Belgian Universities: Foreign Student Assistance Programs Explored

Belgium is a popular destination for international students, offering a high quality of education and a diverse range of courses. The country is home to several renowned universities, including Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Université Libre de Bruxelles, University of Antwerp, and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. With its vibrant cultural life, international appeal, and affordable world-class education, it's no wonder Belgium attracts over 52,100 students from around the world.

Belgian universities offer assistance to foreign students in various forms, including scholarships, language centres, and career services. The country also provides opportunities for part-time work, allowing foreign students to work up to 20 hours a week and full time during summer vacations. Additionally, Belgium offers student visas and residence permits, making it easier for international students to pursue their academic goals in the country.

The cost of living in Belgium can be high, but students can benefit from discounts on health insurance, public transport, and scholarships to offset these costs. The requirements for studying in Belgium as an international student are generally manageable, with high school graduation being the most common prerequisite. However, additional exams may be necessary for certain degrees, such as medicine, veterinary sciences, or dentistry.

Scholarships and grants for international students

Belgium is a federal state composed of three communities and three regions. Education is the responsibility of the Flemish, French, and German-speaking Communities. Each community has its own policies and procedures for supporting international students.

Flemish Community

The Flemish Ministry of Education and Training offers the Master Mind Scholarships to highly talented international students who want to pursue a master's program at a Flemish university, a school of arts, or the Antwerp Maritime Academy. The Flemish Ministry also provides the VLIR-UOS Scholarships to applicants from 30 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

French Community

The French Community offers several scholarships and grants for international students, including:

• ULYSSE Incentive Grant for Mobility in Scientific Research (MISU)
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (MSCA)
• Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) grants
• BElgian WAllonia REsearcher Fellowships 2 (BEWARE Fellowships 2)
• European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) grants
• Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS) scholarships
• MASTER IN - WBI Grants
• European Research Council (ERC) grants
• Incoming Postdoctoral fellowships (FSR Post-doc)
• EMOTION (Erasmus Mundus Joint Master)
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EMJMD)
• Human Sciences Research Fund (FRESH)

German-speaking Community

The German-speaking Community in Belgium does not appear to have specific scholarships or grants for international students. However, they may offer support through other means, such as tuition fee reductions or waivers, as well as other financial assistance programs.

In addition to community-specific scholarships and grants, there are also several national and international scholarships that international students can apply for, such as:

• Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Programme at KU Leuven
• Science@Leuven Scholarships for International Students
• Belgian American Educational Foundation Fellowships
• ARES Scholarships in Belgium for Developing Countries
• International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD) Scholarships
• Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships for Candidates from Developing Countries

Work visas for international students

If you are an international student in Belgium, you may be able to work during your studies. Foreign students who are not from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland usually need to have a work permit to work in Belgium. There are different types of work permits available for foreign nationals, each with different eligibility requirements and validity periods. Here is an overview of the most relevant work permits for international students:

• Type C Work Permit: This permit is specifically designed for international students and temporary visitors, allowing them to work in Belgium for up to 90 days. It is also applicable to business visitors and project-based workers.
• Working Holiday Visa: Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and Canada aged 18 to 30 can apply for this visa, which allows them to travel and work in Belgium for up to 12 months. The primary purpose of this visa is for travel, but it enables visa holders to engage in paid work as well. The requirements include having sufficient funds for the trip (minimum €2,500), a return ticket, health insurance coverage for 365 days, and a certificate of good conduct from the local police.
• European Blue Card: This is a work and residence permit that allows highly skilled employees to work in Belgium for an initial period of three months.
• Specialized Work Permits: This type of permit is designed for specific categories of workers, including researchers, intra-company transferees, and self-employed individuals.
• Seasonal Work Visa: If you are looking for short-term work in agriculture, horticulture, or hospitality, this visa is ideal. It allows individuals to gain international work experience in these sectors.

To apply for a work visa in Belgium, you will generally need to follow these steps:

• Find a job in Belgium.
• Apply for the work permit that corresponds to your situation. In some cases, your employer may need to apply for the permit on your behalf.
• Apply for the work visa.
• Once you have obtained the job and the visa, you can travel to Belgium.
• Register with the local administration or town hall to receive your work and residence permit.

The work visa for Belgium typically costs €180 and can be processed within 8 to 10 weeks, depending on the company and your employer. After living and working in Belgium for five years, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residence or a Type A work permit, which allows you to live and work in the country indefinitely as long as you maintain employment.

Language requirements

Belgium is a multilingual country, with Dutch, French, and German as its national languages. Most universities have a Language Centre where foreign language courses in French or Dutch are offered. Social promotion institutes also offer a number of courses with classes at different times of the day.

If you wish to study in English, there are over 70 English-taught bachelor's programs and more than 350 English-taught master's programs. The best English-taught programs in Belgium are found at the following universities:

• Université Catholique de Louvain
• Université Libre de Bruxelles
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
• University of Antwerp
• Université de Liège

However, if you are interested in higher education in Belgium, you need to have a good command of the Dutch language as the educational institutions in Belgium usually teach in Dutch. A few institutions also teach in English.

