Belgium is a popular destination for international students to pursue higher studies. Many Indian students opt for Belgian universities because they wish for a strong career path and foreign education. Belgian colleges and universities offer courses mainly in three native languages: Dutch, French, and German. But the good news is that there are plenty of courses available in English too. So, the international students can pick up any program, from top MBA courses to short-term certifications, if they wish to study in the country.
Table of Contents
Reasons to study in Belgium:
Studying in Belgium can be an excellent option for Indian students eager to continue their studies abroad. Belgium has world-class universities which offer bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees with superior guidance by the faculty. Moreover, a student-friendly environment is what students look for. From fine arts to science and business studies, you can study various courses. There are around 1,500 study programs you can find in Belgium across universities. Also, if you are searching for vocational or technical training courses or short period courses, there are options for you. Some colleges and universities in Belgium offer those courses even for international students. Some benefits you must know about studying in Belgium as an Indian student are as follows:
- Globally recognized universities: In addition to being globally known for academic excellence, Belgium universities offer a wide range of courses to choose from. Some of the most popular disciplines include International Relations, Political Science, Economics and Journalism.
- English taught courses: Although there are three official languages of Belgium: French, Dutch and German. There are some universities that offer English taught courses. To name a few, KU Leuven, Ghent University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Hasselt University are some of the recognized universities offering English taught courses.
- Scholarships: Before moving to your study destination, you need to find out a way to manage your finances. Scholarships are a helpful way to reduce your tuition costs before you commence your studies. Top universities in Belgium offer a wide range of scholarships for international students. The award offered by these scholarships cover the tuition fee and living expenses of students.
- Exceptional quality of life: Along with being academically superior, Belgium is known for its safety, high quality of life and vibrant culture. There are numerous historical attractions to explore such as the Grand Palace, the Atomium, Ardennes, the medieval tower Belfry of Bruges.
Top Universities in Belgium
The below table shows the five most prominent universities of Belgium
University | QS World University Ranking 2023 | Annual Tuition fee |
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) | 76 | €998 |
University of Ghent | 143 | €1032.85 to €5,996.36 |
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL) | 195 | €880 to €4,401 |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) | 251 | €1,036 to €4,072 |
University of Antwerp | 280 | €3,268 to €6,115 |
Study in Belgium: Academic Intakes for international students
Intakes | Application deadline |
Fall intake: Being the primary intake, fall intake is highly preferred by international students. It starts from September and goes on till January. | The applications for fall intake close in mid July |
Spring intake: Spring intake starts in February and goes on till June. The admission rate in spring intake is slightly lower than fall intake. | The applications for fall intake close in December. |
Check Eligibility to Study in Belgium
Study in Europe |
||
List of Universities in Russia | Cost of Living in Russia | |
Cost of Living in Italy | Top Universities in Italy for International Students | |
Cost of Living in Poland Per Month |
How expensive is it to study in Belgium?
The cost of studying in Belgium for international students depends upon whether they are getting into public universities or private universities. Private universities will charge more than public universities. However, students from EU or EEA countries have to pay less than students from other countries. So, if you are an Indian student, you are most likely to pay around 1000 USD (74,382.50 INR) to 5000 USD (3,71,912.50 INR), while students from EU or EEA countries need to pay nearly 950 USD (70,663.38 INR) per year to get into a public university in Belgium.
International students can lighten the cost burden by earning money from part-time jobs. Yes, you can earn it while you study in Belgium. Though an EEA /EU student does not need permission, students from other countries must ask their universities approval to do jobs while pursuing a study program. International students can work up to a maximum of 20 hours a week. Scholarship programs are also there to help you, but there is a lot of competition to avail them.
Here is a list of some of the affordable universities in Belgium-
- KU Leuven
- University of Namur
- Hasselt University
- Vrije Universiteit Brussels
- Ghent University
- University of Antwerp
Study in Belgium: Cost of living
Generally, the factors that come under living expenses include accommodation costs, utilities, transportation, and food expenses. Though the cost of living in the Belgium depends on the city you want to live in, the average costs for each category are mentioned in the table below
Category | Costs |
Accommodation costs | On-campus accommodation -€343 to €526/month Off-campus accommodation -€632 to €843/month |
Utility costs | €90 to €303/ month |
Food expenses | €303/ month |
Transportation costs | €248/ month |
Study in Belgium: Scholarships
Some of the scholarships offered by top universities of Belgium are mentioned in the table below:
University-specific scholarships
University name | Scholarship | Scholarship amount/ award |
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) | Marc Vervenne Fund PhD Scholarships | Not specified |
University of Ghent | Master Mind Scholarships | €11,660 |
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL) | International Lhoist Berghmans Master Scholarship | €10,121 |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) | VUB Scholarships for Master of Science in Photonics Engineering | €10,121 |
Source: University’s official website
Applying for a Belgium student visa
After you get accepted at a university in Belgium, you must apply for a student visa for moving to the country. In order to study in Belgium, Indian students need to apply for a D-visa and then follow it with an application for a residence permit.
