If you are looking to boost your career and gain new skills, earning a master’s degree abroad could be a great step. When it comes to choosing where to study, Belgium is an excellent option. The country is home to internationally ranked universities that offer a wide range of master’s programs, including engineering, business, the arts, and sciences. Depending on the university and program, you may also have access to research facilities, internships, projects, and professional networking opportunities, making Belgium a strong place for academic and career growth.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a master’s degree in Belgium, including the requirements, application process, and useful tips to help you get started. Be sure to read this article to the end for all the details.
Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
Universities in Belgium typically ask you to submit important documents before you can be considered for admission. These admission requirements are not the same for every school or program. However, here are some common requirements that you may be asked to provide.
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS | DOCUMENT DETAILS |
|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Applicants usually need a recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent. In many cases, the degree should be related to the master’s program or include enough prerequisite coursework for admission. |
| Language Proficiency | Language test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, or PTE Academic for English, ITNA, NT2, or CNaVT for Dutch, or DELF/DALF, TEF, or TCF for French may be required to show that you can study in the language used in the program. For instance, the University of Antwerp requires proof of English proficiency for English-taught master’s programs and accepts several tests, including TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, ITACE, Cambridge English, and PTE Academic. |
| Recommendation Letters | Recommendation letters describe your skills, character, and why you are a strong fit for the program. Some programs may ask for one or more letters from teachers, professors, or employers who can vouch for your abilities and potential. |
| CV/Resume | This document summarizes your educational background, work experience, achievements, and skills. |
| Academic Transcripts | Academic transcripts show the courses you took and the grades you received during your previous studies. They provide a record of your academic history. |
| Proof of Financial Means | Students who need a Belgian student visa must show sufficient means of subsistence. Accepted proof may include a scholarship certificate, Annex 32 sponsorship, a bank guarantee or blocked account, or a university proof-of-solvency procedure where available. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the Belgian Immigration Office lists the minimum student amount as €1,062 net per month. The University of Antwerp explains the accepted options and its proof-of-solvency procedure for eligible students. |
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Graduate Studies
International students may be required to provide proof of language proficiency to show that they understand the language their program will be taught in. Always check the exact program page because some programs set higher or more specific scores than the university-wide minimum.
| MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION | LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY EXAMS ACCEPTED |
|---|
| Dutch-taught Programs | ITNA
NT2 Program II
CNaVT |
| French-taught Programs | DELF/DALF
TEF
TCF |
| English-taught Programs | IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
Cambridge English
PTE Academic
ITACE, where accepted |
To get a better understanding of the language requirements for universities in Belgium, look at the table below.
| NAME OF INSTITUTION | MINIMUM SCORES REQUIRED |
|---|
| University of Antwerp | Dutch-taught Programs:
ITNA B2 for most programs, CNaVT Educatief Startbekwaam for most programs, or NT2 Program II. Some language-related programs, teaching master’s programs, and advanced master’s programs in medicine may require C1 or a different CNaVT profile.
English-taught Programs:
80 (TOEFL iBT for exams before January 21, 2026) or 4.5 (TOEFL exams on or after January 21, 2026), 6.5 (IELTS Academic, with at least 6.0 in each component), B2 (ITACE), Cambridge B2 First with a score of at least 176, or 59 (PTE Academic). Some programs may require higher scores. |
| University of Liège | French- or English-taught Programs:
Usually B2 in the language of instruction. Accepted French tests include DELF, DALF, TEF, or TCF. Accepted English tests include TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Cambridge FCE, or Cambridge CAE.
For B2 English, the university lists 5.5–6.5 (IELTS), 72–95 (TOEFL iBT for tests after 2019) or 4 under the 2026 TOEFL scale, Cambridge FCE over 160, and Cambridge CAE over 180. Teacher-training master’s programs may require C1 French, and some faculties set stricter rules. |
| Ghent University | Dutch-taught Programs:
B2 Dutch is required for most master’s programs. Accepted B2 proofs include ITNA B2, CNaVT STRT Educatief Startbekwaam, NT2 Program II, or a B2 certificate from a Belgian or Dutch university language center. Some programs require C1.
English-taught Programs:
B2 English is required for most English-taught master’s programs. Accepted B2 proofs include TOEFL 4–4.5 under Ghent University’s current TOEFL scale, 6.0 (IELTS), B2 (ITACE), Cambridge B2 First, 59–75 (PTE Academic), or another accepted equivalent proof. Some programs require C1 or program-specific scores. |
Master’s Degree Application Process
Applying for a master’s program at a Belgian university can feel overwhelming, but following these simple steps will make the process smoother.
