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Study in Belgium

Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.

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About studying in Belgium

Higher education in Belgium, in Western Europe, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.

The economy has strengths in public administration, legal services and business services, which is reflected in many study options. The main languages are Dutch, French and German; the availability of English-taught programmes varies between institutions. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.

Why study in Belgium?

Students choose Belgium for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in Western Europe. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.

  • Industry context: Public administration, legal services and business services matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
  • Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Public Policy, Government & International Studies, Law and Business & Management, with options differing between universities.
  • Cities and campus life: Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
  • Culture and language: living in Belgium means everyday contact with Dutch, French and German and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
  • European mobility: as part of the European Union, Belgium takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.

Belgian higher education is organised by the language communities, so Dutch-speaking, French-speaking and German-speaking institutions follow their own rules.

Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.

Top subjects to study in Belgium

Below is an editorial selection of subject areas often worth exploring in Belgium. It is not a ranking: the best subject is the one that fits your interests and goals.

Links to public administration, legal services and business services mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Belgium on this site, with its specializations.

When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.

Subjects to study in Belgium

Explore subject areas available for students planning to study in Belgium.

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Universities in Belgium

Explore universities in Belgium and discover study options for international students.

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Scholarships to Study in Belgium

Finding funding for Belgium takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.

  • government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Belgium
  • universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
  • foundations, charities and international organisations
  • research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
  • European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part

Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.

Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.

Intakes to study in Belgium

Many programmes in Belgium start around September, which is the main entry point for most new students. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.

Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.

Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.

A simple planning checklist:

  • shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
  • prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
  • apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
  • allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation

Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.

Cost of studying in Belgium

There is no single price for studying in Belgium. Fees are set by institutions and differ by course, level and type of institution. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.

When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:

  • application and registration fees
  • course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
  • health insurance and any visa or permit costs
  • accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme

Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.

It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.

Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.

Student visa requirements to study in Belgium

Studying in Belgium usually involves an immigration step as well as an admission step, and the two often depend on each other. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.

Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:

  • an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
  • a valid passport and passport photos
  • evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
  • health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
  • proof of language ability or previous qualifications

Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: Belgian Immigration Office (official government website).

Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.

Cost of living in Belgium

How much you spend while studying in Belgium varies from student to student and from city to city. Costs in Brussels can differ noticeably from those in Antwerp or Ghent and smaller towns.

The main costs to plan for are:

  • Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
  • Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
  • Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
  • Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
  • Insurance and health: any required health cover
  • Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life

Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.

Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.

FAQs about studying in Belgium

What are the advantages of studying in Belgium?

It depends on your goals. Belgium offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Western Europe and study in Dutch, French and German (with some English-taught options). Students interested in public administration, legal services and business services may find the local context especially relevant.

What subjects can I study in Belgium?

Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Public Policy, Government & International Studies, Law, Business & Management and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies. The subjects page for Belgium lists every subject available here with its specializations.

When should I apply to universities in Belgium?

Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.

How much does it cost to study in Belgium?

Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.

Do international students need a visa to study in Belgium?

EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as Belgian Immigration Office.

Are scholarships available for international students in Belgium?

Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.

Where do international students live in Belgium?

Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.

Can I study in English in Belgium?

Many courses are taught in Dutch, French and German. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.

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