Respected universities
Belgium's universities have long academic histories and strong research reputations.
Study in Belgium
Respected universities at the political heart of Europe
Belgium hosts long-established universities across its Flemish (Dutch-speaking) and French-speaking communities, with a growing range of English-taught master's programmes and strong European connections.
Match me with programmes- Main intakes
- 1–2Main intakes
- Status
- EU member stateStatus
- Teaching options
- English-taught master'sTeaching options
- Dutch / French / German
- MultilingualDutch / French / German
Country overview
Studying in Belgium
Belgium is an EU member state organised into language communities — Flemish (Dutch-speaking), French-speaking, and a small German-speaking community — each responsible for its own higher education. Universities are well established, and English-taught programmes are most common at master's level.
Located at the heart of Europe and home to key EU institutions, Belgium is especially strong in fields such as law, international relations, sciences, and engineering. Requirements and teaching language vary by community and institution, so always confirm details directly with the university.
- Capital
- Brussels
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Popular cities
- Brussels, Leuven, Ghent, Antwerp, Louvain-la-Neuve
- Main intakes
- September (some February)
- Teaching languages
- Dutch, French, and English (programme-dependent)
- EU status
- Member state — simplified entry for EU/EEA citizens
Why study here
Reasons students choose Belgium
European hub
Brussels hosts major EU institutions, making it ideal for law, politics, and international relations.
English-taught master's
A growing range of master's programmes are taught in English, especially in specialised fields.
Central location
Excellent rail and air links make travel across Europe convenient.
Education system
How the system is structured
Higher education in Belgium is governed separately by the Flemish and French-speaking communities. Both follow the Bologna three-cycle structure and use the ECTS credit system, delivered through universities and university colleges.
Universities
Offer academic bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes with a research orientation.
University colleges
Hogescholen / hautes écoles offer more applied, profession-oriented programmes.
Community-based systems
The Flemish and French communities set their own rules, so requirements differ by region and language.
ECTS credits
Programmes use ECTS, supporting transfer and recognition within the EU.
Application routes
Pathways by study level
Requirements differ by level. Use the tabs to see typical entry expectations for each pathway.
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor's
Bachelor's programmes are mostly taught in Dutch or French depending on the community, with limited English-taught options at this level.
Typical duration: 3 years
Typical entry requirements
- Completed secondary education comparable to the Belgian requirement
- Language proof for the teaching language (often Dutch or French)
- Programme-specific requirements for some fields
Graduate degree
Master's
Master's programmes include a growing number of English-taught options, especially in specialised and international fields.
Typical duration: 1–2 years
Typical entry requirements
- A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades
- Language proof for the programme's teaching language (often English at master's level)
- Programme-specific prerequisites; some require a motivation letter
Qualification requirements
What qualifications you typically need
| Study level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | Secondary education assessed as comparable to the Belgian standard, plus language proof for the (often Dutch or French) teaching language. |
| Master's | A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades and language proof, commonly English for international master's programmes. |
Language requirements
Proving your language ability
The required language depends on the community and programme. Bachelor's programmes are typically in Dutch or French, while many master's programmes are in English. Confirm accepted tests and scores with the institution.
English-taught programmes
IELTS Academic
Widely accepted for English-taught programmes; bands vary by programme.
TOEFL iBT
Commonly accepted as an alternative to IELTS.
Local-language programmes
Dutch language proof
Required for Dutch-taught programmes in the Flemish community.
French language proof
Required for French-taught programmes in the French-speaking community.
- Minimum scores and accepted tests differ by community, programme, and level — always verify directly.
Application process
A typical application, step by step
Choose your community and programme
Decide between Flemish (Dutch), French-speaking, or English-taught programmes and identify matching universities.
Check requirements and deadlines
Confirm academic prerequisites, language proof, and deadlines, which differ by institution and community.
Prepare and submit documents
Gather transcripts, language results, and identification, then apply directly to the university.
