Belgium is located in the West of Europe. Students from around the globe and other European countries travel to Belgium for higher education because of its reputation and recognition. Belgian Universities offer a wide range of English taught programmes for international students as well but the main medium of education is Dutch or French. The higher education institutes have excelled in all educational streams ensuring inclusive knowledge, skills and mastery in fields adopted by students. Studying in Belgium will not only upraise your career prospects but also become source for self enhancement and enrichment at many levels. If you are planning to pursue your higher education in Belgium, the following guide is assembled to give you information about general requirements of study abroad in Belgium:

Admission Requirements of Belgium Universities for Students

Admissions in Belgian universities are granted on merit base. The admission requirements will be notified to student upon submitting online application with detail. However, overall 72% grades in previous degrees will be required at least for admission in under graduate or post graduate study programmes. The candidates also have to prove their proficiency in the language which is medium of instruction of their chosen study programme. For English taught study programme, 6.5 are minimum bands required in IELTS test and Grade C is minimum grade accepted in Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency. These are the minimum academic requirements for admissions; it may differ from programme to programme and universities in Belgium. For admission in medical, veterinary, IT and business management study programmes the minimum grades would be 80% overall. The universities have their own entry requirements, SAT and ACT tests are also set as compulsory entry requirement for admissions by many Belgian Universities.

Student Visa of Belgium Process for Students

You will be emailed an acceptance letter if you meet the academic eligibility and successfully attain admission in the University of Belgium. The acceptance letter serves as invitation letter from university in Belgium to submit fee and apply for student visa. You will visit the Embassy of Belgium or Consulate in your home country for details about student visa. The student visa requirements will not be the same for every country. Generally, all international students are required to submit following documents for student visa of Belgium:

• Completed student visa application of Belgium
•  Valid passport of applicant (must be valid till the duration of your study programme)
• Bank Statement (Confirming you have enough financial resources to cover your living and study expenses in Belgium)
• Medical Examination Certificate
• Clearance Letter from Police Station
• Transcript of Academic Records
• Language Proficiency Test Certificate
• Proof of Accommodation in Belgium
• Receipt of Paid Tuition Fee and Original Acceptance Letter from University

Permanent Residency Visa of Belgium for Students

The process of permanent residency visa of Belgium is dependent on employment contract from any Belgian firm or company in accordance to your academic profile after completing your degree. Firstly, you can extend your student visa (A Card) duration for more 12 months for job search. In this period you can do part time jobs to bear your living expenses and post CVs at firms related to your degree majors. There are three types of Resident Permit Cards applicable to candidates according to their employment contract, professional skills and qualification.  The permanent residency categories applicable for foreign candidates are as follows:

• Electronic residence card type B
• Electronic residence card type C
• Electronic residence card type D

Study and Living Expenditure in Belgium

Study Expenses:

The tuition fee in Belgian Universities is different for EU and Non EU nationals. The Belgian Government runs several scholarship programmes to facilitate and encourage international enrollments in their universities on merit and academic excellence basis which is assess through entrance examinations. On average for admission in post graduate study programme the per year tuition fee will be around 1000 to 4000 Euros for Non EU students. There are three regions in Belgium and universities of each region have different tuition fee charges. In Walloon Region of Belgium, a full time post graduate study programme will cost around 850 Euros per year, in Flemish Region the tuition fee will be nearly 2500 Euros for post graduate programme and in Brussels Region the tuition fee will be higher than other regions.

Living Expenses:

Belgium is one of the affordable countries in Europe. The students can manage their living expenses in Belgium due to part time working permission and Government controlled minimum per hour wage. The urban cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Leuven are expensive places to live for students but most of the universities are also located in these cities. The accommodation rent in mainstream cities of Belgium may vary according to location, accommodation size and furnished and non furnished facilities.

• University Resident Halls Monthly Rent: in 200 to 400 Euros
• Private Room in Flat or Apartment Monthly Rent: 500 Euros
• Two Bedrooms Apartment Monthly Rent: 700 to 1000 Euros

Food:

On average you can expect to spend 200 to 300 Euros monthly on food and beverages for one person if you cook yourself. Eating out would obviously be expensive and you can’t afford it on daily basis. Rates of some daily use beverages are enlisted below for your estimation of living expenses in Belgium:

• 1 kg boneless chicken is 4.97 Euros
• 1 liter of milk bottle is 1.04 Euros
• A Pack of dozen eggs is 4.32 Euros
• 1 kg of tomatoes is 1.97 Euros
• 1 kg of apples is 2.10 Euros
• A loaf of bread is 1.34 Euros

Transportation Rent:

A student’s pass for monthly travel in public transport will cost around 50 Euros.

Part Time Working Permission and Post Graduation Work Opportunities in Belgium

Many nations in the world claim as the heart of the Europe but the Belgium is more nearest to truth. If you want to experience a student life in the multicultural and multilingual environment then must go for Belgium. It is considered one of the safe and peaceful country with a quality education. Belgian universities offer a number of affordable study programs at every academic level. Thus, it would not be wrong to say that Belgium is one of the most student friendly destination for those who intend to pursue higher education as a result of which more and more students are drawing towards it.

A unique experience embedded with historical and festive heritage

Belgium has been home to a timeless heritage and vibrant palaces alluring millions of tourists towards it round the clock. It is an ideal place for students to indulge into a cup of steaming cocoa with chocolates that melt in your mouth along with snuggling in a blanket .Thus, it provides a perfect escape when the load of studies dawns upon a student or in case they are in need of a much needed break.

An opportunity  to dive into the world of picturesque beauty

Belgium is known for its mesmerizing beauty which can be seen around at every nook and corner providing the students with an unforgettable experience to cherish for lifetime.

