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Studying in Belgium

With its strategic geographical location in the heart of Europe and prestigious universities such as KU Leuven and Ghent, Belgium offers a valuable opportunity for Iranian students. Reasonable tuition fees, the possibility of receiving scholarships and studying in English or French are important advantages of studying in this country. Belgium’s multicultural and international environment also provides a rich and diverse experience of student life in Europe.

 

Student living costs: From $800 per month
Annual tuition: From about $2000 at public universities
Student work opportunities: 20 hours per week
Post-study residency opportunity: 12 months

Why Belgium? Advantages and Challenges

Studying in Belgium has many advantages for international students. The most important advantages and disadvantages of studying in Belgium include the following:

Challenges

Rainy weather most of the year
Very high taxes
The complexity of learning Belgium's official languages
Competition for admission to top universities is high.
Limited scholarships for non-European students

Benefits

Excellent quality of the education system
Affordable tuition fees
Easy access to other European countries
Strong transportation network
There are many facilities at universities.
The reputation of universities worldwide

Belgian education system

Bachelor's degree

Tuition: $1,500 to $6,000 per year
Age limit: 17 to 22 years old
Language: German B2, IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 70
Minimum GPA: 14
Exam: University exam possible
Student work permit: 20 hours per week
Companion visa: Yes
Post-study work permit: 6 to 12 months

Master's degree

Tuition: $3,000 to $6,000 per year
Age limit: None
Language: German B2, IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80
Minimum GPA: 14 for undergraduate level
Test: GMAT | GRE
Student work permit: 20 hours per week
Companion visa: Yes
Post-study work permit: 6 to 12 months

Doctorate

Tuition: $3,000 to $8,000 per year
Age limit: None
Language: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90
Minimum GPA: 15 for Master's degree
Test: GRE
Student work permit: 20 hours per week
Companion visa: Yes
Post-study work permit: 6 to 12 months

Schools

Tuition: $10,000 to $90,000 per year
Age limit: 3 to 18 years
Language: English, French
Minimum GPA: 12
Test: ISEE and SSAT
Student work permit: No
Companion visa: Possibility of parents' residence in Belgium
Work permit after graduation: No
Studying in Belgian schools
Education in Belgium begins at the age of 6 and the duration of education varies for each level. In the table below, you can see the general structure of the education system in Belgium.

Bachelor's degree in Belgium
A bachelor's degree in Belgium lasts 3 years, and given that the country is trilingual, whether you study in Dutch, German, or French depends on the university you choose. To study in English at a bachelor's degree in Belgium, you must have an IELTS score of at least 6.

After receiving your diploma, you can apply for a bachelor's degree in Belgium in all fields. Depending on the institution and your chosen field, you may also be required to take an entrance exam. For example, for admission to some fields, such as arts and technical fields, you must pass a practical exam specific to that field.

Master's degree study in Belgium
Master 's studies in Belgium typically take 1 to 2 years, and 2 types of master's degrees are offered at universities in the country, including:

* Initial Master's Degree (2-year course including 120 ECTS credits)
* Advanced Master's Degree (1-year course consisting of 60 ECTS credits and specifically for those who intend to obtain a second master's degree in Belgium.)

To be admitted to a master's degree program in Belgium, you must have a valid bachelor's degree and have successfully completed at least 240 ECTS credits in your bachelor's degree program. If you are studying in English, you must also have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. While studying for a master's degree program in Belgium, you must attend classes and seminars and defend your thesis at the end of the program.


PhD study in Belgium
A PhD in Belgium takes 4 to 6 years and during this period, you must work on your research plans under the supervision of your supervisor and defend your thesis at the end. You also work as a teaching or research assistant while studying for a PhD in Belgium and receive a salary from the university.

To be accepted to a Belgian university for a PhD, you must have a relevant master's degree and work to find a supervisor in your field. Many doctoral programs in Belgium are offered in English, and you must have a minimum IELTS score of 7 to be accepted.

