Study in Belize
Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, offering education focused on tourism, marine biology, and sustainable development. The primary institution is the University of Belize. International students must apply for a **Student Visa** and a **Residency Permit** (on a yearly basis).
Application timeline
6-10 weeks (plus potential delays from the Department of Immigration).
Living cost
BZD 1,000 - 2,000/month (Moderate cost of living).
Hourly wage
$3.30 - $5.00 BZD/hr (Minimum wage is $3.30/hr, but casual work is prohibited for students).
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 Belize.
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Student visa pathways
Processing times, work rights, required documents, and dependent rules for each permit route.
Student Visa + Residency Permit
Long-stay, Academic
Validity
1 year (renewable)
Processing time
6-10 weeks (via Department of Immigration and Nationality).
Fee
BSD 100 - 300 (Application fee varies).
Work rights
No. Strict restriction on part-time work for international students.
Documents required
Acceptance Letter, Financial Proof, Police Clearance Certificate, Medical Exam, Passport, Application Form, Proof of Accommodation.
Dependents
Yes, but difficult and requires high levels of proof of financial support. · No (Dependents are not permitted to work).
Top universities & flagship programs
Shortlist globally-ranked institutions with tuition benchmarks.
University of Belize (UB)
Belmopan · National University of Belize
Associate Degree in Ecotourism
2 years · USD 4,000 - 6,000/yr (Intl)
Galen University
San Ignacio · Private University
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management
4 years · USD 7,000 - 9,000/yr (Intl)
Scholarships & exchange routes
Reduce tuition costs and build international exposure.
Scholarships
Merit + needs-based opportunities
Belize Government Scholarship (National)
Varies (often partial tuition and stipend).
Primarily for Belizean citizens; very limited for international students based on specific bilateral agreements.
Galen University Merit Scholarships
Partial tuition waiver (e.g., 25% - 50%).
High academic merit for undergraduate studies; competitive for international applicants.
OAS (Organization of American States) Scholarship Program
Partial tuition waiver/stipend.
Citizens of OAS member states for undergraduate or graduate study.
Exchange partners
1-2 semester mobility
UB Bilateral Exchange Programs
1 semester or 1 year
Specific to the student's home university and University of Belize.
SICA/CARICOM Exchange
Varies
Students from Central American Integration System (SICA) or CARICOM member states.
Announcements & policy watch
Stay ahead of IRCC and embassy updates.
Immigration/Residency Permit Mandatory
Even if your nationality allows visa-free entry, you must apply for a student residency permit immediately upon arrival, renewable yearly.
Visa success playbook
Action items that consistently strengthen study permit approvals.
Submit the application for the Residency Permit immediately upon arrival; ensure all financial documents are well-organized; focus on programs with a strong local demand (e.g.
tourism
environmental science).
Country fast facts
Key embassy + lifestyle data
Official language
English
Currency
Belize Dollar (BZD)
Time zone
UTC-06:00
Visa portal
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Part-time work ideas
Average hourly wages
None (General casual work is prohibited)
N/A
International students are generally not granted permission to work part-time or casually in Belize.
Volunteer Work (Unpaid)
N/A
Opportunities in conservation or education are common, but are typically unpaid and must not interfere with studies.
Nearest embassies
Plan biometrics & interviews
Job market insights
Low. No direct post-study work visa. Securing an employer-sponsored work permit requires high-level qualifications in a field where there is a shortage of qualified citizens.