type D visa. Here’s what you need:
- University Admission Letter
- Proof of Tuition Fee Payment
- Proof of Accommodation
- Health Insurance (EU or private policy)
- Block Account (minimum €12,350)
- Visa application form + photos
Visa processing takes 4–8 weeks. Apply at least 2–3 months before your program starts to ensure timely approval.
FAQs
Can I study in Belgium without IELTS?
Yes, many universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter instead of IELTS, especially for students from English-medium countries.
Do I get a work visa after graduation?
Yes, Belgium offers a 12-month job-seeking visa after your degree completion.
What are the part-time job options for students?
International students often work in cafés, retail, delivery services, tutoring, or freelance roles during their 20-hour weekly limit.
Can I bring dependents on a student visa?
In most cases, student visas do not allow dependents. Family reunification may be possible after you receive residence status.
Is Belgium part of the Schengen Area? Can I travel with my student visa?
Yes, Belgium is part of the Schengen Zone, so students can travel freely to 26+ European countries with their valid Belgian residence permit.
Can I apply to multiple Belgian universities at once?
Yes, you’re allowed to apply to multiple universities in Belgium, but each has its own application system and deadlines.