Cost of studying in Belgium

The costs of studying in Belgium include university tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses in the country. Below we will examine each of these costs in Belgium.

Tuition fees at Belgian universities

Estimated monthly expenses for a single person, excluding rent, are $1,031.8 (€700). The cost of living in Italy is on average 158.6% higher than in Iran.

Tuition fees at Belgian universities depend on factors such as the type of university, the level of study, the field of study and the nationality of the student. This fee is approximately €1,000 per year for EU students and between €2,500 and €7,500 per year for non-EU students. In the table below, you can see the tuition fees of some Belgian universities for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Scholarships in Belgium

Studying in Belgium with a scholarship is possible at various levels of study and is offered by some universities, the government, research and higher education centers or Belgian organizations. Scholarships can vary depending on your academic and scientific resume and the university you choose to study at. The stronger your resume, the greater the possibility of receiving a fully funded scholarship. In fact, scholarships can have a direct impact on reducing or even eliminating educational costs.

There are different types of scholarships in Belgium , some of which we have introduced in the list below.

  • VLIR-UOS Scholarship
  • Mastermind Belgium Scholarship
  • Flemish Government Scholarship for Bachelor’s Degree Students, Specially for International Students
  • Scholarships for PhD studies at Ghent University and University of Liège, Belgium
  • Scholarships for international students in the master’s degree program
  • Catholic University of Leuven Scholarship
  • ARES Scholarship
  • Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

One of the advantages of studying in Belgium is that its universities are highly regarded worldwide. In the table below, you can see the best universities in Belgium to study at, along with their rankings in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

The names of the universities mentioned in the table above are all approved by the Iranian Ministry of Science . For this reason, the documents issued by these universities can also be reviewed and evaluated by the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.

Steps for studying in Belgium

1
Free initial consultation
Via call, online chat on the site or social networks
2
Method selection
Dedicated consultation and detailed review of methods by an immigration expert.
3
Contract conclusion
Increase your immigration chances by considering multiple countries in one file.
4
Start the process
Assigning a case follow-up force alongside the research and development team to accompany you.
5
Reviewing options and choosing
Providing you with all possible opportunities and guidance for making the final decision.
6
Collecting and completing documents
Guidance for collecting documents, translating, participating in interviews, and more.
7
Full flight and deployment
Visa pickup services, ticket purchase, assistance with complete accommodation, and legal matters in the destination country.

Requirements and documents required to study in Belgium

To study in Belgium, international students are required to submit a set of documents that may vary slightly depending on the university, field of study, and level of study.

Valid Passport : A passport with sufficient validity for the entire duration of study is essential.
Previous educational qualifications : including diploma and transcripts for undergraduate degrees and bachelor's degree along with transcripts for master's degrees.
Official translation of documents : Academic qualifications in a language other than Dutch, French or English must be translated into the language required by the university and officially certified.
Proof of acceptance from the university : An official acceptance letter from the desired university is required for registration and application for a student visa.
Valid language certificate : For English-language courses, an IELTS or TOEFL certificate is required. For Dutch or French courses, a local language certificate or completion of a language introductory course may be required.
Resume (CV) and Motivation Letter : including educational background, relevant work experience, and reasons for choosing the field and university.
Recommendation Letters : At least one or two letters of recommendation from professors or previous employers, depending on the level of education.
Proof of financial means : Documents showing that the student has the ability to cover the costs of studying and living in Belgium.
Health certificate and health insurance : Provide a certificate of physical and mental health and valid health insurance for the entire period of study.
Other possible documents : Depending on the field, a portfolio, internship documents, or entrance exam may be required, especially for medical, art, and engineering fields.

Please note that students are sometimes required to attend an interview (in person or via Skype) conducted by the university in order to gain admission to some Italian universities.

