You step out of Leuven station and immediately understand why people say this city lives and breathes students. On the Oude Markt (Europe’s longest bar, as Belgians call it, because the entire square is an unbroken stretch of pubs), a group of freshmen in student attire (white shirt, peculiar hat) chant songs during initiation week. A cyclist passes you with a bag of fries from Frituur No. 1, and by the fountain, three Erasmus students discuss their European Law colloquium in English. A sign on the street corner indicates that Arenberg campus, the heart of the engineering faculty, is an 8-minute bike ride away. Brussels is 25 minutes by train. The European Commission headquarters is 40 minutes door-to-door. This is no coincidence. This is Belgium, a small country at the crossroads of Europe, where universities boast 600 years of tradition, and the capital of the European Union is within easy reach.
Belgium is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets in higher education. A small, quiet country, rarely making headlines, but with universities that regularly outperform much louder rivals. KU Leuven, repeatedly recognized by Reuters as Europe’s most innovative university, ranks in the top 75 worldwide in QS Rankings. Ghent University (UGent) is in the top 150. UCLouvain, VUB, and ULB (Brussels) are solid institutions with strong programs in European law, economics, and political science. And tuition fees? For EU citizens, they start from 835 EUR per year at French-speaking universities and ~950–1,000 EUR at Flemish universities. This is several times less than in the Netherlands and hundreds of times less than in the UK.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire Belgian higher education system: from the fundamental division into Flanders and Wallonia, through top universities, English-taught programs, costs, and admissions, all the way to student life (yes, beer is an integral part of academic culture) and career prospects in the EU capital. If you’re looking for a detailed guide to a specific university, check out our KU Leuven profile. And if you’re comparing Belgium with other European options, read our guides on studying in the Netherlands, France, and Germany.
Study in Belgium – Key Data 2025/2026
Source: QS World University Rankings 2025, official university data, Reuters Most Innovative Universities
Flanders vs. Wallonia: Two Education Systems in One Country
Before we start talking about universities, you need to understand a fundamental thing about Belgium: it’s a country with two (or actually three) distinct education systems, two main languages, and two completely different approaches to higher education.
Flanders (north, Dutch/Flemish language) – This is where KU Leuven, Ghent University (UGent), VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Flemish), and the University of Antwerp are located. Tuition fees for EU students: approx. 950–1,000 EUR/year. System: similar to the Dutch system, with a growing number of English-taught programs (mainly at Master’s level). Bachelor’s programs: most are in Dutch, but KU Leuven and Ghent University offer a few Bachelor’s programs in English. At the Master’s level, there’s a rich English-taught offering.
Wallonia and Brussels (south + capital, French language) – This is where UCLouvain (Université Catholique de Louvain, the French-speaking counterpart of KU Leuven, with which it shares a medieval history), ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles), ULiège (University of Liège), UMons, UNamur are located. Tuition fees for EU students: approx. 835 EUR/year (lower than in Flanders). Programs: mainly in French at the Bachelor’s level, with a growing English-taught offering at the Master’s level.
Brussels is unique, officially bilingual (French and Dutch), but in practice, French and English dominate (due to the presence of EU institutions). Both Flemish universities (VUB, KU Leuven’s Brussels campus) and French-speaking universities (ULB, Université Saint-Louis) operate here. Brussels is also home to the European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the EU, NATO, and hundreds of international organizations, making it an ideal place for students interested in European politics, international law, and diplomacy.
For a high school graduate, the key question is: in which language do you want to study? If in English, your best options are Master’s programs at KU Leuven, Ghent University, and VUB (Flanders) or UCLouvain and ULB (Wallonia/Brussels). If you know French, dozens of additional Bachelor’s programs open up. Dutch is an asset, but fewer international students know it.
Top Belgian Universities: An Overview
KU Leuven – Undisputedly the best university in Belgium and one of the best in Europe. Founded in 1425, it’s one of the oldest universities in the world. In QS 2025, it ranks around 75th globally, and in Times Higher Education, it’s regularly in the top 50. Repeatedly recognized by Reuters as Europe’s most innovative university. 65,000+ students, 18% international. EU tuition: ~1,000 EUR/year for most programs. Strengths: engineering, biomedical sciences, law, economics, theology, computer science. 80+ English-taught programs (mainly Master’s). Home to IMEC, one of the world’s most important semiconductor research centers. Details: our guide to KU Leuven.
