When you talk about Belgium, what first comes to mind are its desserts, Belgian chocolates, or its waffles. But if you’re eyeing something even sweeter, a top-notch education in Belgium is worth the investment.
Belgium may be small in size, but when it comes to history and education, it is a strong European contender. Known for being the headquarters of the European Union and having a cultural mix of French, Dutch, and German influences, Belgium’s education system is equally impressive, with universities like KU Leuven and Ghent University attracting students from all over the world.
So, if you’re ready to make your academic journey as smooth as Belgian chocolate, let’s get started on securing that student visa!
Steps on Applying for a Belgian Student Visa
Belgium may be a rewarding place for education, but with thousands of international students arriving each year to study at its top universities, the visa requirements can be strict, and the process might seem challenging, especially if it’s your first time. But, to make it easier, we’ve broken down the whole process into the following five simple steps!
Step 1. Get your University Admission Letter
First and foremost, you need to apply and secure your admission to a recognized higher education institution in Belgium. This is a crucial step, as your admission letter will be a key document in your student visa application. Belgium is home to numerous esteemed universities and specialized institutions, including technical universities, as well as prestigious conservatories such as the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. These institutions offer a diverse range of programs, attracting students from around the globe. Once you receive your admission letter, it will serve as proof of your enrollment, which is essential for moving forward in the visa application process.
Step 2. Fill out the Visa Application and Pay the Fees
Once you have your Belgian university admission letter, the next step is to fill out the visa application. This application is typically available on the Belgian Immigration Website, which you can access by registering and logging into your account. For this application, you’ll need to provide personal information about yourself and fill out a questionnaire that assesses the relevance of your academic route and your study plans in Belgium.
After completing the application and the questionnaire, make sure to print out the forms, as all applications must be submitted in person at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Additionally, applicants are also required to pay a non-refundable contribution fee, which typically ranges around 220 to 250 euros, depending on factors such as visa type and duration of stay. However, this fee may be exempted in certain cases, including for applicants under the age of 18.
Step 3. Gather Supporting Documents
This is the most important step of your student visa application, and it can also be time-consuming, requiring your utmost attention. You will need to collect several essential documents to support your application, including:
NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAIL |
| Valid passport |
A passport that is valid for at least 12 months beyond your intended stay in Belgium, with at least two blank pages. |
| Proof of financial subsistence |
Bank statements or official documents showing sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, typically for at least one year. |
| Valid medical certificate |
A health certificate attested by an accredited Belgian embassy doctor, ensuring you are of no harm to public health. |
| Character certificate |
A police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country, confirming your crime-free history. |
| Proof of contribution-fee payment |
A receipt or confirmation of payment for the non-refundable visa application fee |
| Proof of enrollment / Admission Letter |
An official letter from a recognized Belgian institution confirming your acceptance |
Carefully compiling these documents is vital, as missing any item can lead to delays or complications in your visa application process. Take your time to ensure everything is complete and accurate before moving on to the next step!
Step 4. Submit and Wait
Once you’ve gathered all your documents and completed your application, it’s time to submit everything at the Belgian embassy in your home country. During this appointment, you may also need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints. After submission, the waiting period begins. Processing times can vary, so be prepared for a wait that can take anywhere from a few weeks to three months. If you’re fortunate enough to receive approval, you’ll soon be packing your bags for an exciting journey to Belgium!
Step 5. Get a Belgian Residence Permit
While you might arrive in Belgium thinking everything’s settled, a small step still awaits. Typically, based on your admission letter or proof of enrollment, your long stay in Belgium is limited. Your initial legal residency usually lasts around four months, but it can extend up to one academic year plus one month. To extend, you will need to apply for a residence permit (A-card) that corresponds with the duration of your studies, in just eight days after you land.
You can apply for this residence permit at your local municipal administration office (commune) in Belgium, where they will guide you through the process and inform you about any additional requirements.
FAQs: Student Visa Applications for Belgium
Where to Apply for a Belgian Student Visa?
If you’re from a non-EU/EEA country, you must apply for a Belgian student visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country. For example, applicants from India can apply at the Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, and students from Brazil can visit the Consulate of Belgium in São Paulo. EU/EEA citizens are exempt from this process and do not require a student visa to study in Belgium. However, always check your local embassy for specific additional requirements.
How Much is the Visa Issuance Fee for a Student Visa?
As mentioned earlier, the Belgian immigration office requires a non-refundable contribution fee of around 230 euros for international students planning to study at a higher education institution in Belgium for more than 90 days. This fee is paid alongside your visa application to the Belgium Home Affairs department via online transfer. Proof of payment is usually required when you submit your application, so ensure you pay the fees on time.
You are now fully equipped with all the information needed to secure your student visa for studying in Belgium. So, before the semester at your chosen college begins, be sure to obtain your admission letter, complete the application process, and pack your bags for a rewarding educational experience—complete with the country’s delicious desserts!
We hope that this article on how to apply for a student visa in Belgium was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe and Study in Belgium sections!
