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Belgium has become a practical option for international students pursuing higher education in Europe. With its multilingual population, accessible location, and strong academic institutions, it offers a setting that balances academic depth with everyday living. For students weighing their options, Belgium provides a combination of academic, cultural, and logistical advantages that can make it a worthwhile destination.
Below are five concrete benefits of studying abroad in Belgium that you can go through.
1. Solid Academics Without the High Price Tag
Belgium has built a reputation for offering high-quality education in an accessible and pragmatic way. Its universities have consistently ranked well within Europe, offering degree programs in fields ranging from engineering and medicine to international relations and the arts. KU Leuven, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), University of Antwerp, and Ghent University are frequently recognised for academic rigour, research output, and cross-border partnerships. Importantly, they achieve this without imposing excessive tuition fees on students.
Widely Recognised Institutions
Belgian universities offer both academic depth and international credibility:
- KU Leuven is known for science, engineering, and law.
- University of Antwerp combines strong research programs with close industry ties.
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) offers multilingual and English-taught programs across the sciences, humanities, and social policy.
- Ghent University is a strong choice for life sciences, agriculture, and veterinary studies.
Tuition that Doesn’t Inflate the Experience
For European Union students, yearly tuition at most public universities stays close to €900. For non-EU students, tuition may vary by program but generally ranges from €1,000 to €9,000 annually, well below what comparable programs cost in countries like the United States or the United Kingdom. The tuition system is structured, and many universities offer need-based scholarships or grants to help further reduce financial strain.
Tuition Overview
| Student Type | Average Tuition Per Year | Notes |
| EU Students | ~€900 | Public universities |
| Non-EU Students | €1,000 to €9,000 | Depends on the program and the institution |
| Private Institutions | €10,000+ | Limited seats, often higher fees |
Value Beyond the Classroom
This affordability extends to daily life:
- Student housing options are subsidised or shared, with manageable monthly rents.
- Many campuses provide access to low-cost meals, transport discounts, and public study spaces.
- Public research libraries and science labs are integrated into regular degree programs.
Students receive access to well-resourced academic environments without taking on unmanageable debt. The overall value for money is hard to ignore.
2. Multilingual Daily Life with English-Language Degrees
Belgium presents a multilingual setting that supports both academic progress and daily life. The country’s three official languages, Dutch, French, and German, are used in various regions, but English is widely spoken in universities and across most major cities. For international students, this makes it possible to live, study, and participate in local culture without facing immediate language barriers.
English-Language Study Options
Universities across Belgium offer full degree programs in English, especially at the Master’s level. Bachelor’s programs in English are also available, particularly in fields like business, political science, and engineering. Cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Leuven are known for their international student populations and host institutions that regularly admit students from across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Administrative support for international students is usually provided in English. This includes housing services, academic advising, public transport information, and health insurance coordination. You don’t have to be fluent in Dutch or French to do everyday things like go to the bank, pharmacy, store, or neighborhood restaurant. This is especially true in cities.
Language Learning Opportunities
Although language proficiency is not a requirement for academic success, students who wish to learn French or Dutch can do so through university language centres, student-led workshops, or community classes. These are usually offered at reduced rates. In addition, students are exposed to multiple languages through signage, media, and peer interaction, which naturally supports gradual learning.
What This Means in Practice
- You can complete a full degree without learning Dutch or French.
- Most city-based services are accessible in English.
- Local language classes are available but optional.
Language Expectations for International Students
| Area | Language Situation |
| Course Instruction | English widely available, especially at the MA/MS level |
| Daily Life in Cities | English commonly understood |
| Administrative Support | Available in English at most universities |
| Language Learning Options | Dutch/French classes widely offered |
| Official Documents | May require translation or assistance |
Belgium’s multilingual structure adds flexibility rather than pressure. Students have the freedom to study in English while gaining exposure to other languages through daily experience and optional instruction.
3. A Strategic Location for Travel and Internships
Belgium’s position at the crossroads of Western Europe offers practical advantages for students. It is bordered by France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, with easy access to other European countries by rail or air. For students interested in travel, professional networking, or internships, this central location can be used to full advantage without requiring additional planning or relocation.
Close to Key European Cities
Belgium has a well-developed train network that links directly to major capitals. From Brussels, students can reach Paris, Amsterdam, London, or Cologne within hours. Youth under the age of 26 benefit from a fixed national fare of €6.60 for any one-way domestic journey, making it easy to explore Belgium’s own regions as well. Local transportation, including trams and buses, is frequent and affordable, especially in cities with high student populations.
| Destination | Travel Time | Common Fare (One-Way) |
| Paris | 1.5 hours | €29–€89 (Thalys) |
| Amsterdam | 2 hours | €25–€60 (Thalys) |
| London | 2 hours | €45–€100 (Eurostar) |
| Cologne | 2 hours | €20–€70 (ICE) |
Internships and Institutional Access
Brussels, in particular, holds strategic value for students pursuing degrees in international law, public policy, business, or media. It hosts major institutions such as the European Union, NATO, and a wide range of NGOs and international agencies. Many students secure internships or research opportunities with these organisations as part of their studies.
