Usually known for chocolates and luxury watches, it may surprise many that Belgium is more accurately known as a political and economic powerhouse. Now, it is home to regional organizations such as the Benelux Economic Union, the European Union, the World Trade Organization, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
That makes the country a prime destination for those pursuing international relations or developmental work careers. Moreover, as a nation, Belgium demonstrates how different cultural groups can coexist in harmony. Belgium also has a stunning arts and music scene interspersed with must-see festivals that make up today’s folk culture.
With a high-income economy and excellent living standards, Belgium is an easy and safe choice for international students looking to broaden their worldview. Education has always been a critical priority for the country, with various university towns established precisely for this purpose. Check out some of the best cities in Belgium for international students to study in.
Top Cities to Study in Belgium for International Students
1. Brussels
Brussels is a dynamic city that can meet the needs of any traveler. As the capital of Belgium, Brussels is the seat of government, commerce, and culture for Belgium and all its organizations. The EU and NATO are headquartered in this unassuming city. Apart from its political influence, Brussels has a significant cultural impact as well. It is the home of UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Grand Palace, the tongue-in-cheek symbol of Belgium, the Manneken Pis, and the Museums of Art and History.
The area is also a well-known gastronomical destination—gorge on Belgian waffles and chocolates to your heart’s delight with the city’s many bakeries and chocolatiers. Most importantly, Brussels is one of the best in Belgium to study for international students. With two official languages, Brussels is accommodating to both French and Dutch speakers, with many adopting the English language as well.
One can enjoy a uniquely Belgian education here through institutions like the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Université libre de Bruxelles, and the Catholic University of Louvain (Brussels Campus).
2. Antwerp
Antwerp is a port city that grew into its own. Located 40 kilometers north of Brussels, this maritime metropolis is also known as the unofficial center of the Flanders region. It is home to one of the biggest ports in the world, the second-largest in Europe, and among the top 20 worldwide. It also serves as a hub for the diamond trade where its diamond district is responsible for shining and processing more than 80% of the world’s diamonds.
Aside from literal diamonds, the city’s essential jewels remain to be its excellently preserved landmarks. Enjoy strolling through churches, government buildings, and botanical gardens in their original splendor. Antwerp is also central to learning in various arts disciplines. Fashion designers consider it the headquarters of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
At the same time, musicians participate in the local Cultuurmarkt van Vlaanderen music festival to get seen and heard. This city also pioneered Tomorrowland, a days-long music festival that showcases electronic dance music and other forward-looking music formats.
Antwerp is an ideal destination where the old and new collide, so students can look forward to a comprehensive education here through universities like the University of Antwerp and Antwerp Management School.
3. Leuven
Located a little way outside Brussels, Leuven is in the Dutch side of the country and the capital of the Flemish Brabant province. It is an excellent city in Belgium to study in, primarily because it is a university city. Since 1425, it has accommodated hundreds of students, which brings forth the city’s bustling energy during the school year.
Students can enjoy walking the streets with their classmates and ending the day with the city’s buzzing nightlife. Weekend activities are also not a problem—students can spend their time walking the city’s shopping districts and learning about the country’s history and other industries.
Aside from education, Leuven remains a cultural and industrial center. It is home to artisan industries such as beer brewing, leather manufacturing, and sawmilling. The city houses the headquarters of the world’s number-one beer brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev. Moreover, it boasts excellent universities, such as the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and Evangelical Theological Faculty.
4. Ghent
Ghent is a port city in the Dutch region of Belgium. Given its location, it has inevitably become a center of trade, focusing on textiles and manufacturing. Later, the city diversified in its pursuits—from modern banking to horticulture. These factors make the place a prime destination for various academic specializations.
However, despite modern pursuits, Ghent’s heritage plays a significant role in its identity. Across all cities, this city has the most churches and monasteries in its original state, such as the seventh-century abbey of St. Bavo. This environment is inviting to design enthusiasts in its appreciation of medieval architecture.
It also promotes a car-free city center and is proud of its Vrijdagmarkt, or “Friday Market,” and its iconic Ghent festival, a ten-day-long event promoting music and the arts. Students can check out the top universities in the area, including Ghent University and Artevelde University of Applied Sciences.
5. Liège
Located in the eastern portion of Belgium, Liège plays a central role in the French Walloon region as the center for industry and culture. Trade used to center around gunsmithing and arms making, but it later progressed to new technologies such as aerospace, biotechnology, and multi-channel logistics.
The city’s expertise in such niche industries is reflected in its specialist courses and institutions, innovative teaching methods, and educational authority, which focuses on specialist teachings. Beyond academic pursuits, it boasts many classic sights for the student traveler. Its most iconic spots are the old palaces of the Prince-Bishops of Liège and St. Lambert’s Cathedral.
Students can also catch Liège’s yearly festivals, Christmas Markets, jazz, and other music concerts, which will brighten their student experience. It is also one of the best cities in Belgium to study in because universities provide high-quality education here. These include the University of Liège, Haute École Libre Mosane, and École Supérieure des Arts Saint-Luc de Liège.
There’s no question that Belgium’s top cities have top-notch universities and offer reliable support services for international students who want to learn a program in the country. From Brussels to Ghent and Liège, you can consider many choices regarding where you’d like to study or stay for your Belgian education. You can learn more about these cities through the links provided above.
We hope you found this article on the best cities to study in Belgium for international students informative and helpful. If you are interested in articles like this, feel free to check out our Belgium Page the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
