BELGIUM
HOME/ BELGIUM
Are you considering studying in BELGIUM? Are you looking to experience student life in the centre of Europe or are you looking for a multicultural and multilingual study environment when studying abroad? If the answer is yes, then why not study in Belgium? The Kingdom of Belgium or België, Belgique or Belgien is a small Western European country located in the heart of Europe.
Bordered by Germany, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, if you study in Belgium you will get the chance to explore most of Europe’s capital cities. Known for its medieval and fairytale landscapes along with the stunning renaissance architecture, Belgium is a must-see travel destination. It is considered one of the safest and peaceful countries globally, with an advanced economy and quality of life. Plus, the country offers a plethora of affordable study programs at any academic level.
Country Information – Benefits to be in Belgium
Studying in Belgium, Visiting Belgium or moving for work to Belgium! In recent years, Belgium, one of Europe’s overlooked studies abroad destinations, has experienced a huge boost in interest from prospective students, and we think we know why.
The capital city of Brussels has been voted among the 50 top student cities in the world. Other cities include Antwerp, Ghent, Liege, Leuven and picturesque Bruges. Belgium is a sovereign country and is divided into three autonomous regions: The Flemish region or Flanders in the north, the Walloon region or Wallonia in the south and the region of the capital city, Brussels.
In Belgium you will also find three linguistic communities: The Dutch-speaking Flemish community, the French-speaking community and the smaller German-speaking community.
If you are interested in studying international relations and diplomacy or dreaming of working for a European Union institution, then you should seriously choose to study in Belgium, as it is one of the six founding countries of the European Union.
Not only that, but the capital of Brussels is the home to the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and partially of the European Parliament. Belgium is also a founding member of NATO, the €ozone, Benelux, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Several postgraduate courses are offered in English, which students can study in a bilingual setting. This article extensively covers the top reasons why a student must consider studying in Belgium.
Top Reasons to Study in Belgium
- It is a hub for innovation: In many fields, Belgium is a hotspot of innovation. According to business design and innovation strategy consultancy Board of Creativity, “Belgium is a high magnetic forcefield when it comes to recruiting innovation talent.
- Outstanding quality of life: Belgium is renowned for its security, excellent standard of living, and dynamic culture. Belgium has a wide range of attractions, from its world-class healthcare to endless culinary delights. Cities with a wealth of architectural diversity, such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Belgium, are magnificent, while castles, peaceful gardens, and historic battlegrounds offer a different perspective. In the QS “Best Student City Rankings,” Brussels is ranked 38th for its abundance of facilities geared toward students.
- It welcomes international students: Belgium is a multicultural nation well known for its internationalization spirit, making it a particularly warm, accepting, and open location for international students. The Belgian government and numerous other organizations provide overseas students with funding and scholarship options.
- Students encounter a fascinating culture: From its outstanding food and exciting festivals to its beautiful architecture and picturesque scenery, Belgium can lay claim to a rich cultural heritage. Belgium is one of the nation’s cultural trips chosen for its bucket list because of its importance in the world of art, great landmarks, and “the Belgian sense of humour.”
Details about Educational institutes, Colleges, Universities
Student have lots of institutions to choose from for education in Belgium. A desire to pursue higher education and earn a degree doesn’t have to be stressful, boring or something to trudge through especially if you vault over one of the top universities or colleges in Belgium.
The Belgian education system is based upon teaching, research and service to the community and is divided among the different regions of the country: Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels region. Depending on which region you choose to study, programs will be taught either in French or Dutch. For programs offered in English, you can prove your linguistic competency through the TOEFL or IELTS language tests.
Until 1965 the Belgian education system followed a traditional French education approach. However, due to reforms and laws that took place during the 1970s, the creation of new educational institutions was enabled. Education was subsequently divided into short-term and long-term and reflects Belgium’s diverse higher education character.
In Belgium you can find private universities, state universities like Ghent University, catholic Universities like KU Leuven or free universities like Vrije Universiteit van Brussel (VUB). In fact, KU Leuven is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1425.
