2025 - 2026 SAA Rankings for Best Value Universities In Belgium For International Students

63 Best Value Institutions in Belgium for International Students

Here are the 63 best-value institutions in Belgium for international students. Here, you’ll learn more about their rankings, international student population, and their background.

KU Leuven, which ranks amongst the most innovative European universities, is recognized for its superior quality of education and research. Academic disciplines and faculties are equally given priority to create and enhance their multidisciplinary programs, covering all areas of expertise and training. In addition, the university, which belongs to the Flemish-speaking community, has subsidized tuition fees, making its internationally acknowledged programs accessible and affordable for both EU/EEA and non-EU/non-EEA students.

As a global university with unmatched contributions to society, students will be presented with countless opportunities, such as off-campus engagements. Students can achieve their personal goals while studying at one of the world’s top-ranking universities.

Ghent University is a premier Dutch-speaking public university in Belgium. Interestingly, the institution precedes Belgium; thus, it has centuries of experience and credibility. This rich and long history led to the university’s status as one of the best academic institutions worldwide and the country’s biggest. The programs offered are specialized and of excellent quality and may be taught in Dutch, English, or both.

UC Louvain was established in 1834 by Catholic bishops after Belgium gained independence from French rule as a successor of the first University of Leuven which was closed in 1797. It is now known as the largest French-speaking educational institution in the country. The university is dedicated to providing cutting-edge academic and research programs aimed at addressing regional needs and producing internationally competitive graduates. 

The University of Liege is the home of some of the world’s renowned scholars who have pioneered and left historical and scientific contributions in different fields of study, from medicine and sciences to astrophysics. The university, which champions providing high standards of teaching and research, has its unique learning approach that trains countless students to be socially accountable and competent individuals with the highest proficiency level in their respective fields.

The Free University of Brussels is a multicultural and modern educational institution recognized as one of the top universities in Europe and the world. It is known for producing several notable alumni with significant contributions in different fields of research and services to the community. Living up to its name, the university strives to facilitate an atmosphere that promotes free inquiry and critical thinking to develop intellectual, independent, and self-disciplined individuals to shape the future of society. 

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a remarkable university in Brussels, Belgium’s capital region and the European Union’s administrative center. Due to its strategic location, the university, comprising competent academic members, a multicultural student body, and partnered industries, is wholly dedicated to promoting an economically sustainable society.

With its continued commitment to generating human resources, VUB prepares students to gain fundamental knowledge, acquire necessary skill sets, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset to cultivate a pool of ethically responsible professionals and experts.

In 2003, three prominent educational institutions in the city of Antwerp united to form the University of Antwerp, one of the top universities in the world. At present, it offers over 140 research-driven academic programs in diverse disciplines designed to encourage freedom of expression, critical thinking, and philosophical discussion. The university also provides several opportunities for international learning through mobility programs and other international activities. 

University of Namur (UNamur) is a private university belonging to the French-speaking community in Belgium. UNamur has undergone several reforms since its founding in 1831, restructuring existing programs and developing future-oriented courses to meet the current market needs.

The university also excels in research studies, contributing to engineering, physics, and biotechnology fields. Aside from offering its heavily invested advanced facilities, researchers will also have the opportunity to collaborate with experts from across the globe to work on their academic projects and activities.

Hasselt University was established in 1971 through the collaborative efforts of citizens from different sectors of the city of Hasselt in demanding an institution to educate the local youth. It considers itself a civic university that establishes strong connections with the environment surrounding it, addresses its issues, and assists in its improvement. The university has received multiple recognitions for its outstanding academic programs, groundbreaking research, and regional contributions. 

The University of Mons is a French-taught institution in Belgium; hence, it also has a French name: Universite de Mons. Besides its location in Mons, the university also has a campus in Charleroi. As a relatively small institution, it implements a more student-centered learning experience. This, along with its optimal location in the center of Europe, opens many opportunities for skill and knowledge development. It is also committed to internationalization, with international students making up a significant portion of its population.

The Royal Conservatory of Brussels is a French-speaking institution known for its long history of teaching performing arts in Belgium. Indeed, the conservatory has been operational since 1813, which has given it centuries of experience and expertise in the field. Such is evident in its long list of prominent alums, consisting of Belgium’s top directors, musicians, actors, and artists.

