BS/MS Admissions in Belgium
When can I start my studies in Belgium?
✓ February-April for September start
✓ Some programs have January intake
What do I need to get admited?
✓ Bachelor’s: High school diploma + IELTS 6.0-6.5 (or equivalent)
✓ Competitive programs: May require entrance exams/interviews (e.g., medicine/engineering)
Is IELTS mandatory for admission?
Not always! Exemptions if you:
✓ Studied in English (submit MOI letter)
✓ Are from an English-speaking country
How much does tuition cost?
🇧🇪 Belgium Study Costs (2025)
✓ EU/EEA: €900–4.5K/year (public) | Non-EU: €1.5K–12K (public). *KU Leuven/Ghent charge €1.1K–8K.*
✓ Private Unis: €2.5K–15K (all students) – check French vs. Flemish community fee differences!
✓ Pro Tip: Wallonia offers more grants – apply early for “bourse d’études”!
What financial support is available?
🇧🇪 Belgium Funding & Work (2025)
✓ Top Scholarships: Mastermind (€10K/yr), ARES (full tuition + stipend), KU Leuven (€12.5K max).
✓ Work Rules: 20h/week for all students – unlimited in holidays (EU/non-EU).
✓ Pro Tip: Combine Erasmus+ with local grants – Brussels offers extra housing aid!
Is health insurance required?
✓ EU/EEA students: EHIC card valid
✓ Non-EU students: Mandatory Belgian insurance (~€100/year)
What is the Key Advise?
🇧🇪 Belgium Study Success (2025)
✓ Deadlines: Apply by March 1 (EU programs) / April–June (non-EU) – KU Leuven fills fast!
✓ Language Boost: Basic Dutch/French unlocks jobs – free city-sponsored courses in Brussels/Ghent!
✓ Pro Tip: Use Erasmus Intern for paid EU placements – *counts toward 20h/week limit!*
What is the cost of living?
🇧🇪 Belgium Student Budget (2025)
✓ Housing: €250–500 (dorms) | €600–900 (private) – Brussels 30% pricier than Liège!
✓ Monthly Costs: €850–1.3K (food €200–300 + transport €20–50 + health insurance €100).
✓ Savings Hack: Use Student.be discounts + regional transport passes (€49/month Wallonia!).
What are the work opportunities and allowed working hours?
🇧🇪 Belgium Student Work Rules (2025)
✓ Work Limit: 650 hours/year (no permit) – track via Student@Work portal – ideal for retail/tutoring.
✓ Post-Grad Bonus: Keep working until September 30 after graduation (even if job-hunting!).
✓ Pro Tip: Internships don’t count toward hourly limit if part of your program!
What are the minimum visa requirements?
🇧🇪 Belgium Student Visa (2025)
✓ Essentials: Admission letter, passport, proof of funds (€700+/month), health insurance (€30K coverage).
✓ Key Docs: Language proof (B2+), housing contract, visa fee (€180+). *Non-EU: start 3+ months early!*
✓ Pro Tip: Funds must be in a blocked Belgian account (KBC/ING) – no foreign statements accepted!