How to Study in Brussels for International Students
Brussels, one of the beautiful cities in Belgium, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Brussels currently has 19 universities, from which 13 universities are a part of the public sector and 6 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Brussels you should definitely check out are Free University of Brussels, Royal Conservatory of Brussels, and Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
Being able to study in Brussels as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Brussels, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Brussels
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Brussels, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 835 Euros to 13,000 Euros, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 835 Euros and 17,000 Euros.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Brussels
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Brussels, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
---|---|---|
LUCA School of Arts | 7,464 Euros | 7,464 Euros |
Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts | 8,462 Euros | 1,092 Euros |
Royal Conservatory of Brussels | 1,941 Euros | 2,438 Euros |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Brussels
Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
---|---|---|
ICHEC Brussels Management School | 2,323 Euros | 2,820 Euros - 3,212 Euros |
Brussels School of Governance | 13,000 Euros | 13,000 Euros - 17,000 Euros |
Odisee | 980 Euros | |
Free University of Brussels | 835 Euros - 2,505 Euros | 835 Euros - 2,505 Euros |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Brussels, check out the Cheap Universities in Brussels!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Brussels for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Brussels, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In Brussels, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Brussels may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Brussels are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in Brussels and their required minimum scores for each program level.
LUCA School of Arts
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL: 79
- Duolingo: 110
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
ICHEC Brussels Management School
Master’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum scores
- TOEFL: No minimum scores
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Brussels School of Governance
Bachelor’s degree
- TOEFL: No minimum score
- IELTS: No minimum score
- Duolingo: No minimum score
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- TOEFL: No minimum score
- IELTS: No minimum score
- Duolingo: No minimum score
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in Brussels
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Brussels have online applications available on their websites, like Free University of Brussels and Royal Conservatory of Brussels. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Brussels.
Free University of Brussels
- Official Website
- Domestic Bachelor's Admissions Page
- International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic Master's Admissions Page
- International Master's Admissions Page
Royal Conservatory of Brussels
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Brussels differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Brussels.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Brussels
If you’re going to study in Brussels, you will need to apply for a student visa in Belgium
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Belgium. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Long-stay Visa D.
To start your student visa application in Brussels, you will need to present the following:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Recent passport photos
- Proof of financial capacity
- Proof of good conduct and morals
- Medical certificate
- Evidence of health insurance
- Proof of paid visa application fee
- For Ph.D. students, a registration certificate and proof of funding, such as a scholarship
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Belgium is 180 EUR.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Receive the offer from your host university.
- Contact the nearest Belgian consulate or embassy in your home country to confirm the requirements.
- Collect the requirements.
- Set up an appointment with the Belgian consulate or embassy and submit the visa application requirements in person.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Brussels. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!