For issuance of a Belgium student visa, Indian students can submit their visa application at their nearest Belgium Consulate in India. They are advised to apply for a student visa at least two months before their departure.
Study in Belgium: Language proficiency requirements
Candidates applying to Belgium universities need to prove their English language proficiency as a prerequisite for admission.
University | English language proficiency requirements |
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) | IELTS: 7 TOEFL: 94 Cambridge English Exam (CAE): 185 |
University of Ghent | IELTS: 6 TOEFL: 87 to 559 |
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL) | IELTS: 6.5 to 7.5 TOEFL: 92 to 109 PTE: 62 to 75 CAE: 169 to 191 |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) | IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 79 CAE: 170 |
University of Antwerp | IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 79 to 80 |
How to apply for a Belgium student visa?
Candidates can follow the steps given below to apply for a Belgium student visa:
- Create an account at the following address: https://visaonweb.diplomatie.be/
- Fill the details and choose electronic visa application form from this website
- You will receive the copy of the visa application form at the email address you have mentioned in the account.
- Print that form and take that to the Visa Application Center.
- Bring the required supporting documents and the visa & service fees.
Once you submit the supporting documents, the remaining formalities include taking your passport size photograph and collecting your fingerprints. After this step, your visa application will be processed by the authorities.
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements to study in Belgium?
The admission requirements in Belgium vary according to the university you are applying to. However, some of the general requirements include previous academic transcripts, English language proficiency test scores, passport copy, minimum four passport size photographs, recommendation letters, personal statement and updated CV.
Is education free for international students in Belgium?
No, the education in Belgium is not free for international students. However, the tuition fee is comparatively lower than other European countries. Students enrolling in top Belgium universities can expect to pay tuition fees between €880 to €6,115.
Is Belgium a safe country for international students?
Europe is generally a safe destination for international students, and Belgium is no exception. It is especially known for its safety. Thousands of students join various educational courses in Belgium every year, who report that the country offers a good quality of life. The country has a student-friendly environment, people there are also very humble.
Can you work after studying in Belgium?
Many students get jobs directly from campus placement in Belgium. Every student with a permanent residency can do jobs after studying in Belgium. But a non-EEA student would need to have a work permit if they are not a permanent resident of that country.
Is there any scholarship for international students to study in Belgium?
Yes, there are both government-sponsored and university-sponsored scholarships for international students. However, most of them are competitive, and you need to have a good academic profile to bag one.
Can an Indian earn a doctorate in Belgium?
Indian students can apply for UG, PG, and many other courses offered by Belgian educational institutes. So, yes, you can earn a doctorate from Belgium.
What are some top courses to study in Belgium?
Social sciences and business studies are very popular among students in Belgium. Medicine, political science, business economics, journalism, and humanities are great courses to study at Belgium universities.
Can I find courses in English at Belgian universities?
Though most of the courses are taught in Flemish and French, there are many popular courses offered in English, especially for international students by different universities.
How much does it cost to study in Belgium?
The cost of studying at top universities of Belgium ranges from €844 to €5,870.
Is Belgium good for study?
Known for offering one of the best academic programs in Europe, Belgium is definitely an ideal study destination for students looking forward to building their career.
Is IELTS necessary for Belgium?
As most Belgium universities offer English-taught courses, candidates applying into them are required to prove their English language proficiency. Therefore, IELTS exam is necessary to apply in Belgium.
Can I study and work in Belgium?
Yes, students can study and work in Belgium. While studying, you can take up part-time roles that will help you manage your finances.
Can I stay in Belgium after study?
You can no longer stay in Belgium after completing your graduation as your legal stay as a non-EEA student will expire. However, in order to stay back in the country you must apply for a different residence permit, based on another legal purpose of stay in Belgium, before the expiration date of your residency as a student.
#Tag
Exams to Study Abroad
IELTS ExamGRE ExamGMAT ExamTOEFL ExamSAT ExamTop Study Abroad Destinations
USAGermanyUKCanadaAustraliaImportant Resources
Statement of PurposeWhat is SGPABest Education System in the WorldBest Flying School in the WorldVidya Lakshmi PortalCanada vs IndiaStem Courses in USAMBA from AbroadErasmus Mundus ScholarshipGuide to Settle in EuropeCanada Free CoursesRefer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹40000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
Similar Articles
TRENDING SEARCHES
Documentation
Study Abroad Resources
Top Reads
IELTS Exam
Other Exams
- Motivation letter for Internship
- SOP for MS in IT
- How to Get PR in Canada
- SOP for MBA
- Canada PR Process
- F1 Visa Documents Checklist
- Requirements for Studying in Germany
- LOR Samples
- SOP for Internship
- Statement of Purpose Format
- SOP for PhD
- LOR for PhD
- How to Find Accommodation in Canada
- Letter of Recommendation for Masters
- Motivation Letter
- SOP for Masters
- Universities in Germany for Masters
- SOP for UK
- SOP for Australian Student Visa
- Work Experience Certificate
- SOP for Canada
- SOP for Undergraduates
- What to do if your F1 student visa to the USA gets rejected
- SOP for Australia
- Australian Student Visa