Belgium
Research universities, applied degrees and a multilingual academic setting
Study overview
Belgium offers Dutch- and French-speaking education systems alongside English-taught degrees. Brussels, Leuven, Ghent, Antwerp and the French-speaking university cities provide distinct settings; the teaching language and awarding institution matter more than the country label.
Flanders Non-Eea Tuition / Year
Study in Flanders guide for 2026/27, based on 60 credits. Arts and specialist programmes may cost more; French-speaking institutions set separate terms.
Flanders Student Budget / Month
The regional study portal’s estimate includes housing and routine living costs. Initial deposits, flights and individual needs can increase the budget.
Typical degree length: Bachelor’s: usually 3 years.
Master’s: usually 1–2 years.
Medicine: normally 6 years before specialisation.
Fields: Engineering, biosciences, business, European studies, public health and the arts.
Study and admission
Education, entry and student life
The structure of study, the application route and the practical decisions behind it.
Academic or professional study
In Flanders, universities offer academic degrees built around theory and research. Universities of applied sciences and arts emphasise professional practice, often including a placement. Most bachelor’s degrees carry 180 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System credits; nursing is a notable four-year exception. A professional bachelor’s and an academic bachelor’s do not always provide the same direct access to a master’s.
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Language shapes the shortlist
Dutch remains the language of many undergraduate courses in Flanders, while French predominates in the French-speaking system. English-taught options are more numerous at master’s level. The language of a university’s website does not establish the language of a degree, its examinations or a clinical placement.
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Admission and selection
Institutions evaluate foreign diplomas and the preparation required for the chosen programme. Language certificates, mathematics evidence, portfolios or interviews may be requested. Medicine and dentistry have specific entry arrangements; arts programmes may use an artistic admission assessment. There is no single examination that replaces every institution’s admission requirements.
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The academic year
Most programmes begin in September. Courses commonly run over two semesters, with examination periods and a later resit period. A small number allow a February start. A student changing disciplines may need a preparatory or bridging programme, which changes both the duration and the total cost.
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Housing and early expenses
A student room, often called a kot, can involve a deposit and a contract running beyond teaching weeks. Utilities, internet and shared facilities vary by lease. The regional monthly estimate is useful for comparison, but a Brussels private-rental budget can differ from a university residence elsewhere. Deposits require cash before they become recoverable at the end of a tenancy.
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From offer to arrival
For students who need a long-stay study visa, admission and immigration are separate processes. Financial evidence, insurance and supporting documents follow the applicable consular requirements. University international offices explain enrolment and local registration. Accommodation, arrival arrangements and access to healthcare belong in the preparation budget.
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Choosing a funded place
The Master Mind scheme is tied to participating Flemish institutions and a competitive nomination. French-speaking Belgium has different funding programmes. A fee reduction is distinct from a monthly living allowance; award duration, progression requirements and eligible nationalities determine its actual value.
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Entrance and language assessments
Assessment requirements are described in the study and admission sections above and in the institution’s programme terms.
Scholarships and funding routes
Master Mind Scholarships
Support: The 2026/27 scheme provides EUR 10,225 per academic year and a tuition waiver. A host may still charge EUR 136.50 at the stated 2026/27 rate.
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants to participating Flemish master’s programmes; detailed academic and language conditions apply.
Application: The host institution selects and nominates candidates.
Conditions: The 2026/27 call has closed; 2027/28 terms are under review. The earlier amount is a reference, not a promised future award.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Support: Selected joint master’s programmes offer competitive scholarships towards participation and living costs.
Eligibility: Applicants normally hold a bachelor’s degree or are completing one before the programme begins.
Application: Applications go to the individual consortium, which publishes its own selection process.
Conditions: An award applies to a named joint programme and its mobility plan, not to every master’s course in the country.
University research positions
Support: Advertised doctoral positions may provide employment or a funded research appointment.
Eligibility: Applicants need the required degree and a research profile matching the project.
Application: Applications follow the university vacancy and doctoral-school process.
Conditions: Funding attaches to the position and contract; admission to doctoral study alone does not establish a salary.
Selected university profiles
Selected institutions; official programme terms determine entry and fees.
KU Leuven
A research university with campuses across Flanders and Brussels. English-taught study is especially extensive at postgraduate level.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Business; Humanities; Health sciences
- Address
- Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Website
- https://www.kuleuven.be/
Official references
Ghent University
A research university whose academic faculties span sciences, humanities, engineering and health. Language and subject requirements are programme-specific.
- Subjects
- Bioscience; Engineering; Medicine; Social sciences
- Address
- Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Website
- https://www.ugent.be/
Official references
UCLouvain
A French-speaking research university operating across several campuses. Its degree catalogue identifies programmes and courses available in English.
- Subjects
- Business; Engineering; Health; Humanities
- Address
- Place de l’Université 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Website
- https://www.uclouvain.be/
Official references
Université libre de Bruxelles
A French-speaking university in Brussels with teaching and research across professional, scientific and humanities disciplines.
- Subjects
- Sciences; Law; Economics; Public health
- Address
- Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 50, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Website
- https://www.ulb.be/
Official references
University of Antwerp
A research university with city and suburban campuses. International degree options include English-taught master’s programmes.
- Subjects
- Business; Sciences; Law; Health sciences
- Address
- Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
- Website
- https://www.uantwerpen.be/
Official references
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
A Dutch-speaking research university in Brussels with English-taught programmes and international research pathways.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Business; Social sciences; Sciences
- Address
- Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Website
- https://www.vub.be/
Official references
Further institutions
| Institution | Location and type | Official website | Book page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hasselt University | Hasselt / University | https://www.uhasselt.be/ | 226 |
| Howest University of Applied Sciences | Bruges / Kortrijk / Applied sciences | https://www.howest.be/ | 226 |
| Thomas More University of Applied Sciences | Mechelen / multiple campuses / Applied sciences | https://www.thomasmore.be/ | 226 |
| Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and Arts | Antwerp / Applied sciences and arts | https://www.kdg.be/ | 226 |
| Artevelde University of Applied Sciences | Ghent / Applied sciences | https://www.artevelde-uas.be/ | 226 |
| University of Liège | Liège / University | https://www.uliege.be/ | 226 |
| University of Namur | Namur / University | https://www.unamur.be/ | 226 |
| University of Mons | Mons / University | https://www.umons.ac.be/ | 226 |