Ibrahim Gardner
Belgium is a popular destination for international students, with over 40,000 choosing to study there every year. This is due to its high-quality education, fascinating cultural diversity, and relatively affordable tuition fees. While Belgian universities do charge tuition fees, they are lower than in many other European countries, and there are also opportunities to study for free or at a reduced rate through scholarships. The cost of tuition in Belgium varies depending on the student's nationality, the program they are enrolled in, and the region in which they are studying, with the French-speaking Wallonia region, Dutch-speaking Flanders region, and Brussels capital region each having different tuition structures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees for European students | €980 per year for degree programs in the Dutch-speaking region; €835 per year in the French-speaking region; €1,000 per year in public universities |
| Tuition fees for non-European students | €980-€8,000 per year in the Dutch-speaking region; €2,505 per year in University Colleges and Schools of Arts in the French-speaking region; €4,175 per year in the French-speaking region; €2,500-€7,500 per year in public universities; €4,960 per year at Vrije Universiteit Brussel for a Bachelor in Social Sciences |
| Scholarships | Available for international students at all academic levels, offered by both the government and private sector |
| Application fees | Between €50 and €200; may be deducted from tuition fees if the application is accepted |
| Health insurance | Compulsory; non-EEA students must pay a legal contribution fee of €55-€66 per quarter and a membership fee of €21-€25 per quarter |
| Living expenses | €700-€1,000 per month; €300-€500 per month for accommodation; €250-€300 per month for food; €50 per month for study materials |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships are available from the government and private sector
The Flemish Ministry of Education and Training also awards scholarships to highly talented international students pursuing a master's programme at a Flemish university, a school of arts, or the Antwerp Maritime Academy. Additionally, the VLIR-UOS awards scholarships to applicants from 30 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to study in Flanders.
Erasmus+ and Erasmus Mundus scholarships are also options for international students in Belgium. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) is a prestigious, integrated, international study programme that awards EU-funded scholarships to the best student candidates.
Furthermore, universities in Belgium often have their own scholarship schemes for international students and may list external opportunities as well. For example, Howest University of Applied Sciences and the University of Antwerp offer scholarships. It is recommended to check with the university you're applying to and see what opportunities they offer to students from your country.
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Tuition fees are lower than in other European countries
Belgium is a popular destination for international students, with over 40,000 choosing to study there every year. The country offers a high-quality education, fascinating cultural diversity, and a trilingual education system and environment. Belgian universities rank among the top in the world, with nine institutions included in global rankings. The capital city of Brussels has been voted among the 50 top student cities in the world, and other cities such as Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges are also attractive options.
Tuition fees in Belgium are comparatively lower than in other European countries. In the Dutch-speaking region, tuition fees for full-time degree programs are around €980 per year for European students. For non-European nationals, fees can range from €980 to €8,000, depending on the program. In the French-speaking region, European students will pay a maximum annual tuition fee of €835 at universities and €350.03 at university colleges and schools of arts. International non-European students will pay €2,505 at universities and between €992 and €1,984 at university colleges and schools of arts.
It is worth noting that tuition fees in Belgium may vary depending on the student's nationality and the number of credits they take. Additionally, some degrees, such as medicine, dentistry, or MBA, may cost significantly more. However, there are scholarship opportunities available for international students, offered by both the government and private sector, which can help reduce the financial burden.
The cost of living as an international student in Belgium will depend on the student's lifestyle and location. On average, students can expect to spend between €700-800 to over €1,000 per month, including accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and leisure. Brussels, the capital city, is known for having cheaper rents compared to other European capitals, making it a more affordable option.
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Fees for non-European students are €980-€8,000 per year
Belgium is a popular destination for international students, with over 40,000 choosing to study there every year. This is due to its high-quality education, fascinating cultural diversity, and relatively low tuition fees.
Tuition fees for degree programs in Belgium vary depending on whether students are European or not. Both EU and non-EU students are expected to pay tuition fees, but fees for non-European students are significantly higher, ranging from €980-€8,000 per year. In the Dutch-speaking region, European students pay around €980 per year, while non-European students pay between €980-€8,000 per year, depending on the program. Medicine, dentistry, and MBA degrees cost substantially more.
In the Walloon French-speaking region, European students pay a maximum of €835 per year, while international non-European students pay €2,505 per year. These fees are set at a fixed rate for university degrees, but for University Colleges and Schools of Arts, non-European students pay between €992 and €1,984.
