Savanna Hoffman
Belgium is a popular destination for international students, with over 50,000 choosing to study in the country. Belgian universities offer a high-quality education at a relatively affordable price compared to other European countries. In addition to affordable tuition fees, Belgian universities provide various forms of assistance to support foreign students. This includes the opportunity to study in English and the availability of scholarships and housing aid. Belgian universities also offer a range of long and short-term programs, as well as vocational and professional training, making them accessible to a diverse range of students. The country's central location in Europe also provides easy access to neighbouring countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking an international study experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Belgian higher education is affordable compared to other places in Europe. Domestic and EU students pay less than €1000/year on tuition. |
| Tuition fee assistance | Universities often have a sliding scale for tuition fees, which can go down to €0/year under the right circumstances. |
| Scholarships | Individual universities may offer scholarships, allowances, or housing aid. |
| Student support services | Universities usually have a Student Social Service or information available at the Admissions Centres. |
| Language | Belgium is famous for its multilingual residents who speak Dutch, French, German, and many local dialects. Most universities have a Language Centre at which students can study French or Dutch as a foreign language. |
| Admission requirements | Getting into Belgian universities is usually not competitive, and students often just need to graduate from high school to gain admission. However, additional admission exams are required for degrees such as medicine, veterinary sciences, or dentistry. |
| Application requirements | All official documents must be translated by a sworn translator in English, Dutch, or French (depending on the university's requirements) and authenticated. English proficiency requirements vary according to the university and program. |
| Foreign diploma recognition | Some universities require foreign diplomas to be officially recognized by ENIC/NARIC in the region where the student will study. |
| Health insurance | Non-EEA students waiting for their residence permit must register with Belgian health insurance as a 'student' and pay a quarterly fee of €55-€66. With a foreigner's card, they can register in the 'resident' category. Students with no income don't have to pay any contribution fee. |
| Health subsidies | Higher education establishments must provide students with all materials for compulsory courses in electronic form. They must also provide free printouts of these materials if a grant-holding student requests them. |
| Other benefits | Universities may offer other benefits such as low-cost meals and discounted public transport season tickets. |
| International students | Belgium is a popular destination for international students, with over 52,000 students choosing to study there. |
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What You'll Learn
- Belgian universities offer scholarships, low tuition fees, and housing aid
- Students receive free learning materials and discounted public transport
- Belgium's advanced economy and quality of life make it a safe study destination
- Belgian universities offer courses in English, Dutch, French, and German
- Students can travel to neighbouring countries like Germany and the Netherlands
Belgian universities offer scholarships, low tuition fees, and housing aid
Belgium is a popular destination for international students, with over 52,000 choosing to study there. This is due to its vibrant culture, international community, and affordable world-class education. Belgian universities rank among the top in the world, and the country offers many affordable study programs at any academic level.
Belgian higher education is extremely affordable compared to other places in Europe. Domestic and EU students pay less than €1000 per year in tuition fees, while non-EU students pay a slightly higher rate. Belgian universities often have a sliding scale for tuition fees, which can go down to €0 per year under the right circumstances. This makes the need for scholarships almost redundant. However, scholarships are available for those who wish to apply for them, and they can substantially reduce tuition fees. The best way to find the right scholarship is to check with the university you are applying to and see what opportunities they offer to students from your country.
Belgian universities also offer other financial support to students. For example, universities must provide all materials for compulsory courses in electronic form, and they must print out these materials free of charge if a grant-holding student requests it. Other benefits include low-cost meals and discounted public transport season tickets. Belgian universities also offer housing aid and allowances to students.
Additionally, Belgium's higher education system is divided into university education, which involves a high level of research and theoretical knowledge, and profession-oriented colleges, which mix theory with hands-on experience through compulsory projects and internships. Bachelor's degrees from profession-oriented colleges prepare students for the labour market, and students can continue to a Master's degree by completing a 'bridge programme'.
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Students receive free learning materials and discounted public transport
Belgium is a popular destination for international students, with over 52,000 choosing to study in the country. This is due to its vibrant culture, internationality, and affordable world-class education. Belgian higher education is extremely affordable compared to other places in Europe. Domestic and EU students pay less than €1000 per year in tuition fees, while non-EU students pay a slightly higher rate. However, there are opportunities to reduce tuition fees through scholarships, and universities may offer allowances or housing aid.
Belgian universities support their students in several ways. Firstly, students receive free learning materials. Higher education institutions are required to provide all materials for compulsory courses in electronic form. They must also provide free printouts of these materials if a grant-holding student requests them. This ensures that all students have equal access to the resources they need for their studies.
In addition to free learning materials, students in Belgium benefit from discounted public transport. This makes it easier for them to travel during term time and holidays, explore the country, and even visit neighbouring countries such as Germany or the Netherlands. Discounted public transport makes education more accessible and affordable for students, especially those who need to commute long distances or travel frequently.
Belgian universities also offer other forms of assistance to their students. For example, students can access low-cost meals, and there is financial support for families with children in education. Belgium's universities are known for their strong support systems, which include Student Social Services and information available at Admissions Centres. This holistic approach to student support contributes to the country's reputation as a desirable study destination.
