Studying in Belgium: FAQ

Belgium, being home to prestigious universities, rich cultural history, and multilingual offerings, draws a great number of international students each year to its Masters courses.

Whether you've already decided to study in Belgium or are simply considering it as a potential choice, these FAQs are designed to address your most pressing concerns.

#1 What type of institutions offer Masters courses in Belgium?

Three types of institutions in Belgium offer Masters courses, essentially aligned to universities, university colleges or schools of art. All three institutions provide Masters courses but research exclusively takes place in universities (and not university colleges). Doctorates are therefore only awarded by universities. Universities in Belgium are organised into two streams, Dutch-language universities and French-language universities. If you’re interested in studying in French or Dutch, you’ll need to prove your proficiency by taking a French language test or a Dutch language test. Higher education institutions in Belgium also offer a number of English-language taught courses. You'll need to your langauge proficiency by taking an English-language proficiency test if you want to study a course in English.

#2 How many higher education institutions are there in Belgium?

There are six French-speaking universities, five Dutch-speaking universities, one transnational university between the Netherlands and Flanders, around 40 university colleges, several art colleges, registered higher education institutes, and foreign institutions with branch campuses in Belgium. We’ve looked at the rankings to see which Belgium universities come top of the list.

#3 What types of Masters degrees are offered in Belgium?

There are two types of Masters degrees in Belgium: initial Masters (two years – 120 ECTS) and advanced Masters (one year – 60 ECTS) for those who already have a Masters qualification or equivalent. Unlike other specialised Masters, such as those offered in Italy, the Belgian advanced Masters (as well as the two-year initial Masters) does give access to doctoral studies.

#4 What are the entry requirements for a Masters in Belgium?

For entry into two-year Masters courses, students are expected to hold a Bachelors degree or its international equivalent. For advanced Masters (one year), students should have already successfully completed a Masters. In some cases a Bachelors degree with 240 or 300 ECTS might be accepted. Check with your university to know if this is an option for you. Work experience may also be required for some types of Masters. In some cases, applicants cannot be admitted directly to a Masters course but have to do a specific preparatory course (between 45 and 90 ECTS credits) first, depending on their previous studies.

#5 What are the fees and funding options for Masters students in Belgium?

Domestic, EU and EEA nationals pay a maximum fee of €979.60 at Flemish universities, while fees for all other international students range between €979.60-€8,000. At French universities, the maximum fee for domestic and EU students is €835, while non-EU international students pay up to €2,505.

Courses such as the LLM (Masters of Law), MBA, Erasmus Mundus or Medicine/Dentistry-related courses tend to charge the highest fees. Additional fees may include an application fee (€50-€100), medical insurance (€100-€150) and Third Party Liability insurance (around €15).

Funding options include regional government scholarships, Bilateral Cultural Agreements from Flanders, and university scholarships such as the Roger Dillemans Fund. We cover fees and funding options in our Masters study in Belgium guide.

#6 What documents do I need to apply for a student visa (type D) as a non-EU/EEA student?

You will need an offer of admission letter from your institution, proof of financial support during your studies (€803 per month or evidence of a scholarship/bursary which would cover this amount or a combination of the two), a medical certificate which shows you have been cleared of quarantinable diseases, a certificate of good behaviour (equivalent to a criminal record check) from your local police station, a valid passport for the duration of your studies, and the completed visa form.

#7 How do I obtain a carte d'identité d'étranger (foreigner's identity card)?

You will need to visit your local Office des Etrangers (foreigners' office) and provide your student visa (for non-EU students), passport, proof of enrolment at your institution, proof of address and three passport-size photos. Remember your visa is a Schengen visa which allows you to freely move from one country to another in the Schengen area.

#8 What are the three types of accommodation available to Masters students in Belgium?

The three types of accommodation available to Masters students in Belgium are university residences, private or public residences managed by private companies or local/regional authorities, and private sector. We cover more about accommodation options in our living in Belgium guide.

#9 Are non-EU students able to work in Belgium?

Non-EU students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during term time. There are no restrictions on the amount of work you can do during holidays. However, you are not allowed to work in the summer before the start of the first year of your course.

#10 How do I access health insurance as a student in Belgium?

Health insurance is compulsory in Belgium. As a student, you have access to a “mutuelle” which allows you to get your medical costs reimbursed. If you are from an EU or EEA country, you must acquire a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving your country, which will allow you to access health care services.

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).

#11 What is the weather like in Belgium?

The weather in Belgium is mild, with a dry and hot summer (around 25°C), and winters which rarely go below -5°C. Snow usually lasts for more than a few days at a time.