List of Top Belgium Universities: (Public & Private)
- University of Antwerp
- Vrije University Brussel
- Ghent University
- University of Hasselt
- Catholic University of Leuven
- University of Namur
- Saint-Louis University, Brussels
- University of Louvain
- University of Liège
- Royal Military Academy
- University of Mons
- Université libre de Bruxelles
- Ben Air Flight Academy
- European College for Liberal Studies
- The New School Antwerp
- United International Business Schools
- Brussels Business Institute for Higher Education
- Brussels School of Competition
- College of Advertising and Design
- CASS Graduate School of International Management
- European College for Liberal Studies
- European Communication School
- Higher School of Audiovisual Production
- International Football Business Institute
- International Management Institute
- EPITECH
- International School of Protocol and Diplomacy
- ISTEC-ECB
- MODESIGN Academy
- SAE Institute
- United Business Institutes
- United International Business Schools
- Vasco da Gama European Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations
- VATEL International Business School for Hotel and Tourism Management
- International Academy of Osteopathy
Language Tests or Language requirements
Do I need to pass and ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST to study in Belgium? Is the question you must be having in your mind. Let us make it clear and precise for you. If your first language is not English, you’ll need to show excellent language proficiency to apply to a Belgian university.
There’s no official database providing that number, but we can tell you that, based on the study programmes listed on different portals, you can explore: over 70 English-taught Bachelors; over 350 English-taught Masters; over 20 English-taught PhDs; over 25 English-taught distance learning (online) courses.
Many of the study programmes are taught in English, so you can start from there. You can also learn more details about the language requirements for each degree. Should you struggle to find this information, don’t hesitate to contact the university directly.
Belgian Language Tests for International Students: There are no set regulations regarding proof of proficiency in the Belgian language like you have for the English language. Generally, students applying to a study program which are taught in Belgian universities have the following 2 options for proving their proficiency in the language. French (DELF or DALF) and Dutch (Dutch NT2-II) language competency test results if you plan to study in French or Dutch-taught programs respectively.
English Language Tests for International Students: Every university in Belgium accepts IELTS Academic as well as TOEFL iBT or PBT, and almost all also accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic), and Duolingo (in a few universities only).
- IELTS: IELTS is a commonly accepted English test all over the world. The most common requirement to study in Belgium in an English-language Masters or Bachelor’s degree programme. an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no section below 5.5), an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no section below 6.0), and/or an IELTS score of 7.0 (with no section below 6.0). When applying to universities in Belgium, keep in mind that the minimum IELTS score required may vary depending on the institution and program.
- TOEFL: TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is accepted by most Belgium universities and colleges. A TOEFL PBT overall score of 480–523, a TOEFL iBT an overall score of 80–90, and/or a TOEFL cBT score of 318–287 in the written test with an overall score of 90, When applying to universities in Belgium, it’s important to research which English proficiency tests are accepted by your desired institutions and programs. The minimum required TOEFL score varies depending on the institution, with a typical range of 60 to 70.
- DUOLINGO: Going a bit virtual, Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test gaining popularity among Belgian universities. The Duolingo test also measures the same four language skills but in an adaptive format. Universities accepting Duolingo scores are the University of Eastern Belgium and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. The minimum accepted score varies, but most universities require at least 75. But as compared to the other two, Duolingo offers an affordable and accessible option for students who need to prove their English proficiency.
- PTE: PTE is accepted by 60% of Belgian schools and universities. It is usually available in over 50 countries. However, it is currently available in 10 countries, including India and Nepal. Results are available immediately. The minimum PTE score required in Belgium is 55 and it may go up to the highest depending on the course level.
VISA types and Its Understandings
A student visa is a type of visa required by foreign nationals to study and stay in Belgium for the duration of their studies. A student who is not a citizen of Belgium but wants to study in Belgium requires a Belgium Student Visa to fulfil this purpose. Any foreign student who enrols on a course lasting three months or more in Belgium will require a student visa.
There are different types of visas meant for people intending to pursue educational activities in Belgium. The type of visa that you require to travel or migrate to Belgium depends on your purpose of visit and the number of days you intend to remain there. The length of your study program will determine which type of student visa you should apply for.
Type of Visa for Belgium
- Short-term visas: These visas allow travellers and business people to stay for up to 90 days. Also, for students, if the study program is shorter than 90 days.
- Visas for non-immigrants: These are longer-term temporary visas for study or employment on contracts with a set length of time, where the holder has no intention of remaining in the nation for an extended duration.
- Immigration Visas: Long-term visas are available for people who desire to live permanently or for an extended period in Belgium for reasons like work or retirement.
- Work Permit Visa: Allows the holder to serve indefinitely for any employer. A student must first work in Belgium in order to qualify for a long-term work visa. On their behalf, Belgian employers submit work permits.
