The small, cosmopolitan nation played an important role in shaping the Europe we know today, and its capital, Brussels, is the seat of the European Union government. With many study options available, Belgium is also an exciting destination for international students.

Average length of a full-time higher education programme in Belgium:

• Bachelor’s degree programme: 6 - 8 semesters
• Master’s degree programme: 2 - 4 semesters
• Doctorate/PhD: at least 6 semesters​

Tuition fee for non EU-students:

• The tuition fees start from €4000 per year.
• Tuition fees at private universities differ at each institution.

• Population: 11,311,117 (2016)
• Capital: Brussels
• Geographical size: 30,528 km2
• GDP: €421,611 billion (2016)
• Official EU language(s): Dutch, French and German
• Currency: Euro

In general terms, higher education in Belgium can be classified into University, higher education institutions and Colleges of Arts. The universities provide long term courses for bachelor’s, master’s and postgraduate studies. The higher education institutions and Colleges of Arts provide long-term programmes for bachelor’s and Master’s studies.

The Kingdom of Belgium has a federal state structure, organised into three Communities:

• Flanders - the Flemish Community (Dutch speaking)
• Wallonia - the French Community (French speaking)
• a smaller German Community (German speaking) in the eastern part of Belgium

Each Community has its own government and ministry of education. The capital city, Brussels, links to the communities.

Although the cost of living is relatively low in Belgium, it can vary from one town to another. Don’t forget to consider everything (food, transport, free time, health, etc.) when preparing your budget, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

• accommodation (between €300 and €500/month)
• food (€300/month);
• study materials (€50/months)
• telephone and internet (€60/month)
• insurance (€30/month)
• local transport (€50/month)
• personal activities (€50/month)

Total per month approx. 850 Euros

The average monthly living expenses for a student in Belgium are approximately 700-1000 euros

You may apply for the student visa at the competent representative authority at the earliest six months before your planned travel date. You should not apply later than 15 calendar days before your planned stay.

• Valid travel document
• Passport-sized photos
• Admission letter of the Higher education institution
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the living costs.
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of appropriate travel health insurance
• Flight reservation
• Other documents

Contact your EUCAS advisor for more details.

All international students, even from non-EU countries, can work while studying. The only conditions are that they must be enrolled with a higher education institution and must have a valid residence permit.

Depending on the period you intend to work, the following options are open to you:

• During school holidays (Christmas, spring, summer – July, August, September): the student can work with no limit to the number of hours.
• During the school year: the student can work no more than 20 hours per week and the work must be compatible with study.