Study in Belgium for Indian Students

Why Study in Belgium?

• Moderate tuition fees: Non-EEA tuition at Belgian public universities is lower than in many English-speaking countries, although it varies by university and programme.
• Research-intensive universities: Universities such as KU Leuven, Ghent University and UCLouvain are active in research across engineering, life sciences and technology.
• One-year Master's options: Many Master's programmes take one year (60 ECTS), while others, especially in engineering, take two years.
• Heart of Europe: Brussels hosts the EU institutions, NATO and many international organisations, making Belgium a base for policy, law and international business.
• Post-study search year: Graduates of Belgian institutions can apply for a 12-month residence permit to look for work or start a business.

Masters in Belgium for Indian Students

A Master's in Belgium usually takes one year (60 ECTS) or two years (120 ECTS), including a Master's thesis. Belgium also offers advanced Master's programmes (Master-after-Master) for students who already hold a Master's degree.

Belgium has two main higher-education systems: Dutch-speaking Flanders (e.g. KU Leuven, Ghent University) and the French-speaking Wallonia-Brussels Federation (e.g. UCLouvain, ULB). Many English-taught Master's programmes are available in both, and fees for non-EU students are set differently in each community.

Universities check whether your bachelor's degree matches the programme and may ask for a strong academic record, a motivation letter and references. English proficiency is usually shown with IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT, while Dutch- or French-taught programmes need proof of that language.

• Typical duration: 1 year (60 ECTS) or 2 years (120 ECTS)
• Main intake: September; some programmes start in February
• English tests: IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT for English-taught programmes
• Application route: Directly to each university
• Student visa: Long-stay type D visa for study
• Work after study: 12-month search year (zoekjaar)

Popular Master's programmes in Belgium

• MSc Computer Science
• MSc Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Data Science / Statistics
• MSc Electrical & Mechanical Engineering
• MSc Bioscience Engineering / Biotechnology
• MSc Business Economics / Management
• Master of International Relations / European Studies
• Master of Laws in European Law
• MSc Economics / Finance
• Master's in Public Health

Best Universities in Belgium for International Students

Belgian universities are organised by language community. The institutions below are among those Indian students commonly consider for a Master's in Belgium.

Most English-taught Master's programmes are at these universities; universities of applied sciences mainly offer bachelor's degrees and a smaller number of Master's programmes.

• KU Leuven (Leuven): Engineering, computer science, business, sciences
• Ghent University (Ghent): Bioscience engineering, sciences, economics
• UCLouvain (Louvain-la-Neuve): Engineering, economics, management
• Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) (Brussels): Engineering, economics, European studies
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) (Brussels): Engineering, computer science, international relations
• University of Antwerp (Antwerp): Business, economics, transport and maritime studies
• Hasselt University (Hasselt): Data science, statistics, transportation sciences
• University of Liège (Liège): Engineering, sciences, management

Popular Courses to Study in Belgium

• Engineering & Technology: Programmes in electrical, mechanical, chemical and civil engineering.
• Computer Science, AI & Data Science: English-taught MSc programmes in computing, AI, statistics and data science.
• Bioscience & Life Sciences: Bioscience engineering, biotechnology and biomedical programmes linked to Belgium's pharma sector.
• Business & Economics: Master's in business economics, management, finance and international business.
• European Studies, Law & International Relations: Programmes that benefit from proximity to the EU institutions in Brussels.
• Public Health: Master's programmes in public health and health policy.

Cost of Studying in Belgium

The cost of studying in Belgium depends on the language community, university and programme. Figures below are approximate for non-EEA students.

The visa amount rose from €835 to €1,062 per month for 2026–27, so plan your finances with the new figure.

Tuition fees in Belgium

• Flemish universities — Master's (non-EEA): approx. €2,300 – 10,000+ per year, depending on programme
• French-speaking universities — Master's (non-EU): approx. €5,000 – 5,400 per year, including the €4,175 additional contribution
• Advanced Master's and some specialised programmes: can be considerably higher — check the programme page

Living expenses in Belgium

• Means of subsistence (visa, 2026–27): €1,062 per month (about €12,744 per year)
• Accommodation: approx. €400 – 800 per month (higher in Brussels)
• Food, transport and personal: approx. €300 – 450 per month
• Health insurance and residence card: Belgian health insurance required; commune fee for the residence card

Eligibility to Study in Belgium

Belgian universities set their own entry requirements. Indian applicants for a Master's in Belgium usually need:

• Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree whose content matches the Master's programme.
• Grades: A strong academic record; selective programmes publish minimum requirements.
• English proficiency: IELTS Academic (commonly 6.5 overall) or TOEFL iBT for English-taught programmes.
• Other languages: Dutch- or French-taught programmes need proof of proficiency in that language.
• Motivation letter and CV: Most programmes ask for a statement of purpose and CV.
• References: Academic references where required.