UGent (Ghent University) – Belgium’s second university, ranking around top 150 QS. Ghent is a beautiful, medieval city with 74,000 students (out of 265,000 inhabitants, one in three is a student). Strengths: biotechnology, veterinary medicine (top 10 worldwide), agriculture, engineering, humanities. English-taught programs: mainly Master’s, a few Bachelor’s (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Business Economics). EU tuition: ~950 EUR/year. Ghent is cheaper than Leuven or Brussels – a room for 350–450 EUR/month.
UCLouvain (Université Catholique de Louvain) – The French-speaking counterpart of KU Leuven, with which it shares medieval roots (the universities split in 1968 for linguistic reasons, only in Belgium). Campus in Louvain-la-Neuve, a city built from scratch in the 1970s specifically for the university. In QS 2025, it ranks around top 150. Strengths: economics, philosophy, law, medicine, engineering. Programs mainly in French, with a growing English-taught offering at the Master’s level. EU tuition: ~835 EUR/year.
VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) – A Flemish university in Brussels, in the top 200 QS. Strong position in engineering sciences, computer science, physics, and social sciences. Its location in Brussels means proximity to European institutions and international organizations. English-taught programs: a few Bachelor’s (e.g., Social Sciences) and many Master’s. EU tuition: ~950–1,000 EUR/year.
ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) – A French-speaking university in Brussels, in the top 200 QS. Historically committed to liberal values and secularism (in contrast to the Catholic UCLouvain). Four Nobel laureates. Strengths: physics (François Englert, Nobel for the Higgs boson), political science, economics, European law. Programs: mainly in French, English-taught Master’s. EU tuition: ~835 EUR/year.
University of Antwerp – A younger university (established in 2003 from the merger of three institutions), but dynamically developing. In the top 250 QS. Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city, with Europe’s largest port (after Rotterdam) and a center for global diamond trade. Strengths: development and management, pharmaceutical sciences, applied economics. EU tuition: ~950 EUR/year.
English-Taught Programs
Belgium is not the Netherlands – the English-taught offering, especially at the Bachelor’s level, is more modest. But this is changing, and in 2026, there are more options than ever.
At the Bachelor’s level in English, options are limited but exist:
- KU Leuven – Bachelor of Business Administration (Antwerp and Brussels), Bachelor of Theology. On the main campus in Leuven, most Bachelor’s programs are in Dutch.
- Ghent University – Bachelor of Science in Business Economics (International Track).
- VUB – Bachelor in Social Sciences (an English-taught interdisciplinary program in Brussels).
- Vesalius College (VUB) – an English-taught college within VUB, offering Bachelor’s programs in Business, Communications, and International Affairs. Higher tuition: approx. 5,000–8,500 EUR/year.
At the Master’s level, the situation is much better:
- KU Leuven: 80+ English-taught programs – Master of Engineering, Master of Business Administration, Master of European Studies, Master of Artificial Intelligence (one of the best in Europe), Master of Bioinformatics, and dozens of others.
- Ghent University: 70+ English-taught Master’s – biotechnology, engineering, economics, political science.
- UCLouvain: growing English-taught offering – Master in Economics, Master in Data Science, MBA Louvain.
- VUB/ULB: English-taught Master’s programs in political science, European law, communication, management.
If you’re aiming for an English-taught Bachelor’s degree, your realistic options in Belgium are VUB (Social Sciences), Vesalius College, KU Leuven (BBA in Antwerp/Brussels), and Ghent University (Business Economics). At the Master’s level, the choice is rich and covers almost all fields. If English-taught Bachelor’s programs are a priority for you, consider comparing with the Netherlands, which has over 2,100 English-taught programs.
Tuition Fees and Living Costs
This is the section where Belgium starts to look truly attractive. Tuition fees for EU students are among the lowest in Western Europe:
| University Type | Annual Tuition (EU) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Flemish universities (Bachelor + Master) | ~950–1,000 EUR | KU Leuven, Ghent University, VUB, Antwerp |
| French-speaking universities (Bachelor + Master) | ~835 EUR | UCLouvain, ULB, ULiège, UNamur |
| Vesalius College (VUB) | 5,000–8,500 EUR | English-taught college in Brussels |
| Special programs (MBA, Executive) | 5,000–30,000 EUR | Vlerick, Solvay, Louvain MBA |
Compare: the Netherlands – ~2,530 EUR/year. UK – 9,250–38,000 GBP/year. Even France’s public universities (170–380 EUR) are cheaper in terms of tuition alone, but Belgian living costs can be lower than Parisian ones. For a three-year Bachelor’s program at KU Leuven, the total tuition is only ~3,000 EUR, less than one semester at many Dutch universities or one month’s tuition at Cambridge.
