Ibrahim Gardner
Belgium is a popular destination for international students, offering excellent higher education, a vibrant cultural life, and a highly multicultural environment. The cost of studying and living in Belgium for international students varies depending on their lifestyle, location, and region. While Belgium is one of the most expensive countries to live in, studying there is considered relatively affordable compared to other European countries. This article will explore the expenses international students can expect, including tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, and other living costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Universities in Belgium charge tuition fees, but these are comparatively lower than in other European destinations. Tuition fees in Flemish universities are calculated based on the number of study credits booked per academic year. Typically, tuition fees are calculated based on 60 points per year. In the Flemish Region, EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens have to pay different tuition fees, but they all start at around 900 EUR/academic year. In Wallonia, non-EU/EEA students have to pay specific tuition fees set by ARES (the Academy of Research and Higher Education). These fees can't be more than five times the amount EU/EEA students pay. |
| Scholarships | There are opportunities to study for free or pay lower tuition fees by obtaining a scholarship. Scholarships are offered by universities, the government, the Academy of Research and Higher Education, and other Belgian agencies or organizations. |
| Accommodation | University halls of residence: €200-400 per month. Private sector: €500 per month. Renting/sharing an apartment or studio: €600-700 per month. |
| Utilities | €100-400 per month. Included in the price of student halls of residence. |
| Transportation | Discounted public transportation deals are available for students. Monthly student transportation pass: €50 per month. Yearly bus pass in Leuven: €25. Yearly pass for under-24s in Brussels: €12. |
| Food | €250-300 per month. |
| Health Insurance | €20-30 per month. Compulsory for international students. |
| Lifestyle | The cost of living in Belgium varies depending on location and lifestyle. Brussels is more affordable than London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Tuition fees for international students
Belgium is known for its vibrant cultural life, internationality, and affordable world-class education. Studying in Belgium is pretty affordable, especially when compared to countries like the US, Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands. The tuition fees at Belgian universities differ across the French and Dutch-speaking regions.
In the Flemish Region, EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens have to pay different tuition fees, but they all start at around €900 per academic year. In the universities from Wallonia, non-EU/EEA students have to pay specific tuition fees, set by the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES). These tuition fees can’t be more than five times the amount the EU/EEA students have to pay.
Tuition fees in Flemish universities are calculated based on the number of study credits booked per academic year. Typically, tuition fees are calculated based on 60 points per year. In Wallonia and Brussels, Wallonian and French-speaking universities set their tuition fees according to ARES. Typically, EEA students pay a set fee, while the amount non-EEA students pay depends on their nationality.
There are not a lot of opportunities to study in Belgium for free. However, there is one way to study for free or to pay lower tuition fees: obtaining a scholarship. Scholarships are offered by universities, the government, the Academy of Research and Higher Education, and other Belgian agencies or organizations. For example, the Erasmus+ and Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available for all international students, regardless of their country of origin. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) scholarship covers tuition fees, insurance, travel expenses, and provides a monthly allowance for the entire duration of the study programme.
International Students in Ireland: A Growing Trend
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Scholarships and financial aid
Belgium offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. These include both government-funded scholarships and scholarships sponsored by individual universities. Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic excellence, country of residence, professional experience, and motivation. Here are some specific examples:
Government Scholarships:
- ARES Scholarships : Offered by the Academy of Research and Higher Education in Belgium, these scholarships are available for undergraduate, master's, and training courses. They cover tuition fees, international travel, visas, insurance, and provide a living allowance.
- Government of Flanders Master Mind Scholarships : These are fully-funded master's scholarships that provide a grant of €8200 plus a tuition fee waiver per academic year.
- Belgium Government Scholarships : Announced for the 2025-2026 academic year, these scholarships are for international students pursuing undergraduate or master's degrees at multiple universities in Belgium. They cover full tuition fees, international travel, visas, and insurance.
University-Sponsored Scholarships:
- KU Leuven : KU Leuven offers the Science@Leuven scholarship, which is a fully-funded scholarship for international students. They also have a PhD scholarship and a Faculty of Science Masters scholarship with specific deadlines.
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) : VUB offers several full scholarships of €10,000 per year for the European Master of Science in Photonics program to cover the cost of living in Brussels.
- Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship : This scholarship is for PhD and Post-doc students, offering up to USD 50,000 and USD 40,000 per year, respectively.
- Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program : This fully-funded master's scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, air travel, and provides a monthly living stipend.
Additionally, there are other opportunities like the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program, IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program, and Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships, which are open to international students pursuing their master's or PhD degrees.
It is recommended to research the websites of the universities you are interested in, as they may offer additional financial support beyond the listed scholarships. Furthermore, if you are from one of the least developed countries, consider studying at the universities of Wallonia or Brussels, where fees are reduced to match the amount EU students pay.