- Entrepreneur Visa: Non-EU citizens who wish to launch a business or establish themselves as independent contractors in Belgium must apply for a professional card, which serves as a license to engage in commerce and independent commercial activity.
- Non-EU/EEA/EFTA National-Student Visa: If you are not a European citizen, you will need to apply for a student visa in Belgium before your arrival, if your stay exceeds 90 days u need a Type D long-stay visa. If you stay in Belgium for less than three months, then you will need a Type C short-stay visa.
Admission & VISA Application Process
Admission process explained in a simplified way. If you’re from a country outside the EU, you need to have a recognized high school certificate. This certificate serves as a confirmation that your diploma is valid according to the requirements in Belgium. You can easily have your diploma validated at the Belgian embassy in your country. Belgian embassies will provide you with a Volante Accreditation which can be used to apply to the university of your choice.
- Apply for a school in Belgium
- Receive Offer Letter & Pay Initial Fees
- Submit Visa Application & Book Biometric at VAC
- Attend Visa Interview
- Visa Approve or Decline
- Arrive in Belgium
1. Apply for a school in Belgium
- Before you apply for a student visa you will need to apply for admission into the Undergraduate or Graduate program. Before starting your study abroad in Belgium, you will have to be admitted and get a study visa. As a potential future student in Belgium, the first thing you need to do is find a university there that suits your study program. As soon as you have a school in mind then you should apply at the university. If you are not accepted, you won’t receive a student visa. Proof of enrolment is obligatory. Every program, depending on the level of education and location has different entry requirements. For some of them you will need to prove you speak French or Dutch at a higher level, while others will only need English language skills. Since different rules apply in educational institutions in different regions in Belgium, contact the program coordinators of the universities of your choice directly to get to know more about the admission requirements. The original documents must be signed and stamped by the official authorities. After you submit your application, the university will evaluate it and let you know whether you need to pass an admission or aptitude test or not.
2. Receive Offer Letter & Pay Initial Fees
- Now that you have been admitted and you receive a document called Letter of Acceptance from the institution’s international student office. You will be instructed to pay some fees to confirm your admission to the institution. Pay the fees from your bank account for safer transactions and then get Final Offer Letter from the college.
- Once you receive your acceptance letter then you can apply for a student visa. In this case, you actually need a visa on the basis of studying. The application process for the visa starts by creating a user account. Once you create an account select the application form for a visa on the grounds of a study program in the e-service.
- Fill in the online application with the correct information and submit your application. You must attach scanned copies of the required documents (see above) to your application. If by any chance you can’t fill in an online application then you can visit a local embassy or consulate and fill in a paper application in person.
3. Submit Visa Application & Book your Biometric at VAC
- You have passed the admission test or met the admission’s criteria for higher education studies at a Belgian university. Next step is to apply for your student visa/residence permit as soon as possible. Contact your closest Belgian Embassy or Consulate for additional queries. You must submit the student visa application to the Belgian Agency.
- Once you submit your application through the e-service then you have to go to the embassy to prove your identity and submit your fingerprints. Bring all the documents you submitted in the online service with you. Additionally, you must pay the application fee at the embassy/consulate. If you apply in person then similarly you will be asked to submit your fingerprints and pay the fee.
- You might also be asked to sit for an interview. The interview is just to get a feel of your personality and your reasons why you want to study in Belgium.
4. Attend Visa Interview
- Now is the time to wait for reply from High Commission and based on your application, biometric and details you will be asked to submit documents (if required). Attend the interview.The embassy will ask you to show up for an interview to ask questions related to your application process and education. Then, you must wait to receive an answer whether your application has been accepted or rejected.
5. VISA Approve or Decline
- Once you submit your application you must patiently wait for an answer. The Belgian Immigration Office evaluates students’ applications as a top priority so the processing time will be done as soon as possible.
- The time will vary especially if you are missing anything from your application and the embassy contacts you to submit the missing documents, but, the usual time it takes to review an application is usually sometime between 1 to 3 months. As soon as your application has been approved the Belgian Immigration Office will send your residence card to the embassy where you can then pick it up and leave for Belgium.
6. Arrive in Belgium
- You have already gained your admission and your student visa. The only thing that is left to do is to book your tickets to Belgium and start searching for accommodation options. Decide whether you want to live in a student dormitory or with other students. Join online student forums or student groups on social media to get to know more about student life in the country and freshen up your foreign language skills. Pack your bags and get ready to study in Belgium!
Applying for Student Visa?
