Home to the Council of the European Union (EU), the Kingdom of Belgium revels in its profile as a highly developed nation and one of the most peaceful countries in the world. The Swiss Economic Institute (Kof) has placed Belgium among the top three most globalised countries. This recognition stems from the country’s rich diversity, a robust economy, and commitment to research and innovation. With all its promising features, Belgium is undoubtedly one of the most popular study abroad destination options for international students.
Twenty percent of undergraduate students and forty percent of graduate and postgraduate students enrolled in universities in Belgium are international students. Despite its primary languages being French, Dutch, and German, Belgians also speak English fluently which makes it much easier for international students to pursue their educational careers in this European country. Universities in Belgium also embrace great reputation as higher education institutions. Examples of globally renowned universities in the country are the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), University of Ghent, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), University of Antwerp, and the Université de Liège. Due to its large population of international students, Belgium is an ideal networking centre for those who wish to build their personal and professional connections.
Aside from Belgium’s top institutions and country profile, you should consider student life in this country because of its pleasing culture and architecture. After all, a conducive learning environment also calls for places of exploration and splendor. In Belgium, you can absorb its majestic monuments, serene gardens, fine cobblestone architecture, historic castles, artistic museums, and unparalleled food options (especially Belgian waffles, chocolates). Studying in Belgium would not only get you a respectable degree but a worthy experience you will be proud of.
| Classification | Main Description | Universities | University Colleges | Other Institutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flemish Community Higher Education Institutions | Dutch-speaking communit Located in the North Blended with the Flanders (one of Belgium’s federal regions) |
Bachelor’s Master’s Advanced Master’s PhD |
Vocational professional Advanced Bachelor’s |
|
| French Community Higher Education Institutions | French-speaking community Usually concentrated in Wallonia |
Bachelor’s Master’s Doctorate |
Vocational professional Advanced Bachelor’s |
Artistic fields of study (“Ecoles Superieures des Artes” or Graduate School of Arts) |
Since 1983, mandatory education in Belgium starts at age 6 until 18. Pre-school education is not required. The start of compulsory education is primary school that lasts for 6 years until secondary school that lasts for another 6 years. After secondary school, each student can choose from the two available options for higher education. A bachelor’s degree may be enrolled in any Flemish or French community college or university. However, master’s and doctorate degrees can only be granted by universities. Other institutions offer vocational and specialised courses. Typically, the school year in Belgium schools begins in September and ends in the last week of June of the following year.
Belgium offers the convenience of living coupled with excellent study programs from its highly respected institutions. Its cities offer a distinct culture that attract prospective international students. As an international student, you can choose from several of Belgium’s wonderful cities on where to start your Belgian study abroad adventure. Three of Belgium’s top student cities are listed below in hopes that you find your match.
Study in Brussels
The capital of Belgium, Brussels, houses several important organizations in Europe; thus, it is a busy city ideal for those who love a chase. It is also home to Belgium’s top universities such as the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the Université Libre de Bruxelles. If you are looking for a metropolitan and active lifestyle that allows you the most opportunities in terms of education, recreation, and networking, Brussels is the most ideal Belgium city for you.
Study in Leuven
Leuven is Belgium’s top city when it comes to entertainment as it is famous for holding the Martrock, an annual music festival, and for its flourishing nightlife. This city is also known as the home of the Katholieke Universiteit -- Belgium’s most recognized and largest university and the world’s oldest Catholic university. Moreover, musically inclined students flock the city of Leuven for its reputable centres for music. If you crave a study adventure that opens opportunities for music and creative arts, try looking for a university in Leuven. You will surely not be disappointed.
Study in Liège
For prospective international students in Belgium who are interested in engineering science and technology study programs, Liège is an ideal option. Dubbed as Belgium’s industrial city, Liège is the main location for coal, steel and other industries in the country. It is also home to the University of Liège, another of the country’s highly reputable institutions. Moreover, the city has bustling entertainment and cultural areas that could provide a welcome relaxation for both local and foreign students.
