Belgium is a small and densely populated country in northwestern Europe known for its stunning castles and canals, high-quality chocolate, and the best music festivals in the world. It is home to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU). Bordered by France, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands, its strategic location made it a political hub.
Belgium offers a genuine European experience, being at the continent’s heart. But it isn’t only for tourists; it is also a remarkable destination for international students. In this article, we will be looking at the best Belgian universities for international students.
Top Universities in Belgium for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME |
TOP-RATED PROGRAMS |
| KU Leuven |
Business Administration, Engineering Technology |
| Ghent University |
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Science, Cell Biology |
| UC Louvain |
Human Resources Management, Law, Actuarial Sciences |
| University of Antwerp |
Applied Economics, Business Engineering, Biotechnology |
| Université Libre de Bruxelles |
Political Science, European Studies, Human Rights |
| Vrije Universiteit Brussel |
Social Sciences, Applied Sciences and Engineering |
| Hasselt University |
Biomedical Sciences, Management, Energy Engineering Technology |
1. KU Leuven
KU Leuven, locally known as Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, has long been one of the best institutions in Belgium for international students. It offers study programs in various disciplines, including natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, medicine, business, law, and humanities. Most programs are taught in Dutch, but many are offered in English, especially at the graduate level. It houses over 20 libraries, a university hospital, residence halls, and learning facilities.
While one of Europe’s oldest institutions, KU Leuven focused on progressive and interdisciplinary research and was awarded by Thomas Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe. A rich history of cutting-edge research and facilities truly provides the best academic experience for international students.
2. Ghent University
Ghent University is a major research institution and one of the largest in the country. This top Belgian school has many international students pursuing degrees in a variety of subject areas, including bioscience engineering, psychology and educational sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and arts and philosophy. Within UGent’s campus are first-rate learning facilities, an extensive library, incubation centers for start-ups, and research centers that mostly focus on sustainability.
The university engages in many partnerships with institutions in Europe and worldwide. It even leads Erasmus Mundus programs in Master of Science in Rural Development and Soils and Global Change. With a global outlook and a broad academic portfolio, international students at UGent are sure to receive a high-quality education.
3. Catholic University of Louvain
The Catholic University of Louvain, or UCLouvain, is the largest French-speaking institution in Belgium and the oldest Catholic school in Europe. From the 15th century to the present, it has been a leading contributor to the development of Catholic theology. It is often among the top-ranking for philosophy, theology, and religious studies. In addition to these disciplines, it offers quality programs in the arts and humanities, social and political sciences, educational sciences, architecture, and more.
UCLouvain’s main campus is located in the planned city of Louvain-la-Neuve, and five more campuses are spread throughout the country. Within these premises, student associations called Régionales and Cercles host cultural activities and trips to make international students feel at home.
4. University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp, one of the best universities in Belgium for international students, was established as a merger of three institutions focusing on business. This history made the school known for its entrepreneurial approach and high standard of education. These faculties are housed in six campuses throughout the city of Antwerp.
In addition to business and economics, UA offers degree programs in medicine, arts, design science, social sciences, law, engineering, science, pharmaceutical, veterinary, and biomedical sciences. It has many international students representing 132 countries and 3,000 tenured researchers focusing on ecology, sustainable development, infectious diseases, and socio-economic policy.
5. Université Libre de Bruxelles
The Université Libre de Bruxelles is one of two universities that trace their roots to the Free University of Brussels. It gained independence in 1970 as a French-speaking institution while remaining close to its Dutch-speaking affiliate, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Both schools embody the founding philosophy of freedom of inquiry and knowledge. ULB is also highly regarded for its faculty and alums, who have won the Nobel Prize, Francqui Prize, Fields Medal, and other prestigious awards.
Moreover, it is known as a global university, as 32% of its study body comes from abroad. Students can choose from over 1,000 programs in various subjects, including philosophy, history, musicology, legal sciences, criminology, architecture, engineering, and more.
6. Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Vrije Universiteit Brussel traces its origins to the Free University of Brussels, similar to its close affiliate, the Université Libre de Bruxelles. VUB has four campuses in Brussels that house its eight faculties: natural sciences, social sciences, life sciences, humanities, law, engineering, physical education, and medicine & pharmacy.
While most programs are taught in Dutch, this top university in Belgium also offers over 50 courses in English. VUB is strongly research-oriented and has an international presence. It also has the most cited research articles in all Dutch universities and is among the top 200 in the world in research quality.
VUB stands by the principle of academic freedom, which states that students and faculty contribute to the school management’s decisions. It is open to all students regardless of political, ideological, or cultural background, making international students feel more than welcome.
7. Hasselt University
Hasselt University, the last on our list of the best universities in Belgium for international students, started with only two faculties in 1973: the Faculty of Medicine-Dentistry and Sciences. After many years of successful academic performance, it has grown to six faculties, including architecture, engineering technology, law, and transportation services.
Moreover, the institution spearheads innovative research. It manages six research centers with a broad focus, including visual computing, biomedicine, material research, digital media, and environmental science. It has gained a good reputation on the international academic stage, ranking among the top 10% worldwide in various university rankings.
FAQs: Studying in Belgian Universities
Is Belgium Good for International Students to Study In?
Belgium’s pivotal position makes it a strong point for internationalization. It fosters a multicultural environment that is welcoming to international students. The country has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German, but English is widely spoken as well. You can easily learn a second or third language in Belgium, which is valuable in today’s society.
Moreover, many high-ranking universities in Belgium are in student cities like Brussels and Bruges. Programs are taught with an emphasis on collaboration, networking, and innovation. Tuition fees vary for public and private universities but are estimated to be €850 a year for EU/EEA citizens and between €1,000 and €4,000 yearly for other nationals.
Furthermore, you can comfortably live in Belgium for around €750 to €1,100 per month. Belgian cities offer many cultural attractions and accepting and friendly groups of people. These are very affordable rates for a high-quality education while living in one of the world’s safest and most peaceful countries.
Can International Students Work in Belgium While Studying?
International students can work in Belgium if enrolled in a tertiary education institution and hold a valid residence permit. You will need a fixed-term student employment contract called the “single permit.” During the regular semester, you can work up to 20 hours a week and not in conflicting hours with classes. There is no hour limit for holidays, including Christmas and summer (July to September).
Can International Students Stay in Belgium After Graduation?
International graduates are generally allowed to stay in Belgium, but a few conditions depend on nationality, purpose, and length of stay. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals only need a passport or identity card. Non-EU citizens need a visa, work permit, and valid residence status. You can apply for a work permit from regional employment agencies.
Sometimes, your employer will process your work permit and sponsor your visa. Belgium also recently passed a motion in February 2021, allowing foreign graduates to find work for one year. Unlike in previous years, you won’t have to return to your home country after your studies.
Belgium’s central location in Europe and many English-taught programs make it ideal for international students interested in pursuing a degree abroad. It is home to world-renowned institutions that offer high-quality education and research prospects, increasing their career opportunities in the future. So, if you want to learn a program in this country, consider the universities listed above and start your educational journey as soon as possible!
We hope this article on the top universities in Belgium for international students was helpful. Also, if you want to learn more information like this, make sure to check out the Belgium Page and Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
