If you are thinking about studying abroad, Belgium is a strong option. The country has well-regarded universities and university colleges that offer bachelor’s degree programs in Dutch, French, and English. A Belgian bachelor’s degree can support your academic growth, career plans, and future study options, but admission rules are not the same for every institution or program.
However, if you are unsure about how to apply or what you need, this article will guide you through the main steps. Keep reading to learn what international students should prepare before starting their education journey in Belgium.
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
Before applying for a bachelor’s degree program in Belgium, there are specific requirements you need to meet. These requirements vary depending on the university, the program, the language of instruction, and whether you apply with an EU or non-EU qualification.
| ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS | DOCUMENT DETAILS |
|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | A secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification is usually required. In many cases, the diploma must give you access to bachelor’s-level university studies in the country where it was issued. Some applicants may also need an equivalence decision or proof that their qualification gives access to higher education. |
| Academic transcripts | Academic transcripts are official records that show the grades and courses a student completed in school. Universities use them to assess whether the student meets the academic standards for admission. Some universities may also require certified translations if the documents are not in an accepted language. |
| Proof of language proficiency | Proof of language proficiency is a certificate or test result that shows you can study in the language of instruction, such as Dutch, French, or English. In Flanders, most bachelor’s programs require at least B2-level Dutch or English, while some programs require a higher level. In French-speaking Belgium, a French test is not always required for every bachelor’s program, but certain teacher-training bachelor’s programs require B2 French, and individual universities may set program-specific rules. |
| Entrance exam or positioning test results | Some programs require entrance exams, admission tests, or positioning tests. These are especially common for fields such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences, schools of arts, engineering, and certain science or social science programs. Requirements differ by institution and program. |
| Proof of financial means | Proof of financial means is often required for visa or residence procedures, especially for non-EU and non-EEA students. Some universities and regional authorities may also ask applicants to prepare a financial plan. Students should check the requirements of both the university and the Belgian visa office before applying. |
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
To study in Belgium, students must prove they can study in the language of instruction, which may be Dutch, French, or English. Each university accepts different language tests, and some programs require higher scores than the general university minimum.
| MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION | LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY EXAMS ACCEPTED |
|---|
| Dutch-taught Programs | NT2 Programma II
CNaVT
ITNA, depending on the institution |
| French-taught Programs | DELF
DALF
TCF
TEF, where required |
| English-taught Programs | TOEFL iBT
IELTS Academic
Cambridge English
ITACE
PTE Academic, depending on the institution |
For international students, showing language skills is important for admission to many universities in Belgium. Here are examples of well-known Belgian universities and their current language requirements. Always check the official program page because requirements may change and some programs set higher minimum scores.
| NAME OF INSTITUTION | MINIMUM SCORES REQUIRED |
|---|
| Vrije Universiteit Brussel | Dutch-taught Programs:
NT2 Programma II: passed; CNaVT: Educatief Startbekwaam; ITNA: B2
English-taught Programs:
TOEFL iBT: 79 with minimum component scores of 18 for tests taken before January 21, 2026, or the new TOEFL iBT score of 4.5 with minimum component scores of 4 for tests taken from January 21, 2026; IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component; ITACE: B2; Cambridge B2 First: minimum score of 170 |
| KU Leuven | Dutch-taught Programs:
Minimum Dutch level B2 for many programs; C1 for some programs
English-taught Programs:
TOEFL iBT: 79; IELTS Academic: 6.5; Cambridge English Advanced or Proficiency; ITACE C1 or C2. Some programs and faculties require higher scores or specific sub-scores. |
| University of Antwerp | Dutch-taught Programs:
ITNA: B2 for most programs or C1 for language-related programs; CNaVT: Educatief Startbekwaam for most programs or Educatief Professioneel for language-related programs; NT2 Programma II for most programs
English-taught Programs:
TOEFL iBT: 80 for tests taken before January 21, 2026, or the new TOEFL iBT score of 4.5 for tests taken from January 21, 2026; IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component; ITACE: B2; Cambridge B2 First: minimum score of 176; PTE Academic: 59 |
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
Applying for a bachelor’s degree in Belgium can feel difficult at first, but following the right steps makes it easier. With these guidelines, you can prepare your application carefully, meet the requirements, and avoid common mistakes.