Why This Matters
Being able to travel efficiently across Europe adds depth to the student experience and widens professional options without complicating your academic schedule.
Practical Advantages
- Easy access to internship hubs like Brussels and Luxembourg
- Fast train links to neighbouring countries
- Affordable local travel for under-26 students
- Central airport (Brussels Zaventem) with major European and international routes
Belgium’s location works in the background, quietly expanding both your academic reach and personal mobility.
4. Day-to-Day Student Life Is Reasonably Balanced
For students coming from larger cities or more intense academic environments, life in Belgium can feel grounded and manageable. Public infrastructure is reliable, student services are well established, and social life develops naturally through campus activities and city life. The overall experience is organised without being restrictive.
Living Costs and Daily Expenses
The cost of living in Belgium is lower than in many other Western European countries, particularly when compared to cities like London, Paris, or Zurich. Students can find housing through university-managed residences or shared private flats. In cities like Ghent or Liège, rent is generally affordable, and student areas offer lower-priced food and transport options.
Monthly expenses are reasonable for most students. Supermarkets are accessible and well stocked, and meals in university cafeterias or local restaurants are priced for student budgets. Public transportation is extensive, and many cities also support cycling with designated bike lanes and rental programs.
Social Environment and Campus Life
Belgian universities offer a range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, workshops, and student-led events. International student offices often coordinate cultural outings and social mixers to help new students connect. Cities are compact and easy to navigate, allowing students to explore without needing a car or high travel costs.
Estimated Monthly Living Costs (Average Range)
- Housing: €350–€700
- Groceries and Food: €200–€300
- Transport: €50–€80
- Personal and Leisure: €100–€200
Total: ~€750–€1,200 depending on city and lifestyle.
What Works Well
- Public transport is affordable and consistent across most cities.
- Student cafés, libraries, and green spaces offer low-cost gathering spots.
- Safety and walkability make everyday tasks simpler, even for newcomers.
Belgium offers an active student experience without being overstimulating, and affordable without cutting corners. It supports focus and stability while leaving space for cultural exploration and personal comfort.
5. Cultural Access Without Culture Shock
Belgium offers a wide cultural range that is accessible without overwhelming students. From its art and architecture to food, festivals, and local customs, the country provides daily contact with traditions that feel rooted rather than commercialised. International students often find that they can engage with Belgian culture gradually, without feeling disconnected or excluded.
Cultural Exposure Through Everyday Life
Historic architecture, street markets, and seasonal festivals are common features of daily life in cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Leuven. Students have access to museums, galleries, and live performances at reduced rates, and many local institutions actively support international student participation in public events. The culture is integrated into everyday life rather than separated as a tourist experience.
Food plays a role, too. From traditional dishes like stoofvlees and chicon au gratin to widely available pastries and chocolate, students are introduced to local tastes without needing to seek them out. These shared points of contact often make it easier to connect with classmates, neighbours, and local residents.
Cultural Adjustment Without Pressure
For students concerned about adapting to a new country, Belgium offers a measured environment. The presence of international campuses, English-language services, and a high number of foreign students creates a setting where differences are expected and supported. At the same time, students are given access to local traditions, holidays, and customs in ways that are neither forced nor hidden.
Examples of Accessible Cultural Activities
- Public events like music festivals, film nights, and national holidays
- Local cuisine is available in supermarkets, cafés, and student areas
- Historical visits to castles, cathedrals, and UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Art and design have active scenes in Antwerp, Brussels, and Ghent
Belgium allows students to engage with cultural life at their own pace. The experience is neither heavily curated nor isolating, and this balance makes it easier to feel part of the environment rather than placed outside it.
What International Students Need to Know
If you’re planning to study in Belgium and you are not from the EU, EEA, or one of a few visa-exempt countries, you will need to apply for a student visa before arrival. The visa lets you officially enter Belgium, and the student residence pass, which you get once you get there, lets you stay for as long as you are in school. The process is straightforward but requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and early action.
Below is a step-by-step overview of what to do once you’ve been accepted by a Belgian university.
Step 1: Get accepted into a Belgian university
Apply to your chosen institution and wait for an official admission letter.
Step 2: Fill out the visa application form
Download the form from your local Belgian embassy or consulate website. Complete and sign it.
Step 3: Prepare required documents
You will need:
- A valid passport
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Proof of university admission
- Motivation letter
- Proof of financial means (€666/month)
- Health insurance
- Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- High school diploma
- Criminal record certificate (if over 21)
- Certified translations (if applicable)
Step 4: Schedule a visa appointment
Book an appointment at your nearest Belgian embassy or consulate.
Step 5: Attend the interview
Be prepared to discuss your academic plans and how you’ll support yourself in Belgium.
Step 6: Wait for approval and travel
Once approved, travel to Belgium with your visa.
Step 7: Register locally
Within eight days of arrival, register at the local administration office to receive your residence permit.
Conclusion
Choosing where to study affects how you live, think, and prepare for what comes next. Belgium offers a setting that allows students to stay focused, move independently, and take part in something larger without being overwhelmed by it. For many, that balance is exactly what matters.