Low cost of living in comparison to other European countries

The cost of living in Belgium is relatively lower providing an added advantage to the students. In addition to this, it is a home to some of the top universities which includes University of Ghent, UCL, University of Brussel and University of Antwerp.

Diverse courses being offered to students

Belgium is a hub for the students exploring the innovative programs such as MBA programs which are known as EMBA programs and have become popular amongst students within no time. Moreover, this program opens up numerous employment opportunities for the students enabling them to build a successful future ahead of them.

Outstanding Quality of life

Belgium is one of those countries which is known for its remarkable quality of life that it has to offer along with a festive culture and a vigilant security system. It is a city which allows the students to indulge into the number of enticing attractions other than to study as it is flocked with grandeur castles, colorful gardens and lush green parks.

An effective transportation

Belgium is equipped with a locatable public transportation which is spread all over the country. Not only has this it provided an access to the prime locations of Europe such as London, Paris and Amsterdam by train in two hours.

Grant of Scholarships and lower education costs in Belgium for International Students

Belgium is one of those countries which offers wide range of scholarships to international students focusing on the students from the developing countries along with students from other international countries too. Most of these scholarships are government funded or private ones from which the students in need of financial aid can benefit to amajor extent.

Belgium is a multilingual and multicultural society in its true essence. Speakers of different native European languages happen to be studying in Belgium without having trouble to adjust in this global hub. Besides option to study English taught programmes in top ranked Belgium Universities, international students can study French, Dutch and German taught programmes in variety. Belgium has progressed in the fields of Science, Arts, IT, Business Marketing and Applied Sciences through innovation and credible research. Studying abroad in Belgium is a channel to know diverse cultures, learning languages, experiencing European history and attaining exceptional higher education. The general requirements for admissions in Belgian Universities are explained below:

An Apt Choice of University in Belgium

Belgium higher education institutes in English follow Bologna process to enhance standards of education and to increase credibility of their degrees worldwide. The reason behind progress of Belgium in economic and social front is certainly its excelling quality of education. Six of Belgian Universities rank in top hundred positions of notable world university ranking lists. The degree structure and qualification delivered to alumni at public and private institutions are similar. Public Universities in Belgium however are being considered as more apt and affordable option for international students. While selecting an apt university for study in Belgium check availability of following key points:

Scholarships and Funding for International Students

• Affordable Tuition Fee
• University Ranking
• On Campus Accommodation Facility
• Program Taught in the Your Preferred Language
• Location

Selecting Most Suited Study Programme

Selecting a study programme at higher education level is just like selecting your future. This choice must be made after thorough consideration of personal interest and potential of career success. You can pay more attention on your education and work hard by choosing a study program of your interest. Every education stream is well explored and you can adopt many career dimensions at present times. The official languages of Belgium are French, Dutch and German but Belgian Universities offer a wide variety of English taught programs at higher education level in Belgium. While selecting a program make sure you have chosen a program which is being taught in your preferred language, you meet admission requirements, career scope and duration of program.

Admissions in Belgian Universities

Method of Application

The Universities of Belgium use common application method and Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The students can use either of the one online application method to submit their request for admissions at any university of Belgium.

Documents Required for Admission in Belgium Universities 

• High School Diploma for admission in under graduate program, Bachelors degree for admissions in post graduate program (Masters) and Masters degree for admissions in post graduate program (PhD)
• Transcripts of Academic Certificates (translated by a professional translator in Dutch, German, French or English Language)
• Letters of Recommendation (Written by your professors stating your eligibility and academic capabilities for admission in applied program)\
• Letter of Intent (Written by the applicant stating why he/she is applying for the certain program, explain his/her interest in the related field and professional goal)
• Completely Filled Admission Form
• A document explaining the grading and marking system of your academic transcripts according to education system of your country
• CV
• Language Proficiency Test Certificates ( IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge are accepted for English taught programmes)
• Copy of National Identity Card or National Passport
• Paid receipt of Registration Fee (Not Refundable)
• The transcripts of academic certificates must be originals

Admission Deadlines in Belgium Universities 

• The admission deadline for students belonging from countries which do not require study visa of Belgium is June 1
• Autumn Semester in Belgian Universities Start in October
• Spring Semester in Belgian Universities Start in Mid-February
• Summer Holidays Start from July to September

Merit for Admissions in Belgium 

Belgian Universities accept 77 to 86 percentages of grades attained in each subject. A student having passed his/her Bachelor’s degree with good grades not later than 2004 can apply for admissions in post graduate (Masters) program.

Scholarships in Belgium for International Students

• Belgian Development Agency (BTC) Scholarships: (It is government funded scholarship program aimed at facilitating 1,000 candidates each year. The candidates are given monthly allowances, scholarships and travel expenses to study in Belgian Universities for different study programs. It is for the students of 18 countries who are partner of Belgian Development Cooperation).
• VLIR-UOS Training and Masters Scholarship: (It is government funded scholarship program which gives financial aid to students of 54 developing countries. The program provides monthly allowances, study expenses and accommodation expenses)
• CIUF-CUD Scholarships: (It is government funded scholarship program aimed at providing 150 scholarships per annum to students of selected developing countries for admission in 70 courses)
• Science@Leuven Scholarships for International Students: (International students pursuing their degrees in astrophysics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology, mathematics, physics and statistics in Belgian Universities can avail this 8,000 Euro scholarship based on their academic performance during second semester).
• The IRO Doctoral Scholarship Programme at K.U. Leuven: (Deserving PhD students belonging from developing countries can get chance to study in Belgium by funds of this scholarship program. Each year 100 PhD candidates from developing countries can avail this scholarship)
• Liege University Scholarships for International Students: (There is no nationality barrier to avail this scholarship program. The eligible candidates will get monthly allowances, tuition fee and travel cost).