Living Costs – Belgium is cheaper than the Netherlands and significantly cheaper than the UK, but more expensive than some Eastern European countries:
Brussels: accommodation 450–800 EUR/month (room in a shared apartment or studio in student districts like Ixelles, Etterbeek, Schaerbeek), food 250–350 EUR, transport 50 EUR (STIB pass with student discount, 12 EUR/year for <25 years), entertainment 100–200 EUR. Total: 900–1,200 EUR/month.
Leuven: accommodation 350–550 EUR (kots, traditional student rooms, or kamers on the open market), food 200–300 EUR, transport 0–30 EUR (bike!), entertainment 80–150 EUR. Total: 700–1,000 EUR/month.
Ghent: accommodation 350–500 EUR, food 200–300 EUR, transport 0–30 EUR (bike!), entertainment 80–150 EUR. Total: 680–950 EUR/month.
Louvain-la-Neuve: accommodation 300–450 EUR (city built around the university, apartments within walking distance), food 200–280 EUR, transport 0–20 EUR, entertainment 70–130 EUR. Total: 620–850 EUR/month.
The total annual cost of studying in Belgium (tuition + living) is 8,500–15,500 EUR. For a three-year Bachelor’s program, you’ll spend a total of 25,000–47,000 EUR. This is one of the best value-for-money propositions in Europe – a top 75 QS university for less than a year’s tuition at most UK universities.
Admissions: How to Apply to Belgian Universities
The admission process in Belgium is relatively straightforward compared to the UK or France, but it has its specificities worth knowing.
Flemish universities (KU Leuven, Ghent University, VUB, Antwerp):
- Online application through the university portal (there is no central system like Parcoursup or UCAS)
- Deadline: usually March 1 (for English-taught programs) or June 1 (for some Dutch-taught programs). Check specific deadlines on the program’s website, as they vary.
- Requirements: Matura certificate (the Polish Matura exam, a high school leaving certificate, is recognized), high school transcripts, language certificate (IELTS 6.0–7.0 or TOEFL 80–100 for English-taught programs), motivation letter, CV.
- Important: at KU Leuven, many Bachelor’s programs require results from extended Matura exam subjects corresponding to the field of study (e.g., extended mathematics for engineering).
French-speaking universities (UCLouvain, ULB, ULiège):
- Online application through the university portal
- Deadline: usually April 30 (but earlier for some programs, March)
- Requirements: similar to Flemish universities, plus a DELF B2 or DALF C1 certificate for French-taught programs
- Equivalence (homologation): required homologation of your high school diploma by the Communauté française de Belgique. You apply online, cost: 200 EUR, waiting time: 4–8 weeks. Apply as early as possible, as this is the most common reason for admission delays.
Entrance Exams – beware!
Belgium is one of the few European countries where some programs require an entrance exam:
- Medicine and Dentistry – in Flanders, an entrance exam (toelatingsexamen arts/tandarts) is mandatory, held once a year (July). The exam is in Dutch. In Wallonia, the examen d’entrée en médecine is required, in French. The exams are difficult, with a pass rate of approx. 20–30%. The numerus clausus system limits the number of places. If you want to study medicine in Belgium, prepare for a serious challenge.
- Engineering – at UCLouvain and some French-speaking universities, a special mathematics exam (examen spécial de mathématiques) is required. At KU Leuven and Ghent University, there is no entrance exam for engineering (but you must pass first-year subjects, which serves as a selection mechanism).
- Veterinary Sciences – an entrance exam in Flanders.
Check the application timeline for studying abroad to avoid missing deadlines. And if you’re wondering how your Polish Matura exam compares to Belgian requirements, read our guide to converting Matura results.