Documents usually required

• Passport
• Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts
• IELTS / TOEFL score report
• Motivation letter and CV
• Letters of recommendation where required
• Proof of funds (blocked account, Annex 32 or scholarship) for the visa
• Medical certificate and police clearance certificate (if 21 or older)

Intakes in Belgium

Belgium has one main intake for Master's programmes:

Non-EEA deadlines are usually earlier than EU deadlines to allow time for the visa. Check each programme's deadline.

• September intake: classes start September; apply Deadlines for students who need a visa often fall in early spring (around March at several universities)
• February intake: classes start February; apply Limited programmes only

Scholarships in Belgium for Indian Students

Indian students can explore these options for a Master's in Belgium:

• Master Mind Scholarships (Flemish Government): A grant of €10,225 plus a tuition waiver per year for outstanding Master's students at Flemish institutions; you apply through the university.
• Science@Leuven Scholarship (KU Leuven): For international Master's students in KU Leuven's Faculty of Science: €12,000 a year plus a reduced tuition fee for non-EEA students.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's: EU-funded scholarships for joint Master's programmes that include Belgian universities, open to students worldwide.
• University scholarships: Some universities and faculties offer their own merit awards or fee reductions for international students.

How to Apply to Universities in Belgium

• 1. Choose your course: Decide on your specialisation and whether you prefer a one-year or two-year Master's.
• 2. Shortlist universities: Compare Flemish and French-speaking universities, fees and teaching language.
• 3. Check eligibility: Confirm the degree match, grade expectations and English requirements.
• 4. Take your English test: Book IELTS or TOEFL in good time for non-EEA deadlines.
• 5. Prepare documents: Motivation letter, CV, transcripts and references.
• 6. Apply to universities: Apply online directly to each university before its non-EEA deadline.
• 7. Receive your admission letter: Accept your place and apply for scholarships where eligible.
• 8. Arrange proof of funds: Open a blocked account, arrange an Annex 32 guarantee or obtain a scholarship letter (€1,062 per month).
• 9. Apply for the type D visa: Get your medical certificate and police clearance, then submit your application at the visa centre.
• 10. Travel and register: Register at your local commune within eight working days of arrival to receive your residence card.

Belgium Student Visa for Indian Students

Indian students need a long-stay (type D) visa for study in Belgium. After receiving your admission letter, you complete the application online and submit it with your documents at the visa application centre.

For 2026–27 you must show means of subsistence of at least €1,062 net per month. You can prove this with a blocked account holding twelve months' worth, a legalised Annex 32 guarantee from an eligible sponsor, or a scholarship. You also need a medical certificate from an embassy-accredited doctor and, if you are 21 or older, a police clearance certificate.

After arriving, you register at the town hall (commune) where you live and receive a residence card (A card) for the duration of your studies, renewed each year.

Belgian visa requirements and the means-of-subsistence amount change regularly. Check the Embassy of Belgium in India and dofi.ibz.be before applying.

Visa document checklist

• Valid passport
• Admission letter from a Belgian institution
• Proof of funds (€1,062 per month for 2026–27)
• Medical certificate from an embassy-accredited doctor
• Police clearance certificate (if 21 or older)
• Academic certificates
• Completed visa application form and photos

Working while studying in Belgium

With a student residence card, you can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and without that weekly limit during official holidays, under a student employment contract.

Working after your studies

After graduating from a Belgian institution, you can apply for a 12-month search year residence permit to look for work or start a business. You must apply before your student residence permit expires.

Living in Belgium as an Indian Student

• Accommodation: University residences and private student rooms (kots) are common; start searching as soon as you are admitted.
• Food: University restaurants offer affordable meals, and Indian groceries are available in Brussels, Antwerp and Leuven.
• Transport: Students get discounted public transport, and trains connect Belgian cities within an hour or two.
• Language: Dutch is spoken in Flanders and French in Wallonia; Brussels is bilingual and English is widely used on campus.
• Student support: International offices help with the visa, commune registration, housing and orientation.

