Study in Belgium
Why Study in Belgium?
Belgium offers an excellent combination of affordable tuition fees, globally ranked universities, a multicultural and multilingual environment, and strong post-study work opportunities, making it an ideal destination for international students pursuing a master’s degree.
Belgium has emerged as an attractive European study destination for international students seeking high-quality education at an affordable cost in the heart of Europe.
- Strategic Location: Belgium’s central location between France, Germany, and the Netherlands provides students with easy access to major European cities through affordable train and bus connections.
- Globally Recognized Universities: Belgian universities are ranked among the world’s best in fields such as engineering, life sciences, and social sciences, with a wide range of programs taught in English.
- Multicultural Learning Environment: More than 20% of students in Belgium are international, creating a diverse and inclusive community where Indian students can connect with peers from around the world.
- Multilingual Advantage: Depending on the university and region, students can enhance their proficiency in English, French, or Dutch, adding valuable multilingual skills to their professional profiles.
- Affordable Education: Belgium offers relatively lower tuition fees, typically ranging from €2,500 to €7,500 per year for non-EU students, making it a cost-effective alternative to study destinations such as the UK, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
Famous Programs and Fields (Especially Preferred by Indian Students)
Indian students are increasingly choosing Belgium for its globally recognized education system, industry-focused curriculum, and strong research opportunities. Some of the most popular fields of study include:
- Engineering and Technology: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, and Computer Engineering programs are highly sought after for their strong academic foundation and practical learning approach.
- Information Technology and Computer Science: Popular specializations include Software Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing.
- Business and Management: Students pursue programs in International Business, Finance, Business Analytics, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Digital Transformation.
- Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering: Belgium is renowned for its excellence in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, and life sciences, offering cutting-edge research and industry exposure.
- Business Engineering: A distinctive interdisciplinary program that combines Business Administration, Economics, Mathematics, and Information Technology, preparing graduates for leadership and analytical roles in global organizations.
Affordable Education and Scholarship Opportunities
Belgium offers high-quality education at affordable tuition fees, along with a wide range of scholarships for international students.
Major Scholarships for Indian Students:
- VLIR-UOS Scholarships: Cover full tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, insurance, and a monthly living allowance of approximately €1,400.
- ARES Scholarships: Offers around 70 continuing education scholarships and 130 bachelor’s and master’s scholarships each year for eligible international students.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EMJM): Provide full funding for selected master’s programs, covering tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Leading universities such as KU Leuven and Ghent University offer merit-based scholarships for outstanding international students.
Total Funds Required
If you are planning to study in Belgium, it is important to budget for both tuition fees and living expenses. Below is an estimate of the costs you can expect as an international student.
Tuition Fees
Public Universities (International/Indian Students)
- Bachelor’s Degree: €2,500 – €7,500 per year
- Master’s Degree: €1,100 – €5,800 per year
Estimated Tuition Fees at Popular Universities
- KU Leuven: €4,446 – €7,518 per year
- Ghent University: €2,118 – €6,540 per year
Living Expenses
The average monthly living cost for an international student in Belgium ranges from €850 to €1,200, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Expense | Monthly (EUR) | Approx. Annual Cost (INR) |
Accommodation | €340 – €600 | ₹3.06 – ₹5.40 Lakhs |
Food | €250 – €350 | ₹2.25 – ₹3.15 Lakhs |
Transportation | €20 | ₹18,000 |
Health Insurance | €8 – €10 | ₹7,200 – ₹9,000 |
Estimated Total Annual Budget
The estimated annual budget for studying in Belgium, including tuition fees and living expenses, is approximately:
€12,000 – €18,000 per year
Approx. ₹10.8 – ₹16.2 Lakhs per year
Note: These figures are approximate and may vary depending on the university, city of residence, accommodation type, and individual lifestyle.
Stay Back Options
Belgium offers excellent opportunities for international students to gain work experience during their studies and transition into the workforce after graduation.
Part-Time Work
- International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester.
- Full-time work is permitted during official semester breaks and holidays.
Post-Study Work
One-Year Job Search Visa
International graduates can apply for a 12-month residence permit extension to search for employment or start their own business in Belgium.
- Eligibility Requirements
- Hold a valid Belgian student residence permit during the course of study.
- Have obtained a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a recognized Belgian higher education institution within the previous academic year.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial resources of at least €789 per month (approximately €9,468 per year).
- Maintain valid health insurance throughout the job search period.
- Benefits
- Unlimited access to the Belgian labour market while holding the job search permit.
- Eligible to work full-time during the 12-month search period.
- Opportunity to start a business or become self-employed in Belgium.
- A pathway to transition to a long-term work permit upon securing eligible employment.
Bachelor’s in Belgium
Entry Requirements
- Successful completion of Higher Secondary Certificate (Class XII) from a recognized Indian board with a minimum of 65% marks (or equivalent CGPA). (Specific requirements may vary by university and program.)
- English language proficiency is required for English-taught programs, typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT equivalent, depending on the university.
- Medicine and Dentistry: Admission generally requires passing the Belgian entrance examination (where applicable) and meeting additional university-specific requirements.
Required Documents
- Valid passport.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Class XII (Higher Secondary) certificate and mark sheets (officially translated if required).
- Academic transcripts of previous studies.
- English language proficiency test score (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE, if applicable).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter outlining your academic goals and study plans.
- Letters of Recommendation (if required by the university).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (for selected programs, if applicable).
Tuition Fees
- Public Universities: Approximately €2,500 – €7,500 per year for most bachelor’s programs (fees vary by university and course).
- KU Leuven: Approximately €4,400 – €4,500 per year for most bachelor’s programs for non-EEA students.
- University of Antwerp: Approximately €5,000 per year for most bachelor’s programs for non-EEA students.
Master's in Belgium
Entry Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognized institution.
- Official academic transcripts from undergraduate studies.
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum B2 level), such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.
- An updated CV/Resume highlighting academic and professional experience.
- A Statement of Purpose (SOP) outlining academic interests and career goals.
- Two Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from academic or professional referees.
Visa Requirements
- A Long-Stay Student Visa (Type D) is required for programs lasting more than 90 days.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources, with a minimum of €730 per month (approximately €8,760 per year), to cover living expenses.
- Visa application fee: Approximately ₹14,835.
Tuition Fees
- Public Universities: €1,100 – €5,800 per year (for most international/Indian students).
- KU Leuven: €4,446 – €7,518 per year.
- Ghent University: €2,118 – €6,540 per year.
- UCLouvain: €835 – €4,000 per year.
Top-Ranked Universities and Global Recognition
Belgium is home to several world-renowned universities that consistently rank among the best globally for academic excellence, research, and innovation.
Leading Belgian Universities (2026 Rankings)
University | QS World University Rankings 2026 | Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 |
KU Leuven | 60 | 46 |
Ghent University | 162 | 115 |
UCLouvain | 191 | 184 |
Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) | 227 | 201 |
University of Antwerp | 280 | 170 |