Cities suitable for studying in Belgium

Despite its small size, Belgium has several prestigious and vibrant university cities that provide international students with a suitable environment for studying, living, and experiencing culture. According to reputable sources such as Study in Belgium and TopUniversities , the best student cities in Belgium are:

  • Brussels: The capital of Belgium and the seat of European institutions, it has the highest concentration of international universities. Universities such as the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) are located in the city. Brussels is a major destination for international students due to its multicultural environment, extensive job and internship opportunities, and access to European networks. The cost of living in Brussels is relatively higher than in other Belgian cities, but the facilities and quality of life and education justify this cost.
  • Leuven : Home to the prestigious KU Leuven , one of the oldest and most prominent universities in Europe. The city has a large student population and provides a vibrant and energetic environment for study and cultural and scientific activities. Leuven is one of the best cities for students interested in science, engineering, and medicine due to its focus on research and technology.
  • Ghent: With Ghent University , it is considered one of the most prestigious higher education centers in Belgium. The city is a mix of historical and cultural surroundings and an active student life. Ghent has a moderate cost of living and its significant student population provides an international and friendly atmosphere for students.
  • Luxembourg, Belgium: The city of Liège, home to the University of Liège (ULiège), is one of Belgium’s most prestigious higher education centers. The city is a popular choice for international students due to its relatively low cost of living and relaxed student atmosphere. Liège is also a hub of cultural and artistic activities, offering the opportunity to experience urban life with a Western European lifestyle.Luxembourg, Belgium: The city of Liège, home to the University of Liège (ULiège), is one of Belgium’s most prestigious higher education centers. The city is a popular choice for international students due to its relatively low cost of living and relaxed student atmosphere. Liège is also a hub of cultural and artistic activities, offering the opportunity to experience urban life with a Western European lifestyle.

  • Rome , the capital of Italy, offers a great environment for studying, with prestigious universities and a rich history. Combining culture, history, and education, Rome is a popular destination for international students.

Student dormitories and residences in Belgium

There are several ways to stay in Belgium, including staying in student dormitories in Belgium or staying in private apartments. In the table below you can see the monthly cost of student accommodation in Belgium.

Student work in Belgium

While studying in Belgium, you can work part-time as a student for about 20 hours a week , and this will help you cover some of your living expenses. In fact, you will be allowed to work 10 hours a week for a bachelor’s degree, 20 hours a week for a master’s degree, and about 30 hours a week for a doctorate degree.

Studying in Belgium ultimately leads to residency and citizenship in Belgium . This means that after completing your studies, you can convert your study visa into a Belgian work visa and after working in this country for about 3 years and paying insurance and taxes, you will receive residency in this country. The Belgian government allows you to look for work in this country after graduation, and for this purpose, you must apply to the Belgian immigration office for a work permit after completing your studies.

So, to secure a residence permit after your studies in Belgium, you must first find a job. It is important that this happens before the validity of your study permit expires.

 

Conditions for residence in Belgium through study

As mentioned, when you are graduating; you should look for a job in Belgium. By finding a job you like and starting your career, you can apply for a residence permit in Belgium after studying . If you are eligible and have lived in Belgium for 5 years without interruption, you can receive permanent residence in Belgium . One of the conditions for receiving permanent residence in this country is to have a minimum monthly income of 793 euros.

If a person gets married and lives with their spouse in Belgium before graduating, they can apply for residency in Belgium after studying through marriage.

Comparing Belgium with other countries

Belgium is known as the heart of Europe and is a popular study destination for international students, with more than half of the students at its universities and colleges coming from abroad each year. Studying in Belgium offers a combination of high-quality education, a multicultural environment and diverse research opportunities compared to other European and global countries. Belgian universities such as KU Leuven, Ghent University and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) rank highly in global rankings and offer international students access to European research projects and international academic networks. Courses are offered in three languages: Dutch, French and English, providing a wide range of options for international students.

However, compared to countries such as the Netherlands, Germany or Sweden, the cost of living in Belgium’s major cities, especially Brussels, can be higher and some courses are limited to the local language. Also, competition for admission to popular majors and prestigious universities is higher. Overall, Belgium is an ideal choice for students seeking European-standard education, a multicultural environment and diverse research opportunities, while planning carefully to reduce costs or access fully English-taught courses.