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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, 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 high living standards, immigrant-friendly cities and top-ranked research & faculty are some of the reasons why more than 40,000 international students choose one of Belgium’s universities every year.

Articles related to studying in Belgium

The Belgium Student Visa

International students from the EU, EEA and Schengen Area generally do not need a visa to study in Belgium, although they may need to register with local authorities depending on their length of stay.

Students from countries such as the USA, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco and Andorra may enter Belgium without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. For study programmes longer than 90 days, a long stay visa is required.

Regardless of nationality or length of stay, most non EU students must apply for a residence permit after arriving in Belgium.

Non EU students typically apply for one of the following visa types depending on the duration of their studies:

  • Type C Short Stay Visa: For study programmes of up to 90 days
  • Type D Long Stay Visa: For study programmes longer than 90 days

Type D visas are usually issued for the duration of the study programme and may need renewal depending on course length. Applications are made through the nearest Belgian embassy or consulate, and processing typically takes six to eight weeks.

Unlike some other European countries, Belgium does not require an Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certificate for Chinese students applying for a student visa. 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.

Required Documents

  • Admission letter to a Belgian university or higher education institution
  • Valid passport (needs to have at least 12 months left on it)
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Certificate of good conduct
  • Medical certificate
  • Proof of payment of the administrative fee

Documents that are in a language other than German, French, English or Dutch will need to be translated by a recognised translator.

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.

Belgium Student Visa Fees for International Students

Non EU/EEA/Schengen international students must pay 180 Euros in order to apply for and receive a type D Belgian student visa. This fee is non-refundable.

International students will also need to pay around 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

International students are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during official holidays and academic breaks, provided they hold a valid work permit where required.

After graduation, non EU students may be eligible for a residence permit that allows them to remain in Belgium for up to 12 months to search for employment. Once employment is secured, they can apply for a work permit and longer term residence status.

It is always recommended to check the latest requirements with the official Belgian embassy or consulate in your country, as visa rules and fees may change.