How to study in Belgium, for international students

Why Belgium is a great place to study

Belgium is a small but central country in Europe, making it an ideal base for students who want to combine academic opportunities with easy travel across the continent. Its universities consistently rank among Europe’s best, offering a wide range of English-taught programs alongside courses in Dutch, French, and German. Compared to neighbors like the Netherlands or France, Belgium also offers relatively affordable tuition fees.

Some of the most popular universities for international students include:

• KU Leuven – consistently ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide
• Ghent University – strong in life sciences and engineering
• Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) – home to the prestigious CEMS Master in International Management
• Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) – research-focused, with strong international networks
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) – known for its liberal values and diverse student body

Visa and admission requirements for studying in Belgium

Visa and residence permit requirements

• EU/EEA students: You do not need a visa to study in Belgium, but you must register with your local commune (town hall) within 8 days of arrival.
• Non-EU/EEA students: You usually need to apply for a long-stay student visa (D visa) at the Belgian consulate in your home country. Once in Belgium, you must register with the commune to obtain your residence permit.
• Link to all official regulations and requirements: Immigration Office Belgium

Admission and application process

Admission requirements vary by university and program. Proof of language proficiency in English, Dutch, French, or German may be required, depending on the course.

Applications should be started early, ideally 6–9 months before your intended start date. Universities usually require you to secure admission before applying for a student visa. Deadlines differ, so always check directly with your chosen institution.

Health insurance in Belgium for students (EU & non-EU)

EU/EEA students

If you are from the EU or EEA, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access healthcare in Belgium. Still, most students are expected to register with a Belgian health insurance fund (mutuelle/ziekenfonds) once they settle in.

Non-EU/EEA students

For non-EU/EEA students, private health insurance is mandatory when applying for a student visa. This covers you from your arrival in Belgium until you can register with the public system. You can join a mutuelle once you either:

• receive your residence permit from the local commune, or
• present your official enrollment certificate from your Belgian university.

As a student, the Belgian public health insurance will cost your approximately €33/month. For a step-by-step guide, see our blog post on how to enroll in public health insurance in Belgium. To sign up directly for public health insurance, click here.

Why keep private insurance?

Even after joining a mutuelle, many students keep private coverage. Reasons include:

• Full payback: mutuelles usually reimburse only part of medical costs.
• Extra benefits: private insurance can cover dental care, optical care, or other services not included in the basic public package.

Housing and transport for students in Belgium

Housing options

Most students in Belgium choose between:

• Student housing (kots or dorms): Affordable, often located near campus, and a good way to meet other students. Many universities list available kots on their official websites, and dedicated platforms like student.kotweb.be (Antwerp) provide vetted options.
• Private rentals: More flexibility and independence, but usually more expensive. The largest housing platform is Immoweb, where you’ll find most official listings. In practice, many students also join local Facebook groups where rooms and apartments are posted regularly.

Getting around: public transport

Belgium has a reliable and extensive public transport network, but the operator depends on the region you live in:

• STIB/MIVB (Brussels): Students aged 18–24 who are registered residents in Brussels can get an annual pass for just €12.
• TEC (Wallonia): Offers the same scheme — €12 per year for students aged 18–24, valid across the entire TEC network.
• De Lijn (Flanders): Student discounts depend on agreements with each university, so prices vary. Check with your institution for the exact rate.
• SNCB/NMBS (national trains): Students can also benefit from discounted train tickets, which are useful for intercity travel.

Opening a bank account and working in Belgium as a student

Opening a bank account

To open a bank account in Belgium, you must demonstrate that you can legally reside in the country and provide proof of residence (for example, a lease contract or official registration document). Major banks such as KBC, BNP Paribas Fortis, Belfius, and ING offer student accounts with low or no fees once these requirements are met.

Neobank alternatives (Revolut, N26)

Digital-first banks like Revolut and N26 follow the same rule: you need to show that you legally reside in Belgium and verify your address before your account is fully activated. This means most students can only complete setup once they have a Belgian residence certificate or housing contract.

Working while studying

• EU/EEA students: free to work without restrictions.
• Non-EU/EEA students: allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term, with a student work permit; full-time work permitted in official holidays.

Staying in Belgium after your studies

Job-search year

Belgium gives international graduates the option to stay and look for work. Non-EU/EEA students can apply for a 12-month “search year” residence permit after finishing their degree. This permit allows you to live in Belgium while searching for a job or preparing to start your own business.

Transitioning to work

If you find employment during your search year, you can switch to a single permit (combined residence and work permit). Belgian employers are generally familiar with this process, but it’s best to start applications early, as paperwork can take several months.

Career support

Universities often provide career services and alumni networks to help students connect with Belgian companies. Major job sectors for international graduates include IT, engineering, research, and EU-related institutions in Brussels.

Conclusion

Studying in Belgium combines high-quality education, affordable living, and the chance to experience a truly multicultural environment. With the right preparation — from securing your visa and health insurance to finding housing and setting up your finances — your move can be smooth and stress-free.

Moving to Brussels?

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