Situated in one of the top student cities in the country, University College Ghent is a forward-looking university known for its excellent academic programs and groundbreaking research in different fields of science and the arts. It is committed to raising individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit and employable skills to make them competent candidates in the international labor market. The university also has a strong focus on internationalization and encourages its students and faculty to participate in mobility programs in its vast network of international partners. 

Inaugurated over a century ago, the Institute of Tropical Medicine is dedicated to the educational and scientific development of public health and tropical medicine in Belgium. It started as a training school for nurses and doctors in Congo and has now evolved into a global frontrunner in medical education, research, and service. With excellence as one of its core values, the university provides outstanding and accessible healthcare services, especially for concerns about sexually transmitted infections and HIV. 

The College of Europe is an institution borne out of growing solidarity between the first members of the European Union. It consists of two campuses, each in a different country (Belgium and Poland), which allows for better integration of European cultures and interests. The institution takes pride in its intensive programs, which aim to expose students to the continent’s incredible diversity while adhering to high academic standards.

Odisee was established in 2014 and is among the largest universities of applied sciences in the Flanders region. It calls itself a “co-university” that strives to facilitate an open environment among its learners and faculty and encourages the spirit of collaboration and co-creation. The university provides practice-oriented education that allows students to gain skills that are sought after by different industries.

AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp is a public university for applied sciences and arts with seven campuses located in different areas of Antwerp. It aims to provide a stimulating and supportive environment to its students to nurture them into socially aware, active, and knowledgeable individuals who can adapt and thrive in modern society. The university also involves its students and faculty in conducting groundbreaking research and carrying out innovative projects that help different sectors of the community.

The Albert Jacquard University College is a forward-looking university committed to raising competent professionals in the computer graphics, economics, education, and medical industries. It is known to promote the entrepreneurial spirit and provide immense support to students who wish to carry out entrepreneurial projects. The university also maintains strong partnerships with numerous international universities and institutions.

Vlerick Business School is a specialized institution with three campuses across Belgium: Ghent, Leuven, and Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, which is in Brussels. Its roots can be traced to KU Leuven and Ghent University, the present-day top universities of Belgium. Vlerick is one of the best in its field and takes pride in its triple accreditations, which affirms the high standards the school has set for itself. To maintain such excellence, Vlerick remains concentrated on its forte: business.

La Cambre National School of Visual Arts, an institution more shortly known as La Cambre or ENSAV, is one of Belgium’s premier art schools. It covers various disciplines, including ceramics, photography, art restoration, design, and more. It was aptly founded by Henry van de Velde, a Belgian artist who helped establish the art style called Art Nouveau in Belgium. Besides honing students’ natural inclinations, the school’s teaching also pushes them to explore other disciplines, making them multi-skilled and multi-talented graduates.

Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts (EhB) is an institution of higher learning located in Brussels, the heart of Europe. Students will experience a multicultural city while studying in an inclusive university with top-notch research and training facilities.

The university has eight campuses in Brussels and three other campuses in various locations in Flanders. All these campuses are fully loaded with amenities and the necessary infrastructure for a smooth and engaging learning experience.

Founded in 2013, PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts is a relatively young university committed to producing dynamic, forward-thinking professionals with an entrepreneurial mindset. Its x-factor model aims to impart its students with knowledge and skills to contribute to the improvement of organizations and work for the well-being of society. The university operates on 5 campuses and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, business, technology, and education. 

ICHEC Brussels Management School is one of the leading business schools in Belgium known for its research-oriented and transformative business education. It is also the first French-speaking business school in the country to be granted accreditation by AACSB International, a prominent accrediting body for business schools around the world. The university’s main objective is to produce open-minded, forward-looking, and responsible managers with an international perspective. 

Antwerp Maritime Academy is a public institution for maritime higher education inaugurated in 1834 in Antwerp, Belgium. It is known as the smallest university in the Flanders region and the only one in the country that offers vocational programs in Dutch and French. The academy currently offers programs in marine engineering and nautical sciences designed to train future professionals and managers in the maritime industry. 

Founded in 1995, the Howest University of Applied Sciences is most well-known for its innovative programs in digital arts, cybersecurity, game design, and other technological courses. With a strong focus on service, empowerment, and care, the university has a prominent reputation for conducting impactful research and social responsibility projects. It also encourages the involvement of its students in carrying out activities that help address the current problems of the region.