Students should be aware that there are often additional costs, such as registration fees, which can vary according to the institution, program, and financial eligibility of the student. For example, at UC Louvain, non-EU students pay €200, which is discounted from their tuition fees if their application is accepted. Additionally, students may need to pay for a credit or exam contract, which costs around €245 or €111, respectively.
The cost of living as an international student in Belgium should also be considered, with monthly expenses ranging from €700-800 to over €1,000. Accommodation typically costs between €300-€500 per month, but private apartments or studios may be more expensive. Students should also budget for study materials, food, transport, health insurance, and leisure activities. However, public transportation, restaurants, and museums often offer student discounts.
To help with the financial burden, scholarships are available for international students at all academic levels, offered by both the government and private sector. Each university has its own scholarship schemes and may also list external opportunities. Additionally, students from a group of non-EU countries can pay only EU fees, and some universities may offer allowances or housing aid.
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EU students pay around €1,000 per year
The cost of tuition in Belgium varies depending on the student's nationality and the type of institution. EU students can expect to pay around €1,000 per year at public universities, while students from outside the EU will pay between €2,500 and €7,500 per year. In the Dutch-speaking region, tuition fees for full-time degree programs are around €980 per year for European students, while non-European nationals will pay between €980 and €8,000, depending on the program.
In the Wallonian French-speaking region, European students will pay a maximum of €835 per year at universities and €350.03 at university colleges and schools of art. For international non-European students, the annual fees are set at €2,505 for universities and between €992 and €1,984 for university colleges and schools of art.
There are some exceptions to these rules. For example, citizens of a group of non-EU countries can pay only EU fees. Additionally, scholarships are available to international students at all academic levels, offered by both the government and the private sector. These scholarships 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.
The cost of living as an international student in Belgium will vary according to your lifestyle and location. In general, you can expect to spend between €700 and €800 to over €1,000 per month. Accommodation typically ranges from €300 to €500 per month, but private apartments or studios will cost more. Brussels is more affordable than other European capitals, with cheaper rents on average than London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin. Your monthly food bill will be around €250-€300. Additionally, students can get discounts on transportation, which will cost around €20-€25 per month.
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Non-EEA students must pay a health insurance contribution fee
Belgium is a popular destination for international students, with over 40,000 choosing to study there every year. The country offers a trilingual education system, a rich cultural environment, and relatively low tuition fees compared to other European countries.
For non-EEA students who are waiting for their residence permit, a legal contribution fee of approximately €55-€66 per quarter must be paid to register with Belgian health insurance as a 'student'. This is in addition to a membership fee for the chosen health insurance fund, which can vary between €21 and €25 per quarter. It is important to note that if you have no income, you are exempt from paying the contribution fee.
Tuition fees for non-EEA students vary depending on the program and the university. In the Dutch-speaking region, fees for non-European nationals range from €980 to €8,000 per year, with higher costs for medicine, dentistry, and MBA programs. In the French-speaking Wallonia region, non-EU students pay a fixed annual fee of €2,505 for university degrees and between €992 and €1,984 for university colleges and schools of arts.
To reduce the financial burden, non-EEA students can explore scholarship opportunities offered by universities and external organizations. Additionally, some non-EEA students may be eligible to pay only EU fees, further reducing their tuition costs.
The cost of living as an international student in Belgium depends on your lifestyle and location. On average, students can expect to spend between €700 and €800 to over €1,000 per month. Accommodation costs range from €300 to €500 per month, but private apartments or studios may be more expensive. Brussels, the capital, is known for having cheaper rents compared to other European cities.
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Frequently asked questions
Belgian universities do not directly support foreign students with tuition fees, but they do offer scholarships that can help reduce the cost of tuition. The cost of tuition varies depending on the student's nationality and the program they are enrolled in.
The tuition fees for foreign students at Belgian universities vary depending on the region and the student's nationality. In the Dutch-speaking region, tuition fees for non-European nationals can range from 980 EUR to 8,000 EUR per year. In the French-speaking Wallonia region, non-EU students pay a fixed yearly fee of €2,505 for university degrees.
There are various scholarships available for foreign students at Belgian universities, including the Vrije University Brussel scholarship, which provides 10k EUR per year to cover living and tuition fees for students from 30 countries. Other scholarships include the Master Mind Scholarship, Erasmus+ and Erasmus Mundus scholarships, and the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships. Additionally, individual universities may offer their own scholarship schemes and list external opportunities.
