Cost of Studying and Living in Belgium: A Complete Student Guide

Belgium is a captivating country that easily wins over any visitor. Whether you are a tourist or an international student, you will feel right at home amidst its stunning landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant, multicultural society.

As an international student, you can access world-class higher education, but what budget should you prepare for this land famous for its waffles, chocolate, and academic excellence?

1. University tuition fees in Belgium

Belgium is comprised of three distinct regions, each influencing your study experience:

• the Flemish Region (or Flanders)
• the Brussels – Capital Region
• the Walloon Region (or Wallonia)

In Wallonia, tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students are regulated by ARES (the Academy of Research and Higher Education). These fees are capped at no more than five times the amount paid by domestic EU/EEA students.

In the Flemish Region, tuition structures differ for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens, with base costs starting at approximately 900 EUR per academic year. While EU/EEA fees remain restricted, non-EU/EEA tuition may vary significantly depending on the university and program.

Rest assured, Belgian universities maintain transparent and fair tuition policies. Higher costs typically reflect factors like the student’s financial background, the specific study program, or the availability of institutional grants and scholarships.

To give you a better idea, here are some typical examples of tuition fees in Belgium:

• – tuition between 835 – 9,000 EUR/year  
• – tuition between 835 – 4,175 EUR/year
• – average tuition of 835 EUR/year

Universities we recommend in Belgium

Evaluate your options by checking university rankings according to global standards.

2. Living costs in Belgium

The average cost of living in Belgium typically ranges between 700 and 950 EUR per month. While major cities may require a higher budget, your actual expenses will largely depend on your choice of accommodation and personal lifestyle.

Explore these examples of average monthly living costs across popular Belgian student cities:

• Antwerp: between 780 – 1,230 EUR/month
• Brussels: between 890 and 1,300 EUR/month
• Gent: between 750 and 1,200 EUR/month
• Leuven: around 800 and 1,300 EUR/month
• Liege: around 700 and 1,100 EUR/month

Accommodation in Belgium

Student residence halls in Belgium offer rates consistent with the international average. However, if you choose the private rental market, you should expect to pay higher monthly costs.

You have three primary options when searching for student housing in Belgium:

• University halls of residence – a room in a student campus can be around 200 – 400 EUR/month
• In the private sector, on average, a room for a student can be around 500 EUR/month
• Renting/Sharing an apartment or a studio will cost you around 600 – 700 EUR/month. Prices are higher for apartments that are closer to the city centre.

Don't forget to budget for utility bills! While these are usually bundled into the cost of student residences, renting a private apartment means you will need to pay for electricity, water, and internet separately, often totaling between 100 and 400 EUR per month.

Food costs in Belgium

For the most budget-friendly food options, stick to grocery shopping and cooking at home. Students typically spend about 300 EUR per month on groceries at affordable chains like Lidl, Aldi, and Colruyt.

Dining out is a delightful way to experience Belgian culture. Casual restaurant meals range from 10 to 20 EUR, while the popular Le Pain Quotidien chain offers soups, salads, and platters for between 4 and 16 EUR.

Seafood lovers should visit La Mer du Nord / De Nordsee, which serves fresh delicacies like shrimp croquettes, whelks, fish soup, and smoked salmon dishes, usually costing between 8 and 10 EUR.

Transportation in Belgium

Public transportation is both affordable and efficient in Belgium. Students under the age of 25 can purchase a monthly pass for trains and buses for just 50 EUR.

Alternatively, renting or buying a second-hand bicycle is a fantastic way to stay active, save money, and explore your local Belgian city at your own pace.

Extra costs

Keep in mind these additional common expenses when calculating your monthly student budget in Belgium:

• Books: 35 - 50 EUR/month
• Entertainment: 50 EUR/month
• Health insurance: 20 - 30 EUR/month (Learn more about international student insurance for students studying in Belgium)

To save on textbooks, check campus announcement boards for used books or visit Stubooks.be, a helpful online marketplace where students trade materials (Dutch language site).

3. Scholarships in Belgium

Various scholarships are available for international students through Belgian universities, government programs, the Academy of Research and Higher Education, and other specialized organizations.

Consider these examples of financial aid opportunities for international scholars:

• Master Mind Scholarships – provided by the government of Flanders
• ARES Scholarships in Belgium – for students coming from developing countries
• – for all international students, regardless of their country of origin. The EMJMD scholarship covers costs like tuition fees, insurance, and some of the travel expenses. Students also receive a monthly allowance for the entire duration of the study programme.
• are available on our portal;
• You can also check out the Online Result Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies in Belgium.

You can find comprehensive scholarship details and application guidance on the official Study in Flanders and Study in Belgium websites.