Step 1: Research and Choose a University
Before you begin the application process, take time to explore different universities. Look at the programs they offer, the courses you can take, the language of instruction, tuition fees, application deadlines, and any special admission rules. Also, choose a university that fits your academic and career goals. Keep in mind that universities like Vrije Universiteit Brussel may have special requirements and deadlines, so make sure you know what each institution needs before applying.
Step 2: Get your Documents Ready
You will need to prepare the necessary documents, such as your secondary school diploma, academic transcripts, passport or identity document, proof of language proficiency, and any program-specific documents. Recommendation letters or motivation letters may be required for some programs, but they are not universal requirements for every bachelor’s application. For example, the University of Liège requires proof of previous education and may require proof of language knowledge depending on the program, while the University of Antwerp asks applicants to meet diploma, language, and program-specific requirements.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
To start, visit the university’s admissions website and begin your online application. You may have to create an account, fill in your personal details, upload the required documents, and share information about your academic background. Check everything carefully and confirm that all details are correct before submitting.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Some universities charge an application fee or administrative fee. This fee helps cover the cost of processing your application. For instance, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and KU Leuven require degree-seeking applicants to pay an application fee of €90. Other institutions may use different fees or deposits. For example, UCLouvain may charge certain non-EU applicants a €200 application or administrative fee, which is deducted from registration fees if the student enrolls and is generally nonrefundable otherwise.
Step 5: Submit Your Application and Wait
After you have completed all the steps and submitted your application, the university will review your file. This process may take several weeks or months, depending on the institution, the program, and whether your file is complete. Once the university has made its decision, you will receive an admissions update or decision letter.
FAQs: Bachelor’s Application Process in Belgium
Is it Expensive to Study Bachelor’s in Belgium?
Studying for a bachelor’s degree in Belgium can be more affordable than in some other study destinations, but tuition fees vary widely by community, institution, program, nationality, and credit load. For example, UCLouvain lists 2026–2027 tuition levels pending approval, including €1,194 for the full standard tuition fee, €835 for the intermediate fee, €374 for the reduced fee, and €0 for students with a qualifying grant, while many non-EU students may also owe an additional contribution of €4,175 unless exempt. KU Leuven lists 2026–2027 fee categories for a standard 60-credit program ranging from €1,181.40 to €9,493.92, depending on the student category and program. At Vrije Universiteit Brussel, tuition is calculated from a fixed amount and a variable amount per credit, and the university gives a 2025–2026 non-EEA Bachelor of Social Sciences example of €4,960 for one academic year. Students should always check the official fee page for the exact academic year before applying.
Is it Easy for an International Student to be Admitted to a Belgium University?
It can be competitive for international students to be admitted to Belgian universities, especially for programs with entrance exams, limited places, or strict subject requirements. However, many bachelor’s programs mainly assess whether the applicant meets the diploma, language, document, deadline, and program-specific requirements. The acceptance rates vary, but official acceptance-rate data is not consistently published by Belgian universities, so students should not rely only on third-party estimates. Meeting the required academic standards, proving language proficiency, and submitting all necessary documents on time are key for a successful application.
Are there Scholarship Opportunities for International Undergraduate Students in Belgium?
Yes, Belgium offers scholarship opportunities for international undergraduate students, but bachelor-level funding is not guaranteed and eligibility varies by scholarship, nationality, program, and institution. For example, the University of Antwerp lists scholarship options for different study levels, while the University of Liège provides information on grants, financial support, and specific awards. Scholarship coverage can vary from partial support to larger awards, and students should check whether a scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel, insurance, or only part of the cost of studying in Belgium.
Studying in Belgium is an excellent option for international students seeking a quality degree in a well-regarded European study destination. A Belgian degree can support your academic and career goals. Make sure to thoroughly research and choose the right university, then follow the application steps carefully for a smooth admission process.
We hope this guide on how to apply for a bachelor’s degree in Belgium was helpful. If you’re looking to study abroad, make sure to check out the Study in Belgium and Available Programs for International Students sections!
