Study in Belgium
Belgium offers high-quality, multicultural, and affordable education in the heart of Europe. Instruction is primarily in **Dutch (Flemish region)**, **French (Walloon region)**, and English (especially in Master's programs). The main permit is the **Residence Permit for Study**.
Application timeline
4-8 weeks (Visa D) + 1-2 weeks (Residence Permit post-arrival).
Living cost
€900 - 1,500/month (Brussels and Ghent are most expensive).
Hourly wage
€10 - €15 EUR/hr (Minimum wage is €1,955.59/month, but students have a special payroll contribution scheme).
Study visa confidence
Our AI compares your grades, finances, and previous visas with real student approvals to predict how admissions officers will view your application for Belgium.
Takes < 2 minutes
Student visa pathways
Processing times, work rights, required documents, and dependent rules for each permit route.
Visa D (Long-stay) + Residence Permit
Long-stay, Academic
Validity
1 year (renewable)
Processing time
4-8 weeks (Visa D) + 1-2 weeks (Residence Permit post-arrival).
Fee
€209 (Administrative fee) + Varies by nationality (Visa D fee).
Work rights
Yes, under strict limits and conditions.
Documents required
Acceptance Letter, Proof of Solvency, Medical Certificate, Police Clearance Certificate, Passport, Application Form.
Dependents
Yes, family members (spouse/children) can apply for a Family Reunion Visa (Visa D). · Yes (Dependents may apply for a work permit under family reunification).
Top universities & flagship programs
Shortlist globally-ranked institutions with tuition benchmarks.
KU Leuven
Leuven (Flemish Region) · Top 100 Global, #1 in Belgium
Master of Science in Engineering Science: Electronics and ICT
2 years · €990 - €6,000/yr (Non-EU/EEA fees vary)
Ghent University (UGent)
Ghent (Flemish Region) · Top University
Master of Science in Political Science
2 years · €990 - €6,000/yr (Non-EU/EEA fees vary)
Scholarships & exchange routes
Reduce tuition costs and build international exposure.
Scholarships
Merit + needs-based opportunities
VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Flanders)
Full tuition, monthly allowance, travel costs.
Students from developing countries for specific Master's programs focused on development.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
Full tuition, monthly allowance (€1,400), and travel.
High-achieving students worldwide for select Master's programs (many based in Belgium).
Belgian Government (ARES) Scholarships (Wallonia)
Monthly allowance, travel, and insurance.
Students from developing countries for specialized training or Master's programs.
Exchange partners
1-2 semester mobility
ERASMUS+
1 semester or 1 year
Students from EU/EEA partner universities.
Flemish and Walloon Bilateral Agreements
Varies
Specific to the student's home university and Belgian partner institution.
Announcements & policy watch
Stay ahead of IRCC and embassy updates.
Orientation Year Permit
Graduates can apply for an **Orientation Year** (zoekjaar) permit to stay for 12 months to look for a job or start a business, which leads to a work permit.
Visa success playbook
Action items that consistently strengthen study permit approvals.
Block the required funds in a Belgian bank account for solvency proof; learn basic French or Dutch (depending on the region); utilize the 12-month post-study work permit (Orientation Year).
Country fast facts
Key embassy + lifestyle data
Official language
Dutch, French, German
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time zone
UTC+01:00
Visa portal
—
Part-time work ideas
Average hourly wages
Student Job (Étudiant jobiste / Studentenjob)
€10 - €15/hr
Common part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, or administrative assistance. Requires basic French/Dutch in some regions.
Tutoring/Caretaking
€12 - €18/hr
Private tutoring or babysitting, often found through word-of-mouth or online platforms.
Nearest embassies
Plan biometrics & interviews
Job market insights
Good. The 12-month 'Orientation Year' post-study work permit provides a solid window for securing a full-time job and transitioning to a Work Permit (Single Permit).