Study in Belgium

Belgium is home to the main institutions of the European Union and to universities that teach in Dutch, French and, increasingly, English. Most English-taught options are master’s degrees, many of which take a single year, and graduates can stay for a year to look for work.

• One-year master’s degrees

  Many master’s programmes take a single year, which keeps the total cost down.

• Research universities

  KU Leuven, Ghent and the Brussels universities run large research programmes with links to industry and the EU institutions.

• At the centre of Europe

  Brussels hosts the EU institutions, and Paris, Amsterdam and London are a short train ride away.

• Moderate tuition

  Fees at public universities are moderate by Western European standards, even for students from outside the EU.

Also on our list

• Antwerp Management School
• Hasselt University
• University of Antwerp
• University of Liège
• University of Mons
• University of Namur
• Vlerick Business School

• September

  Classes start

  Mid-September

  Apply

  October to March

  The main intake. Many universities close applications from outside the EU on 1 March.

• February

  Classes start

  February

  Apply

  August to October

  Offered for a small number of programmes.

Public universitiesFor students from outside the EU. Fees differ between Dutch- and French-speaking universities.

€1,000 to €7,000 a year

Business schoolsFor a one-year master’s.

€15,000 to €35,000

Living costsIncluding rent. Brussels costs the most.

€900 to €1,200 a month

Proof of fundsThe minimum for the visa in 2026 to 2027, up from €835.

€1,062 a month

• English

  • IELTS Academic 6.5 to 7.0 for most English-taught programmes
  • TOEFL iBT also accepted

• Academic

  • Master’s: a relevant bachelor’s degree with a strong CGPA
  • Bachelor’s: few programmes are taught in English, so Dutch or French is usually needed

• Student visa

  • An admission letter from a recognised institution
  • Proof of funds: your own, a scholarship or a sponsor’s formal commitment
  • A medical certificate from an approved doctor and a police clearance certificate

1. 01

   Choose programmes

   Most English-taught options are master’s degrees; check each one’s entry requirements.

2. 02

   Take an English test

   IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT.

3. 03

   Apply by the deadline

   Usually 1 March for students from outside the EU, directly to each university.

4. 04

   Receive your admission letter

   Then pay any deposit your university asks for.

5. 05

   Prepare your visa documents

   Proof of funds, a medical certificate and a police clearance certificate, legalised and translated where required.

6. 06

   Apply for the visa in Dhaka

   At the Belgian visa application centre, in person, for fingerprints and a short questionnaire.

• While you study

  Up to 20 hours a week during term, and without a weekly limit during school holidays.

• After you graduate

  A permit of up to 12 months to look for work or start a business.