How many universities does Belgium have for international students?
There are 10 active university profiles in Belgium on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
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Explore top universities in Belgium. Compare courses, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
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For Indian students
Key visa, work, settlement, and cost signals for Indian students planning to study in Belgium.
Indian students typically need a Belgium student visa after receiving a university offer. Expect document checks for admission, funds, English proficiency, and biometrics before travel.
Start with an offer letter, prepare financial proof for tuition and living costs, complete medical/biometrics where required, then file the visa. Use NexStudy counseling for a country-specific checklist.
The typical Belgium student visa processing window is several weeks after a complete file. Students should still prepare documents 8-12 weeks before the intake because university CAS/CoE/I-20 steps, financial proof, biometrics, and medical checks can add extra time before the visa file is ready.
A practical timeline is to secure your offer first, confirm fee payment or enrollment documentation, prepare funds in the accepted format, complete English/medical requirements where applicable, and then submit the visa application. NexStudy treats the published visa window as the visa decision window, not the full admission-to-flight timeline.
| Step | Recommended Buffer |
|---|---|
| University offer and acceptance | 4-8 weeks before visa filing |
| Financial documents and fee receipts | 2-4 weeks before visa filing |
| Visa application decision | Varies by season |
| Travel booking and accommodation | After visa grant, unless refundable |
Funds must be traceable, sufficient, and consistent with tuition plus living cost requirements.
Your SOP should explain course choice, academic progression, career goals, and India ties.
Names, dates, marksheets, bank letters, and offer details must match across the file.
Students should be able to explain the university, course, budget, and post-study plan clearly.
Graduate outcomes in Belgium vary by course, city, and experience. Technology, healthcare, engineering, and business roles are common starting points for international graduates.
Use the university match and ROI tools on this page to estimate payback against tuition and living costs for your shortlist.
High-demand fields in Belgium often include software, data, healthcare, engineering, and specialist business analytics roles. Exact pay depends on city, experience, and employer.
In most cases, Indian students can work part-time in Belgium if their student visa permits it. Common student jobs include campus assistant roles, hospitality, retail, tutoring, delivery support, and entry-level tech or admin roles. Students should always follow the work-hour rules printed on their visa conditions.
Part-time work should be treated as support income, not the main funding source. The stronger plan is to show full financial capacity first, then use part-time income for living flexibility, local experience, and networking.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Belgium offers post-study work routes for eligible international graduates. Duration and eligibility depend on course level, institution, and current immigration rules.
Treat post-study work as a planning window for local experience—not a guaranteed settlement outcome. Confirm the latest rules with a counselor before deposits.
Studying in Belgium can support long-term settlement only when the student chooses an eligible course, maintains visa compliance, gains relevant work experience, and meets immigration criteria at the time of application. A degree alone should not be treated as a guaranteed PR pathway.
A post-study work visa gives graduates time to gain local work exposure. Students targeting settlement should compare occupation demand, salary thresholds, regional rules, language scores, and work visa conversion routes before choosing a university or city.
Tuition and living costs in Belgium vary by university, city, and lifestyle. Budget for rent, food, transport, insurance, and setup costs on top of tuition.
Use the ROI calculator tab for a personalized estimate, and confirm current fee schedules on university pages.
Major cities in Belgium are usually more expensive than regional campuses. Rent is typically the largest variable cost for Indian students.
Scholarship listings are syncing for Belgium
Browse the scholarship hub or open the finder below for live matches.
Open scholarship hub →📍 Leuven, Belgium
KU Leuven, or the Catholic University of Leuven, is a leading European research university located in Leuven, Belgium. Founded in 1425, it is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe, known for its high-quality education, innovative research, and strong international orientation. The university offers a wide range of programs in both Dutch and English, attracting students and researchers from around the world. KU Leuven is consistently ranked among the top universities globally and is a founding member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU).
InnoEnergy Masters+ (also known as the EIT InnoEnergy Master’s School / Masters programmes) is not a conventional standalone university campus in Belgium. It is a European sustainable-energy master’s pathway run by EIT InnoEnergy, a Knowledge and Innovation Community of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Students typically study across partner universities and industry partners in Europe, with curricula focused on renewable energy, smart grids, energy storage, clean mobility, and related innovation and entrepreneurship. Belgian higher-education institutions and energy-innovation ecosystems participate as partners within the wider InnoEnergy network rather than as a single “InnoEnergy University” awarding body. Programmes emphasize mobility between universities, applied projects with industry, and pathways into the clean-tech sector. Applicants should treat InnoEnergy Masters+ as a multi-university master’s programme brand coordinated by EIT InnoEnergy, and verify current Belgian partner universities, intakes, and contact details on the official InnoEnergy site.