Understand the procedure and then only start the visa application process. You are expected to apply six months in advance of your trip. It takes about four to eight weeks to get your visa if you do not forget to submit any documents or have to re-submit them. Here are the steps for applying for your Belgium student visa.
Eligibility Criteria for Belgian Student Visa: To be eligible for a visa to study in Belgium you must fulfil the following conditions. These are some of the documents you need to submit during the application for a residence permit:
- Admission letter from the Belgian university.
- A completed and signed visa application form.
- Previous educational certificates.
- Passport with at least 12 months validity remaining at the moment of your visa application.
- Proof of solvency, meaning that you have the sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. The minimum amount required for Belgium is around 660 € per month and you can prove it by providing bank statements.
- Certificate of good conduct with no prior criminal record.
- Medical certificate and insurance. If you are a European national, then you need to provide the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Proof of payment of the administrative fee.
- Chinese students who want to study at Belgian universities or colleges need an APS certificate issued by DAAD Beijing.
- TOEFL or IELTS examination results if you intend to study in an English-taught program.
- French (DELF or DALF) and Dutch (Dutch NT2-II) language competency test results if you plan to study in French or Dutch-taught programs respectively.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of accommodation in Belgium.
- If there is a lack of income, you should present a sponsorship letter from your parents stating they will cover all costs.
- Copy of marriage certificate with notarized translation into English. (If applicable)
- Visa Fee will not be reimbursed in case of visa refusal.
Don’t forget that both European and non-European prospective students need to register at the town or city hall in Belgium upon their arrival. In order to receive the registration certificate, you will need to provide the aforementioned documents to the city hall as well.
Dos and Don’ts for Belgium Student Visa Application: You need to remember the following dos and don’ts while applying for Belgium student visa.
Dos
- Apply for a student visa at least 5 weeks in advance of your planned travel date to allow enough time for the application procedure to be completed on time for you to join your course.
- Remember that if you are applying online, you can only apply for your visa a maximum of 180 days before your course starts
- Fill up your visa application form carefully with all accurate details.
- Submit all the required supporting documents along with your visa application form.
Don’ts
- Do not present false documents for your visa.
- Do not provide any false information.
- Do not hide or misrepresent facts in your visa application.
Financial requirements, Finances & Cost of Living
How much does it cost to study in Belgium? Belgium remains the most preferred among most international students when it comes to popular study-abroad destination options. However, proof of clear available funds is required to pursue studies in Belgium to cover tuition and living expenses.
- How much are the tuition fees in Belgium?
- How to prove funds for Belgium?
- How much does student accommodation costs in Belgium?
- How much does it cost to live in Belgium?
- What financial support is available to international students in Belgium?
- How much are the TUITION FEES in Belgium?
- Belgium is one of the most popular destinations for university study but, like the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, it is not much expensive.
- One thing to pay attention to is that tuition fees in Belgium are calculated in a pay-per-credit format. This means that you might end up paying more if you withdraw and enrol for the second or third time in the same program. Annual tuition fees in public Belgian universities are generally between €4,000-8,500.
- Quick Facts about Tuition Fees in Belgium: Belgian universities follow the Bologna university system and each student is required to complete a minimum of 60 (ECTS) credits for one year of university. Tuition fees are calculated and presented according to credits. A Bachelor program can cost between €2,800-6500 per year at a public university. Masters or Doctoral degrees at a public university can vary between €50-80 per credit. Fees to attend a Bachelor program in a private university can vary between €8,500-24,000 per school year. Along with tuition fees, students have to pay a college application fee. These fees vary but remain less than €100.
- How to prove FUNDS for Belgium?
- In order to pursue your studies in Belgium, proof of sufficient funds is required to cover tuition and living expenses. You can prove to fund with the following.
- You’ll need to show that: 1) You have paid for your studies. Receipt from your university or institution or a letter showing that a scholarship or endowment will cover fees.
- 2) You can support yourself. You’ll need at least €600 per month of study, but each Belgian consulate has different standards. The amount is lower if you can show proof of accommodation or support, like a bursary.
- If someone else is covering your costs (like your parents), you’ll need a notarized letter assuming financial responsibilities.
- A savings book or deposits in a bank (the account has to be accessible from Belgium). Proof of purchase of traveller’s cheques. A letter of guarantee from a person living in Belgium or an institution domiciled in Belgium. A personal bank statement indicating your financial movements (for at least 6 last months).
- How much does the student ACCOMMODATION costs in Belgium?