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Belgium's advanced economy and quality of life make it a safe study destination
Belgium boasts a highly developed, high-income, mixed economy, with a strong social security system. Belgium's economy has benefited from its central geographic location, which has allowed it to develop a highly advanced transportation infrastructure, including ports, canals, railways, and highways. This has facilitated the integration of its industry with that of its neighbouring countries. Belgium's economy is heavily reliant on world trade, with exports equivalent to over two-thirds of the country's gross national income (GNI). The country has a highly skilled, multilingual, and productive workforce, which is essential for its trade advantages.
Belgium's advanced economy has resulted in a high quality of life for its citizens. The country has a well-educated population, with nearly 80% of adults aged 25-64 having completed upper secondary education, which is slightly higher than the OECD average. Belgians can expect to receive 19.5 years of education between the ages of 5 and 39, again exceeding the OECD average. In 2018, the average Belgian student scored 500 in reading literacy, maths, and sciences, above the OECD average of 488. This focus on education provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to participate effectively in society and the economy, improving their chances of finding employment and earning a good income.
Belgium's high economic wealth has contributed to improved access to quality education, healthcare, and housing. The average household net adjusted disposable income per capita is USD 34,884 a year, higher than the OECD average. Additionally, the country has one of the best social security systems among OECD nations, with social expenditure comprising approximately 29% of GDP. In terms of housing, Belgium has one of the highest rates of rooms per person, with an average of 2.1 rooms per person compared to the OECD average of 1.7.
Belgium's advanced economy and quality of life make it an attractive study destination for international students. The country offers affordable world-class education, with tuition fees significantly lower than in neighbouring countries. Belgian universities often have a sliding scale for tuition fees, and some even offer allowances or housing aid. Additionally, Belgium provides a vibrant cultural experience, with the opportunity to learn multiple languages and interact with a diverse community of internationals. The country's well-developed transportation network also allows for easy travel within Belgium and to neighbouring countries during term time and holidays.
While Belgium's economy has faced challenges, such as the recession in the early 1980s and the more recent Great Recession, it has demonstrated resilience and the ability to recover. The country's strong economic foundation and high quality of life provide a stable and attractive environment for students from around the world.
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Belgian universities offer courses in English, Dutch, French, and German
Belgium is divided into three communities and three regions, with education being the responsibility of the Flemish, French, and German-speaking communities. The Belgian higher education system is divided into university education, which involves a high level of research and theoretical knowledge, and profession-oriented colleges, which mix theory with hands-on experience through compulsory projects and internships.
The language in which your courses are taught will depend on the region and community in which your university is located. For example, the Flemish community speaks Dutch, and the French-speaking community speaks French. Brussels is slightly different in that it lies between the two, with a mix of Dutch, French, and other languages, including English, as it is the governmental center of the European Union.
Many schools and universities in Belgium offer courses in English, and there are a number of programmes enabling researchers and those from developing countries to study or complete an internship in Belgium. The University of Liège is the only public university for French speakers from Brussels, and the Free University of Brussels split into two universities in 1969: ULB, which is French-speaking, and VUB, which is predominantly Dutch. Notable Dutch-speaking universities in Brussels include the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and KU Leuven, Belgium's largest and one of its oldest universities, is located in the Flemish region.
While Belgian higher education is extremely affordable compared to other places in Europe, with tuition fees for domestic and EU students being less than €1,000 per year, there are still some financial support options for foreign students. Universities often have a sliding scale for tuition fees, and some may offer specific help through their Student Social Service or Admissions Centres. Non-EEA students must register with Belgian health insurance as a 'student' and pay a legal contribution fee of around €55-66 per quarter, but if you have no income, you don't have to pay any contribution fee.
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Students can travel to neighbouring countries like Germany and the Netherlands
Belgium is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant cities, incredible chocolate, and World War history. Its universities offer affordable education to foreign students, with tuition fees being extremely affordable compared to other places in Europe.
Germany is also easily accessible from Belgium. Berlin, the German capital, is steeped in history, with landmarks such as the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag. The distance between Belgium and Germany is about 470 miles. The best way to travel between the two countries is by train via Cologne, which takes about 8 hours and costs $100-$260. Alternatively, you can take a bus for $75-$110 or rent a car and drive for about 6 hours and 40 minutes.
Both Germany and the Netherlands offer easy access to Belgium, making it convenient for students to explore these neighbouring countries during their studies. The proximity of these countries allows for a diverse cultural experience, enhancing the overall student experience in Belgium.
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Frequently asked questions
Belgian higher education is affordable compared to other places in Europe. While there may not be a lot of financial support for foreign students, Belgian universities are still a great deal. Universities often have a sliding scale for tuition fees, which can go down to €0/year under the right circumstances. Individual universities may have specific help available, such as Student Social Services or information at the Admissions Centres.
Belgium is known for its vibrant cultural life, internationality, and affordable world-class education. The country is considered one of the safest and most peaceful countries globally, with a high quality of life. Belgium's location also makes it easy to travel to neighbouring countries such as Germany, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Additionally, Belgium is famous for its multilingual residents, so you'll get the chance to learn and master multiple languages.
Non-EEA students waiting for their residence permit must register with Belgian health insurance as a 'student' and pay a legal contribution fee of €55 - €66 per quarter. There is also a membership fee for the health insurance fund, ranging from €21 - €25 per quarter.
Belgian universities rank among the top in the world, and there are over 65 universities to choose from. The best way to find the right scholarship is to check with the university you're applying to and see what opportunities they offer to students from your country. There are also opportunities for study and training grants from the Belgian Science Policy Office and the Belgian Department for Development Cooperation.
