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Emrul Hasan
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-Knock! Knock!
-Who’s there?
-Hello there! Have you forgotten your friend? Earlier, I saw that you were searching for information about the destination where you wish to further your education. You know the destination and a trustworthy person to ask about it right? So your buddy bee is onboard today! Since you were looking for information on studying in Belgium, I have gathered useful information. Listen closely, it's worth your time!
Belgium
The Kingdom of Belgium is a small Western European country located in the heart of Europe. The stunning Renaissance architecture in Belgium, along with its medieval and fairytale landscapes, makes it one of the world's most famous must-see destinations. It is considered to be one of the most stable, peaceful, and prosperous countries in the world, with a developed economy and high standard of living. Furthermore, the country offers a variety of affordable study options for any academic level.
I will now move on to the 3Es. So, the 3Es are Education, Environment & Eligibility
-That's what I was looking for.
-Let’s get started then.
Education
⦁ Programs
Studying abroad in Belgium translates into a high-quality trilingual education system with affordable tuition fees and diverse research programs. Since the adoption of the Bologna process, Belgium offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees. Students who earn a master's degree can then pursue research projects leading to a doctorate. Belgian colleges and universities can award bachelor's and master's degrees, but only universities can award PhDs. [6]
⦁ University
There are 65 universities in Belgium and 1,146 study programs you can choose from. There are several well-regarded universities, including:
⦁ Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven)
⦁ University of Ghent
⦁ Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL)
⦁ Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
⦁ Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
In Belgium you can find private universities, state universities like Ghent University, catholic Universities like KU Leuven or free universities like Vrije Universiteit van Brussel (VUB). [1]
⦁ Entry requirements
⦁ Belgian universities determine the program requirements, which can vary from program to program. If you intend to enter a university, you should have completed at least secondary education.
⦁ The Belgian universities accept a range of English language tests, including the IELTS academic test, TOEFL iBT, and C1 Advanced. [7]
⦁ Language
The vast majority of Bachelor's degrees are offered in Dutch or French. There's no need to worry though! Many universities offer free or inexpensive Dutch and French classes that you can take while studying. There are a lot of English-taught programs as well, mostly on the Masters and Doctoral levels. The language of instruction will vary depending on where you study. [1]
⦁ Fees & Fundings
Belgian university fees are quite affordable for both European and international students. A student's final fees are determined by the region in which they study, the major they select, and sometimes their country of origin. Many scholarship opportunities are also available to students with great academic achievements.
⦁ University fees in Belgium: Flemish Region
In Belgium, fees vary from 940 to 6,000 EUR according to the program for non-European nationals. Medical, dental, and MBA programs are significantly more expensive. The credit contract will cost around 245 EUR, the exam contract 111 EUR, and students will need to complete a registration form.
⦁ University fees in Belgium: Wallonia Region
The annual fees for international non-European students are 4,175 EUR. The cost could also rise if you are enrolled in a medical or MBA program. [1]
Some examples of tuition fees in Belgium are:
⦁ KU Leuven: tuition between 835 – 9,000 EUR/year
⦁ University of Namur: tuition between 835 – 4,175 EUR/year
⦁ Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): tuition between 835 – 4,500 EUR/year
⦁ University of Liége: average tuition of 835 EUR/year [8]
⦁ Scholarship
Scholarships are available in Belgium for international students who wish to pursue academic studies there. There are scholarships available at all academic levels and not just by the government, but also by the private sector to students who meet certain criteria.
Some of the scholarships in Belgium include:
⦁ The Belgian Technical Cooperation Scholarships
⦁ The VLIR-UOS Training and Master Scholarship
⦁ The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship
⦁ The Science@Leuven Scholarships for International Students
⦁ The University of Ghent Doctoral Special Research Fund
⦁ The Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) Scholarship
⦁ The FRS-FNRS Scholarship
⦁ The Innoviris Scholarship
⦁ The Master Mind Scholarship [1]
⦁ Program length
Bachelor’s degrees in Belgium or 1st cycle studies are completed within 3 years of full-time studies and by the completion of 180 ECTS.