Studying in Belgium is a significant milestone in one’s educational and professional plan. Choosing one of the cities above will not only grant you an exceptional education and a world-class diploma, but also provide you a unique study experience distinct to the Belgian culture and lifestyle.
The most recommended way to successfully enter a university in Belgium is to check the website of your chosen university as each institution has a distinct set of procedures to follow. However, the basic document checklist for university admission applications includes the following:
Typically, the deadline of applications is on the first week of March for those who need a visa. Otherwise, the deadline is on the first week of June. Upon evaluation, applicants will be notified if they have been accepted into the university. Accepted applicants then need to pay tuition and obtain an enrolment certificate.
International students from member-countries of the EU, European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland have an advantage in applying in Belgian universities as they no longer need a student visa to commence their studies in Belgium. They only need a national identity card for their studies. Other students outside of the EU/EEA/Switzerland, however, need to apply for a Belgian student visa and/or a residence permit. Below are the important reminders for Belgian student visa application:
Having obtained your student visa, you can now book your flights to Belgium and start your study abroad experience in the land of the famous Belgian sweets.
Have we convinced you to include Belgium in your study abroad destination options? Go, and take the plunge to get first-class Belgian education!
Below is a comprehensive list of all universities in Belgium (Brussels, Antwerp, Geel, Herentals, Hoogstraten, Lier, Mechelen, Mortsel, Turnhout, East Flanders, Aalst, Deinze, Dendermonde, Eeklo, Geraardsbergen, Ghent, Lokeren, Ninove, Oudenaarde, Ronse, Sint-Niklaas, Zottegem, Flemish Brabant, Aarschot, Diest, Halle, Landen, Leuven, Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, Tienen, Vilvoorde, Zoutleeuw, Hainaut, Antoing, Ath, Beaumont, Binche, Braine-le-Comte, Charleroi, Chatelet, Chievres, Chimay, Comines-Warneton, Enghien, Fleurus, Fontaine-l'Eveque, La Louviere, Le Rœulx, Lessines, Leuze-en-Hainaut, Mons, Mouscron, Peruwelz, Saint-Ghislain, Soignies, Thuin, Tournai, Liege, Eupen, Hannut, Herve, Huy, Limbourg, Malmedy, St. Vith, Seraing, Spa, Stavelot, Verviers, Vise, Waremme, Limburg, Beringen, Bilzen, Borgloon, Bree, Dilsen-Stokkem, Genk, Halen, Hamont-Achel, Hasselt, Herk-de-Stad, Lommel, Maaseik, Peer, Sint-Truiden, Tongeren, Luxembourg, Arlon, Bastogne, Bouillon, Chiny, Durbuy, Florenville, Houffalize, La Roche-en-Ardenne, Marche-en-Famenne, Neufchateau, Saint-Hubert, Virton, Namur, Andenne, Beauraing, Ciney, Couvin, Dinant, Fosses-la-Ville, Gembloux, Namur, Philippeville, Rochefort, Walcourt, Walloon Brabant, Genappe, Jodoigne, Nivelles, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Wavre, West Flanders, Blankenberge, Bruges, Damme, Diksmuide, Gistel, Harelbeke, Izegem, Kortrijk, Lo-Reninge, Menen, Mesen, Nieuwpoort, Ostend, Oudenburg, Poperinge, Roeselare, Tielt, Torhout, Veurne, Waregem, Wervik, Ypres). Edarabia strives to offer the latest updates, helping you find the best university in Belgium with information on tuition fees, accreditation details, videos, photos, location map, community reviews and ratings.
Edarabia showcases all universities and colleges in Belgium which can be filtered by courses and tuition fees. International students looking to get a degree in Belgium can choose from a diverse range of programs and diplomas and obtain their Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhDs (or MBAs) from some of the top-rated institutions. Some universities also offer online courses through which students can apply for distance learning and get an online degree in certain fields.
Students who require financial aid can apply for scholarships in order to study higher education at a lower cost. Student visas and accommodation are also provided to students at many universities. There are study abroad and exchange programs offered in order to promote language development skills while giving students the opportunity to interact with other cultures around the world. Additionally, each university/college has ratings based on student reviews and are ranked below accordingly.
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