📍 Ghent, Belgium
Artevelde University of Applied Sciences (Arteveldehogeschool) is a Flemish university of applied sciences based in Ghent, Belgium. It offers professionally oriented bachelor’s and advanced bachelor’s programmes across fields such as business and management, education, health and care, social work, media and communication, and related practice-oriented disciplines. Teaching emphasizes applied learning, internships, and close ties to regional employers and public services. The institution was formed in 2000 through the merger of several colleges in and around Ghent and is a member of the Ghent University Association. It operates multiple urban campuses across the city and serves a large domestic student body alongside international exchange and degree-seeking students. Programmes are delivered mainly in Dutch, with a growing set of English-taught and internationally oriented options.

📍 Brussels, Belgium
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is a major French-speaking research university in Brussels, Belgium. Founded in 1834 on principles of free inquiry, it is one of Belgium’s leading higher-education institutions and is closely linked to the city’s European and international environment. ULB offers programmes across sciences, medicine, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and law, and is known for strong research output and doctoral training. The university operates several urban campuses in the Brussels region, including Solbosch, La Plaine, and Erasme, with hospitals and research facilities integrated into teaching and research. It attracts a large share of international students and staff and maintains extensive European and global partnerships. ULB is publicly funded within Belgium’s French Community higher-education system while remaining institutionally independent. It is consistently ranked among Belgium’s top universities and is active in EU research programmes and interdisciplinary centres.
The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is a major French-speaking research university located in Brussels, Belgium. Founded in 1834, it is one of the country's leading institutions of higher education and research, with a strong tradition of secularism, academic freedom, and pluralism. ULB is organized into several faculties and institutes spanning the humanities, sciences, medicine, law, social sciences, engineering, and architecture, and it maintains numerous research centers across disciplines. The university is closely linked historically and institutionally to the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), its Dutch-speaking counterpart, both of which share roots in the Free University of Brussels founded in 1834. ULB is recognized internationally for its research output and has produced several Nobel laureates, Fields medalists, and prominent public figures. It participates actively in European research and mobility programs and attracts a diverse student body from Belgium and abroad.
The College of Europe is a postgraduate institute of European studies with its main campus in Bruges, Belgium. Founded in 1949, it offers advanced master's and doctoral programs focused on European integration, law, economics, political science, and international relations. The institution is known for its multicultural environment, attracting students and faculty from across Europe and beyond, and is often regarded as a stepping stone for careers in European and international institutions.
📍 Antwerp, Belgium
The University of Antwerp (Universiteit Antwerpen) is a major public research university located in Antwerp, Belgium. It was established in 2003 through the merger of three predecessor institutions, though its academic roots trace back to the 19th century. It is one of Belgium's largest universities, organized into nine faculties that offer a broad range of bachelor, master, and doctoral programs in Dutch and English. The university is known for strong research performance, international outlook, and close ties to the economic and cultural life of the port city of Antwerp. The university operates several urban campuses across Antwerp, including City Campus, Middelheim, Groenenborger, Drie Eiken, and Hoboken, each hosting different faculties and research institutes. It supports a diverse student community with modern libraries, sports facilities, research labs, student housing, and study spaces. The University of Antwerp participates actively in European research networks and maintains partnerships with institutions worldwide.
Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT University) is a prestigious institution known for its strong focus on technology, engineering, business, and social sciences. It is recognized for its innovative research and sustainable solutions, particularly in energy, water, and air technologies. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world applications, preparing students for global challenges. However, it is important to note that LUT University is located in Finland, not Belgium.
📍 Kortrijk, Belgium
VIVES University of Applied Sciences is a prominent higher education institution located in Belgium, offering a wide range of bachelor's and master's programs across various fields such as business, healthcare, technology, and education. Known for its practical and career-oriented approach, VIVES emphasizes hands-on learning, industry collaborations, and research, preparing students for the professional world. The university is committed to innovation, sustainability, and internationalization, providing a dynamic learning environment with modern facilities and strong ties to the local and global community.

📍 Ghent, Belgium
Vlerick Business School is a leading international business school in Belgium, formed in 1999 through the merger of the management schools of Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and Ghent University, with roots in management education dating back to 1953. Named after Belgian entrepreneur and politician André Vlerick, it operates campuses in Ghent, Leuven, and Brussels and is consistently ranked among Europe's top business schools. The school offers full-time and executive MBA programs, specialized master's degrees, PhD research, and extensive executive education for professionals and organizations. It holds triple accreditation from EQUIS, AMBA, and AACSB, placing it among a small global elite of business schools. Teaching emphasizes entrepreneurship, innovation, and practical leadership, with strong connections to Belgian and international industry. Vlerick educates thousands of managers, entrepreneurs, and degree students each year across its Belgian campuses. Its location in key economic hubs gives students access to a broad alumni network and a dynamic European business environment.
Estimate your admission tier for Belgium. This is guidance, not an admission guarantee.