To prove your proficiency in the language of instruction, you may need to submit a certificate such as:

• TOEFL Certificate, with a score of at least 80
• IELTS Certificate, with a score of at least 6.5
• Cambridge First Certificate

Additionally, if you are applying for a student visa, you will need to provide proof of your student status and study plans. This may include documentation giving a brief description of the courses organized by your chosen institution and a supporting letter explaining why you have chosen the particular course and why you want to study in Belgium. You must also demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the language of instruction by providing either proof of passing an internationally recognized language proficiency exam or a certificate issued at the end of your education in that language.

Student accommodation

The cost of living in Belgium is high, but as a student, you can benefit from discounts on health insurance, public transport, and scholarships to help with expenses.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for student accommodation in Belgium:

• Room in a shared apartment (kot): €300-€450 per month
• Student room: €290-€500 per month
• Studio: €650-€900 per month

The prices above are for student accommodation in the main cities of Belgium, such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Leuven.

If you’re looking for cheaper options, consider accommodation in the smaller towns. Student rooms in these areas can be as low as €200 per month.

Applying for Student Accommodation

There are a few ways to apply for student accommodation in Belgium:

• Through your university: Many universities in Belgium offer accommodation services to help students find housing. They often have partnerships with private landlords or residence halls, which can make the process easier.
• Private rental agencies: You can also find student accommodation through private rental agencies. These agencies typically require a deposit and the first month's rent in advance.
• Online platforms: There are several online platforms that cater specifically to student housing in Belgium, such as Kotfinder, Student.be, and HousingAnywhere. These platforms allow you to search for rooms or apartments based on your preferences and budget.

What to Consider When Choosing Student Accommodation

When choosing student accommodation in Belgium, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Location: Consider the location of the accommodation in relation to your university and public transport options.
• Budget: Create a budget and try to find accommodation that fits within your financial means. Don't forget to factor in the cost of utilities and any deposits required.
• Contract length: Be sure to read the contract carefully and understand the length of the lease. Some accommodations may require a minimum stay of several months.
• Room type: Decide what type of room you prefer, such as a single or shared room, and if you want a private bathroom or kitchen.
• Reviews: Check reviews from previous tenants to get an idea of what their experience was like and if there were any issues with the accommodation or landlord.

Additional Costs to Consider

In addition to rent, there are other costs associated with student accommodation in Belgium:

• Utilities: This includes electricity, water, and internet. Sometimes these are included in the rent, but not always, so be sure to check.
• Insurance: Tenant insurance is not mandatory in Belgium, but it is recommended to protect your belongings.
• Registration fee: When you move into a new place, you may need to pay a small fee to register your new address with the local municipality.
• Agency fees: If you use a rental agency, they may charge a fee for their services, which is typically equivalent to one month's rent.

Tips for Finding Student Accommodation in Belgium

Finding student accommodation in Belgium can be competitive, so it's important to start your search early. Here are a few tips to help you secure the right accommodation:

• Start your search early: Begin looking for accommodation a few months before you plan to move, as the best places get snapped up quickly.
• Use multiple sources: Don't rely on just one website or agency. Cast a wide net by using multiple platforms and agencies to increase your chances of finding the perfect place.
• Be proactive: Don't be afraid to reach out to landlords or agencies directly. Sending a polite email or giving them a call can help you get more information and show that you're interested.
• Consider temporary accommodation: If you're having trouble finding a place before you arrive in Belgium, consider temporary accommodation, such as a hostel or Airbnb, for when you first arrive. This will give you more time to find a permanent place to stay.
• Get advice from other students: Talk to other international students who have been through the process. They may have useful insights or recommendations for finding student housing in Belgium.

Student visas

The type of visa you will need to study in Belgium depends on your nationality, the length of your course, and the purpose of your stay. Students from a European Union (EU) Member State or from a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) are not required to obtain a student visa. They are, however, required to carry a national identity card, which they must present to the customs officer on arrival. Students from Switzerland and the following non-EU countries are also exempt from obtaining a visa: the US, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, and the Republic of Andorra.

If you are not from one of these countries, you may need a student visa to gain entry to Belgium. Students from some countries, such as the US, are not required to obtain a visa if their stay is no longer than 90 days. In this case, you may need to apply for a short-stay visa, also known as a Schengen visa. Applications for this type of visa can be introduced up to 90 days in advance and must be submitted at least 15 calendar days prior to the intended departure date.

If you intend to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa (type D). This visa is also called Authorisation for Provisional Sojourn (in Dutch: Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf). To apply for this type of visa, you will need to contact the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country. They will be able to guide you through the visa application process and inform you of any additional requirements, such as travel insurance or a medical certificate.

To fulfill the requirements for a student visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A completed and signed visa application form
• A valid passport or similar travel document
• Proof of financial income or support for the duration of your stay
• A medical certificate stating you don’t have any diseases that may endanger public health
• A police certificate of good conduct confirming that you don’t have any prior convictions (if you are aged over 21)
• Proof of your student status and study plans, such as proof of registration at a recognized higher education institution in Belgium
• A supporting letter explaining why you have chosen to study in Belgium and how your choices will benefit you
• Proof of language proficiency, such as an internationally recognized language exam or a certificate issued by the university

The student visa costs about €200, including the application process and administrative fees. After arriving in Belgium, you will have eight days to register at your local administration office and get your residence card. You can renew your residence permit every year until your course ends.

Frequently asked questions