Study in Belgium

Belgium is a great choice if you want to study in Europe. There are currently more than 125,000 international students in the country. This means about 20% of all students come from other countries to study here. Most people choose to study in Belgium because the quality of education is very high. To study in Belgium as an Indian, first apply to a Belgian university and get an acceptance letter, then apply for a long-stay D Visa through VFS Global, providing documents like your passport, transcripts, proof of funds (around €1,900/month), and language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL). Then at last, enroll in your chosen program by paying the admission fees. 

The tuition fees for studying in Belgium for Indian students usually cost between €2,500 and €7,000 per year. If you don't speak French or Dutch, don't worry because there are over 1,100 English-taught programs available. One of the best things is the orientation year visa. This lets you stay in Belgium for 12 months after graduation to look for a job. Even though the cost of living in Belgium can be around €800 to €1,200 a month, many students work part-time jobs for 20 hours a week to help pay their bills.

Study in Belgium Highlights (2026 Intake)

Feature	Details
Total Universities	12 Universities + 30 University Colleges (Hautes Écoles)
Universities in Global Top 100	01 (KU Leuven #60)
Top Belgian Universities for International Students	KU Leuven, Ghent University, UCLouvain, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Education Levels	Bachelor (3 yrs), Master (1-2 yrs), Doctorate (PhD)
Education Regulators	Flemish Community (AHOVOKS) & French Community (WBI/ARES)
ELP Test Scores Required	IELTS (6.0 - 7.0) / TOEFL (79 - 100) / PTE / Duolingo (110+)
Standardised Test Scores Accepted	UG: Usually Not Required (except for Medicine/Engineering entrance) PG: GMAT/GRE (required for some Business/Economics schools)
Undergraduate Admission Eligibility	Secondary School Diploma + Statement of Equivalence (mandatory for French-speaking region) + ELP scores
Postgraduate Admission Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree in a related field + Motivation Letter + ELP scores
Qualifications Recognized	Bologna Process / ECTS (Recognized globally in 49+ countries)
University Acceptance Rate	High (Approx. 70%-80%); Selective for competitive programs
Orientation Year Visa (Job Search)	12 months post-graduation to find employment

Top Reasons to Study in Belgium

There are many reasons to study in Belgium as an international student. One of the major attractive factors is Belgium’s cost-effective education, as the government heavily subsidizes public universities, keeping tuition fees low for everyone. Other than this, there are a couple of more reasons cited below for reference:

• The higher education qualifications offered in Belgium are globally recognized and part of the Bologna Process, ensuring your degree is valued across Europe and the world.

• Located in the heart of Europe, Belgium gives students a strategic advantage for networking, especially in Brussels, which hosts the EU and NATO headquarters.

• International students from non-EU countries are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during academic holidays to support their living costs.

• Belgium offers a unique Orientation Year (Search Year) visa, allowing graduates to stay for 12 months after their studies to find a job or start a business.

• There are good scholarship programs available, such as the Master Mind Scholarship (Flanders) and ARES scholarships (Wallonia), which provide significant financial support to high-achieving students.

• Belgium is a multilingual hub, offering over 1,100 English-taught programs, making it an ideal "testing ground" for students looking to build a global career.

There are several reasons to study in Belgium for Indian students after 12th, particularly the Statement of Equivalence process which ensures your Indian high school marks are fairly compared to the Belgian system. The ones mentioned above are among the most popular.

Latest Updates for Studying in Belgium in 2026

Here are the latest updates you need to know for studying in Belgium in 2026 intake. Things like money and deadlines change every year, so check this table carefully.

What Changed?	The Update	Details
Bank Balance	Proof of Solvency	You must now show at least €835 per month (about ₹75,000) for your student visa.
Application Date	Deadlines for 2026	Most universities close their applications by March 1 or April 1, 2026 for non-EU students.
English Tests	New Scores	Many colleges now accept Duolingo (110+ score). IELTS 6.5 is still the best for Master's degrees.
Visa Cost	Visa Fee	The fee for a Type D Visa is now around €180 to €210 depending on your country.
Job Search	Orientation Year	After you finish your degree, you get a 12-month job search visa to stay and find work.
Equivalence	Degree Check	For Bachelor's, you must apply for Equivalence before July 15 or you can't join the course.
Scholarships	Deadlines	Master Mind and ARES scholarships for 2026 are open now for many students.