Step 1: Pick a Program
Start your application process by choosing a master’s program that fits your interests and career goals. Belgian universities such as Hasselt University and the University of Namur offer master’s options in fields such as business, management, engineering, computer science, transportation, health, economics, and natural sciences. You can also check out popular choices at KU Leuven or Ghent University.
Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready
Then, prepare all required documents. These usually include your academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, letters of recommendation if required, proof of language skills, such as IELTS or TOEFL, and a copy of your passport or identity card.
Step 3: Check Application Deadlines
It is also important to check application deadlines on the university’s website so you can stay on track and avoid submitting your application late. Deadlines may be different for EU and non-EU students. For example, the University of Mons lists March 31 as the deadline for non-EU applicants who do not live in Belgium, while the deadline for all others is August 31.
Step 4: Check If You Qualify
Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the program. This might include having a related bachelor’s degree, specific grades, prerequisite coursework, and language proficiency test scores. It is important to do this before applying, especially if you are applying to a school like the Free University of Brussels.
Step 5: Apply Online
The next step is to fill out the application form on the university’s website. During this process, you will be asked to provide your personal and academic details and upload all required documents. Double-check that your details are correct before submitting.
Step 6: Pay the Fees
Before or after admission, you may need to pay an application fee, administrative fee, tuition deposit, or first tuition installment, depending on the university and program. Do not assume every institution requires the same type of payment; follow the instructions in your application portal, admission letter, or tuition invoice. For example, for 60 credits in 2026–2027, Ghent University’s fees in the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration are listed as €1,181.40 for EEA students and €7,079.40 for non-EEA students.
FAQs: Master’s Application Process in Belgium
Is it Expensive to Study Master’s in Belgium?
Master’s programs in Belgium can be more affordable than some other European study destinations, but fees vary by region, institution, program, nationality or residence status, and scholarship status. For 2026–2027, Study in Flanders lists tuition for a 60-credit degree program as €1,157 for EU/EEA nationals and €2,300 to €9,500 for non-EU/EEA nationals, depending on the program. In French-speaking Belgium, Wallonie-Bruxelles Campus lists maximum annual registration fees of €1,194 for Belgian, Wallonia-Brussels Federation, or EU students and €5,369 for most non-exempt non-EU students, with exceptions for some specialized master’s and MBA programs.
For example, Ghent University lists €1,181.40 for EEA students and €7,079.40 for non-EEA students for 60 credits in its Faculty of Economics and Business Administration in 2026–2027. At the Free University of Brussels (Vrije Universiteit Brussel/VUB), a 60-credit EEA master’s fee is €1,181.40 in 2026–2027, while non-EEA master’s fees vary by program and include examples such as €2,500, €3,182, €4,400, €5,320, and €5,720.
How Long Does it Typically Take to Prepare for Applying to a University in Belgium?
Preparing to apply to a university in Belgium can take several months. You will need time to choose programs, check eligibility, gather documents such as transcripts, a CV, a motivation letter, and proof of language skills, and complete any legalization. Start early so you can meet all requirements and prepare properly if you are admitted.
Are there Scholarship Opportunities for International Graduate Students in Belgium?
Yes, international graduate students can apply for scholarships in Belgium. Options may include government, regional, Erasmus Mundus, VLIR-UOS, Master Mind, and university-specific scholarships, depending on the program, nationality, academic record, and eligibility rules. Hasselt University participates in opportunities such as Master Mind and some program-specific scholarships. The University of Antwerp also participates in several scholarship schemes, including Master Mind, Erasmus Mundus, VLIR-UOS, DFL-UAntwerp, and High Potential Incentives. Coverage, deadlines, and eligibility conditions vary, so always check the scholarship page of the university and program you are applying to.
Belgium can be an excellent choice for pursuing a master’s degree. Students can gain valuable knowledge to achieve their academic goals and may also access career opportunities after graduation, depending on their residence status, skills, and the labor market. To ensure a smooth admission process, make sure you meet all requirements and submit a complete, error-free application on time.
We hope that this article on how to study for a master’s in Belgium was helpful! Make sure to also check out the Study in Belgium and Available Programs for International Students!
