Savanna Hoffman
Belgium is a popular destination for international students, with over 40,000 choosing to study there each year. The country offers high-quality education, fascinating cultural diversity, and a vibrant international community. With top universities, Belgium provides a range of English-taught programs, particularly at the postgraduate level, and an affordable cost of living. However, is education free for international students in Belgium?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | 40,000-55,000+ |
| Number of English-taught bachelor's programs | 70+ |
| Number of English-taught master's programs | 350+ |
| Average living costs | €700-950/month |
| Average food costs | €250-300/month |
| Average accommodation costs | €300-500/month |
| Student accommodation costs | €200-400/month |
| Private accommodation costs | €500-700/month |
| Apartment/studio costs | €600-700/month |
| Utility bills | €100-400/month |
| Groceries | €300/month |
| Meal in an inexpensive restaurant | €10-20 |
| Transport pass | €12-25/year |
| Tuition fees | €900-8,000/year |
| Student visa required | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Tuition fees for international students in Belgium
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 and a rich cultural experience, with a diverse range of languages and landscapes.
Tuition fees in the Flemish Region, which includes both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens, start at around 900 EUR per academic year. These fees are typically calculated based on the number of study credits booked per academic year, with 60 points per year being the standard.
There are also numerous scholarship opportunities available for international students in Belgium, offered by universities, the government, the Academy of Research and Higher Education, and other organizations. These include the Master Mind Scholarships, ARES Scholarships for students from developing countries, and the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) programme, which covers tuition fees, insurance, travel expenses, and provides a monthly allowance.
In addition to tuition fees, international students in Belgium should budget for living expenses, which can range from 700 to 950 EUR per month, depending on location and lifestyle. Accommodation costs vary from 300 to 500 EUR per month, with private apartments or studios costing more. Students can also take advantage of discounted public transport deals, such as discounted season tickets on trains and other transport networks.
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Scholarships for international students in Belgium
Belgium is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education and fascinating cultural diversity. The country is divided into three autonomous regions: Flanders in the north, Wallonia in the south, and the region of the capital city, Brussels.
While tuition fees for degree programs in Belgium vary depending on the student's nationality, with both EU and non-EU students expected to pay tuition fees, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities available for international students. These scholarships can be classified into two main types: government scholarships for foreign students and scholarships sponsored by individual universities.
The Flemish Ministry of Education and Training, for example, awards scholarships to highly talented international students pursuing a master's program at a Flemish university, a school of arts, or the Antwerp Maritime Academy. The Master Mind scholarship is another option for outstanding international students seeking a master's degree in Flanders, offering a grant of €8,400 and a tuition fee waiver annually. To be eligible, students must first be accepted by one of the partner universities in Flanders and then undergo a selection process that evaluates their academic performance, motivation, attitude, English proficiency, and relevant work experience.
Additionally, the Belgian government offers the ARES scholarship for students from developing countries pursuing a 1-year advanced bachelor's or master's degree, or a 2-to-6-month training course in Wallonia or Brussels in the field of community development. This scholarship covers international travel costs, living expenses, tuition fees, and insurance for the duration of the studies.
It is worth noting that some universities in Belgium offer the opportunity to pay tuition fees in instalments, and there may be variations in payment deadlines and requirements across institutions. As such, it is advisable to check with the specific university of interest for detailed information on tuition payments and available scholarships.
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Student visa requirements for Belgium
Belgium is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education and cultural diversity. The requirements to apply for a student visa will vary depending on where you're from. Here is some information on student visa requirements for Belgium.
Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
The short-stay visa, also known as the Schengen visa, allows students to travel and stay in all Schengen area member countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Students with a residence card from another Schengen country that is valid until their return home can enter and stay in Belgium without a visa for up to 90 days.
Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
The long-stay visa, or Authorisation for Provisional Sojourn, permits students to enter Belgium for longer than 90 days. One key requirement for this visa is proof of solvency, which means demonstrating the financial means to support yourself during your studies. For self-supporting students, this can be done through a "blocked account" procedure or by depositing a bank guarantee equivalent to 12 times the minimum monthly amount required for students.
Third-Country Nationals
Third-country nationals must apply for initial authorisation to stay in Belgium if they wish to pursue full-time higher education or a preparatory year at an institution of higher education. This application is typically submitted to a Belgian embassy or consulate abroad. After completing their studies, non-EU students can apply for a residence permit for an orientation year, allowing them to stay in Belgium for 12 months to seek employment or start a business.
Tuition Fees
Both EU and non-EU students are expected to pay tuition fees in Belgium, although there are scholarship opportunities available. Tuition fees vary among universities and are typically paid annually after enrolment. Some institutions offer the option to pay in instalments.