Higher Education System in Belgium

The Higher Education System in Belgium is very good but can be a bit confusing because it is split into two parts: the Flemish (Dutch) side and the French side.

Two Types of Universities

In Belgium, you have to choose between two kinds of colleges:

• Universities: These are for people who like research and big books. If you want a PhD, you must go here.

• University Colleges: These are called Hautes Écoles or Hogescholen. They are more practical. You learn by doing things and often have an internship to get a job fast.

Degrees and Credits (ECTS)

Belgium uses ECTS credits. This is like a points system that is the same all over Europe.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Takes 3 years (180 points).

• Master’s Degree: Takes 1 or 2 years (60 or 120 points).

• Doctorate (PhD): This is only for after you finish your Master's and want to do high-level research.

Grading System in Belgium

The grading scale is from 0 to 20.

• 10/20 is the magic number because it is the passing mark.

• If you fail an exam in January or June, don't panic! Most universities let you do a resit exam in August to try again.

Top Courses in Belgium

There are many reasons to study in Belgium because of its high-quality programs across various fields. Belgian universities are particularly famous for their research in Science, Engineering, and Social Sciences. The most popular and top-ranking courses in Belgium for international students for the 2026 intake include:

• Computer Science & AI (Very strong in the Flemish region)

• Biomedical Sciences (Belgium is a global leader in Biotech)

• MBA & Business Management

• International Relations & Diplomacy (Especially in Brussels)

• Engineering (Chemical, Electrical, and Mechanical)

• Data Science

• Public Health

• Architecture

• Economics

• Law (International and European Law)

• Pharmacy

• Philosophy

Belgium is a great place for Indian students after 12th or graduation because of these English-taught programs. Most of these subjects also offer great internship opportunities because many global companies and EU offices are located right in Belgium.

Cost of Studying in Belgium Level Wise

Studying costs in Belgium are generally much lower than in Australia because the government provides heavy subsidies for higher education. The cost of studying in Belgium for international students usually starts from €2,500 and can go up to €12,000 per year for specialized programs. Following is an approximate cost of studying based on the level of courses for prospective international and Indian students in 2026:

Level of Education in Belgium	Approximate Annual Costs (INR)
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)	INR 2.30 Lakhs - 4.50 Lakhs
Postgraduate (Master’s Degree)	INR 3.50 Lakhs - 7.50 Lakhs
Doctoral Degree (PhD)	Usually Funded (Students often receive a salary)
Specialized Master’s / MBA	INR 5.50 Lakhs - 11 Lakhs
English Language Courses	INR 15,000 - 35,000 (per month)

Monthly Cost of Living in Belgium

The cost of living in Belgium is quite reasonable for Europe, but it depends a lot on the city you choose. Brussels and Antwerp are usually more expensive, while student cities like Leuven or Liège are more affordable. On average, a student needs between €850 and €1,250 per month to live comfortably. Below is a breakdown of the approximate monthly costs for international students in 2026:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (Euro)	Estimated Monthly Cost (INR)
Accommodation (Student Housing/Flat)	€400 - €650	INR 36,000 - 58,000
Food & Groceries	€250 - €350	INR 22,000 - 31,000
Public Transport (Student Pass)	€20 - €50	INR 1,800 - 4,500
Health Insurance & Medical	€25 - €40	INR 2,200 - 3,600
Utilities (Internet, Electricity)	€50 - €100	INR 4,500 - 9,000
Leisure & Personal Expenses	€100 - €150	INR 9,000 - 13,500
Total Monthly Budget	€845 - €1,340	INR 75,500 - 1,20,000

Admission Requirements to Study in Belgian Universities

The admission requirements for international students in Belgium vary based on the language community (Flemish or French), the specific university, and the course level. Commonly, applicants will have to submit the following documents for their application:

• Transcripts for Class XII or IB scores (for UG) and Bachelor’s degree transcripts (for PG).

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter.

• Letters of Recommendation (LOR) - typically two.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (Europass format is often preferred).

• English language proficiency test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo (accepted by an increasing number of institutions).

• Proof of Identity (Passport copy).

