About the Country
Welcome to Belgium, a beautiful country located in Western Europe, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture. Whether you're interested in pursuing higher education, finding work opportunities, or experiencing a new culture, Belgium offers something for everyone.
Education System: Belgium has a well-respected education system, with a variety of top-ranked universities and study programs offered in English. Some of the top universities in Belgium include the University of Leuven, Ghent University, and the Free University of Brussels, among others. Additionally, there are many public and private sector universities offering a range of study programs in various fields. With a focus on research and innovation, Belgian universities provide students with a high-quality education and a supportive learning environment.
Tuition Fee: Tuition fees in Belgium vary depending on the institution and program of study. Public universities generally offer lower tuition fees compared to private universities. The average tuition fee for international students in Belgium ranges from €600 to €4,000 per year.
Scholarship Opportunities: Belgium offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students, including the Belgian Government Scholarship and the Erasmus+ program for students studying in Europe. Additionally, there are many other scholarships available through universities, organizations, and foundations. These scholarships can help offset the cost of tuition, living expenses, and travel, making it easier for students to pursue their academic goals in Belgium.
Work Opportunities: Belgium offers a variety of work opportunities for international students and graduates, particularly in the fields of engineering, IT, finance, and hospitality. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during the holidays. Additionally, Belgium offers a work permit to graduates, which allows them to work in Belgium for up to 12 months after graduation.
Minimum Wage: As of January 2023, the minimum wage in Belgium is €1,680 gross per month for full-time employees, based on a 38-hour workweek.
Cultural Opportunities: Belgium is known for its rich cultural heritage, with world-renowned art, music, and cuisine. From the historic cities of Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp to the stunning countryside, Belgium offers a wealth of cultural experiences for students and visitors alike. Whether you're interested in visiting museums, attending concerts, or exploring the outdoors, there's something for everyone in Belgium.
Top Universities
Belgium has a strong reputation for higher education and is home to several world-renowned universities. Many of these universities offer study programs in English, making them popular choices for international students. Here are some of the top universities in Belgium that are open for international students and offer study programs in English.
KU Leuven
KU Leuven is a research university in Flanders, Belgium, and is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. It offers a wide range of study programs in English, including bachelor's and master's degree programs. The university has a large number of international students, and English language proficiency is required for admission.
Number of English study programs:
Bachelor's: 10+
Master's: 100+
Number of international students: Over 10,000
English language proficiency requirement: IELTS or TOEFL
Ghent University
Ghent University is a public research university in Ghent, Belgium, and is known for its high-quality education and research in various fields. The university offers several study programs in English at both the undergraduate and graduate level. It has a significant number of international students, and English language proficiency is required for admission.
Number of English study programs:
Bachelor's: 3
Master's: 70+
Number of international students: Over 8,000
English language proficiency requirement: IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English Language Assessment
Université catholique de Louvain
The Université catholique de Louvain, also known as UCLouvain, is a French-speaking university in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. It offers a wide range of study programs in English, including bachelor's and master's degree programs. The university has a significant number of international students, and English language proficiency is required for admission.
Number of English study programs:
Bachelor's: 10+
Master's: 50+
Number of international students: Over 7,000
English language proficiency requirement: IELTS or TOEFL
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel, also known as VUB, is a research university in Brussels, Belgium. It offers a range of study programs in English at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The university has a diverse student body, including a significant number of international students, and English language proficiency is required for admission.
Number of English study programs:
Bachelor's: 2
Master's: 50+
Number of international students: Over 6,000
English language proficiency requirement: IELTS or TOEFL
University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a research university in Antwerp, Belgium. It offers several study programs in English at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The university has a significant number of international students, and English language proficiency is required for admission.
Number of English study programs:
Bachelor's: 5
Master's: 30+
Number of international students: Over 4,000
English language proficiency requirement: IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English Language Assessment
Overall, Belgium offers excellent opportunities for international students to pursue higher education in English. These universities are renowned for their academic excellence and research output, and provide a diverse and multicultural learning environment.