Belgium is a small country in terms of area, located in northwestern Europe, sharing borders with
France,
Luxembourg,
Germany, and the
Netherlands. Due to its rich history and cultural diversity, the official languages are three –
French,
Dutch, and
German, with English also being widely spoken. The capital,
Brussels, is known for being the headquarters of numerous organizations and institutions of the EU, including the
European Parliament, the
European Commission, and the
EU Council, as well as the
NATO headquarters and others.
Thanks to the hosting of the main institutions of the
European Union, the country plays a key role in international politics and diplomacy. Additionally,
Brussels is often called “the capital of Europe” because of its strategic importance and active participation in global processes. Besides its strong political significance,
Belgium has highly developed sectors such as the chemical industry, automotive manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Also, due to its strategic location,
Belgium is an important trading hub with significant logistics and transportation capabilities.
In addition to being home to numerous European institutions, the birthplace of Rembrandt is climbing higher each year in global education rankings. Here are some of its most prestigious universities:
- KU Leuven – Top 63 in the overall world ranking; Top 33 in the world for engineering sciences; Top 50 for Computer Science; Top 70 for Politics and International Relations; Top 100 for Business and Economics;
- Ghent University – Top 169 in the general ranking; Top 150 for Media/Communication;
- University of Antwerp and Vrije Brussels University – Top 150 in the world for Social Sciences.
With each passing year, the number of programs offered in English continues to grow.
From European studies, media and communication, to economics and business, and even chemistry, engineering, and urban sustainability – the possibilities are diverse.
PUBLIC universities have a specific application deadline, which is April 1-15TH in 12th grade, depending on the field of study. The application requirements for most programs are the so-called standard ones:
Most programs such as Social Sciences, European studies, Communications, Urban Studies, and Business do not require specific profile subjects/
. However, some specialties, like Engineering and Technology, and Business and Engineering, require applicants to have a profile subject mathematics in school. Another distinctive feature of these latter two programs is that they require the
Tuition fees in public universities range between 1000 and 1200 euros per year. Application fees vary between 50 and 100 euros per application.
ACCOMMODATION & HOUSING
Unlike its neighbor the
Netherlands,
Belgium does not experience a shortage of student accommodation. The prices for student housing in
Belgium vary depending on the city, type of accommodation, and amenities offered.
University dormitories
The cost for a room in a dormitory typically ranges between 450 and 750 euros per month. Most universities offer guaranteed places for first-year students.
Private apartments (studios or flats)
Rent can range from 800 to 1500 euros per month, depending on the size, location (city center or outskirts), and furnishings. In most cases, a deposit equal to one or two months’ rent is required.
Shared apartments
Sharing an apartment with other students is a more affordable alternative — average costs per person are between 350 and 700 euros per month, depending on the number of roommates, the area, and how utility costs are divided.
