Studying in Belgium as an international student: costs, visa and work rules (2026)
In Belgium, tuition at a public university is €5,369 / yr for a master’s. For the student visa you must show €1,062 / mo, you can work 20 h / wk while studying, and you can stay 12 months after graduating.
✓ Last checked against official sources: 14 Oct 2026. Every figure links to the government body or university that sets it. No school pays to appear here.
Costs
| Item | Master’s (2 years) | Bachelor’s (3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, public university | €5,369 / yr€1,194 + €4,175, French-speaking universities, non-EU, 2026–27 | €5,369 / yr€1,194 + €4,175, French-speaking universities, non-EU, 2026–27 |
| Tuition, private or top-ranked | €5,369 / yrSame public rate | €5,369 / yrSame public rate |
| Money to show for the visa | €1,062 / moFor 2026–27 | |
| Health insurance | About €300 a year (estimate) | |
| Visa and permit fees | About €300, once (estimate) | |
| Total* | ≈ €37,100 | ≈ €55,500 |
*Diplonaut estimate at a public university: the lower tuition figure + the money you must show for the visa (a floor for living costs, not a budget) + health insurance, for the whole degree, plus visa fees once.
Visa and entry
| Your passport | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss | No visa |
| All other countries | Long-stay (D) visa before travel |
Work rights
- While studying: 20 h / wk.
- After graduating: 12 months (Job-search year).
Will my degree from Belgium be recognized?
Only institutions recognized by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles award recognized degrees. Recognized private institutions exist, but some private schools in Brussels operate without recognition, and their diplomas are not official degrees.
Check an institution: ARES: recognized institutions
For a bachelor’s: A foreign secondary-school diploma needs an equivalence to the Belgian CESS, requested by 15 July (European and International Baccalaureate holders are exempt).
By field of study
- No field yet (undecided): You choose a programme at enrolment; first-year students can switch between 1 November and 15 February with approval. From 2026–27, permit renewal needs at least 60 ECTS after two years, then 40 a year.
- Medicine or dentistry: Medicine and dentistry start with a competitive entrance exam (2026 edition on 27 August). Non-residents are capped at 15% of admitted candidates.
- Art, design or music: An admission test, taken in person, is compulsory for all first-year students at arts schools (ESA).
Recent official changes for Belgium
- No rule change for Belgium has been tracked in the last months. See all changes by country.
Compare Belgium
See Belgium next to the other destinations, adjusted to your passport, degree level and field.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Belgium?
Tuition at a public university is €5,369 / yr a year for a master’s. With the money you must show for the visa and health insurance, a 2-year master’s comes to about €37,100 in total (Diplonaut estimate).
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Belgium?
€1,062 / mo (For 2026–27).
Can I work while studying in Belgium?
Yes: 20 h / wk.
Can I stay in Belgium after graduating?
12 months (Job-search year).
Other destinations
Official sources
- Université libre de Bruxelles: registration fees 2026–27
- Belgian Foreign Affairs: student and sponsor amounts 2026–27
- Immigration Office (DOFI): studying in Belgium
- University of Liège: secondary diploma equivalence
- ARES: recognized institutions
- HEH: reorientation in first year
- EMN Belgium: new rules for student permits
- University of Liège: programmes with a non-resident cap
Information, not legal or immigration advice.