Lori Meadows
Belgium is a popular destination for international students due to its excellent education system, affordable tuition fees, and the opportunity to study in English, Dutch, German, or French. If you are an international student considering studying and working in Belgium, it is important to understand the visa requirements and working regulations. International students from countries with no visa agreement with Belgium are required to obtain a student visa, while those from the EU, EEA, Schengen countries, and a few other nations can directly apply for a residence permit. This article will provide an overview of the key considerations for international students regarding work permissions in Belgium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours during the school year | 20 hours per week |
| Work hours during the summer before the first academic year | 0 hours |
| Work hours during semester breaks and holidays | Unlimited |
| Student visa requirement for international students | Needed if the home country has no visa agreement with Belgium |
| Student visa requirement for students from the EU, EEA, the US, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, and the Republic of Andorra | Not needed |
| Annual work hours limit | 475 hours |
| Residence permit requirement for students from EEA member states or Switzerland | Not needed |
| Residence permit marking for students from non-EEA countries | 'Labour market unrestricted' or 'Labour market restricted' |
| Maximum extension period after completing studies to look for work or set up a company | 12 months |
| Monthly public transportation cost | €20 |
| Average monthly living expenses | €750 to €1,100 |
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What You'll Learn
International student work visa requirements
International students intending to work in Belgium must obtain a student visa. This requirement, however, is waived for students from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, the US, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, and the Republic of Andorra. Students from these countries can directly apply for a residence permit upon entering Belgium.
Students from other countries must first gain acceptance at a Belgian university before applying for a student visa. This visa is typically issued for one to two years, depending on the program of study. It can be renewed annually until the course ends, and students must apply for an extension at least 14 days before the expiration date. Within eight days of arriving in Belgium, international students must register at their local administration office and obtain a residence card, allowing them to stay for the duration of their studies.
During their studies, international students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school year, provided their working hours do not overlap with their class schedule. They can work unlimited hours during official holiday periods, such as winter, spring, or summer holidays. To work as a student in Belgium, non-EEA citizens must possess a residence permit with specific information about their working possibilities. This permit may be marked as "labour market unrestricted" or "labour market restricted," indicating the terms under which they can work.
Upon graduation, international students can apply for a change of residence status from a student visa to a Belgium work visa. They are allowed to stay in Belgium for at least nine months after completing their studies to search for employment. During this period, known as the "search year," they have unlimited access to the Belgian labour market without requiring a work permit from their employer. However, to work as a self-employed person or freelancer, a professional card or authorization is necessary.
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Work hour restrictions
International students in Belgium are allowed to work part-time to support their studies. Students from an EEA member state or Switzerland are entitled to work in Belgium under the same terms as Belgian students. They can work a maximum of 475 hours per year, which equates to around 20 hours per week during term time.
Students from outside the EEA may work in Belgium if they have a residence permit marked 'labour market unrestricted' or 'labour market restricted'. With the former, they can work under the same conditions as Belgian students. With the latter, they can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school term and unlimited hours during school holidays.
It is important to note that working hours should not affect studies or class attendance. If a student works more than 20 hours a week during the school term, their studies may no longer be considered their main activity, which could cause problems when trying to renew their residence permit.
International students in Belgium can face challenges due to the country's high cost of living and high taxes. Personal income tax brackets range from 25 to 50 percent. Additionally, the language barrier can be an issue, as Belgium has three official languages: French, Dutch, and German. However, part-time work can help international students understand the culture and language faster and meet new people.
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Language barriers
Belgium is a federal state composed of three communities and three regions, each with its own official language: Dutch, French, and German. This means that language barriers are a very real issue for international students, especially when it comes to navigating administrative processes and understanding their rights regarding work.
Although many Belgians do speak English as a second language, it is inevitable that local students and members of the community will often communicate in their native language. This can create social language barriers for international students, who may feel isolated or unable to fully participate in cultural activities. It can also impact their academic life, making it difficult to understand lectures, write essays, and sit exams.
