Consistently rated as a top study-abroad destination, Belgium offers international students a vibrant, multicultural experience and world-class academic standards, with many of its institutions featured in prominent global university rankings.
As a multilingual nation where French, Dutch, and German are official languages, Belgium is remarkably accessible to international students. English is widely spoken in major cities, and an increasing number of academic programs are offered entirely in English.
If you are planning to enroll at a university in Belgium, the good news is that visa requirements vary depending on your citizenship. Continue reading to determine whether you need a student visa and how to navigate the application process smoothly.
Apply to a Belgian university and get your acceptance letter
Before starting your visa application, you must finalize your university selection and secure an official letter of acceptance. This document is a mandatory prerequisite for your visa submission.
Consider these top-tier universities for your studies in Belgium:
Find out what type of visa you need to study in Belgium
International students typically require both a student visa and a residence permit to study in Belgium. Your specific requirements depend on your nationality and the intended duration of your stay:
- Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland do NOT need a visa or a residence permit.
- Non-EU/EEA students need to apply for a D visa if they plan to stay in Belgium for 90 days or less. If the length of their studies is longer, they have to apply for the D visa and the follow it with an application for a residence permit.
Analyse study opportunities in each Belgian Community
Belgium operates under a federal structure and is divided into three distinct communities:
- Flanders, the Flemish Community where Dutch is the main language
- Wallonia, the French Community where French is the main language
- The German Community, which is a lot smaller and has German as the main language
Each community may have specific regulations and diploma recognition policies for international students. Please visit the official community portals to verify how your credentials align with Flemish, French, or German educational standards.
- Flemish Community and National Academic Recognition Information Centres in the European Union
- French Community
- German Community
An important exception exists for students from China, who must obtain an Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certificate from the German Embassy in Beijing prior to applying for a university spot or a visa.
When and where to apply for the student visa in Belgium?
- Apply for a visa at the local Belgium embassy or consulate in your home country.
- For a long stay study visa/residence permit, it is recommended that you make an appointment at the embassy at least two months before your departure.
- For a short stay visa, make an appointment at least 3 weeks before your departure.
View the complete directory of Belgian embassies and consulates worldwide here.
Tips about the visa application in Belgium
- Check the opening hours for handing in a visa application.
- At some embassies/consulates, you can make an appointment online by sending an e-mail at the embassy and upload the required documents. You will receive an answer within the next 2 working days with a confirmation of your appointment.
- Inform the embassy in case you want to cancel or change your appointment.
- The processing of your visa application can take anywhere from a few weeks to over 3 months depending on your nationality, the length of your studies, and how many people apply for a visa. The sooner you start your application, the better.
Language requirements for studying in Belgium
You must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the language of instruction for your chosen program. Exemptions apply if you are a native speaker or if your previous education was completed in the same language.
Accepted language proficiency certificates include:
- English: IELTS and TOEFL (more popular) or PTE Academic and Duolingo
- Dutch: Dutch NT2-II diploma
- French: DELF or DALF
- German: DSH or TestDaF
Required documents for the visa application in Belgium
- Passport (valid for three months longer than the visa)
- Two original visa application forms
- Acceptance letter from a Belgian university (usually the original document plus two copies)
- Copies of educational certificates
- Cover/motivational letter
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover all your expenses during an academic year (670 EUR/month)
- A medical certificate
- A certificate of good conduct (or the local equivalent) if you are over 21 (including fingerprinting)
- Visa application fee (70 EUR for short stay visa and 210 EUR for long stay visa)
Please be aware that your local embassy or consulate may request supplementary documentation during the review process.
Apply for a work permit in Belgium
If you intend to work while studying, you may apply for a Type C work permit for students through your regional employment agency in Belgium.
International students with a valid residence permit are legally permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term, provided their work schedule does not conflict with their studies.
You must secure a formal student employment contract from your employer. Notably, you are exempt from requiring a work permit during official academic holidays.
Learn more about Belgian work permit regulations for non-EU/EEA citizens.
Conditions to apply for a residence permit
Within eight working days of your arrival, you must register at your local town hall (maison communale/gemeentehuis) to obtain your residence permit. This permit is essential for opening a bank account, applying for work, and accessing health insurance services.
In certain instances, your university may facilitate the residence permit application process on your behalf.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visas and immigration, please consult the official Belgian Immigration Office website.