Language Requirements
Requirements depend on the program’s language:
English-taught programs: IELTS Academic minimum 6.0–7.0 (depends on the university and program; KU Leuven Master’s usually requires 7.0, Ghent University – 6.5) or TOEFL iBT 80–100. Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) is accepted at most universities. Some programs also accept an extended Matura exam result in English (check specific program requirements).
French-taught programs: DELF B2 or DALF C1. The DELF exam can be taken at French Institutes in Poland (Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Poznan). Cost: approx. ~90–115 EUR.
Dutch-taught programs: NT2 (Nederlands als Tweede Taal) certificate at level II or CNaVT (Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal) STRT/PTHO certificate. Dutch is less popular among international students, but if you plan to study at KU Leuven or Ghent University in Dutch-language programs, learning Dutch is a necessity.
Prepare with prepclass.io – the platform offers full IELTS and TOEFL practice tests with AI feedback. If you’re considering the SAT as an additional profile element (some Belgian universities accept it, check our guide to universities accepting SAT), practice with okiro.io.
Scholarships and Financial Support
The Belgian scholarship system is more modest than the Dutch DUO or Danish SU, but it offers several options:
Flemish social scholarships (studietoelagen) – for students from low-income families. As an EU citizen, you can apply if you or your parents work in Belgium or if you have lived in Belgium for at least 12 months. Amount: up to approx. 6,000 EUR/year (covering tuition + part of living costs). Application: online at studietoelagen.be.
Walloon social scholarships (Bourse d’études) – the French-speaking equivalent, for low-income students. Similar conditions apply. Application: allocations-etudes.cfwb.be.
University scholarships:
- KU Leuven – Development Cooperation Scholarships (mainly for developing countries, but other programs may be available for international students), Faculty Scholarships, VLIR-UOS scholarship.
- Ghent University – Special Research Fund scholarships, Erasmus Mundus scholarships (for selected Master’s programs).
- UCLouvain – Bourses de mérite, aide sociale UCLouvain.
- VUB – Merit-based scholarships for English-taught programs.
NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange) – offers the Polish Mobile Student program with funding up to 1,200 EUR/month. Check current deadlines at nawa.gov.pl.
European scholarships – Erasmus+ for exchange (270–520 EUR/month), Erasmus Mundus programs (full tuition coverage + living stipend for selected interdisciplinary Master’s).
Student jobs – As an EU citizen, you have the right to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year (no limit during holidays). The Belgian student job system (studentenjob) is well-regulated; a student employment contract has lower social security contributions (~2.7% vs. standard ~13%). Minimum wage: approx. 12 EUR/hour gross. Popular options: hospitality, retail, tutoring, work in the event sector. In Brussels, additional opportunities exist in European institutions (internships, administrative work).
A realistic strategy: low tuition + part-time job + potential scholarship + parental support. With tuition of 1,000 EUR/year and working 10–15 hours/week at 12 EUR/hour, you can cover a significant portion of your living costs.
Student Life: Beer, Fries, and Initiation Culture
Belgian student life has its unique character and several elements that distinguish it from anything you might know from other countries.
Beer Culture – Belgium probably has the richest beer culture in the world. Over 1,500 types of beer, from Trappist ales (Chimay, Orval, Westmalle, Westvleteren, considered the best beer in the world) to lambics (spontaneous fermentation, unique in the world) to krieks, dubbels, and tripels. Student bars in Leuven (Oude Markt), Ghent (Overpoortstraat), and Brussels (Delirium Village) offer hundreds of beers at prices from 2 to 5 EUR per glass. Belgian beer is not just a drink – it’s a UNESCO tradition (Belgian beer culture has been on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage since 2016). And yes, professors drink beer with students after seminars. That’s Belgium.
Fries (frieten/frites) – Belgian fries are not the same as the fries you know from McDonald’s. Double-fried in beef fat, served in a paper cone with mayonnaise (not ketchup; you’re in Belgium, not America), from frituurs located on every street corner. Frituur No. 1 in Leuven, Fritland in Brussels, Paul’s Boutique in Ghent are institutions. A portion costs 3–4 EUR. If someone offers you fries with ketchup, they’re not a true Belgian.