Cost of Living
The cost of living as an international student in Belgium depends on your lifestyle and location. On average, students can expect to spend between €700-800 to over €1,000 per month. Accommodation typically ranges from €300 to €500 per month, while food expenses can be around €250-€300 monthly. Additionally, students can access discounted public transport deals, such as reduced prices on season tickets for trains and other transport networks.
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Living costs for international students in Belgium
Belgium is a popular destination for international students, offering excellent higher education and a highly multicultural environment. The cost of living for international students in Belgium varies according to lifestyle and location, but students can generally expect to spend between €700-800 to over €1,000 per month.
Accommodation is a significant expense for students, ranging from €300 to €500 per month. Private apartments or studios typically cost more, with prices averaging €500 per month in the private sector. Renting or sharing an apartment or studio can cost between €600 and €700 per month, with prices increasing for apartments closer to city centres. In Brussels, rents are relatively affordable compared to other European capitals, such as London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin.
Monthly food expenses can range from €250 to €300. Cooking at home is a more budget-friendly option, with supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, and Colruyt offering cheaper alternatives to eating out. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost between €10 and €20.
Transportation costs can be reduced by taking advantage of student discounts on public transport. For example, a yearly bus pass in Leuven costs €25, while under-24s in Brussels can purchase a yearly pass for as little as €12. Alternatively, students can rent or buy a second-hand bicycle to explore their surroundings.
Health insurance is another essential consideration, with monthly costs ranging from €20 to €30. All residents in Belgium, including international students, are legally required to have health insurance. Additionally, it is recommended to have third-party liability insurance or 'family insurance'.
When creating a budget for living costs in Belgium, students should also factor in utility bills, study materials, clothing, laundry, and leisure activities. Utility costs, including electricity, water, and internet, can range from €100 to €400 per month, depending on the accommodation type.
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Language requirements for international students in Belgium
Belgium is a multilingual country with three national languages: Dutch, French, and German. The country is divided into three autonomous regions: Flanders in the north, Wallonia in the south, and the region of the capital city, Brussels. Each region has its own dominant language, with Dutch being the most widely spoken in Flanders, French in Wallonia, and both French and Dutch in Brussels.
When it comes to language requirements for international students in Belgium, it can vary depending on the region and the university. Here are some key points to consider:
- Most Bachelor's programmes are offered in Dutch or French, so a good command of either language is essential for admission to these programmes. Many universities offer free or affordable Dutch or French classes that students can take alongside their studies.
- For Master's and Doctorate programmes, there are more options available in English. However, it's still beneficial to have a basic understanding of Dutch or French to navigate daily life and socialize with locals.
- Submission requirements for applications often include submitting documents in either English, French, or Dutch. It is important to check with the specific university and programme for their language requirements and any language tests they may accept or require.
- While not a requirement, learning the local language can greatly enhance your experience. Belgium is known for its multilingual residents, and learning the local language can facilitate better integration, cultural understanding, and social opportunities.
- If you are interested in learning or improving your language skills, many universities in Belgium have Language Centres where you can study French or Dutch as a foreign language. Social promotion institutes also offer courses at different times of the day to accommodate students' schedules.
- It is worth noting that the Flemish Community calculates tuition fees based on the number of study credits booked per academic year, typically 60 points per year. So, improving your language skills to be able to take courses in the local language may also provide more affordable study options.
In summary, while Belgium has multiple languages, the language requirements for international students will depend on their chosen programme and university. It is beneficial to have at least a basic understanding of either Dutch or French, and many resources are available to learn or improve language skills while studying in Belgium.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students are expected to pay tuition fees in Belgium. However, fees are quite reasonable, and there are plenty of scholarship opportunities available.
The cost of studying in Belgium varies depending on the region, the programme, and your country of origin. In the Dutch-speaking region, fees for European students are around €980 per year, while for non-European nationals, fees range from €980 to €8,000. In the French-speaking region, European students pay a maximum of €835 per year, while non-European students pay €2,505 per year.
Yes, scholarships are offered by universities, the government, and other Belgian agencies or organisations. Examples include the Master Mind Scholarships, ARES Scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) programme.
The cost of living in Belgium depends on your lifestyle, location, and accommodation type. On average, you can expect to spend between €700-950 per month, with accommodation ranging from €200-700 per month. Food costs around €250-300 per month, and utilities can be an additional €100-400 per month.
Belgium offers high-quality, affordable education and a vibrant cultural life. It is easy to travel during term time and holidays, and you can easily visit neighbouring countries such as Germany or the Netherlands. Belgium is also known for its multilingualism, and you can easily learn Dutch, French, or German during your stay.
