MBBS in Belgium: Complete Guide for Indian Students in 2024

Belgium spends over 10% of its GDP on health expenditures, making it among the top 10 spenders on health in the EU. The country's resilient healthcare system has resulted in a longer life expectancy for Belgians at 81.7 years. All these figures, put together, make a compelling case for studying MBBS in Belgium.

According to projections, the healthcare industry in Belgium will increase from $145.99 million in 2022 to $1078.57 million by 2030, thereby creating a lot of work scope for medical practitioners. With a progressive approach towards healthcare and strong emphasis on research and innovation, pursuing MBBS in Belgium offers a promising career in medicine.

So, if you are somebody who is interested in a valuable medical degree from abroad, you must know all the critical information about pursuing MBBS in Belgium. 

Why Study MBBS in Belgium?

The following are reasons why studying MBBS in Belgium is a great choice. 

1. Belgium offers a promising future for medical professionals. The country's highly advanced healthcare system provides ample career growth and specialization opportunities. With an increasing demand for healthcare services, the scope for medical professionals is expected to expand significantly.
2. The remuneration for medical practitioners in Belgium is highly competitive. On average, doctors in Belgium earn higher salaries than many other European countries. This financial stability makes studying MBBS in Belgium a lucrative choice for students aiming to establish a successful medical career.
3. Belgian universities are renowned for their rigorous and comprehensive medical curriculum. The curriculum focuses on theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of the medical profession. The emphasis on research and critical thinking sets Belgian medical graduates apart from their peers.
4. Belgian medical universities have state-of-the-art infrastructure and well-equipped laboratories. They give students access to cutting-edge technology and resources, nurturing them to gain hands-on experience and stay at the forefront of medical advancements.
5. Studying MBBS in Belgium proffers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a culturally diverse environment. Interacting with students from various backgrounds enriches your learning experience, broadens your horizons, and prepares you to work in multicultural healthcare settings.

MBBS in Belgium: Top Specializations to Study After the Course

Belgian universities offer several specializations for medical students. Here are the top specializations to consider:

Cardiology: 

Specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases.

Neurology: 

Focus on disorders related to the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

Orthopedics: 

Learn to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.

Dermatology: 

Study skin disorders and their treatments.

Gynecology and Obstetrics: 

Specialize in women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth.

Pediatrics: 

Focus on the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.

Oncology: 

Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Psychiatry: 

Study mental disorders and their treatments.

Top Universities in Belgium for MBBS

When pursuing MBBS in Belgium, choosing the right university is crucial. Here are the top universities in Belgium for studying medicine for international students:

Top University in Belgium for MBBS	QS World Rankings by Subject 2023	Belgium MBBS Fees	Application Deadline
KU Leuven	31	€7,100/year	March
Ghent university	77	€1,092.10/year	March
UCLouvain	148	€2,505/year	March 31
University of Antwerp	224	€ 3,100/year	February 1st
Université Libre de Bruxelles	201	€ 2,505/ year	March 1st
Vrije Universiteit Brussel	288	€ 3,253.60	Not given

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Belgium for Indian Students

To pursue MBBS in Belgium, you need to fulfill certain eligibility criteria. Here are the key points to consider:

1. Details on credentials of prior education, including a complete list of transcripts.
2. CV
3. English proficiency proof, including MOI and IELTS/TOEFL scores.
4. Motivation Letter
5. 2 LORs

MBBS in Belgium: Types of Intakes

Belgium offers two main intakes for international students: the September intake and the February intake. 

• The September intake is the primary intake for most universities, with applications usually opening in January and closing around May. 
• On the other hand, the application period for the February intake generally opens in October and closes in December.

MBBS in Belgium: Scholarships

Studying abroad can be financially challenging, but there are several scholarships for international students pursuing MBBS programs in Belgium to help ease the financial strain. 

Scholarships	Eligibility Criteria	Cover/Amount Granted	Deadline
Belgian Government Scholarship	Hold a diploma comparable to an undergraduate-level degree for an advanced bachelor's	International travel costs: Economy-class travel on an IATA-approved airline with a maximum of one round-trip ticket. Living allowance. Insurance fees: Directly paid by ARES.	January
Master Mind Scholarships Fellowship Program	Minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4 All nationalities, except for Russian, are eligible.	Grant of €9 600, tuition fee waiver per academic year (60 ECTS).	Vary
Wallonia-Brussels Federation	Citizens of the EU must be residents of Belgium Applicants must be over 21 years old  Must have been resident in Belgium for at least 5 years.  Candidates must have completed 5 years of education in Belgium.	Exemption from registration fees  Financial aid for course materials	October

MBBS in Belgium: Jobs

Completing your MBBS in Belgium opens up a world of opportunities for you to explore. With a strong healthcare system and an increasing demand for medical professionals, the scope for MBBS graduates in Belgium is immense. Here are the popular MBBS jobs in Belgium and their respective salaries in 2023:

• General Practitioner: As a general practitioner, you can expect to earn an average salary of €149,000 per year.
• Specialist Surgeon: Specialized surgeons in Belgium earn a substantial salary of around €228,000 per year.
• Pediatrician: Pediatricians in Belgium earn an average salary of €173,000 per year.
• Anesthesiologists: Anesthesiologists are highly valued in Belgium, with an average salary of €173,000 per year.
• Radiologist: Radiologists earn an average salary of €200,000 per year in Belgium.
• Cardiologist: The salary of a cardiologist in Belgium is around €276,000 per year, depending on experience and expertise.
• Ophthalmologist: Ophthalmologists in Belgium earn an average salary of €138,000 per year.
• Medical Researcher: For those inclined toward research, pursuing a career as a medical researcher in Belgium can lead to an average annual salary of €161,000 / year.

These job prospects and attractive salaries make Belgium an ideal destination for MBBS graduates seeking a fulfilling and rewarding career in the medical field.

Source: Salary Explorer

MCI-approved Medical Colleges in Belgium

MCI-approved medical colleges in Belgium are no longer in practice since NMC replaced MCI. However, other international accrediting and licensing bodies approve Belgian medical colleges, ensuring genuine curriculum and degrees. 

Can Indian Students Practice Medicine in India After Studying MBBS in Belgium?

Yes, Indian students who have completed their MBBS from Belgium can practice medicine in India. However, they need to meet certain requirements and clear the National Exit Test (NExT) organized by National Medical Commission (NMC). NExT is a screening test to evaluate the medical knowledge and clinical skills of Indian medical graduates who have obtained their degrees from a foreign country.

Also Read:

MBBS in New Zealand

MBBS in Poland

MBBS in Italy

MBBS in Bulgaria

MBBS in Japan

MBBS Abroad Without NEET

Conclusion

Pursuing MBBS in Belgium offers world-class education, excellent career prospects, and the opportunity to make a difference in medicine. The top universities in Belgium provide a conducive learning environment, and completing an MBBS degree opens up a wide range of job opportunities with attractive salaries. Indian students should familiarize themselves with NMC guidelines to ensure a smooth transition back to medical practice in India. If you are passionate about medicine and want to explore global opportunities, consider pursuing MBBS in Belgium.