Study In Belgium
Study Journey
Students need to first obtain a visa before they can proceed with online enrolment at the university, where paying the tuition fee is one of the last steps.
This is different to universities in other countries, where a deposit is required to secure a place.
Applicants applying for Belgium Long Stay Visa (D Visa) Category are requested to appear in person at the VISA APPLICATION CENTER to register their biometrics which includes scans of all fingerprints and live digital photo.
Belgium
Belgian universities generally have two main intakes:
Fall Semester: Begins in September or October. Applications are typically due by midsummer.
Spring Semester: Begins in February, with application deadlines usually in the fall or early winter.
EU/EEA Students: Generally pay around €900 to €1,500 per year for public universities.
Non-EU/EEA Students: Fees are higher, usually between €3,000 and €10,000 per year, depending on the program and institution.
Belgium is home to several prestigious universities and institutions, including those located in cities like Brussels, Leuven, Ghent, and Liege. Each university has its own admission criteria and application procedures, which typically include proof of previous academic qualifications and language proficiency.
It is highly advised to follow below Instructions precisely while sending your document.
Make sure that all of your documents particularly Degrees and Transcripts are attested
from IBCC & HEC.
Scan your documents using Scanner.
DO NOT use Cam Scanner.
Scan both sides of each document I.e., Front and Back. (Even if it’s blank)
Name each document clearly i.e., Matric Mark sheet Front.
Avoid Making Single pdf of all of your Academic Documents.
Passport must have Maximum one year of validity make sure your Passport & CNIC
is not expired.
Resume should be in Doc Format.
Studying in Belgium is an attractive prospect for international students, offering a unique blend of high-quality education, diverse cultural experiences, and a central location in Europe. Belgian universities are renowned for their research programs and academic excellence, particularly in fields such as engineering, business, and the arts. For students looking to study in Belgium with IELTS, many universities typically require a minimum score of 6.0 to 7.0 for English-taught programs. This ensures that non-native speakers have the necessary language skills to engage with course material and participate in discussions effectively. A strong IELTS score can also improve a student’s chances of securing admission to competitive programs and scholarships.
Alternatively, it is possible to study in Belgium without IELTS under certain conditions. Some universities may waive the IELTS requirement for students who have completed their previous education in English or can provide alternative proof of their English proficiency, such as a letter from their previous institution. Additionally, many universities conduct their own language assessments during the admissions process. For students fluent in French or Dutch, there are numerous programs offered in these languages, allowing for a wider range of options without the need for an English proficiency test. This flexibility makes Belgium a welcoming destination for students from various linguistic backgrounds, enriching their academic and cultural experience.
In Belgium, international students can work part-time while studying, which helps with living expenses and offers valuable work experience. EU/EEA students can work without restrictions, while non-EU students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holiday periods, provided it does not interfere with their studies. Non-EU students must hold a valid student visa and obtain a “student work permit” (Arbeitskarte C) to work legally. Part-time job opportunities are available in sectors like hospitality, retail, and internships related to students’ studies. Belgian universities also offer career support to help students find suitable part-time employment. Working while studying in Belgium not only helps financially but also improves language skills and fosters cultural integration, enriching the overall academic experience.
The cost of living in Belgium varies by city but typically ranges from:
€800 to €1,200 per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.
Brussels and Antwerp are generally on the higher end of this range, while smaller cities may be more affordable.
Belgium offers several scholarships for international students:
Belgian Government Scholarships: Available for students from developing countries and other specific regions.
Erasmus: Provides funding for students participating in exchange programs.
University Specific Scholarships: Many Belgian universities offer their own scholarships based on academic merit or financial need.
Regional Scholarships: Some regions in Belgium, such as Flanders and Wallonia, offer their own scholarships.
EU/EEA Students: Can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for coverage in Belgium. Additional health insurance might still be recommended.
Non-EU/EEA Students: Must obtain health insurance. Students can choose between private health insurance or a Belgian public health insurance scheme. The cost is generally around €100 to €200 per year.
To apply for a Belgian student visa from Pakistan, you must obtain a long-stay D-type visa. The application process is managed through VFS Global in Pakistan and requires you to first secure unconditional admission from a recognized Belgian educational institution.
Required documents
You must submit the following documents along with your visa application form. For most documents, you will need to provide the original plus two copies.
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year after your arrival in Belgium and contain at least two blank pages.
- Proof of admission: An original letter of unconditional admission or enrollment from a recognized Belgian university or higher education institution.
- Proof of financial means: Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. For the 2025–2026 academic year, this is estimated to be at least €835 per month. You can prove this through one of the following methods:
- An official sponsorship certificate (Annex 32), signed and legalized by your guarantor.
- A scholarship certificate.
- A blocked bank account set up with a Belgian university.
- Academic records: Original diplomas, degrees, certificates, and detailed academic transcripts. These must be attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
- Police character certificate: A recent certificate issued within the last five years, attested and apostilled by the Pakistani authorities. If you are over 21, it must be legalized.
