Dreaming of studying in Europe? Belgium, with its rich culture, strong education system, and lively student life, is an excellent choice for international students. Belgium offers something unique, whether you’re attracted to its universities or the chance to experience different languages and cultures. But before you move, you must see where you stand in its English language requirements. Many universities accept TOEFL scores as part of their admission requirements. So, if you’re curious about which schools recognize TOEFL, here’s a list of seven Belgian universities ready to welcome students like you. Let’s explore them together.
TOEFL Scores Accepted at Belgium Universities
Here’s a list of universities accepting TOEFL scores.
1. KU Leuven
KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) is one of Belgium’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Established in 1425, it is located in Leuven, Flanders, and consistently ranks among the top universities globally. It offers a wide range of programs across disciplines like engineering, humanities and social sciences, and biomedical sciences, with a significant portion of its courses taught in English.
For admissions, KU Leuven generally requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90 for most English-taught undergraduate programs. For instance, a Bachelor in Business Administration has a TOEFL requirement of 90. However, some programs may have higher requirements, especially at the graduate level. For example, the Master’s in Advanced Studies in Economics requires a TOEFL iBT score of 94. These requirements may vary depending on the field of study and degree level, so checking the detailed admissions criteria for your chosen program is essential.
2. Ghent University
Ghent University, founded in 1817, is a major public research university in Belgium. It is renowned for its robust research output and comprehensive range of academic programs. With over 200 programs spanning humanities, sciences, engineering, and medicine, Ghent University draws students from around the globe.
The university accepts a minimum score of 72 and this can go high to 120 depending on your origin country, your language, and the program you’re choosing. These scores reflect a basic threshold, and some programs, especially at the graduate level, may have higher requirements. Therefore, students should always check the specific requirements for their intended program.
3. Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a leading university in Brussels, Belgium’s capital. Founded in 1834, VUB prides itself on its strong emphasis on critical thinking, academic freedom, and societal engagement. With many English-taught programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, VUB is an attractive choice for international students who wish to study in a multicultural environment.
It offers several options for students needing to demonstrate English language proficiency. International applicants must provide scores from exams like the TOEFL, IELTS, CEFR, or Duolingo. VUB generally requires a TOEFL iBT score of at least 79 for Business Economics or an IELTS score of 6.5 and other programs. These benchmarks are necessary for bachelor’s and master’s degrees however, some programs might have other specific requirements. Apart from English, VUB offers many programs in Dutch, for which students need to meet Dutch language requirements.
4. University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a prominent public university located in Antwerp, Belgium. Established in 2003, it emerged from a merger of three older institutions, giving it both a modern outlook and deep academic roots. Known for its focus on innovation and research, the university offers a broad spectrum of programs in areas like business, science, engineering, and arts.
At the university, 80 is the generally accepted minimum score for the TOEFL; however, it is recommended that you have a higher score to secure your spot. Meeting the minimum score indicates basic proficiency, but the University of Antwerp emphasizes academic English. Therefore, you should be comfortable with English in a scholarly context, as classes and assessments will involve complex discussions, technical vocabulary, and advanced writing.
5. Hasselt University
Hasselt University is a smaller research-driven university in Belgium known for its focus on innovation and regional engagement. Located in Hasselt, the university offers a variety of English-taught programs across fields like sciences, engineering, and business.
To apply to Hasselt University for a program taught in English, students must demonstrate English proficiency. The university accepts TOEFL scores with a minimum internet-based score of 89 for the Master of Management and Master of Statistics and Data Sciences. Alternatively, applicants can submit an IELTS score with an overall band of at least 6.5. Only academic TOEFL or IELTS test results are accepted, so make sure to take the right version of the test.
6. University of Mons
The University of Mons is a reputable institution in Belgium that specializes in business and management education. As one of the leading business schools in Belgium, it offers a variety of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration.
Being a competitive university, it requires international students to demonstrate proficiency in the English language for programs taught in the language. For this, the university accepts the TOEFL as one of the approved assessments. The general minimum score for the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) is 72. So, before applying you should be well prepared for the proficiency exam.
7. Thomas More University of Applied Sciences
Thomas More University of Applied Sciences is a well-regarded institution in Belgium, mainly known for its practical, career-focused education. With campuses in cities like Mechelen, Geel, and Antwerp, Thomas More offers various programs in fields such as business, technology, healthcare, and media. Many of their programs are available in English, making the university a popular choice for international students seeking to gain hands-on experience alongside their studies.
For most undergraduate programs, Thomas More accepts a variety of English language tests, including TOEFL, IELTS, CEFR, and Duolingo. To meet the requirements, students should achieve a minimum level of B2, corresponding to a TOEFL iBT score of around 79. The university also offers a supportive application process, with no fees and flexible deadlines for EEA students. International students, however, should pay attention to deadlines specific to non-EEA students if they are applying for programs starting in either September or February.
Studying in Belgium equips students with world-class studying experience, multilingual opportunities, and cultural diversity. So, if you want to get admission into Belgium universities make sure you know the required TOEFL scores. Each institution sets its requirements, often varying by program and degree level, so checking specific criteria for your chosen field is essential. Prospective students should also consider other factors, such as tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, and living costs, which can impact the overall study experience in Belgium.
We hope this article will help in your search for the best university in Belgium. Learn more valuable tips and scholarship opportunities in the Study in Belgium and Available Programs sections!
