Study in Belgium
The 12th richest economy per capita in the world — home to top EU universities, globally ranked programs, and a legal minimum wage of €13.08/hr at the heart of Europe.
$56,220
GDP per Capita€3k–6k/yr
Avg Tuition€750–1,100/mo
Living Cost20 hrs/week
Work Rights€13.08/hr
Legal Min. Wage€10k–11k
Blocked AccountBlocked Account Required
Belgium requires a blocked account — not a regular bank statement. You deposit the required amount before your visa application, and it is released to you monthly upon arrival in Belgium to cover living expenses.
€10,000 – €11,000
Required Amount1 Year (released monthly)
PeriodLiving expenses coverage
PurposeTop Universities
KU Leuven
Consistently ranked among top EU universities
Ghent University
Strong in sciences, engineering & social sciences
Université catholique de Louvain
French-speaking, internationally recognized
University of Antwerp
Urban campus, strong in law & economics
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Located in Brussels — capital of the EU
Tuition Fees & Living Costs
Tuition Fees
Application Fee
Varies by university€50 – €200
EU Students
Lower subsidized rate€800 – €4,000 /yr
Non-EU Students
International student rate€2,500 – €9,000 /yr
Average (Most Programs)
Typical range across universities€3,000 – €6,000 /yr
Living Costs
Includes accommodation, food, transport, insurance, and utilities.
Monthly Average
€750 – €1,100
Legal Minimum Wage
Per hour (as of Jan 2026)
€13.08
Monthly (38 hrs/week)
€2,154.11
Work Opportunities
20 hrs/week
During Semester
Part-time work allowed on & off campusFull-time
During Holidays
Full-time work during official academic holidays- 1Early Childhood Teacher
- 2Home-Based Personal Care Worker
- 3Domestic Cleaner / Helper
- 4Child Care Worker
- 5Medical Secretary
Typical student part-time earnings: €800 – €1,200/month
Avg student wage: €10 – €13/hr (legal floor: €13.08/hr)
Student Visa Requirements
Required Documents
- University admission letter
- Blocked account confirmation (€10,000–€11,000)
- Paid tuition fee (if required by university)
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Academic documents
- Visa application form
Languages
English
Many programs fully taught in EnglishDutch
Flemish region — improves job prospectsFrench
Wallonia region — improves job prospectsGerman
Eastern Belgium — smaller communityPost-Study Sectors
Why Choose Belgium?
High-quality European education system
Affordable tuition compared to many EU countries
English-taught programs widely available
12th richest economy per capita globally
Central location — easy travel to France, Germany, Netherlands
Home to major EU institutions
Legal minimum wage €13.08/hr (as of Jan 2026)
Strong post-study career opportunities
High-quality European education system
Affordable tuition compared to many EU countries
English-taught programs widely available
12th richest economy per capita globally
Central location — easy travel to France, Germany, Netherlands
Home to major EU institutions
Legal minimum wage €13.08/hr (as of Jan 2026)
Strong post-study career opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blocked account and why does Belgium require it?
Belgium requires a blocked account instead of a regular bank statement. You deposit €10,000–€11,000 into a specially designated account before your visa application. Once you arrive in Belgium, this amount is released to you monthly to cover living expenses. This gives immigration authorities confidence that you can financially support yourself.
What is the minimum wage for students in Belgium?
Since 1 January 2026, the general minimum wage in Belgium is €2,154.11 per month (38 hrs/week) or €13.08 per hour. This is the legal floor — most sectors have an even higher minimum wage set by sectoral agreements.
How many hours can international students work per week?
Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters. During official academic holidays, full-time work is permitted. Part-time earnings of €800–€1,200/month are typical depending on hours and job type.
What are the tuition fees for non-EU students?
For non-EU students, tuition fees range from €2,500–€9,000 per year. The average for most programs falls between €3,000–€6,000 per year. EU students benefit from lower fees of €800–€4,000 per year.
Do I need to know Dutch or French to study in Belgium?
Not necessarily. Many programs are fully taught in English. However, knowledge of a local language (Dutch, French, or German depending on the region) significantly improves your job prospects in Belgium after graduation.
What are the most in-demand jobs for students in Belgium?
The top 5 most common occupations in Belgium are: Early Childhood Teacher, Home-Based Personal Care Worker, Domestic Cleaner/Helper, Child Care Worker, and Medical Secretary. For post-study careers, IT & Technology, Engineering, Business & Finance, and Healthcare are the strongest sectors.