HELMo University College is a public institution dedicated to providing top-notch training and preparation for future professionals in the technological, academic, economic, and medical fields. It is one of the 29 member universities that make up the Liege-Luxembourg Academic Center, an entity dedicated to improving the quality of education in the said provinces. The university also has over 180 partner institutions outside the country. 

Antwerp Management School (AMS) is not just Belgium’s premier business school. It is one of the world’s best institutions for teaching management and finance, as is evident in its QS World University rankings in specific subjects. Such excellence can be credited to the school’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, which it applies and improves to impact society positively.

AMS primarily offers master’s studies; thus, only a few Ph.D. courses and no bachelor’s studies are available. However, it does provide customized programs, such as workshops and co-designed tracks.

VIVES University of Applied Sciences is a Catholic college named after 16th-century scholar Juan Luis Vives whose philosophies greatly influenced European education and pedagogy. It strives to carry out its programs and all its other activities with drive, connection, and innovation. The university also aims to impart Christian values and raise passionate individuals equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on society. 

UCLL University of Applied Sciences is a specialized, Flemish institution centered in Leuven, Belgium. The acronym in the name stands for “University College Leuven-Limburg,” which is a nod to the institution’s eight campuses spread across Leuven and Limburg. Such makes it one of the country’s most extensive and populated universities. However, it caters only to bachelor’s and certificate training students; thus, it has no master’s degree programs. Nonetheless, it remains sought-after for its quality education and clear-cut vision that helps bring out the best in itself and its students.

Hainaut University College is a French-speaking academic institution located in Mons, Belgium. It currently has four departments that offer undergraduate and graduate programs in different areas of liberal arts, applied sciences, and education. The university also provides numerous opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in mobility programs in its vast network of international partners. 

Located in the historical city of Antwerp, Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and Arts was established in 1995. It was named after Karel de Grote, also known as Charlemagne, the Roman emperor who had a significant contribution to European educational development. The university provides project-based and practical programs to prepare students for life after graduation and increase their employment prospects. 

The Evangelical Theological Faculty is often referred to by its Dutch acronym, ETF, which stands for Evangelische Theologische Faculteit. It is a primarily Dutch-speaking institute but also offers select English courses. Students seeking spiritual and academic guidance should consider ETF because, for over a century, it has remained deeply committed to a Bible-based yet interdenominational and international education. It is an excellent place for those who want to explore how science and faith are interwoven.

The Tournai Academy of Fine Arts is a public art college established in 1756 to respond to the region’s need for creative professionals in the porcelain manufacturing industry. It currently offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in nine study areas including painting, textile design, digital arts, and architecture. The university aims to raise open-minded artists and encourages them to engage in international exchanges, internships, artistic projects, and other activities that would help them discover and develop their artistic styles and approaches.

The Arts² – Academy of Arts inaugurated in 2012 through the merging of two prominent art schools in Mons, the School of Plastic and Visual Arts and the Royal Conservatory of Mons. At present, the university offers academic programs in music, theater, and visual arts. It aims to provide solid knowledge, training, and practical experience to future artists. 

The Galilee University College is a French-speaking higher education institute in Brussels, the capital city of the European Union. It aims to train students to become ethically responsible individuals who will actively promote and contribute to the development of society, specifically in the socio-economic sector.

Hugely benefitting from its location, students will have countless opportunities, including participating in some of the most prestigious conventions and events, training, internships, and possible expansion of network connections.

Artevelde University of Applied Sciences is a member of the Ghent University Association and offers a broad range of academic and technical courses. Fields the university specializes in include healthcare, communication, business and management, media and design, and the humanities.

Since its founding in 2000, the university has distinguished itself as a center for transformative education, impactful research, and sustainable societal development. In addition, the university has many international partners and regularly collaborates with numerous industry partners in Europe and abroad.

Higher Education Institution of the Province of Liege is a public institution in the city of Jemeppe-sur-Meuse that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and specialization programs in 12 different study areas such as engineering, law, management, and agronomy. The university actively collaborates with different organizations to conduct research, provide technological services, and assist in recruiting qualified candidates from its pool of graduates. It also conducts student exchanges and mobility programs with its partner schools all over the world.

