If you are considering studying abroad at one of the best Belgian universities, such as KU Leuven or UCLouvain, or if you have already received an acceptance letter from one of these schools, the cost of paying for college and living in Belgium will probably be a major factor to consider. As a European country with about 98% of its population living in urban areas, Belgium might initially seem like a pricey destination. However, to help you assess this, this article presents an overview of academic and living expenses, including tuition fees, housing options, transportation costs, and other related factors, to help you make the most of every euro you spend in Belgium.
Costs of Studying in Belgium
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
With a wide variety of academic degrees and institutions spread across Belgium, tuition fees can vary significantly depending on the institution, program, level of study, and the student’s nationality or residence status. These fees often cover more than just standard tuition; they can also include laboratory, studio, or study-resource fees.
One major factor affecting tuition is whether a student qualifies for the EU/EEA or domestic fee rate. Students from the EU and EEA often pay less in tuition in Belgium. For example, a 60-credit bachelor’s program at the University of Antwerp costs €1,181.40 for EEA students, while the standard non-EEA bachelor’s fee is €4,300. For standard master’s, preparatory, and bridging programs at the same university, the 60-credit fee is €1,181.40 for EEA students and €7,800 for non-EEA students.
To provide a clearer picture, refer to the table below for an overview of current tuition examples and ranges at five major Belgian universities. Because fees vary by program and student status, always confirm the exact amount on the university’s official tuition page before applying.
| BELGIAN INSTITUTION | UNDERGRADUATE TUITION EXAMPLES | POSTGRADUATE TUITION EXAMPLES |
|---|
| KU Leuven | Program-specific; for example, the Bachelor of European Studies is €2,450 for EEA students and €8,500 for non-EEA students. | Program-specific; for example, the Master of Sociology is €1,181.40 for EEA students and €5,613.10 for non-EEA students. |
| Ghent University | For many bachelor’s programs, the standard 60-credit EEA fee is €1,181.40; some non-EEA students may pay the same rate depending on program and status. | For many master’s programs, the 60-credit EEA fee is €1,181.40; non-EEA fees may be €2,297.40 or €7,079.40 depending on faculty and exemptions. |
| UCLouvain | For 2026–2027, the full EU/assimilated fee is €1,194; non-EU students who are not exempt generally pay an additional €4,175. | For 2026–2027, the full EU/assimilated fee is €1,194; non-EU students who are not exempt generally pay an additional €4,175. |
| University of Antwerp | €1,181.40 for EEA students and €4,300 for non-EEA students for a standard 60-credit bachelor’s program. | €1,181.40 for EEA students and €7,800 for non-EEA students for standard 60-credit master’s, preparatory, and bridging programs. |
| Université libre de Bruxelles | For EU students, the 2026–2027 full fee is €1,194, with reduced categories of €835, €374, or €0 depending on financial status. | For non-EU students who are not exempt, the 2026–2027 fee is €1,194 plus €4,175 in additional fees. |
Other Academic Costs
While a large portion of academic costs is usually covered by tuition, there are several additional expenses that international students should be aware of. Application fees vary by university and student category. For example, KU Leuven charges a €90 application fee for most degree-seeking, credit-contract, and specialization applicants. UCLouvain charges a €200 application fee for some non-EU applicants without Belgian student status, and this amount is deducted from tuition if the application is accepted.
Health insurance is another important expense. Some EEA students may be covered through the European Health Insurance Card, and some non-EEA students may be covered through a bilateral agreement or private insurance. Students who join a Belgian health insurance fund may pay a yearly membership contribution, often around €100 to €120, and some students may also need to pay a legal contribution depending on their situation. At VUB, foreign students are advised to budget for mandatory medical insurance of about €12 to €100 per month.
Students should also consider study materials, housing deposits, document copies, fire or third-party liability insurance, and other first-month setup costs. These expenses vary widely by institution and city, so it is important to plan for them when estimating the overall financial commitment of studying in Belgium.
Costs of Living in Belgium
1. Brussels
Brussels is Belgium’s capital and largest city, making it one of the more expensive places to live in the country. International students should generally budget around €1,000 per month excluding tuition fees and course materials, although the final amount depends on lifestyle, housing type, and whether utilities are included in rent.
In Brussels, student accommodation commonly costs about €450 to €550 per month, while energy costs can add around €100 to €130 per month. Food often costs about €250 to €300 per month. Brussels is home to several major higher education institutions, including Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), making it a popular destination for international students who want to study in a multilingual, urban environment.
2. Antwerp
After the capital, Belgium’s port city Antwerp also has a lot to offer. Known for its rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, Antwerp is not only a cultural hub but also a center for its renowned diamond industry. The city is also filled with art, fashion, and gastronomy, making it an attractive destination for international students.
Living costs in Antwerp require careful budgeting. Based on a University of Antwerp estimate from a survey of degree students in the 2024–2025 academic year, individual students spent an average of about €1,461 per month, or approximately €17,483 per year, including rent, groceries, utilities, transport, internet and mobile costs, school supplies, health insurance, and other expenses. One useful transport option is the City Pass for Antwerp and Ghent, which combines De Lijn and NMBS-SNCB transport and starts from €60.
3. Ghent
As the home city of Ghent University, Ghent is popular for its stunning medieval architecture and an engaging atmosphere filled with cafes, bars, and cultural events that cater to the interests of its residents.
Ghent can still be costly, especially because housing is often the largest monthly expense. Ghent University’s cost guide estimates that a single person may spend about €1,200 to €1,800 per month, depending on housing and lifestyle. Shared rooms or student housing may cost about €400 to €650 per month, while utilities and internet may add around €120 to €200. Despite these costs, Ghent offers plenty in return, including cultural festivals, historical landmarks, and access to some of Belgium’s well-known higher education institutions.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in Belgium
Scholarships for International Students
The best way to reduce your academic costs in Belgium is through scholarships. These are offered by Belgian universities, the Belgian government, and various external organizations. Depending on the scholarship, support can cover part of tuition, the full tuition fee, living costs, or other study-related expenses. Below are five Belgian institutions and examples of scholarship offerings:
Part-time Work for International Students
While scholarships can help reduce academic costs, international students in Belgium can also work part-time to manage living expenses. In Flanders, international students can work during the period of validity of their residence permit. During the academic year, they may work for a maximum of 20 hours per week, and they may work more than 20 hours per week during official holiday periods. However, they cannot work when they are supposed to be attending classes or other activities related to their study program, and they are not allowed to work during the summer before the start of their first academic year in Belgium.
Popular part-time jobs for students include working in cafes, retail stores, or administrative roles at universities. These jobs offer flexibility, making it easier to balance work and studies, but students should always make sure their work schedule complies with residence-permit rules and does not interfere with their studies.
With this cost breakdown, living and studying in Belgium can be manageable with the right planning. Belgian universities offer scholarship opportunities, and combining these with part-time work and affordable living options can ease financial stress. So, whether you are considering the University of Antwerp, Ghent University, or another Belgian institution, applying to these universities while managing your resources carefully can help you save a lot.
We hope that this article on the Cost of Studying and Living in Belgium for International Students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Belgium Study Guide and Available Programs in Europe!
