Study in Belgium

Looking for a unique study abroad experience? Choose from prestigious Belgian universities in the Flemish and French communities and immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage

More than just chocolates and waffles, Belgium boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Belgium is an attractive study-abroad destination for several reasons. The country is home to world-renowned universities and the headquarters of international organisations such as the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Its tuition fees are also relatively affordable compared to the neighbouring European study hubs of France and Germany.

Located in the heart of Europe, Belgium offers easy access to major cities like Paris, Cologne, Amsterdam, and London, all just a short train ride away. Belgium's unique blend of French, Dutch, and German cultures allows international students to engage in a multilingual environment and boost their career prospects.

Beyond academics, Belgium offers countless opportunities for personal growth. Students can explore historic cities like Bruges, Leuven and Ghent, indulge in delicious Belgian cuisine, and delve into a deep-rooted cultural heritage.

Universities in Belgium

Belgium's higher education system is divided into Flemish (Dutch) and French (Walloon) communities, reflecting the country's main languages.

Both communities have universities and university colleges, structured similarly to UK institutions. Universities offer Bachelors, Masters, and PhD programmes, while university colleges do not offer PhDs.

Dutch and French are the primary teaching languages, but English-taught programmes are also available.

Belgium has five Dutch universities:

KU Leuven
Universiteit Antwerpen
Universiteit Gent
Universiteit Hasselt
Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

There are six French universities in the Wallonia-Brussels region:

Université Catholique de Louvain
Université Saint-Louis, Bruxelles
Université de Namur
Université libre de Bruxelles
Université de Mons
Université de Liège.

All universities are publicly funded. Six of the country's institutions feature within the global top 350, according to QS World University Rankings 2025.

Universities in Belgium making up the top 300 include:

KU Leven (63rd)
Ghent University (169th)
Université catholique de Louvain (203rd)
Universite libre de Bruxelles (230th)
University of Antwerp (267th)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (278th)

Degree courses in Belgium

Bachelors courses in the country typically fall into two categories:

professional - designed for immediate application in the workplace and offered by university colleges. They prepare students for specific careers.
academic - intended for further study and typically pursued at universities. They provide a broad foundation of knowledge.

Bachelors programmes require three years of full-time study and cover a range of subjects. Applicants must hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification.

Search for undergraduate courses in the Dutch and French communities.

Masters degrees

Masters programmes are categorised into two types: Masters and Advanced Masters.

Full-time Masters programmes typically last two years, though the duration can vary for fields like law, medicine, psychology, and engineering. These programmes combine coursework with research, culminating in a dissertation.

Advanced Masters programmes are designed for individuals with a postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience and are typically completed in one year.

Most courses are taught in Dutch or French, depending on the region of study. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the respective language to be admitted. However, a growing number of programmes are offered in English, such as:

Applicants typically need a Bachelors degree in a related field, but admissions tutors may consider non-graduates with professional experience. Many Masters graduates in Belgium continue to PhD study.

Search for Masters courses in the Dutch and French communities.

PhDs

Doctoral programmes are the highest level of academic degree, with study ranging from four to six years. To qualify, you'll need to complete a piece of original research and then defend your work in a public presentation.

To apply, you'll need a Bachelors and a Masters degree, a draft thesis, and a supervisor to guide you through the process.

Student exchanges

The UK government runs the Turing Scheme for students seeking overseas placements and study abroad at a university for the academic year.

Your university must have a formal agreement with a partner university in Belgium. Middlesex University London and Swansea University are just two UK institutions linked to Belgian universities that enable students to participate in exchange programmes.

Check that your institution is involved in the programme and offers the Turing Scheme in Belgium.

Course fees

Tuition fees in Belgium can vary significantly depending on factors like the institution, programme of study, and student nationality. Generally, tuition fees are more affordable than in other European countries such as France, Germany, and the UK.

Non-EU students often pay higher tuition fees than their EU counterparts. Undergraduate tuition fees for non-EU students typically range from €2,000 to €8,000 (£1,650 to £6618) per year, with some programmes reaching as high as €15,000 (£12,400).