- Student accommodation is generally provided by Belgian universities in student residence halls or student apartments. In Belgium you can either live in a student dormitory within a university campus or rent a private accommodation. The cost of living in Belgium is student-friendly and affordable, but it all depends on the region you are living and your lifestyle.
- In the Flanders and Brussels region, student dormitory accommodation is rather limited and most students live in private student apartments. Living in a student dormitory though will assist you in reducing your cost of living in Belgium. Your personal point of contact should always be your institution, as they can guide you and give you additional information about housing options as a student.
- Make sure to contact them as soon as you get admitted. If you are able to find a spot in a university student dormitory, then prices start only from 200 € per month. If you are interested in student private accommodation, it will cost you between 350-500 € per month.
- If you haven’t found a student apartment before the beginning of your studies, then you can stay in a hostel for a short period of time and start searching while you are located in the country.
- How much does it cost to LIVE in Belgium?
- The cost of living in Belgium varies by location, but in general it is easy to live well in Belgium on a student budget. Overall, as a student in Belgium you are expected to spend 800-1000 € per month. Finding a place to live on your own is more expensive, especially in a city like Brussels, ranging around 600-800 € per month. In smaller cities like Ghent or Leuven, the cost is smaller for student private accommodation.
- Transport Cost: For monthly transportation as a student in Belgium, you will only need to pay 20-25 € with the student discount. Books and study materials will cost you around 50 € per month, depending on the program you are studying and supermarket expenses around 300 € per month.
- Cost of Food in Belgium: Students in Belgium will find plenty of choices from the local cuisine. For your meal you have to shell 15 €, and you would normally spend between 200 and 400 € per month. It depends a lot on your habits: If you can and cook more instead of eating out on a daily basis. That will save you a lot of money in Belgium which you can save for a hobby or travelling!
- Basic utilities: Electricity, Water, Heating, Garbage will cost you around 100 €/month. Internet: 30 €/month. Home content and baggage insurance: get insurance advice and insight in costs, based on your situation
- Extra costs and savings: Extra costs: Special classes with different fees: from 30 € to around 200 €. Health insurance: between 70 and 180 €/year. Learn more about international student insurance for students studying in Belgium. A cinema ticket will cost you 11 €.
- Books and supply costs: It should also be considered in your budget plans. How much money you will have to spend on them vary. On average, you will spend around €700 per year. Luckily there are alternatives if you’re looking to save money without compromising on your education.
- What financial support is available to INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS in Belgium?
- Financial aid comes in many formats: Scholarships, Grants, Assistantships, and Work–Study Schemes. In Belgium, there are 2 main ways that students can fund their studies–scholarships and financial aid. There are a few scholarships that students can apply for which can help towards living expenses and tuition fees.
- Grants & Scholarships in Belgium: A variety of scholarships in Belgium is available for international students who aim to pursue academic studies in Belgium. Scholarships are offered in all academic levels and not only by the government but also by the private sector to students who meet particular criteria.
- Some of the scholarships in Belgium include:
- The Belgian Technical Cooperation Scholarships
- The VLIR-UOS Training and Master Scholarship
- The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship
- The Science@Leuven Scholarships for International Students
- The University of Ghent Doctoral Special Research Fund
- The Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) Scholarship
- The FRS-FNRS Scholarship
- The Innoviris Scholarship
- The Master Mind Scholarship
Work Opportunities and Work environment
Currently, Belgium has announced that there will be a temporary lift in the current work hour restrictions placed on international students in Belgium. Working in Belgium as an international student.
- Career Opportunities in Belgium: Students enrolled in a full-time program in Belgium can also work part-time at different establishments in the country. This is a very good way to rake in more income towards their tuition and living expenses.
- As an international student studying in Belgium, getting a part time job to support your studies is very important. It will help ease your financial burden while studying in Belgium. However, earning from such jobs would not be sufficient to pay for tuition fees but it will be of little help to support your studies for example to pay your food bills or may be entertainment cost.
- The type of job you get may largely depend on your qualification, previous work experience, and your ability to understand the native language. But having a part-time job helps understand the culture and language faster and meet new people.
- Part-time job opportunities are better for students enrolled for graduate programs or research. For candidates enrolled in undergraduate programs or certificate courses of short durations, opportunities are limited. Commonly available part-time jobs for international students includes; 1) Gardening; 2) Newspaper delivery; 3) Filling station attendant; 4) Bar attendant; 5) Working in an amusement park 6) Work from homes (remote jobs); 7) Working in a restaurant; 8) Librarian.