To overcome these challenges, international students can take advantage of the various resources available. Many universities in Belgium have language centres where students can enrol in language courses. Additionally, government-funded programmes, associations, or NGOs may offer language and culture courses or activities to help international students integrate. For example, participating in a cooking class or film night can provide an opportunity to practice the local language in a casual setting.
It is important for international students to remember that they are not alone in facing language barriers. Connecting with fellow international students can provide a valuable support system, as they are likely to share similar experiences and challenges. Additionally, local students can be a great resource for improving language skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the country's culture.
To work while studying in Belgium, international students must adhere to certain regulations. Students from an EEA member state or Switzerland are entitled to work under the same terms as Belgian students. Students from other countries may work in Belgium if they have a residence permit marked 'labour market unrestricted' or 'labour market restricted'. In the latter case, they are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school year and can work unlimited hours during school holidays. These restrictions are important to consider when planning to balance work and studies.
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Cost of living
The cost of living in Belgium depends on your lifestyle and location. On average, students in Belgium spend between €700 and €1,370 per month.
Accommodation is a significant factor in the cost of living. The cost of rent varies between cities, with Brussels being one of the more expensive options at around €680 per month. In smaller cities like Ghent or Leuven, the cost is smaller, ranging from €450 to €670 per month. The overall Belgian average for accommodation is €575 per month. University halls of residence are a more affordable option, with rooms costing around €200-€400 per month. Private accommodation is more expensive, with rooms costing around €500 per month. Renting or sharing an apartment or studio will cost around €600-€700 per month, and prices increase for apartments closer to the city centre.
Another factor to consider is the cost of utilities. In student halls of residence, utilities are included in the price. However, if you rent a private place, electricity, water, internet, and other utilities can cost between €100-€400 per month.
Students in Belgium typically spend around €300 per month on groceries. Lidl, Aldi, and Colruyt are some of the cheapest supermarkets in Belgium. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant will cost between €10 and €20 per meal.
Transportation costs are relatively low for students in Belgium. A monthly public transportation pass for students under 25 costs €50 per month. Students can also benefit from discounted season tickets on trains and other transport networks. For example, in Leuven, a yearly bus pass costs €25, while in Brussels, under-24s can get a yearly pass for €12. Alternatively, students can rent or buy a second-hand bicycle.
Health insurance is another expense to consider. This will cost around €20-€30 per month. Students can also take out third-party liability insurance, known as 'family insurance' in Belgium.
Books and study materials cost around €50 per month, depending on the program.
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Part-time job opportunities
International students can work part-time in Belgium for up to 475 hours per year. Students can either directly contact employers or apply through a temp agency to find part-time work. Some popular job options include babysitting, working at restaurants, tutoring, cleaning, and social media assistance. Many universities also offer part-time jobs in libraries, cafeterias, administrative departments, or student support services.
It is important to note that a student work contract is essential for international students doing part-time jobs in Belgium, as it outlines their rights and obligations. This contract must be for a definite period, usually a maximum of one year. After this, the contract becomes void, and continued work will be considered a normal labour contract. During the 475 hours of work, students pay reduced social contributions to the government and receive tax benefits.
For non-EEA students, there are additional considerations. To work as a student in Belgium, non-EEA citizens must have a residence permit for study reasons. After graduation, they can apply for a 12-month residence permit for a 'search year' to look for work or start a business. During this time, they have unlimited access to the Belgian labour market, but they may need a professional card to work as a self-employed person.
Additionally, students under 18 are entitled to child benefits, regardless of their working hours. From their 18th birthday onwards, the number of hours they can work without losing child benefits depends on their place of residence. For example, in Wallonia, students can work up to 650 hours per year at reduced social contributions, while in the Brussels-Capital Region, the limit is 240 hours per quarter.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students need a visa to work in Belgium. Students from the EU or EEA, one of the Schengen countries, or the US, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, and the Republic of Andorra do not need to apply for a Belgian student visa.
International students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school year and unlimited hours during school holidays.
Part-time job opportunities are better for students enrolled in graduate programs or research. Some commonly available part-time jobs for international students depend on qualifications, work experience, and language skills.