Initiation Culture (doop/baptême) – Belgian universities have a strong tradition of initiation rituals for freshmen (schachten in Flanders, bleus/bleusailles in Wallonia). This can involve wearing peculiar outfits, drinking beer, performing comical tasks in the city, and participating in events organized by student associations (studentenverenigingen). Participation is voluntary but forms an important part of social integration. If it’s not your cup of tea, no one will force you, but it’s worth at least seeing what it’s like.
Student Associations – Especially in Flanders, student organizations (praesidia, kringen) are the foundation of social life. Every field of study, every class has its own association that organizes parties, lectures, trips, and integration meetings. KU Leuven has over 200 associations. Ghent University has a similar number. Joining a praesidium is the fastest way to build a network of contacts that will last for decades.
Travel – Belgium lies at the very heart of Western Europe, and this is its huge advantage. From Brussels: Paris 1.5h by Thalys. Amsterdam 2h by Thalys. London 2h by Eurostar. Cologne (Germany) 2h by ICE. Luxembourg 2.5h by train. Within Belgium, NMBS/SNCB trains connect all cities. For students under 26, Go Unlimited: 53 EUR/month for unlimited train travel throughout Belgium. Weekend ticket: 7.20 EUR one way to any city. It’s absurdly cheap; for 53 EUR/month, you have the entire country at your disposal.
Chocolate – Belgian chocolate is not just an airport souvenir; it’s an everyday pleasure. Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, Mary, Cote d’Or – chocolate pralines were invented in Belgium (in 1912 in Brussels). In Ghent and Bruges, literally every third shop is a chocolatier. Student budget for chocolate: factor in 10–20 EUR/month, because you can’t live in Belgium without pralines.
Brussels: EU Capital and a Hub of Opportunities
Brussels deserves a separate section because it offers something no other European student city does: direct access to the institutions of the European Union, NATO, and over 1,000 international organizations.
If you view studying in Belgium as a springboard for a career in European institutions, diplomacy, international law, lobbying, think tanks, or non-governmental organizations, Brussels is the only city in Europe that offers such a level of access. The European Commission employs over 30,000 people. The European Parliament, the Council of the EU, the European External Action Service, dozens of EU agencies – all in one city. Plus NATO, hundreds of NGOs, law firms specializing in EU law (White & Case, Covington, Freshfields, all have offices in Brussels), and think tanks (Bruegel, CEPS, European Policy Centre).
For students, this means:
- Internships in EU institutions – The European Commission offers paid internships (Blue Book Traineeships) twice a year, 5 months, ~1,300 EUR/month. Requirement: completed studies (at least a Bachelor’s degree). The European Parliament has similar programs. But there are also many unpaid internships in smaller organizations.
- Part-time work in the European sector – research assistant in a think tank, administrative work in an international organization, translations.
- Networking – conferences, debates, open lectures. In Brussels, dozens of events related to European politics take place every day, to which students have access.
Universities in Brussels (VUB, ULB, Université Saint-Louis, KU Leuven’s Brussels campus) actively leverage this proximity – programs in European Studies, European Law, International Relations at VUB and ULB regularly organize visits to the Parliament, Commission, and NATO.
If your dream career is to work at the European Commission, in your country’s permanent representation to the EU, in a law firm specializing in European law, or in an organization like Amnesty International or Greenpeace, studying in Brussels or nearby Leuven (25 minutes by train) is strategically the best option in Europe. Compare with Sciences Po, which prepares for similar careers but is more expensive and further from Brussels.
Belgium vs. Netherlands vs. France: A Comparison
If you’re hesitating between several Benelux countries and France, here’s a hard comparison:
| Criterion | Belgium | Netherlands | France |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (EU) | 835–1,000 EUR/year | ~2,530 EUR/year | 170–380 EUR/year (public) |
| Universities in top 100 QS | 1 (KU Leuven) | 4 | 3 (PSL, Saclay, Polytechnique) |
| English-taught programs (BSc) | Limited | 2,100+ | Limited |
| Living costs (monthly) | 620–1,200 EUR | 850–1,450 EUR | 600–1,500 EUR |
| Rent subsidy | None (but low tuition) | None | CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales - French housing benefit, 100–250 EUR/month) |
| European institutions | EU Capital (Brussels!) | No | OECD, UNESCO (Paris) |
| Student jobs | 20h/week | No limit (EU) | 964h/year |
| Entrance exams | Medicine, veterinary, engineering (partially) | Numerus fixus (selection system) | None at public universities |
| Beer culture | Best in the world | Good | Wine > beer |
| Travel to neighbors | Paris 1.5h, Amsterdam 2h, London 2h | Brussels 2h, Paris 3h | Brussels 1.5h |
Verdict: Belgium wins if you’re looking for the lowest tuition combined with a top 75 QS university (KU Leuven), proximity to EU institutions, and a central location in Europe. You lose out on fewer English-taught Bachelor’s programs compared to the Netherlands and the lack of a rent subsidy system like the French CAF. If English-taught Bachelor’s programs are a priority, choose the Netherlands. If you want the lowest tuition and CAF, choose France. If you’re looking for an optimal compromise between cost, quality, and location, Belgium is hard to beat.
