Belgium is a small and densely populated country in northwestern Europe known for its stunning castles and canals, high-quality chocolate, and well-known music festivals. Brussels hosts the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and several major European Union (EU) institutions. Bordered by France, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands, Belgium’s strategic location has helped make it a political and diplomatic 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 some of the top Belgian universities for international students.
Top Universities in Belgium for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS/SUBJECT AREAS |
|---|
| KU Leuven | Business Administration, Engineering Technology |
| Ghent University | Bioscience Engineering, Animal Sciences, Cell and Gene Biotechnology |
| UC Louvain | Human Resources Management, Law, Actuarial Science |
| University of Antwerp | Applied Economics, Business Engineering, Biochemistry and Biotechnology |
| Université Libre de Bruxelles | Political Science, European Studies, Human Rights |
| Vrije Universiteit Brussel | Social Sciences, Applied Computer Science, 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 KU Leuven offers many programs in English, especially at the graduate level. It also has an extensive library network, university hospitals, residence halls, and learning facilities.
As one of Europe’s oldest universities, KU Leuven focuses on progressive and interdisciplinary research. Reuters named KU Leuven Europe’s most innovative university for four consecutive years through the latest Reuters European innovation ranking in 2019. Its long history of research, innovation, and academic facilities provides a strong academic experience for international students.
2. Ghent University
Ghent University is a major research institution and one of the major universities in Belgium. 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. On UGent’s campuses, students can access learning facilities, libraries, incubation centers for start-ups, and research centers with strong activity in sustainability and other scientific fields.
The university engages in many partnerships with institutions in Europe and worldwide. It is also involved in Erasmus Mundus programs, including the International Master of Science in Soils and Global Change, coordinated by Ghent University with partner universities in Europe. 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 leading and largest French-speaking university in Belgium and one of the oldest universities in Europe. From its historical roots in the University of Louvain, it has remained a major contributor to teaching and research in fields such as 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 the university has several more campuses throughout Belgium. 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 founded in 2003 after the merger of three Antwerp university institutions, with roots going back to 1852. This history helped shape the school’s entrepreneurial approach and high standard of education. Its buildings are spread across several campuses in and around the city of Antwerp.
In addition to business and economics, UAntwerp offers degree programs in medicine, arts, design sciences, social sciences, law, engineering, science, pharmaceutical, veterinary, and biomedical sciences. It has a sizable international community and thousands of researchers working across fields such as 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 became a separate French-speaking institution in 1970 while remaining close to its Dutch-speaking counterpart, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Both schools embody the founding philosophy of free inquiry and knowledge. ULB is also highly regarded for its faculty and alumni, who have won Nobel Prizes, the Fields Medal, Wolf Prizes, and other prestigious awards.
Moreover, it is known as a multicultural and international university, with about one-third of its students and researchers coming from abroad. Students can choose from a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and Erasmus Mundus 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 campuses in Brussels and nine faculties responsible for education and research across fields such as social sciences, humanities, law, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, psychology, education, sciences, and bioengineering.
While many programs are taught in Dutch, this Belgian university also offers a growing range of English-taught programs at bachelor’s and master’s levels. VUB is strongly research-oriented and has an international presence, with more than 24,000 students from 145 countries across over 150 programs.
VUB stands by the principles of academic freedom and free inquiry. It is open to students regardless of political, ideological, or cultural background, helping 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, traces its origins to the Limburg University Centre, which began its first academic year in 1973. After many years of successful academic performance, it has grown to include several faculties and schools, including architecture and arts, business economics, engineering technology, law, medicine and life sciences, rehabilitation sciences, sciences, and transportation sciences.
Moreover, the institution spearheads innovative research. Its research institutes and centers include the Biomedical Research Institute, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Institute for Materials Research, Transportation Research Institute, Data Science Institute, Limburg Clinical Research Center, and Digital Future Lab. Hasselt University is also internationally ranked, appearing at 301–350 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 and =597 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
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, Leuven, and Ghent. Programs are taught with an emphasis on collaboration, networking, and innovation. Tuition fees vary by institution, region, and program. For example, in Flanders and Brussels in the 2025–2026 academic year, EU/EEA students pay €1,157, while non-EU/EEA students generally pay about €1,200 to €8,000 depending on the program. In French-speaking Belgium, fees depend on student status and may include additional contributions.
Furthermore, students in Belgium should budget around €800 to €1,200 per month for living costs, depending on the city, housing, and lifestyle. Belgian cities offer many cultural attractions and welcoming communities. These are relatively affordable rates for a high-quality education while living in a central European country.
Can International Students Work in Belgium While Studying?
International students can work in Belgium if they are enrolled in a recognized higher education institution and meet residence requirements. Non-EU/EEA students with a valid student residence permit can generally work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, provided the work does not interfere with their studies. During school holidays, this 20-hour weekly limit does not apply.
Can International Students Stay in Belgium After Graduation?
International graduates may be able to stay in Belgium after graduation, but the conditions depend on nationality, purpose, and length of stay. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals generally have simpler residence rules. Non-EU citizens may need a visa, work authorization, and valid residence status, depending on their situation and job offer.
Belgium also offers a “search year” after higher studies. Eligible third-country graduates can apply for authorization to stay in Belgium for up to 12 months to seek employment or set up a business, provided they meet the conditions set by the Belgian Immigration Office.
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 internationally recognized institutions that offer high-quality education and research prospects, increasing students’ career opportunities in the future. So, if you want to study a degree 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!