In 1996, six separate institutes came together to form the roots of a present-day, multi-campus, non-profit university called Leonardo da Vinci University College. Like the maestro himself, the university college promotes innovation, cultivates talent, and hones creativity, so its students and graduates may help provide solutions for 21st-century problems. The institution employs a program-based and project-based teaching method and focuses on three key sectors: health, human and social sciences, and science and technology.

The School of Graphic Research in Belgium is also known as Ecole de Recherche Graphique in Belgium; hence, it is often shortened to ERG. It is a specialized, French-speaking, private institution that offers bachelor’s and master’s courses in the arts. Some of the disciplines it covers are painting, design, illustration, and typography.

LUCA School of Arts is a college in Brussels specializing in training art and design professionals. This exceptional school is the only university in Flanders solely committed to art and design. It was formed in 1880 as a combination of four distinct art and design schools. This special history imparts four additional campuses spread across Brussels, Genk, Ghent, and Leuven, with the main campus located in Brussels.

The University College of Bruxelles-Brabant is a public, French-speaking higher education institution located in Brussels, Belgium. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and specialization programs focused on equipping students with practical skills to increase their chances of employability after graduation. The university also provides several services that support its students throughout their academic journey. 

EPHEC University College is a multi-campus, French-speaking institution with four locations across Belgium’s Brussels Capital Region. EPHEC is the acronym for the institution’s French name: L’école pratique des hautes études commerciales. It primarily offers bachelor’s programs, and its teaching is guided by its values of humanism, respect, accountability, empowerment, equity, proactivity, and ambition.

Francisco Ferrer University College, known as Haute École Francisco Ferrer in Belgium, is a non-profit public institution. The college was founded in 1995 by merging five institutes. It is ranked among the top 50 Belgian institutions by ranking sites Edurank and 4icu. Both bachelor’s and master’s programs are available, which provide quality training students need to integrate and contribute to the working world efficiently.

University College of Louvain en Hainaut is a public university known for its high-quality programs in agronomy, economics, education, technology, and arts. It was born in 2009 as a result of the unification of three colleges making it the largest university in the region. The university promotes international mobility and actively conducts student and faculty exchanges with its international partners. 

Higher National Institute of Performing Arts and Diffusion Techniques is dedicated to raising creative, intellectual, and critical professionals in the audiovisual and theater industry. It was established in 1962 and has been providing accessible education and training in contemporary performing arts for several decades. The university’s faculty consists of notable artists and experts with vast knowledge and experience in Belgium and abroad.

Belgium’s Haute École Charlemagne is also known as Charlemagne University College in English. It is a multi-campus institution that offers various bachelor’s and master’s courses. Some disciplines these programs cover are economics, pedagogy, and agronomy. Having several locations across the country allows it to accommodate more students annually, as well as expose its pupils to valuable experiences and cultures.

The Royal Conservatory of Liege, which dates back to 1926, is one of the premier French-speaking performing arts conservatories in Belgium. It has its concert hall known as the Salle philharmonique de Liège. Thus, for over a century, RCL has given budding performers a space to mold their talents and showcase them to the world. Some of them even went on to become the institute’s sterling alums, proof of the conservatory’s excellent training and quality of education.

The University College of Namur-Liège-Luxembourg is a public educational institution in the city of Namur. It offers highly flexible and customizable programs that provide students with various options and allows them to make their own choices on how they want to study. The university also takes pride in its accomplished faculty who coach and guide students in finding their academic journey. 

The School of Arts Saint-Luc de Liege was established in 1890 by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, an international congregation dedicated to providing accessible education to underprivileged youth. It is widely known for its top-notch art education programs and for carrying out various activities that promote Belgian art and culture. The university’s programs provide solid training in the technical, theoretical, and creative areas of art that prepare them for different kinds of artistic professions. 

In September 2009, three academic institutions merged to form the Provincial University College of Hainaut-Condorcet. It is composed of 10 faculties that offer diverse programs such as communication, public health, management, and education. The university believes in the power of democracy in shaping its students into open-minded yet critical, tolerant, and responsible professionals and citizens. 

The Institute of Visual Arts is a public university that provides high-quality practice-oriented programs in different areas of visual arts such as multimedia production, cinema writing, and photography. It focuses on providing hands-on training through concrete projects and facilitating a more personalized academic experience for each of its students. The university also carries out internships to expose its students to real-life working environments and enhance their artistic and professional skills. 