Receive an offer
Await the university's decision and any conditions before accepting.
Arrange visa/residence steps
Non-EU applicants should begin the visa/residence process promptly once admitted.
Visa process
Student visa overview
Check your citizenship status
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally do not need a student visa or residence permit in the same way as non-EU applicants, though registration formalities may still apply.
Non-EU: apply for a long-stay visa/residence permit
Non-EU/international students typically apply for a long-stay (type D) visa for study through the Belgian embassy or consulate.
Prepare supporting documents
Commonly includes the acceptance letter, passport, proof of funds, and health insurance, though exact lists vary.
Register at the local commune after arrival
Non-EU students generally register with the local commune and complete residence formalities after arriving.
Verify current rules officially
Visa and residence requirements change — always confirm the current process with the official Belgian embassy/consulate or immigration authority.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Belgium can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.
Required documents
Documents you are likely to need
Academic transcripts
Certified copies of secondary or prior higher-education records.
Language test results
English (IELTS/TOEFL) or Dutch/French proof depending on the programme.
Passport
Valid for the duration of study and travel.
University acceptance letter
Official confirmation of admission from the institution.
Proof of funds
Evidence you can support tuition and living costs.
Health insuranceIf applicable
Required for the visa/residence process for non-EU applicants.
Study categories
Popular fields of study
Law & international relations
- European Law
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Public Policy
Sciences & engineering
- Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Physics
- Chemistry
Business & economics
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Management
Health & life sciences
- Biomedical Sciences
- Public Health
- Pharmacy
- Biology
Costs and funding
Budgeting your studies
Tuition depends on the community and your citizenship: EU/EEA students often pay lower regulated fees, while non-EU students may pay higher rates. The figures below are qualitative — confirm current amounts with the institution.
Tuition
- EU/EEA students
- Lower regulated fees
- Non-EU students
- Higher institutional rates
Both communities set standard tuition for eligible students.
Varies by community, programme, and university.
Living costs
- Accommodation
- Largest monthly cost
- Food & transport
- Moderate
- Health insurance
- Required
Brussels and university cities like Leuven and Ghent are more expensive.
Student transport options help keep costs manageable.
Requirements depend on your status.
Funding & scholarships
University scholarships
Some universities and external bodies offer scholarships for international students; deadlines vary.
Development/exchange programmes
Certain programmes support students from specific countries; verify eligibility officially.
Part-time work
Eligible students may work limited hours; rules depend on citizenship and must be verified officially.
Application timeline
Planning your year
12–14 months before
Research
- Choose community and programme
- Check language and deadlines
- Plan your budget
9–12 months before
Prepare
- Sit language tests
- Gather transcripts and documents
- Draft a motivation letter if needed
5–9 months before
Apply
- Submit applications to universities
- Track offers and conditions
2–5 months before
Visa & arrival
- Accept an offer
- Complete visa/residence steps if non-EU
- Arrange accommodation and travel
Avoid these
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not realising bachelor's programmes are usually in Dutch or French, not English.
- Overlooking that the Flemish and French communities have different rules and deadlines.
- Underestimating the visa/residence timeline for non-EU applicants.
- Leaving accommodation arrangements too late in Brussels and other student cities.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in English in Belgium?
English-taught programmes are most common at master's level. Bachelor's programmes are usually taught in Dutch or French depending on the community, so check each programme's teaching language.
What is the difference between the Flemish and French communities?
Each community runs its own higher-education system with its own language, rules, and deadlines. Your choice affects the teaching language and application process.
Do EU citizens need a visa to study in Belgium?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally do not need a student visa in the same way as non-EU applicants, though local registration formalities may still apply.
How long does the non-EU visa process take?
Processing times vary and are not fixed — always confirm current timelines with the official Belgian embassy or consulate well before your intended start date.
See which Belgian programmes fit your profile
Upload your transcript and MeetMentora will interpret your academic background and surface programmes that match your level and interests.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Belgium can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.