International Students Thriving at NYU
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cost of accommodation
The cost of living as an international student in Belgium depends on your lifestyle, location, and the type of accommodation you choose. Belgium offers three main types of student accommodation: university halls of residence, private sector housing, and shared apartments or studios.
University halls of residence
Student dormitories within a university campus cost around €200-400 per month. This option is quite limited in the Flanders and Brussels regions, so most students opt for private accommodation. However, living in a student dormitory can help reduce your overall living expenses. Additionally, utility bills are usually included in the rent for student halls, which can further lower your costs.
Private sector housing
Renting a room in the private sector will cost you around €500 per month on average. If you choose to rent a private apartment or studio, you can expect to pay around €600-700 per month. Prices for private apartments tend to be higher in popular cities like Brussels and Antwerp and in neighbourhoods closer to the city centre.
Shared apartments or studios
Sharing an apartment or studio is a more affordable option, costing around €600-700 per month. This option allows you to split the rent and utility costs with your roommates, reducing your overall living expenses.
Additional costs
When renting private accommodation, don't forget to factor in utility bills, which can range from €100-400 per month. You may also be required to pay a deposit of 1-3 months' rent upfront. Health insurance is another compulsory expense, with quarterly membership contributions ranging from €21-66, depending on your student status and residence permit.
Scholarships
To reduce the financial burden of accommodation costs, international students can explore scholarship opportunities. Universities often offer their own scholarship schemes and may provide information on external scholarships as well. Additionally, the Belgian government, the Academy of Research and Higher Education, and other Belgian agencies or organizations provide scholarships for international students.
Gap Years: Options for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Receipt Organizer Envelopes. 3-Way Organizers that Store Receipts, Track Expenses & Let You Find Receipts Fast. Includes an Expense Ledger + Mileage Log. 12 Pack. [6.5x9.5"] Made in USA.](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71PRTws4eFL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Transport costs
Belgium is one of the most expensive countries to live in, but its higher education is relatively affordable for international students. The cost of living as an international student in Belgium will vary according to your lifestyle and location. On average, you can expect to spend approximately between €700-800 to over €1,000 a month.
Belgium has an excellent public transport system, with trains and buses being the cheapest and most convenient travel options. As a student, you will have access to discounted public transport tickets, such as 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 as little as €12. A monthly public transportation pass for students under 25 costs €50 per month. Alternatively, you could consider renting or buying a second-hand bicycle. This is a great way to get some exercise and explore your surroundings.
The cost of transport in Belgium will depend on your location and the mode of transport you choose. If you plan to travel by train or bus, you can expect to pay around €50 per month with a student discount. If you prefer to cycle, you may need to budget for renting or purchasing a bicycle, but this could still be more cost-effective than public transport in the long run. Remember to factor in additional costs such as maintenance and safety equipment if you choose to cycle.
In addition to public transport and bicycles, you may also consider occasional taxi rides or ride-sharing services, which can be convenient but tend to be more expensive. If you plan to travel frequently, it might be worthwhile to look into annual or monthly passes to save costs. Belgium is also well-connected to its neighbouring countries, so you could consider purchasing train tickets or exploring ride-sharing options for occasional trips to nearby European destinations.
Stress Impacts: College Outcomes for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Health insurance
For non-EU/EEA students, health insurance is a must and something you need to factor into your student budget. If your EHIC isn’t valid for the whole duration of your stay, you’ll need to register with a Belgian health insurance fund and pay a quarterly membership contribution of about €21 – €25. Non-EEA students who’ve just arrived in Belgium and are awaiting their residence permit have to register with Belgian health insurance as a 'student' and pay a legal contribution fee of roughly €55 - €66 per quarter.
There are scholarships available for international students in Belgium, offered by universities, the government, the Academy of Research and Higher Education, and other Belgian agencies or organisations. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) scholarship is one such example that covers costs like tuition fees, insurance, and some travel expenses.
International Student Loans: Accessing US Funds
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Tuition fees for international students in Belgium vary depending on the university and the student's nationality. In the Flemish region, tuition fees for international students start at around €900 per academic year. In Wallonia, non-EU/EEA students have to pay specific tuition fees set by the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES), which cannot exceed five times the amount that EU/EEA students pay.
The cost of living for international students in Belgium depends on their lifestyle and location. On average, international students in Belgium spend between €700-800 to over €1,000 per month. Accommodation typically ranges from €300 to €500 per month, but private apartments or studios can cost more. Brussels, for example, has cheaper rents on average than London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin. Students should also budget for utilities, which can cost between €100 to €400 per month, and food, which is estimated to cost around €250-€300 per month.
Yes, there are several scholarship opportunities available for international students in Belgium. Universities often have their own scholarship schemes and may list external opportunities as well. Additionally, there are specific scholarships like Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD), Master Mind scholarships, and VLIR-UOS scholarships for students from developing countries.