Choose cities based on university cluster, rent, part-time job access, and your course industry. Major metros cost more but often offer denser internship networks.
Compare rent, commute, weather, Indian community access, and proximity to employers tied to your course—not only university rankings.
Some universities in Belgium may waive IELTS when the student has strong English-medium education proof, alternate tests such as PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo, or university-specific English assessments. Waivers are university-specific, so students should not assume every programme accepts a no-IELTS route.
The safest strategy is to shortlist universities by course first, then verify English waiver rules, visa acceptability, and scholarship impact. A low English score can sometimes be offset by a pathway or pre-sessional English programme, but it may increase visa or admission complexity.
MBBS in Belgium should be evaluated carefully against recognition, licensing pathway, clinical exposure, total cost, language of instruction, and the student’s plan to practise in India or abroad. Students must verify current NMC and local medical council requirements before applying.
For medical applicants, NexStudy recommends a separate licensing checklist before deposits are paid: degree recognition, internship rules, exam pathway, hospital rotations, language requirements, and total living cost over the full programme duration.
MS in Computer Science in Belgium is usually strongest for students with a solid quantitative background, coding portfolio, internship experience, and interest in software, AI, data, cybersecurity, or cloud roles. ROI depends heavily on university tier, city, tuition, and job-search execution.
Students should compare curriculum depth, co-op/internship access, alumni hiring, local tech clusters, and post-study work rules. A lower-cost university with strong employability can outperform a high-fee option with weak career support.
An MBA in Belgium is best suited for students with clear career goals, leadership evidence, strong communication skills, and preferably work experience. Freshers should compare specialised business master’s degrees before choosing a general MBA.
The best MBA outcomes usually come from schools with strong employer networks, internships, career coaching, alumni access, and location advantage. Applicants should calculate ROI using tuition, living cost, opportunity cost, and realistic post-MBA salary ranges.
Engineering in Belgium can be a strong pathway when the student chooses a discipline linked to local industry demand, such as computer, mechanical, civil, electrical, renewable energy, robotics, or biomedical engineering. Accreditation and internship access matter as much as rankings.
Students should compare lab facilities, capstone projects, industry placement, co-op options, and post-study work eligibility. For regulated engineering roles, verify local professional registration requirements before finalising the course.
Compare student residences, shared apartments, commute time, and lease rules before paying deposits.
Look for campus Indian societies, grocery access, festivals, temples/community groups, and peer networks.
Start LinkedIn, internships, faculty networking, and portfolio work in the first semester, not after graduation.
Calculate your return on investment for studying in Belgium
Check off items you've completed to see your visa readiness score
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Difficulty: High
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Amount: Partial tuition
Deadline: Varies
Level: UG/PG
Amount: Need/merit based
Deadline: Before intake
Level: PG
Yes, Indian students can pursue undergraduate programmes in Belgium after completing their 12th standard. Most universities require a minimum of 60% marks in 12th, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+), and valid financial documentation.
Popular undergraduate programmes include Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and Nursing. Some universities offer foundation year programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Application deadlines vary by intake — check specific university pages on NexStudy for detailed eligibility.
Total costs vary significantly by university and city. Use NexStudy's ROI Calculator above for a personalized estimate.
Belgium offers strong ROI for Indian students, especially in STEM and business fields. Post-study work opportunities enhance the value proposition significantly. Use the ROI Calculator above to calculate your personal return on investment.
| Hidden Cost | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Application and test fees | Multiple university applications, IELTS/PTE/TOEFL, score reporting, and courier costs add up. |
| Visa, medical, biometrics, insurance | These costs often come before the student receives the visa decision. |
| Housing deposit and setup | First month rent, bond/deposit, utensils, bedding, SIM, transport card, and winter clothing can be significant. |
| Course materials and placement costs | Software, lab kits, books, certification exams, and travel for interviews are often missed. |
| Expectation | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Part-time job will cover everything | Part-time work can support expenses, but visa compliance and academic performance come first. |
| Any university will give the same outcome | Course quality, city, internships, alumni network, and career services change outcomes. |
| Visa is automatic after admission | Admission helps, but financial proof, intent, documentation, and compliance still decide the case. |
| PR is guaranteed after study | Settlement depends on changing immigration rules, occupation demand, salary, work experience, and language scores. |
There are 10 active university profiles in Belgium on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
Most universities in Belgium require IELTS 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate programs and 6.5–7.0 for master's programs. Top-tier universities may require 7.0+ overall.
Yes — universities in Belgium offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, plus government-funded awards. NexStudy's scholarship finder matches you to relevant scholarships based on your profile.
Monthly costs typically range from 1,000-2,500 in local currency depending on the city.
Belgium offers competitive post-study work visa options for international graduates.
Student visa requirements vary. Check NexStudy's visa guide for detailed steps and document checklists.
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