Postgraduate students in Belgium typically pay an application fee of €50 to €100 (£41 to £82). They may also incur additional costs for research courses or lab fees.

In addition to tuition, students should budget for living costs in Belgium. While relatively affordable compared to other European countries, students typically spend €850 to 950 (£703 to £785) per month on accommodation, food, course materials, and transport.

Belgium offers a comprehensive healthcare system, and international students can enrol in the national health insurance scheme. This covers 75% of medical expenses, including routine medical visits and prescription medication.

Funding to study in Belgium

International students in the Flemish (Dutch) region who meet specific criteria may be eligible for the Master Mind Scholarship, which provides a grant of €10,000 (£8,273) and a tuition fee waiver per academic year. To be eligible, you must:

having a parent who has worked in Belgium for at least twelve months in the past two years
having worked in Belgium for at least twelve months within any given period of two consecutive years in the past
having lived in Belgium for the past five consecutive years.

A range of scholarships and grants are available in the French community. To see what you might be eligible for, visit studyinbelgium.be - Grants.

Your university may have some funding options for international students. Check with them to see what's available. If you're from outside the EU, a scholarship from your home country is your best bet since you can't work part-time without a permit.

Student visas

Non-EU citizens, like those from the UK, require a visa to study in Belgium.

Here's how to obtain your student visa:

Secure admission - after being accepted into a Belgian educational institution, you can apply for your student visa.
Complete the visa application form - download the official visa application form, fill it out accurately, and print it.
Gather essential documents - you'll need your passport, proof of funds, health insurance, and letter of admission.
Schedule your visa appointment - book an appointment at the Belgian embassy or consulate to submit your application.
Prepare for the interview - practice answering questions about your studies, future plans, and finances.

All visitors must register with local authorities within eight days of arrival. If your stay exceeds three months, you'll need a registration certificate.

To find out more, contact The Embassy of Belgium in the United Kingdom.

How to apply

Each university programme has specific entry requirements. All applications are submitted online through the institution's portal and are typically conducted in the programme's language.

The standard application documents typically include:

photocopies of your passport
your passport photo
academic qualifications and transcripts (translated into Dutch or French if applicable)
proof of language proficiency
letters of recommendation
a motivation letter
your CV.

You may need to pay an administration fee, and it's advisable to apply at least six months before the start of your programme.

After reviewing your application, the admissions team may ask you to submit additional documents or forward your application to the relevant department for further review.

Depending on the institution, you may need to pass an entrance exam for programmes in:

the arts
dentistry
engineering
management
medicine.

Tuition fees must be paid before the course starts. Upon acceptance, you will receive a letter - this is essential for visa and scholarship applications, as well as for enrolling in your course.

For more specific details about the application process, contact the institution you're interested in directly.

Language requirements

Belgian universities use either Flemish or French as the language of instruction, depending on the institution's location within the Flemish or French community.

Thankfully, many universities offer language courses throughout the year, both during regular terms and holidays. Additionally, many have language centres specifically designed to help students reach the required language level.

Although instruction is primarily in local languages, many courses, particularly in Brussels, Belgium's bilingual capital, are taught entirely in English.

This is prominent for advanced degrees in fields like:

arts
applied sciences
economics
health sciences
law
management
political science
social sciences.

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to have passed or must pass an approved English language test, such as the IELTS or TOEFL to enrol in an English-taught programme. These tests evaluate your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English.

Comparison to UK qualifications

The Bologna Process aims to standardise higher education qualifications across Europe. As a UK student seeking admission to Belgian universities, you can benefit from this as you won't need to go through an equivalence assessment of your UK qualification.

However, some institutions may require you to submit an application for your high school certificate to be recognised. This is a simple process to ensure your academic background meets their standards. Check with your institution to confirm if this is necessary.

Find out more

Discover what it's like to work in Belgium.
For information about studying in the Flemish Community, see studying in Flanders.
Read about studying in the French Community at studyinbelgium.be.