Belgium vs the Netherlands for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering international programmes and the choice of Dutch-, French- or English-taught study in Belgium alongside English-taught programmes and international classroom settings in the Netherlands. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For Belgium, start with international programmes and the choice of Dutch-, French- or English-taught study; for the Netherlands, compare English-taught programmes and international classroom settings. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): Flemish universities — Master's (non-EEA): approx. €2,300 – 10,000+ per year, depending on programme; French-speaking universities — Master's (non-EU): approx. €5,000 – 5,400 per year, including the €4,175 additional contribution

Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €400 – 800 per month (higher in Brussels); Food, transport and personal: approx. €300 – 450 per month; Health insurance and residence card: Belgian health insurance required; commune fee for the residence card

Typical Master's duration: 1 year (60 ECTS) or 2 years (120 ECTS)

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT for English-taught programmes English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): Master Mind Scholarships (Flemish Government); Science@Leuven Scholarship (KU Leuven) Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree whose content matches the Master's programme.; Grades: A strong academic record; selective programmes publish minimum requirements.

Intakes and planning: September intake: starts September; apply Deadlines for students who need a visa often fall in early spring (around March at several universities); February intake: starts February; apply Limited programmes only

Student visa: Belgium Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; Admission letter from a Belgian institution

Post-study graduate route: After graduating from a Belgian institution, you can apply for a 12-month search year residence permit to look for work or start a business. You must apply before your student residence permit expires.

the Netherlands — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Research universities — Master's (non-EEA): approx. €14,000 – 27,000 per year (more for some programmes); Universities of applied sciences — Master's (non-EEA): approx. €9,000 – 16,000 per year

the Netherlands — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €500 – 1,000+ per month (highest in Amsterdam and Utrecht); Health insurance: approx. €40 – 150 per month, depending on your situation and cover; Food, transport and personal: approx. €300 – 450 per month

the Netherlands — Typical Master's duration: 1 year (60 ECTS) or 2 years (120 ECTS)

the Netherlands — English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT (some accept Cambridge) English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

the Netherlands — Funding routes (not guaranteed): NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship); University excellence scholarships Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

the Netherlands — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree whose content matches the Master's programme.; Grades: Many universities publish minimum percentages or CGPAs for Indian degrees; selective programmes expect strong results.

the Netherlands — Intakes and planning: September intake: starts September; apply Many non-EEA deadlines fall between January and May; selective programmes close earlier; February intake: starts February; apply Limited programmes, with deadlines usually in the autumn before

the Netherlands — Student visa: Netherlands Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; Admission letter from a Dutch institution

the Netherlands — Post-study graduate route: Graduates can apply for a one-year orientation year permit within three years of graduating. During this year you can work without a work permit and look for a job, and a lower salary requirement applies if you then move to a highly skilled migrant permit.

Last verified 21 September 2026. Tuition is not the total cost of study; visa proof-of-funds is not necessarily the same as actual living expenses. Scholarship names are competitive funding routes to investigate, not guaranteed awards. Confirm fees, admissions, visa rules and graduate permissions with the university and the relevant authority before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Belgium

Is Belgium good for Indian students?

Yes. Belgium offers research-intensive universities, moderate non-EEA tuition, English-taught Master's programmes, a central European location and a 12-month search year after graduation.

How much does it cost to study in Belgium?

Non-EEA Master's tuition is roughly €2,300–10,000+ a year at Flemish universities and about €5,000–5,400 at French-speaking universities. For the visa you must show €1,062 per month for 2026–27.

What are the fees for a Master's in Belgium?

Flemish universities set non-EEA fees by programme, while French-speaking universities charge non-EU students the registration fee plus an additional contribution of €4,175, unless they are exempt.

What is the eligibility for a Master's in Belgium?

A relevant bachelor's degree that matches the programme, a strong academic record, IELTS or TOEFL scores for English-taught programmes, and usually a motivation letter and CV.

What IELTS score is needed for Belgium?

Many English-taught Master's programmes ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, but requirements vary by university and programme.

What are the intakes in Belgium?

The main intake is September. A small number of programmes also start in February.

How much proof of funds is needed for a Belgium student visa?

For 2026–27, you must show at least €1,062 net per month, usually through a blocked account, an Annex 32 guarantee or a scholarship.

Can I work while studying in Belgium?

Yes. Students can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and more during official holidays.

Can I stay in Belgium after my Master's?

Yes. Graduates of Belgian institutions can apply for a 12-month search year to look for work or start a business.

Are scholarships available for Indian students in Belgium?

Yes, including the Flemish Government's Master Mind Scholarships, KU Leuven's Science@Leuven Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus scholarships and university awards.