Also Check: Study in Belgium without IELTS

Undergraduate Admission Requirements:

For undergraduate courses, students must hold a secondary school diploma equivalent to the Belgian high school certificate. In the French Community, international students are strictly required to obtain a Statement of Equivalence from the Service des Equivalences by the July 15 deadline.

While most programs have open admission, certain fields require Entrance Exams:

• Medicine and Dentistry: Mandatory competitive exam organized by ARES (French) or the Flemish government.

• Engineering (Civil/Architect): A specific entrance test is often required by faculties of Applied Sciences.

• Fine Arts: A portfolio and an artistic maturity test are usually necessary.

Admission Requirements for MS in Belgium:

Admission to a Master’s course in Belgium generally requires a relevant Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 to 3.0 (approx. 60-70%).

• Standardized Tests: Scores like GRE or GMAT are typically optional for many research programs but are often mandatory for competitive MBA or Business degrees at top schools like KU Leuven or Antwerp Management School.

• Subject Alignment: Universities strictly check if your undergraduate credits (ECTS) match the prerequisites of the chosen Master’s specialization.

Belgium Student Visa 2026

To study in Belgium, international students from non-EU countries (like India) must apply for a Long Stay Visa (Type D). This visa allows you to enter Belgium for a period longer than 90 days to complete your degree.

Following your writing style, here are the core requirements and steps for the Belgium Student Visa 2026:

Belgium Student Visa Requirements

The visa application is handled by the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your home country (often through VFS Global). You will generally need to submit:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 12 months.

• Official Admission Letter: Proof of enrollment from a recognized Belgian university.

• Proof of Solvency (Financial Means): You must prove you have at least €835 per month (for 2026) to cover your living expenses. This is usually shown via:

  • A Blocked Account (transferring the funds to the university).

  • A Sponsorship (Annex 32) from a guarantor with sufficient income.

  • A Scholarship certificate.

• Medical Certificate: A specific form signed by an embassy-approved doctor.

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Required for applicants over 21, showing no criminal record for the last 6 months.

• Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the administrative "retribution" fee (approx. €180 - €210).

Belgium Visa Application Process for 2026:

1. Administrative Fee: Before applying, you must pay the contribution fee to the Belgian Immigration Office (Brussels) and keep the proof of payment.

2. VFS Appointment: Book an appointment to submit your physical documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints).

3. Processing Time: It typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, so it is highly recommended to apply at least 3 months before your course starts.

4. Residence Permit: Within 8 days of arrival in Belgium, you must visit the local town hall (Commune/Gemeente) to register and apply for your Residence Card (A-Card).

Student Work Rights & Post-Study:

• Part-time Work: During the semester, you can work up to 20 hours per week. During official holidays (Summer/Winter), you can work unlimited hours.

• Job Search Year: After graduation, you can apply for an Orientation Year visa to stay for 12 months to find a job or start a business in Belgium.

Study in Belgium FAQs

How much does it cost to study in Belgium?

For non-EU students, the tuition fees usually go from €2,500 to €7,000 per year. If you do an MBA, it can be higher. For living costs like your room, food, and bus, you need about €850 to €1,200 every month. It’s much cheaper than places like London or New York!

Is Belgium visa free for Indians?

No, it is not. Indian students must get a Type D Visa. To get this, you need your admission letter from the college, a medical certificate, and you must prove you have enough money in the bank. You also need a police clearance (PCC) to show you have no criminal record.

How many years to get PR in Belgium for international students?

You can usually apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after living there for 5 years. But there is a catch: your years spent studying only count as half (so 2 years of study = 1 year for PR). However, once you start working on your orientation year visa or a work permit, those years count as full years.

Is Belgium good for international students?

Yes, it is a very good place! The education quality is top-class and you are in the center of Europe. You can visit Paris or Germany very easily by train. You also get to work part-time for 20 hours a week to earn extra pocket money. One small problem is the weather can be a bit rainy and you might need to learn some basic French or Dutch words for the grocery store.

Is IELTS needed for Belgium?

In most cases, yes. To get the admission and the visa, you usually need IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL. Some universities now also take Duolingo. If your whole school was in English, you might get an IELTS waiver, but the Belgium embassy is very strict and usually asks for a proper test score to be safe.