- Scholarships for Students in Belgium: Some universities or organizations provide scholarships for international students in Belgium. Here are a few illustrations of scholarships available to students from abroad: 1) Master Mind Scholarships; 2) ARES Scholarships; 3) Erasmus Mundus Scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spain Visa
- What are the requirements to study in Belgium?
- Depending on whether a student wants to study in the Flemish, French, or German-speaking communities in Belgium, the admission requirements for studies at public higher education institutions may be different.
- General requirements for UG: A candidate may be eligible for higher education studies in Belgium if he/she has successfully finished upper secondary studies in one of the Lisbon Convention signing countries, holds a valid school certificate, and is eligible for higher education studies in the home country.
- General requirements for PG: A candidate must have a relevant bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree to apply to a Master’s program at a Belgian university.
- General requirements for PhD: A candidate must have a corresponding diploma or Master’s degree program to apply for doctoral study at a university in Belgium.
- What is the Post–Study work options in Belgium?
- Depending on a student’s country and circumstance, they may additionally need to obtain a Belgian visa or permit if they want to study there.
- If a student intends to stay in Belgium for longer than three months to study, participate in a student exchange, or complete training, they will typically require a Belgian student visa unless they are from the European Union or European Economic Area.
- What are the languages to study in Belgium?
- Dutch, French, and German are the three national language in Belgium. But, if you want to study in Belgium in English, there is a large number of universities to choose from–many of which are highly reputed, top-ranked institutions. KU Leuven is Belgium’s largest university and one of the oldest in Europe as it was founded almost 600 years ago. Moreover, most of the universities have a Language Centre at which you can study French or Dutch courses as a foreign language.
- How much is the tuition cost in Belgium?
- Both EU and non-EU student are expected to pay tuition fees in Belgium. Tuition fees at Belgian universities in the Flanders region in 2022-2023 are: Belgian and EEA students: €790/year. non-EEA students: €970 – €8,000. However, students must note that these are average costs. Actual costs will vary from university to university and from course to course.
- Can I work while I study in Belgium?
- Yes, In Belgium, all foreign students, even if from outside the European Economic Area, can work while studying. The only conditions are that they must be enrolled with a higher education institution in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and must have a valid residence permit. During the academic year, you can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week. During official holiday periods (i.e., winter, spring or summer holidays), you can work more than 20 hours per week.
- Can I stay in Belgium after studies?
- Belgium has recently introduced a new orientation year residence permit. This means that graduates from Belgian universities can stay up to 12 months to find work or start a company after graduation. This residence permit allows you to study, work and live in Belgium for up to five years. After you have lived in Belgium for five years, you can apply for permanent residency. Long term residence allows you to stay indefinitely in the country with the same rights as Belgian nationals.
- Is English enough to live and study in Belgium?
- To study in Belgium, English will be enough. To live there… not really. That’s because Belgium has 3 official languages—Dutch (or Flemish), French (or Walloon) and German—and English isn’t one of them. While English is taught as a foreign language in schools, fluency levels will vary from one person to another. In touristic areas, you might be able to get away with English alone, but don’t expect that to be the case everywhere. And if you decide to work in Belgium, either during or after studies, you should know that many jobs require either Dutch or French.
- What are the advantages of studying in Belgium?
- There are numerous advantages of studying in Belgium they include:
- Affordable transportation: transportation is very affordable in Belgium, which makes it great for students to travel during their spare time. The available transportation means are rams, metros, buses and even trains. Which are very affordable.
- Affordable housing: renting an apartment in Belgium is very cheap and affordable, Belgium has no record of housing shortage for international students getting an apartment to stay while studying in Belgium is very easy and affordable
- Standard universities and business schools: Belgium universities are recognized globally and ranks among top universities in the world. Surprisingly, even with the excellent learning facilities, the schools are very affordable for international students compared to its counterparts around the world.
- Can I apply for work permit after studies in Belgium?
- A resident can be applied for at the regional employment embassy in Belgium as an international student. With a valid resident permit, you are allowed to work 20 hours per week while school is in session. It could be more during the holiday and you may not need the work permit. The residential permit must be applied for 8 weeks on your arrival to Belgium, make a call to the local municipal administration offices to register for a residence permit. With the residence permit, you can open a bank account, apply for a work permit and also purchase an insurance policy in Belgium. However, in some cases you can apply to live on the campus residence whichever way you will be helped out.