Belgium Student Visa Guide

Belgium is well-known as one of the world’s most advanced countries and its major cities such as the capital of Brussels, as well as Ghent, Antwerp, Bruges and Leuven offer world-leading standards of living, public infrastructure and public safety levels. These reasons, combined with others, make Belgium an excellent choice for any international student.

The country was one of the founding members of the European Union and is home to multiple UN and other global organisational headquarters, most of them in the city known as The Hague.

It is located in north-western Europe with nearly 12 million residents and a centuries-old history as a European centre for trade, financial services, art and political organisations.

While most Belgian residents speak either Dutch or French, nearly 50 percent of the country can speak English and this allows for comfortable travel and exploration of the country. Despite its small size, Belgium offers as many as nine universities featuring in the latest QS World University Rankings.

Almost 13 percent of Belgians are foreign-born, and you are likely to find communities from all over the world settled across Belgium. The world-class living standards, immigrant-friendly cities and top-ranked research & faculty are some of the reasons why more than 40,000 international students enrol in one of Belgium’s universities every year.

The Belgium Student Visa

International students from the EU/EEA/Schengen region do not need to apply for student visas in order to study at top-ranked Belgium universities. International students from the USA, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco and the Republic of Andorra do not need to apply for a student visa if your planned stay is less than 90 days in Belgium. If your stay is longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a student visa.

Regardless of the length of your stay and nationality, you need to apply for a residence  permit when you arrive in Belgium.

Non EU/EEA/Schengen international students must apply for one of the two following visa types according to the length of your degree programme in Belgium:

• Type C Short-Stay Visa: For academic programmes of less than 90 days
• Type D Long-Stay Visa: For academic programmes of more than 90 days

Type D visas are usually valid for one or two years, and must be renewed as you move ahead with your degree programme. International students can apply for a Belgian student visa by going to their nearest Belgium consulate or embassy. The entire visa application process usually requires between six to eight weeks.

International students from China must note that they are required to submit an additional document known as an Academic Assessment Centre (APS) evaluation in order to apply for a student visa. This evaluation usually requires a technical exam and an interview.

It is suggested that international students prepare multiple copies and originals of the following documents, as they are required for all student visa applications to Belgium:

• Valid passport: must be valid for at least twelve months at the time of your student visa application
• Your travel details to and from Belgium
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Proof of health and medical insurance which is valid in Belgium. European citizens can provide their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• Proof of no criminal record and a certificate of good conduct if you are over 21
• Proof of enrolment or a letter of admission from a Belgian university
• Proof of funds: You must prove that you have at least 650-670 Euros for every month of your planned stay in Belgium. This can be proved by submitting bank statements and other financial documents
• Important academic certificates such as exam marksheets
• Payment proof of visa application fee
• Proof of English language proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS scores are accepted
• A short explanation of the courses you have enrolled in at your university

You must register at the nearest town hall or city hall once you arrive in Belgium in order to receive your residence permit. You will also need to submit the above documents in order to get the permit. The Belgium Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs website will provide you with the additional details and updates for Belgium student visas from all countries.

Belgium Student Visa Fees for International Students

Non EU/EEA/Schengen international students must pay approximately 200 Euros in order to apply for and receive a type D Belgian student visa. This figure includes the non-refundable application fees as well as the approximate fees you will be required to pay your local visa processing centre.

International students will also need to pay an additional 200 Euros for a residence permit upon arriving in Belgium. Your residence permit is usually valid for a year and you must apply for an extension according to the length of your degree programme in Belgium.

Belgium Student Visa Work Rules

Current Belgium student visa rules enable international students to work up to 20 hours every week during the academic semester and full-time during vacations and academic breaks.

Many international students secure internships and part-time employment at world-leading firms and employers in Brussels, Antwerp and The Hague in order to gain valuable work experience and offset tuition & living costs.

Belgium allows you to stay in the country for up to nine months as you search for employment after graduation. Once you have secured a job, you can apply for a  work visa and an employee residence permit.

We suggest that you conduct further research on specific student visa requirements from your country for Belgium’s universities. It is important to prepare your application documents carefully and give clear responses in your visa application interview at your nearest Belgian embassy or consulate.

For further information about student visas, see our International Student Visas article.

See all universities in Belgium.