Higher Institute of Music and Pedagogy is a private educational institution founded in 1970, by the Franciscans of Salzinnes, a small neighborhood in Namur, Belgium. The university strives to provide accessible world-class training to aspiring musicians and music educators. It also plays an active role in promoting musical arts in the region by conducting different projects, concerts, auditions, and other performances in collaboration with other institutions.

The Higher Institute of Social Training and Communication is a university that specializes in providing high-level training to future social workers and professionals in the communication and media industry. It greatly values and actively promotes equality and respect among its faculty and student community. The university also has several industry links where its students can undergo practical training and gain relevant industry experience. 

Brussels Free University College-Ilya Prigogine is a public institution dedicated to producing knowledgeable, skilled, and adaptable professionals to compete in the international labor market. It is known for its strong commitment to carrying out various sustainability initiatives. Internationalization also plays a vital role in the university’s strategy and encourages its students and faculty to engage in different mobility programs. 

Established in 1995, the Robert Schuman University College is a public institution that offers top-notch education and training in various fields of technology, social sciences, medical sciences, and education. It strives to facilitate an inclusive environment in its 3 campuses located in Libramont, Virton, and Arlon. The university offers a number of student services to support them in their academic journey. 

Beaux Arts de Liège, or School of Arts of Liege, has many French names. Some sources state its French name is Académie royale des beaux-arts de Liège. Meanwhile, others reveal it to be École Supérieure des Arts de la Ville de Liège – Académie Royale des Beaux-arts. Whichever is correct, there is no doubt that the institution it refers to provides excellent and specialized training in the arts, whether pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. track.

Haute Ecole Lucia de Brouckere is a French-speaking public school in Belgium’s capital. It is also known as Lucia de Brouckere University College in English and offers bachelor’s and master’s programs. Its namesake was a female Belgian chemist who earned a reputation as Belgium’s first female chemistry teacher and a fighter for people’s rights. Thus, it is evident that the institution has chosen an excellent figure to model and honor.

University College of the Province of Namur was established in 1995 with a mission to help young people realize their dreams by providing high-quality academic and research programs. The university currently offers bachelor’s, master’s, and specialization programs in different areas of agronomy, management, and health sciences. It is also committed to conducting innovative research and supports its students and faculty in developing their ideas and projects. 

Established in 1995, the University College of the Town of Liege is a public educational institution dedicated to providing world-class training and preparing students for their future roles not only as professionals but also as responsible citizens in society. It has four departments that offer programs in health sciences, education, management, and technology. The university also prioritizes internationalization and participates in different cooperation projects and mobility programs. 

Brussels School of Governance is a specialized public institution that concentrates on teaching and conducting research on policy-relevant fields. Specifically, it covers the following disciplines: digitalization, democracy, innovation, environment, economy, energy, migration, diversity, justice, security, diplomacy, and strategy. Its close relationships with Vrije Universiteit Brussel’s Institute for European Studies and Vesalius College also open many opportunities for its students and help advance its research projects and knowledge.

Saint-Luc Institute of Tournai, also known as Institut Saint-Luc Tournai, is a specialized institution in Ramegnies Chin, a quaint town in Belgium. It focuses on the arts and has a long history of molding and training budding artists. Also, the institute is connected to ESA Saint-Luc Turnai and Pensionnat Saint-Luc Tournai.

The Institutes Saint-Luc de Bruxelles is an art school in Brussels. The founders of the Institutes Saint-Luc de Bruxelles are members of the Congregation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, founded in 1680. One of the achievements of this school is the introduction of the teaching of Architecture into the University, which has led to a higher form of learning in this school. It aims at training young people for responsible and productive citizenship, making them professionals and leaders globally.

Thomas More University of Applied Sciences is generally known as the most prominent applied sciences university in Flanders. It provides a range of educational programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university offers study options to students. They can choose from a large selection of Dutch-taught programs tailored to students’ needs or obtain a degree in one of the several English-taught programs specifically designed for foreign nationals.

Aimed to increase its reputation in the international community, the university has been actively promoting inclusivity within its campus, implementing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of where they come from.

Autonome Hochschule Ostbelgien is currently the only higher education school in the German-speaking community in Eupen, Belgium. The institute, formerly known as Autonome Hochschule in der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft, came to fruition when three Belgian schools merged to establish a new institute in 2005. Although still relatively new and small, it has put its efforts into providing quality education aligned with European standards.