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Study in Belgium
Dutch, French and English-taught degrees at universities such as KU Leuven and Ghent University – with guidance on applications, student visas, costs and student life in Belgium.
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- Region
- Europe
- Capital
- Brussels
- Currency
- EUR
- Language
- Dutch, French, German
Why Study in Belgium?
Planning to study in Belgium?
Explore universities, courses and scholarships, then start your journey with Application Abroad.
Start My Journey →Reasons international students consider Belgium:
- Research-intensive universities – Well-known universities in Leuven, Ghent and Brussels.
- Heart of Europe – Home to EU institutions and many international organisations.
- Multilingual study – Programmes in Dutch, French and English.
- Historic student cities – Medieval centres, cafés and a lively student culture.
Belgium is a multilingual country at the heart of Europe and home to the main institutions of the European Union. Its Dutch- and French-speaking universities, such as KU Leuven, Ghent University and UCLouvain, have strong research records and many English-taught master’s programmes.
This guide covers the education system, how to apply, student visas, the costs to plan for and student life in Belgium. Fees, visa rules and entry requirements change, so always confirm the latest details with the university and official government sources.
Reasons to Study in Belgium
- 01
Research-intensive universities
Well-known universities in Leuven, Ghent and Brussels.
- 02
Heart of Europe
Home to EU institutions and many international organisations.
- 03
Multilingual study
Programmes in Dutch, French and English.
- 04
Historic student cities
Medieval centres, cafés and a lively student culture.
Process to Study in Belgium
From counselling to your first day at university
International students usually apply directly to the university through its admissions office or online portal. You will normally need your previous certificates and transcripts (with certified translations into Dutch, French and English if issued in another language), a copy of your passport and, for some programmes, an entrance exam, interview or portfolio. Foreign qualifications may need to be recognised as equivalent before or after admission.
Choose a programme and university
Compare programmes at universities in Belgium such as KU Leuven and Ghent University. Check the teaching language and that the institution is recognised.
Check entry requirements
Confirm the academic and language requirements, any entrance exams, and whether your qualifications need to be recognised.
Prepare your documents
Gather certificates, transcripts and your passport, with certified translations into Dutch, French and English where required.
Apply to the university
Apply through the university’s admissions office, online portal or the national application system before the deadline.
Receive your admission letter
Keep your official admission letter – you will need it for your visa or study permit.
Apply for your visa or study permit
If you are from outside the EU/EEA, apply for your visa or residence permit for study at the embassy or consulate of Belgium responsible for you.
Plan funds and accommodation
Arrange your finances, health insurance and accommodation, and check vaccination requirements.
Travel and register
Travel to Belgium, complete university registration and any residence formalities after arrival.
Required Documents to Study in Belgium
Documents can vary by university, course and application route. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant institution.
Academic certificates and transcriptsUsually required
School-leaving certificate and, for postgraduate study, your degree certificate and transcripts.
Certified copies and translations into Dutch, French and English may be required.
Valid passportUsually required
Needed for your application, visa and registration.
Ideally valid for your whole stay.
Admission letterUsually required
The official offer or admission letter from your university.
Needed for the visa or study permit.
Proof of financial meansCommonly requested
Bank statements, a sponsor’s letter or a scholarship award letter.
The authorities decide what is accepted.
Language certificateDepends on your situation
Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.
Depends on the programme and your previous education.
Health insuranceCommonly requested
Proof of health insurance valid for your stay.
Some countries or universities require a specific scheme.
Recognition of qualificationsDepends on your situation
Confirmation that your foreign qualifications are equivalent to local ones.
Your university will tell you if this is needed.
Passport photosCommonly requested
Recent photos in the required format.
Popular Cities in Belgium
Explore cities with universities in Belgium.
Brussels
The capital and home to EU institutions.
Leuven
A historic student city and home to KU Leuven.
Ghent
A lively university city in Flanders.
End-to-End Admissions Guidance
Application Abroad helps you plan every step of studying in Belgium:
Admission and visa decisions are made by universities and the authorities – we never guarantee an outcome.
- Shortlisting universities and programmes, including KU Leuven and Ghent University
- Checking entry, language and qualification-recognition requirements
- Preparing certificates, translations and application documents
- Submitting applications and following up with admissions offices
- Preparing your student visa or study permit documents
- Pre-departure planning: accommodation, health insurance and travel
Free Counselling
In person or online, to understand your goals, budget and options.
Country, University & Course Selection
Shortlist universities and courses in Belgium that fit your profile.
Standardized Test Preparation
Guidance on the English and admissions tests your courses ask for.
Application & Admission Assistance
Help preparing, submitting and tracking your applications.
SOP, LOR & Documentation
Support with statements of purpose, recommendation letters and documents.
Scholarship & Internship Assistance
Help exploring scholarships, funding and internship options.
Overseas Education Loan Assistance
Guidance on education loan options and paperwork.
Visa Processing
Help preparing your student visa application and documents.
Remittance, Forex & Accommodation
Support with money transfers, currency exchange and finding a place to live.
Pre-departure Guidance
Briefings on travel, arrival and settling in Belgium.
Language and Exams for Belgium
Language tests and admissions exams that may be relevant for Belgium.
