Usually known for chocolates and luxury watches, Belgium is also an important political and economic hub. It is home to international organizations and institutions such as the Benelux Union, key European Union institutions, the World Customs Organization, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
That makes the country a prime destination for students interested in international relations, policy, or development work. Moreover, Belgium offers a multilingual and multicultural setting, as well as a lively arts and music scene with must-see festivals that shape today’s folk culture.
With a high-income economy and strong living standards, Belgium is an appealing choice for international students looking to broaden their worldview. Education has long been important in the country, and Belgium is home to several historic university towns. 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 many travelers and students. As the capital of Belgium, Brussels is a major center of government, commerce, and culture. Key European Union institutions and NATO are based in Brussels. Apart from its political influence, Brussels has a significant cultural impact as well. It is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Grand-Place, the tongue-in-cheek symbol of Belgium, Manneken Pis, and the Art & History Museum.
The area is also a well-known gastronomic destination, where students can enjoy Belgian waffles and chocolates from the city’s many bakeries and chocolatiers. Most importantly, Brussels is one of the best cities in Belgium to study in for international students. Brussels is officially bilingual in French and Dutch, and English is widely spoken as well.
Students can enjoy a uniquely Belgian education here through institutions like the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Université libre de Bruxelles, and UCLouvain, which has campuses in Brussels.
2. Antwerp
Antwerp is a port city that grew into a major metropolis. Located around 40 kilometers north of Brussels, it is also often described as the unofficial capital of Flanders. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the second-largest port in Europe and one of Europe’s main global ports. Antwerp also serves as a major hub for the diamond trade, with a large share of the world trade in rough and polished diamonds passing through the city.
Aside from literal diamonds, the city’s essential jewels are its excellently preserved landmarks. Students can enjoy strolling through churches, government buildings, and botanical gardens in their original splendor. Antwerp is also central to learning in several arts disciplines. Fashion designers know it for the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp and its internationally recognized Fashion Department.
At the same time, musicians and artists can take part in local cultural events and performances. Nearby Boom, in the province of Antwerp, is also home to Tomorrowland, one of the world’s best-known electronic music festivals.
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 about 25 kilometers east of Brussels, Leuven is in Dutch-speaking Flanders and is the capital of the Flemish Brabant province. It is an excellent city in Belgium to study in, primarily because it is a university city. KU Leuven’s history in the city dates back to 1425, and the university brings bustling energy to Leuven 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 industries.
Aside from education, Leuven remains a cultural and economic center. The city is especially known for brewing and is home to the headquarters of Anheuser-Busch InBev. Moreover, it boasts excellent universities, such as KU Leuven and the Evangelical Theological Faculty.
4. Ghent
Ghent is a historic port and university city in Flanders. Given its location and history, it became an important center of trade, textiles, and manufacturing. These factors make the city a strong destination for students interested in a wide range of academic specializations.
However, despite modern pursuits, Ghent’s heritage plays a significant role in its identity. The city is rich in medieval architecture, churches, and historic sites, including St. Bavo’s Abbey, which dates back to the 7th century. This environment is especially inviting to design enthusiasts and students who appreciate medieval architecture.
It also promotes a car-free city center and is proud of its Vrijdagmarkt, or “Friday Market,” and the Ghent Festivities, a ten-day event promoting music, street art, and culture. 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 Wallonia as an economic and cultural center. The area has a long industrial history, including arms manufacturing, and today it is connected to sectors such as aerospace, biotechnology, engineering, and logistics.
The city’s expertise in such industries is reflected in its specialist courses and institutions, innovative teaching methods, and focus on applied learning. Beyond academic pursuits, Liège boasts many classic sights for student travelers. Its most iconic spots include the Palace of the Prince-Bishops and Place Saint-Lambert, where visitors can explore the Archéoforum and the remains of the former Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Lambert Cathedral.
Students can also catch Liège’s yearly festivals, Christmas markets, jazz events, and other music concerts, which can brighten their student experience. It is also one of the best cities in Belgium to study in because universities and higher education institutions provide high-quality education here. These include the University of Liège, HELMo University College, and École Supérieure des Arts Saint-Luc 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 study a program in the country. From Brussels to Ghent and Liège, you have many choices when deciding 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 and the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