- Medical certificate: A certificate from an Embassy-accredited doctor, attesting that you are not a threat to public health. The doctor will provide this in a sealed envelope to be submitted with your application.
- Passport-sized photographs: Three recent, color photos with a white background.
- Visa application forms: Two completed and signed application forms.
- Proof of health insurance: A document showing you have health insurance coverage for the duration of your studies.
- Proof of accommodation: Evidence of housing arrangements, such as a rental agreement or university housing confirmation.
- Administrative fee: Proof of payment for the required administrative fees to the Belgian Immigration Office.
Application Process
- Gain university admission: Before starting your visa application, you must be accepted by a recognized higher education institution in Belgium.
- Submit your application: Applications are submitted through VFS Global in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi. You will need to book an appointment online to submit your documents and provide your biometric data.
- Attend an interview: After submitting your application, you may be contacted for a visa interview at the Belgian Embassy.
- Await decision: The processing time for a D-type visa typically takes 4–6 weeks but can be longer during peak periods.
- Register upon arrival: Once you arrive in Belgium with your D-type visa, you must register with the local municipal administration within eight days to apply for your residence permit.
Important notes
- Originals and copies: All Pakistani documents must be original and, where required, apostilled or legalized by the relevant Pakistani authorities.
- Translations: Documents that are not in English, French, Dutch, or German must be officially translated and, if needed, legalized.
- Language requirements: While some Belgian universities accept students without IELTS/TOEFL, most will require proof of proficiency in English, French, or Dutch. Check the specific requirements of your university.
The financial requirements for studying in Belgium as an international student depend on whether the student is from the EU/EEA or a non-EU/EEA country. Tuition fees for EU students typically range from €835 to €3,000 per year, while non-EU students can expect to pay between €3,000 and €20,000 per year, depending on the institution and program. Programs in fields such as medicine and engineering may be at the higher end of this scale.
In addition to tuition fees, students should budget for living expenses, which are estimated to be around €900 to €1,500 per month. This budget covers accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal costs. When applying for a student visa, international students must demonstrate proof of financial means, usually around €12,000 to €15,000 per year, to ensure they can support themselves during their studies. Scholarships and financial aid options may also be available to help international students manage their expenses.
Belgium offers promising post-study work opportunities for international graduates through its Special Residence Permit, commonly known as the Orientation Year Visa. This permit allows non-EU/EEA graduates from Belgian universities to stay for up to 12 months to search for a job or start a business. Belgium has a diverse economy, with high demand for skilled professionals in sectors such as engineering, technology, life sciences, and international business, especially in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Once graduates secure employment, they can apply for a work permit, which may lead to long-term residency. Belgium’s central location in Europe, multilingual environment, and thriving international business scene make it an attractive destination for international students seeking post-graduation employment.
Belgian universities generally have two main intakes:
Fall Semester: Begins in September or October. Applications are typically due by midsummer.
Spring Semester: Begins in February, with application deadlines usually in the fall or early winter.
The cost of living in Belgium varies by city but typically ranges from:
€800 to €1,200 per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.
Brussels and Antwerp are generally on the higher end of this range, while smaller cities may be more affordable.
EU/EEA Students: Generally pay around €900 to €1,500 per year for public universities.
Non-EU/EEA Students: Fees are higher, usually between €3,000 and €10,000 per year, depending on the program and institution.
Belgium offers several scholarships for international students:
Belgian Government Scholarships: Available for students from developing countries and other specific regions.
Erasmus: Provides funding for students participating in exchange programs.
University Specific Scholarships: Many Belgian universities offer their own scholarships based on academic merit or financial need.
Regional Scholarships: Some regions in Belgium, such as Flanders and Wallonia, offer their own scholarships.
Belgium is home to several prestigious universities and institutions, including those located in cities like Brussels, Leuven, Ghent, and Liege. Each university has its own admission criteria and application procedures, which typically include proof of previous academic qualifications and language proficiency.
EU/EEA Students: Can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for coverage in Belgium. Additional health insurance might still be recommended.
Non-EU/EEA Students: Must obtain health insurance. Students can choose between private health insurance or a Belgian public health insurance scheme. The cost is generally around €100 to €200 per year.
It is highly advised to follow below Instructions precisely while sending your document.
Make sure that all of your documents particularly Degrees and Transcripts are attested
from IBCC & HEC.
Scan your documents using Scanner.
DO NOT use Cam Scanner.
Scan both sides of each document I.e., Front and Back. (Even if it’s blank)
Name each document clearly i.e., Matric Mark sheet Front.
Avoid Making Single pdf of all of your Academic Documents.
Passport must have Maximum one year of validity make sure your Passport & CNIC
is not expired.
Resume should be in Doc Format.
To apply for a Belgian student visa from Pakistan, you must obtain a long-stay D-type visa. The application process is managed through VFS Global in Pakistan and requires you to first secure unconditional admission from a recognized Belgian educational institution.
Required documents
You must submit the following documents along with your visa application form. For most documents, you will need to provide the original plus two copies.
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year after your arrival in Belgium and contain at least two blank pages.