For Dutch-taught programmes, applicants usually need to show Dutch proficiency, for example with the NT2 state exam. For French-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in French may be asked for DELF/DALF or TCF results, or to take a French placement test or preparatory course at the university. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test. Some programmes also have their own entrance exams or aptitude tests.
Exam preparation
Coaching institutes can help you prepare for the language tests and entrance exams that universities in Belgium may ask for.
Why Choose Belgium as an International Student?
Belgium suits international students looking for research-intensive universities, heart of Europe and multilingual study. Its Dutch- and French-speaking universities, such as KU Leuven, Ghent University and UCLouvain, have strong research records and many English-taught master’s programmes.
Student life
Student life centres on campus clubs, sports teams, cultural and faith associations and student unions. Popular student cities include Brussels, Leuven and Ghent. Medieval centres, cafés and a lively student culture.
Support for international students
Contact the university’s international or admissions office for help with admission letters, visa documents, registration and accommodation. Many universities have international student associations, and your country’s embassy can also help.
Before travelling, arrange health insurance, check vaccination requirements and read your government’s travel advice for Belgium.
Working while studying
Students from the EU/EEA can generally work without restrictions. Students from outside the EU/EEA can usually work a limited number of hours alongside their studies under the conditions of their residence permit – check the current limits with the immigration authority before taking a job.
After graduation
Graduates from outside the EU/EEA may be able to extend their residence to look for work after graduation, or switch to a work permit once they have a job offer – in most EU countries this includes the EU Blue Card for highly qualified workers. Rules and durations differ, so check the current options with the immigration authority.
Costs of Studying and Living in Belgium
Tuition fees
Set by each university per year
EU/EEA and international students may pay different fees.
Application and registration fees
Set by each university one-time
Check the university’s admissions page.
Student visa or study permit
Set by the government per application
Confirm with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Varies by city and housing type per month
On-campus places are limited.
Living costs
Varies by city and lifestyle per month
Brussels is usually the most expensive city.
Health insurance
Varies by provider per year
Some universities or permits require it.
Tuition fees
At public universities, students from the EU/EEA normally pay the same fees as local students, while students from outside the EU/EEA may pay higher international fees. Private universities set their own fees.
Always check current fees on the university’s official website or with its admissions office before applying, and ask what is included (registration, examinations, materials).
Living costs
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle; Brussels is usually the most expensive place to live in Belgium. Budget for accommodation, food, local transport, health insurance, study materials and visa or residence permit fees.
If your visa or permit application requires proof of funds, the amount is set by the authorities – confirm the current requirement with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Some universities offer on-campus halls of residence, but places are often limited, so ask the international or admissions office about housing as soon as you are admitted. Many students rent shared flats or rooms privately near campus.
Arrange temporary accommodation for your first weeks, view private housing before paying a deposit, and ask for a written rental agreement.
Visa to Study in Belgium
Citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not need a student visa for Belgium – they register their residence after arrival if they stay longer than three months. Students from other countries usually need a national long-stay visa and/or a residence permit for study, applied for at the embassy or consulate of Belgium responsible for their place of residence, using the admission letter from their university.
Typical requirements include a valid passport, the admission letter, proof of funds, health insurance or a medical certificate where required and passport photos. Requirements, fees and processing times vary by nationality, so always confirm them with the official authority.
Always confirm current visa requirements with the official government or immigration source.
Language Requirements to Study in Belgium
Programmes are taught in Dutch in Flanders and French in Wallonia and Brussels, with many master’s programmes in English.
For Dutch-taught programmes, applicants usually need to show Dutch proficiency, for example with the NT2 state exam. For French-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in French may be asked for DELF/DALF or TCF results, or to take a French placement test or preparatory course at the university. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test.
Minimum scores and accepted tests are set by each university and programme – check the admission requirements for your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Ask Application Abroad →
Can international students study in Belgium?
Yes. Universities in Belgium such as KU Leuven and Ghent University admit international students. Entry requirements, places and fees vary by university and programme, so check the admission requirements for your course.
What language are university programmes taught in Belgium?
Programmes are taught in Dutch in Flanders and French in Wallonia and Brussels, with many master’s programmes in English. For Dutch-taught programmes, applicants usually need to show Dutch proficiency, for example with the NT2 state exam. For French-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in French may be asked for DELF/DALF or TCF results, or to take a French placement test or preparatory course at the university. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test.
Do I need a visa to study in Belgium?
Citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not need a student visa for Belgium – they register their residence after arrival if they stay longer than three months. Students from other countries usually need a national long-stay visa and/or a residence permit for study, applied for at the embassy or consulate of Belgium responsible for their place of residence, using the admission letter from their university.
How much does it cost to study in Belgium?
Tuition fees are set by each university and often differ for national, regional and international students; living costs depend on the city, with Brussels usually the most expensive. Check current fees with the university before applying.
Can I work while studying in Belgium?
Students from the EU/EEA can generally work without restrictions. Students from outside the EU/EEA can usually work a limited number of hours alongside their studies under the conditions of their residence permit – check the current limits with the immigration authority before taking a job.
Planning to study in Belgium?
Explore universities, courses, scholarships and other study-abroad options — then take the next step with Application Abroad.
Study in Belgium
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