Master’s degrees in Belgium or 2nd cycle studies are completed between one or two years of full-time studies and by the completion of 60-120 ECTS.
Doctorate degrees in Belgium or 3rd cycle studies are preferred by students with outstanding academic skills who aim to pursue an academic career. During this level of study, a student or researcher should attend research courses and complete a Ph.D. thesis project at the end of their studies. [1]
⦁ Grading System
Belgian academic grading is determined by three regions. The grading system in the Flemish and French regions is based on a 0-20 scale, but some universities, particularly in Flanders, have their own grading system.
⦁ French Community Grading System
Plus grande distinction: Excellent (17,50 – 20)
Grande distinction: Very Good (15,50 – 17,50)
Distinction: Good (13,50 – 15,50)
Satisfaction: Sufficient (12 – 13,50)
Réussite: Sufficient (10 – 12)
Ajourné: Failure (< 10)
⦁ Flemish Community Grading System
Grootste onderscheiding: Excellent (16,50-20)
Grote onderscheiding: Very Good (15-20)
Onderscheiding: Good (13,50-20)
Voldoening: Sufficient (at least 10 out of 20)
Niet geslaagd: Failure (below 10) [1]
⦁ Popular Disciplines
There are many English-taught degrees available. You can start with these popular options:
⦁ Engineering degrees
⦁ Business degrees
⦁ Humanities degrees
⦁ Medicine degrees
⦁ Music degrees
⦁ Popular Subjects
You can choose your desired subject from the list below:
⦁ Art
⦁ Biology
⦁ Business
⦁ Chemistry
⦁ Communication
⦁ Computer Science
⦁ Design
⦁ Engineering
⦁ Law
⦁ Marketing
⦁ Philosophy
⦁ Physics
⦁ Political Science [7]
Environment
⦁ Accommodation
You can live in a student residence on a university campus, or you can rent a private apartment. Belgium is an affordable country for students, depending on where you live and your lifestyle. There are few student dormitories in Flanders and Brussels, and most students live in private student apartments. However, living in a student dormitory will help you reduce your living costs in Belgium.
If you can find a spot in a dormitory, then prices start at 200 EUR per month. You will have to pay between 300 and 500 EUR per month for private student accommodation. Private student housing is cheaper in smaller cities like Ghent or Leuven. [1]
Here are a few examples of average living costs in some Belgian student cities:
⦁ Antwerp: between 780 and 1,230 EUR/month
⦁ Brussels: between 890 and 1,300 EUR/month
⦁ Gent: between 750 and 1,200 EUR/month
⦁ Leuven: around 800 and 1,300 EUR/month
⦁ Liege: around 700 and 1,100 EUR/month [8]
⦁ Health & Safety
The Student Secure plan provides international student health insurance to both international and study-abroad students who are studying outside of their home country. There are four levels of coverage to choose from Smart, Budget, Select, and Elite - so there is a plan for every need and budget. You can select a daily or monthly payment option (with monthly payment option) that will meet many schools and government requirements, and for J1 and F1 students (even those on OPT), you are automatically eligible for coverage. [5]
⦁ Transport & Travel
As a student, you will only need to pay 20-25 EUR per month for transportation in Belgium. Use student discounts, ride your bicycle, or even walk to the university if you can, and cook more instead of eating out every day. This will save you a lot of money in Belgium that you can use for hobbies or travel! [1] When living in Belgium, trains and buses are the cheapest and most convenient means of transportation. Students younger than 25 years old can purchase a monthly public transportation pass for 50 EUR. [8]
⦁ Budget
The cost of books and study materials will be around 50 EUR per month, depending on the program you are studying, and groceries will cost about 300 EUR per month.
When it comes to food, buying at the supermarket and cooking at home is the cheapest option. Generally, you would spend around 300 EUR/month on groceries. Belgians can find inexpensive groceries at Lidl, Aldi, and Colruyt supermarkets.