- Proof of admission: An original letter of unconditional admission or enrollment from a recognized Belgian university or higher education institution.
- Proof of financial means: Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. For the 2025–2026 academic year, this is estimated to be at least €835 per month. You can prove this through one of the following methods:
- An official sponsorship certificate (Annex 32), signed and legalized by your guarantor.
- A scholarship certificate.
- A blocked bank account set up with a Belgian university.
- Academic records: Original diplomas, degrees, certificates, and detailed academic transcripts. These must be attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
- Police character certificate: A recent certificate issued within the last five years, attested and apostilled by the Pakistani authorities. If you are over 21, it must be legalized.
- Medical certificate: A certificate from an Embassy-accredited doctor, attesting that you are not a threat to public health. The doctor will provide this in a sealed envelope to be submitted with your application.
- Passport-sized photographs: Three recent, color photos with a white background.
- Visa application forms: Two completed and signed application forms.
- Proof of health insurance: A document showing you have health insurance coverage for the duration of your studies.
- Proof of accommodation: Evidence of housing arrangements, such as a rental agreement or university housing confirmation.
- Administrative fee: Proof of payment for the required administrative fees to the Belgian Immigration Office.
Application Process
- Gain university admission: Before starting your visa application, you must be accepted by a recognized higher education institution in Belgium.
- Submit your application: Applications are submitted through VFS Global in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi. You will need to book an appointment online to submit your documents and provide your biometric data.
- Attend an interview: After submitting your application, you may be contacted for a visa interview at the Belgian Embassy.
- Await decision: The processing time for a D-type visa typically takes 4–6 weeks but can be longer during peak periods.
- Register upon arrival: Once you arrive in Belgium with your D-type visa, you must register with the local municipal administration within eight days to apply for your residence permit.
Important notes
- Originals and copies: All Pakistani documents must be original and, where required, apostilled or legalized by the relevant Pakistani authorities.
- Translations: Documents that are not in English, French, Dutch, or German must be officially translated and, if needed, legalized.
- Language requirements: While some Belgian universities accept students without IELTS/TOEFL, most will require proof of proficiency in English, French, or Dutch. Check the specific requirements of your university.
Studying in Belgium is an attractive prospect for international students, offering a unique blend of high-quality education, diverse cultural experiences, and a central location in Europe. Belgian universities are renowned for their research programs and academic excellence, particularly in fields such as engineering, business, and the arts. For students looking to study in Belgium with IELTS, many universities typically require a minimum score of 6.0 to 7.0 for English-taught programs. This ensures that non-native speakers have the necessary language skills to engage with course material and participate in discussions effectively. A strong IELTS score can also improve a student’s chances of securing admission to competitive programs and scholarships.
Alternatively, it is possible to study in Belgium without IELTS under certain conditions. Some universities may waive the IELTS requirement for students who have completed their previous education in English or can provide alternative proof of their English proficiency, such as a letter from their previous institution. Additionally, many universities conduct their own language assessments during the admissions process. For students fluent in French or Dutch, there are numerous programs offered in these languages, allowing for a wider range of options without the need for an English proficiency test. This flexibility makes Belgium a welcoming destination for students from various linguistic backgrounds, enriching their academic and cultural experience.
The financial requirements for studying in Belgium as an international student depend on whether the student is from the EU/EEA or a non-EU/EEA country. Tuition fees for EU students typically range from €835 to €3,000 per year, while non-EU students can expect to pay between €3,000 and €20,000 per year, depending on the institution and program. Programs in fields such as medicine and engineering may be at the higher end of this scale.
In addition to tuition fees, students should budget for living expenses, which are estimated to be around €900 to €1,500 per month. This budget covers accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal costs. When applying for a student visa, international students must demonstrate proof of financial means, usually around €12,000 to €15,000 per year, to ensure they can support themselves during their studies. Scholarships and financial aid options may also be available to help international students manage their expenses.
In Belgium, international students can work part-time while studying, which helps with living expenses and offers valuable work experience. EU/EEA students can work without restrictions, while non-EU students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holiday periods, provided it does not interfere with their studies. Non-EU students must hold a valid student visa and obtain a “student work permit” (Arbeitskarte C) to work legally. Part-time job opportunities are available in sectors like hospitality, retail, and internships related to students’ studies. Belgian universities also offer career support to help students find suitable part-time employment. Working while studying in Belgium not only helps financially but also improves language skills and fosters cultural integration, enriching the overall academic experience.
Belgium offers promising post-study work opportunities for international graduates through its Special Residence Permit, commonly known as the Orientation Year Visa. This permit allows non-EU/EEA graduates from Belgian universities to stay for up to 12 months to search for a job or start a business. Belgium has a diverse economy, with high demand for skilled professionals in sectors such as engineering, technology, life sciences, and international business, especially in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Once graduates secure employment, they can apply for a work permit, which may lead to long-term residency. Belgium’s central location in Europe, multilingual environment, and thriving international business scene make it an attractive destination for international students seeking post-graduation employment.
