Belgium may be a small country, but it offers a wide range of study options for local and international students alike. Several Belgian universities appear in major global rankings, and many institutions offer English-taught courses.
Belgium can also be a relatively affordable study destination compared with some European countries, especially because many public higher education programs are subsidized. However, tuition and living costs vary by region, institution, program, and student nationality. If you want to reduce your study costs, Belgium is worth considering because eligible students may be able to cover tuition and living expenses through scholarships.
How to Study in Belgium for Free
1. Get Good Grades and Submit Letters of Recommendation
It is important to prepare your application early because you may need to collect academic records, certificates, translations, proof of language proficiency, and other documents. Some institutions may also ask for a motivation letter, recommendation letters, or program-specific materials.
Application dates in Belgium vary by institution, program, level of study, and nationality. In Flanders, applications generally open around November or December for programs starting the following September, but each institution and program sets its own deadline. For example, KU Leuven uses rolling admissions for many programs, while some programs have fixed deadlines.
If you decide to enroll in a limited-entry course, you may need to complete additional selection steps. For example, some medical and dental programs require an entrance exam, while other limited-entry programs may use quotas or specific selection procedures.
2. Apply for Scholarships
Many Belgian institutions and scholarship bodies offer funding for international students, but most awards are competitive and have specific eligibility rules. Common options include institutional financial aid, the Government of Flanders Master Mind Scholarship, VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships, and ARES international training scholarships. These awards may cover tuition, living costs, travel, insurance, or a combination of these expenses, depending on the scholarship.
3. Apply to Affordable Universities in Belgium
Belgium can be affordable compared with many other study destinations, but there is no single tuition fee for all international students. In Flanders, full-time tuition for a 60-ECTS degree program in 2026–2027 is listed at €1,157 for EU/EEA nationals and €2,300 to €9,500 for non-EU/EEA nationals, depending on the program. In the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, students from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation or EU member states pay maximum annual tuition fees of €1,194 from 2025–2026, while many non-EU students pay €5,369 unless they qualify for an exemption. A good example is the University of Namur, where current listed fees for non-EU students vary from €1,194 to €5,369 depending on the student’s status, with separate doctoral fees.
Tuition-free Options for Bachelor’s Studies in Belgium
Eligible students may be able to reduce or fully cover the cost of undergraduate education in Belgium through these scholarship or financial aid options:
| SCHOLARSHIP NAME | HOST INSTITUTION | SCHOLARSHIP VALUE | SCHOLARSHIP PAGE |
|---|
| Financial Aid | Royal Conservatory of Brussels | partial living costs, based on social-service assessment | Scholarship Page |
| VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship: Bachelor of Applied Computer Science | Thomas More University of Applied Sciences | tuition, travel, insurance, and living expenses | Scholarship Page |
| VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship: Bachelor of Hotel Management | VIVES Noord | tuition, travel, insurance, and living expenses | Scholarship Page |
Tuition-free Options for Master’s Studies in Belgium
These scholarships can make a master’s course in Belgium tuition-free or fully funded for selected students.
| SCHOLARSHIP NAME | HOST INSTITUTION | SCHOLARSHIP VALUE | SCHOLARSHIP PAGE |
|---|
| Romain De Cock Scholarship | Institute of Tropical Medicine | tuition, travel, and subsistence | Scholarship Page |
| Master Mind Scholarship | participating Flemish higher education institutions | €10,225 grant and tuition fee waiver per academic year | Scholarship Page |
| VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships | selected Flemish institutions and programs | tuition, travel, insurance, and living expenses | Scholarship Page |
Tuition-free Options for Ph.D. Studies in Belgium
You can become a Ph.D. student in Belgium with funding, but doctoral support usually depends on a scholarship, assistantship, funded research project, or university vacancy. Check each university’s current call before applying.
| SCHOLARSHIP NAME | HOST INSTITUTION | SCHOLARSHIP VALUE | SCHOLARSHIP PAGE |
|---|
| PhD Scholarship for Developing Countries | UCLouvain | funding opportunity; coverage and call details vary by current call | Scholarship Page |
| Doctoral Assistantships and Funded PhD Positions | Vrije Universiteit Brussel | varies by position; funding may be through assistant academic staff roles or research projects | Scholarship Page |
| PhD Scholarships for Researchers from the South | KU Leuven | doctoral scholarship, tuition-fee exemption, bench fee, and travel reimbursement | Scholarship Page |
FAQs: Studying in Belgium as an International Student
How Much Is the Cost to Study in Belgium?
For living expenses, students should plan carefully because costs vary by city and lifestyle. Study in Flanders estimates that an average month in Flanders or Brussels costs about €800 to €1,000 for a student, while KU Leuven estimates around €1,050 to €1,400 per month. This means annual living costs may range from about €9,600 to €16,800, depending on where and how you live.
Tuition is separate from living costs and depends on the institution, program, study level, region, and whether you are an EU/EEA or non-EU/EEA student. Non-EU students should also check the Belgian student visa proof-of-means requirement. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the minimum amount is €1,062 net per month.
Can You Study in English at Belgium Universities?
Yes. Many programs for international students are taught in English, especially at the master’s level and in Flanders and Brussels. Belgium’s three national languages are Dutch, French, and German, so learning the language of your region can still give you access to a wider range of courses and help with daily life.
If you want to study a particular course at a Belgian university, check the official program page to confirm the language of instruction. If your preferred program is not offered in English, you may need to prove proficiency in Dutch, French, or German, depending on the institution and region.
There are many well-known scholarships in Belgium, which means that competition can be strong. To improve your chances, prepare your documents early, check eligibility rules carefully, and apply to several suitable opportunities rather than relying on only one award.
When applying, avoid scholarship scams that ask for money upfront or guarantee an award in exchange for a membership fee. Many legitimate scholarship programs are offered by Belgian governments, universities, and recognized funding bodies, so take time to choose what best fits your needs.
We hope that this article on how to study in Belgium for free was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in Belgium and Available Programs in Europe for more valuable tips and scholarship opportunities!