A meal in inexpensive restaurant costs between 10 and 20 EUR. At Le Pain Quotidien restaurants, you can purchase soups, salads, cheese platters, cold meats, and patisserie for between 4 and 16 EUR. [8]
Eligibility
⦁ Student jobs
Student-workers in Belgium are entitled to 475 hours of work for reduced social contributions each year. It doesn't matter what their nationality or origin is. [3]
The only requirements are that they must be enrolled in a higher education institution in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and that they must hold a valid residence permit. A valid residence permit is an international registration certificate (C.I.R.E.). You have the following options based on the period you intend to work:
⦁ There is no limit to how many hours the student can work during school holidays (Christmas, spring, summer - July, August, September).
⦁ The student can work no more than 20 hours a week during the school year, and the work must be compatible with the study. [4]
⦁ Communication
In Belgium, you’ll find three distinct linguistic groups: the Dutch-speaking Flemish, the French-speaking French, and the smaller German-speaking group.
You will not encounter any language barriers if you are familiar with Dutch, nor will you have to change up your vocabulary or pronunciation if you are familiar with Flemish. Belgians speak 40% French, the second most popular language. Likewise, if you already speak French, you will not have any problem understanding Belgian French at all. It is all about understanding and getting used to different accents!
Last but not least, the German-speaking area of Belgium. There are only 1% of the population who speak German, making it a minority language. [1]
⦁ Visas and Permits
If you are not a European citizen, you will need to apply for a student visa in Belgium before you arrive if you plan to stay longer than 90 days (Type D long-stay visa). A Type C short-stay visa is required if you stay in Belgium for less than three months.
You will need to initiate your visa application at the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence in both cases. If necessary, you may need to book an appointment with the Embassy in order to submit your application. Approximately six to eight weeks are required for the procedure.
For your Belgian student visa application, you will need the following documents. Be aware that additional documents might be required from the Belgian Embassy of your country of origin.
⦁ Admission letter from the Belgian university.
⦁ A completed and signed visa application form.
⦁ Previous educational certificates.
⦁ Passport with at least 12 months validity remaining at the moment of your visa application.
⦁ Proof of solvency, meaning that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. The minimum amount required for Belgium is around 660 EUR per month and you can prove it by providing bank statements.
⦁ Certificate of good conduct with no prior criminal record.
⦁ Medical certificate and insurance. If you are a European national, then you need to provide the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
⦁ Proof of payment of the administrative fee. [1]
⦁ Permanent Settlement
⦁ In the case of foreign nationals, your permit to stay after graduation depends on your nationality, length, and purpose of stay.
⦁ For non-EU nationals, the situation is different since you need a visa and a work permit to stay and live in Belgium, as well as different types of residence permits. To obtain a work permit, you need a job offer and an employer who supports your application.
⦁ After completing your studies, Belgium's immigration system does not offer a jobseeker permit. As a non-EU citizen, if you want to work and stay in the country after getting your degree, you can do so by finding a company that will sponsor your stay. If your contract is finalized, your employer will submit a work permit application on your behalf, and then you can apply for a non-immigrant or immigrant visa. [2]
-That’s really cool.
-Yes, Buddy! Do you want to hear more cool stuff?
-Yes, you bet, I do.
There are many reasons why you should consider studying in Belgium:
⦁ You can get a scholarship to go study in Belgium.
⦁ You’ll get the chance to study in one of the most attractive countries in the world.
⦁ You can secure an exceptional Quality of Life by living a low-cost life.
⦁ You can study in English but also practice your French, Dutch, and German.
⦁ You’ll be part of the top EMBA and MBA programs.
-Thanks, buddy. It’s time to get ready.
-I wish you luck, my friend.
It isn’t always easy to decide which country you want to study in. The world we live in today makes it possible to earn a degree so easily that we have a hard time deciding what to do. During the conversation, I was trying to persuade you that Belgium might be an ideal place to study. Surely it was worth the effort, wasn’t it?
Just as the famous Belgium Proverb goes –
“He who does not wish for little things does not deserve big things.”
Your Buddybee wants your wishes to get the biggest wings! Feel the buzz, buddy.
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