or
Continue with FacebookLooking to list your Masters courses? Log in here.
Living in Belgium – Postgraduate Guide
Written by Chantelle Francis
Belgium is a tranquil, open and welcoming country, known for its chocolates, beers and comics. But the country has a lot more to offer than these delicacies.
Museums, great countryside (which is generally flat, making it perfect for cycling), medieval villages and towns make up just some of the attractions to be seen here.
Fresh produce is readily available, as well as varied and tasty food which benefits from a number of influences such as German, French and Turkish cuisines.
You’ll find the weather on the mild side, with a dry and hot summer (around 25°C), and winters which rarely go below -5°C. Snow, however, usually lasts for more than a few days at a time.
Student life is not that different from other European countries and further afield: there are halls of residence, canteens/student refectories, student parties, societies and student jobs.
On this page you can read about the kinds of accommodation available in Belgium, costs of everyday living, and general Belgian lifestyle
Elsewhere you can read about the Belgian education system and studying a Masters in Belgium.
If you're ready to start your search for a Masters in Belgium, you can use our course search.
Contents
What's it like to study abroad in Belgium? Accommodation Living costs Working whilst studying Further informationWhat's it like to study abroad in Belgium?
You may have heard that Belgium is divided between the Flemish (Dutch-speaking) and the Walloons (French-speaking) but the country is, wherever you go, welcoming and Belgians are generous, relaxed and eager to share their culture and gastronomy. There is also a sense of order and rigour in Belgian life which can make things easier when you are settling in, although it may be a culture shock.
The whole country attracts curious tourists, keen to discover its quirkiness, from unusual sites (Manneken-Pis or Atomium), culinary specialities such as fries, frikandels (best not to ask what it is) or waffles, or its cultural events such as carnivals, parades or les Géants.
A constitutional monarchy and independent since 1930, Belgian society comprises historically of very different groups of people. Belgium is located in Western Europe and has a population of nearly 12 million. Boasting a small coastline, Belgium is also surrounded by neighbouring countries France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
The country is proud of its capital, Brussels, which is home to nearly 1.2 million people, of which around 400,000 are expats. The second largest city is Antwerp, a trade centre for the diamond industry. Brussels is also the capital of Europe on a wider scale and of the region of Flanders on a local scale. At a crossroad in Europe, Belgium is where most of the European institutions (Parliament, Council of Europe, European Commission) are based as well as NATO and international corporations (around 1,000 multinationals are based in Brussels or its vicinity).
Business travel is a priority for the tourism industry. Every year approximately 14 million business people come to Brussels for conferences, exhibitions, meetings, fairs or European summits to meet with business partners.
Search for a Masters in Belgium
Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in Belgium on FindAMasters.com
Accommodation
It is generally quite easy to find accommodation in Belgium, apart from Brussels where the accommodation demand from local, business and expat communities is high. University residences, however, provide a good option in cities and many universities will reserve rooms/flats for international students.
Sharing a flat is not necessarily the most popular accommodation option amongst Belgian students, except in university residences, and if you are going to live in a private accommodation, studio flats are widely available.
Accommodation types
Broadly speaking, your choice of accommodation as a Masters student in Belgium will be from the following three types:
- University residences: individual single/double rooms (called “kots”), room-flats (like a studio with private kitchenette and bathroom) or flats may be on offer
- Private or public residences managed by private companies or local/regional authorities
- Private sector
Accommodation costs
University residences will have a range of facilities and therefore of price:
The typical price of renting a room in a university residence is around €575 per month (including utilities). You can expect to pay between €400 and €600 per month for private accommodation, depending on location, size and the level of comfort/ luxury!
Living costs
In general you’ll find the cost of everyday goods fairly reasonable, even so that people in neighbouring countries living near the borders, make the journey over for groceries, petrol and leisure.
Expect to pay between €1,000-1,300 per month in living costs (including rent). Typical monthly prices for everyday necessities include €300 for food, €50 for transport, €50 for study materials and €60 for phone/ internet.
Learn more about studying in Belgium
Looking for more information about Masters study in Belgium? Our detailed guide covers everything from university rankings and courses to fees, funding and applications.
Working whilst studying
Students who are EU, EEA or Swiss nationals may be employed in Belgium under the same conditions as Belgians. There is no need to apply for a work permit. A spouse and the children of an EU student may also work in Belgium, even if they are non-EU nationals, although you do need to be married and to be living together.
Non-EU students are allowed to work 20 hours per week in term time. There is no restriction on the amount of work students can do during holidays. However, you cannot work during the summer before the start of the first year of your course.
Further information
The above information has hopefully given you a good idea of what to expect from life in Belgium as a Masters student. You should be ready to find accommodation, look for a job and go see the famous Manneken-Pis. There are a few other details you'll want to read up on before you head to Belgium though.
Travel and transportation
With its central position in Europe, it is easy to travel to neighbouring countries by air or train from Belgium. Brussels is an international hub for air traffic and is connected to many destinations. You can travel to Paris, London, Amsterdam or Berlin in under two hours, ideal for exploring, networking or if you are thinking of doing a placement/internship.
Within Belgium, the transport systems are well established and reliable, offering trains, buses and excellent road networks. What will surprise you is the scale if you come for a large country. Even the capital is small despite its international and dynamic feel, but it still boasts an underground. Whether in the city or in the countryside, you won’t fail to notice how green everywhere is. In Brussels, for example, 14% of the city is green space.
Medicine and health insurance
In Belgium, health insurance is compulsory. As a student, you have access to what is called a “mutuelle” which allows you to get your medical costs reimbursed. Depending on whether you are an EU or non-EU national, there are different ways to cover the cost of such insurance.
If you are from an EU or EEA country, your national system covers you in Belgium. Before leaving your country, you must acquire a Europeam Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card will allow you to join a health insurance company (mutuelle) in Belgium and to have most of your medical expenses reimbursed.
If you are from a non-EU country, you must have health insurance cover during your stay in Belgium, either by securing cover in your home country or by taking out insurance in Belgium through your university (approximately €10 per month).
In addition, students who are enrolled at university in Belgium benefit from a liability insurance which protects you in case of accidents related to any university activities. Some international students, however, take additional insurance cover such as a comprehensive mobility insurance policy for the period of their studies.
Search for a Masters in Belgium
Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in Belgium on FindAMasters.com
Chantelle Francis
Chantelle was the first person to join Mark on the FindAMasters content team, way back in 2016. Arriving with an MA in Public Humanities from the University of Sheffield, she played a key role in getting the FindAMasters blog section off the ground whilst offering a range of advice on postgraduate funding and applications.
Studying in Belgium: FAQ
Have a question about studying in Belgium? Check if we've answered it in our detailed FAQ, covering fees, funding, accommodation, applications and more.
Read more
Top Universities in Belgium for 2025 - Postgraduate
What are the best universities for Masters study in Belgium? Our guide looks at the latest global league tables to identify top-ranked Belgian institutions and help you discover the best postgraduate opportunities.
Read more
Masters Study in Belgium – A Guide for 2025
Interested in studying a Masters degree in Belgium? Our guide will help you make your decision, covering essential information on postgraduate courses and university rankings through to applications and student visas.
Read more
French Language Tests for Masters Study
Discover the key French language proficiency tests for postgrad education in Francophone countries. Your guide to university-approved language assessments.
Read more
Dutch Language Tests – A Guide for Postgraduate Masters Study
Explore the essential Dutch language proficiency tests for postgraduates. Find approved exams for studying in the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking regions.
Read moreLast updated: 22 November 2023