Post-Graduation Prospects: Working in the Belgian and European Sector
The Belgian job market is strong but specific. As an EU citizen, you have the full right to work in Belgium without additional permits – a huge advantage. The Belgian system allows you to seek employment after graduation without time limits (unlike many countries that offer a one-year post-study work visa, but as an EU citizen, you don’t need one).
Key sectors:
- European institutions – European Commission, Parliament, Council, EU agencies. The EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office) competition is the main route to permanent employment in EU institutions. Salaries: from ~4,000 EUR/month net (AD5) to 15,000+ EUR for higher-ranking officials. A Belgian university degree + knowledge of two EU languages + a Blue Book traineeship = a strong profile.
- Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology – Belgium is a European pharmaceutical hub. Johnson & Johnson, UCB, Galapagos, Janssen (Beerse), many of them have headquarters in Belgium or near Brussels/Leuven. KU Leuven and Ghent University train staff for this sector.
- Technology and startups – IMEC (Leuven) is one of the world’s most important semiconductor research centers. Brussels has a growing startup scene (BeCentral, startit@KBC). Ghent – a center for AI and cybersecurity.
- European law and consulting – law firms specializing in EU law (Allen & Overy, Linklaters, Freshfields, all with offices in Brussels), consulting firms with EU affairs practices (McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte).
- Banking and finance – KBC, BNP Paribas Fortis, ING Belgium, Belfius.
Average graduate salary in Belgium: 35,000–48,000 EUR gross annually (depends on the sector and level of study). Higher in EU institutions. In pharmaceuticals and technology, comparable to Dutch salaries. Belgian salaries are subject to some of the highest taxes in Europe, but in return, the healthcare and social welfare system is excellent.
Need help planning your application to Belgian universities? Contact College Council – we help international students with the admission process to universities in Belgium and throughout Europe.
Read Also
- Study Abroad – A Comprehensive Guide for Future Students
- Study at KU Leuven – A Complete Guide 2026
- Study in the Netherlands – A Complete Guide 2026
- Scholarships for Studying in Europe – A Guide
- Application Timeline for Studying Abroad
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Summary and Next Steps
Belgium is a country that doesn’t shout about its universities, but when you look closer, it turns out to offer a combination that is hard to find elsewhere in Europe. A top 75 QS university (KU Leuven) for 1,000 EUR tuition per year. The capital of the European Union 25 minutes away by train. A central location from which Paris, Amsterdam, and London are within a 2-hour journey. Beer, fries, and chocolate at a UNESCO level. And living costs that don’t break the bank.
Belgium is not perfect – the English-taught Bachelor’s offering is limited, the weather is grey and rainy (like in most of the Benelux), and Belgian bureaucracy can be frustrating (especially diploma equivalence in Wallonia). But if you’re looking for a solid European degree at a reasonable price, with access to EU institutions and at the crossroads of the continent’s most interesting countries, Belgium should be high on your list.
Next steps:
- Decide which language you want to study in – English (Master’s), Dutch (Flanders), French (Wallonia). This will determine your university choice.
- Check specific programs – on the websites of KU Leuven, Ghent University, UCLouvain, VUB, ULB. Read our guide to KU Leuven for details.
- Take a language exam – IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs. Prepare with prepclass.io.
- Check Matura conversion – our guide will explain how your grades compare.
- Apply for homologation (if applying to French-speaking universities) – do this as early as possible!
- Check European scholarships and NAWA programs.
- Contact College Council – we help international students with applications to Belgian universities.
Good luck with your studies in Belgium! (Dutch) Good luck with your studies in Belgium! (French)
