Belgia

Belgia is a small country in terms of area, located in northwestern Europe, sharing borders with Franța, Luxembourg, Germania, and the Țările de Jos. Due to its rich history and cultural diversity, the official languages are three – franceză, Dutch, and germană, 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.

ECONOMIE

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, Belgia has highly developed sectors such as the chemical industry, automotive manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Also, due to its strategic location, Belgia is an important trading hub with significant logistics and transportation capabilities.

UNITĂȚI DE ÎNVĂȚĂMÂNT

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;
  • Universitatea Ghent - Top 169 in the general ranking; Top 150 for Media/Communication;
  • Universitatea din Antwerp and Vrije Brussels University - Top 150 in the world for Social Sciences.

PROGRAMS & SPECIALITIES

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.

DURATION OF DEGREES

Bachelor’s degree – 3 years Master’s degree – 1-2 years

APPLICATION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS

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:
  1. Academic transcript with grades from years 9th to 11th inclusive.
  2. Language proficiency certificate, with the standard requirements being 6.5 in IELTS, 89 points in TOEFL, or C1 level in Cambridge. The Duolingo Test of English is not yet accepted by most institutions in Belgia.
  3. Motivation letter
  4. CV
  5. Recommendations
  6. Passport photo
Most programs such as Social Sciences, European studies, Communications, Urban Studies, and Business do not require specific profile subjects/ HL-s or A-levels. 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 SAT test as an obligatory part of the application.

TUITION FEES

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 Țările de Jos, Belgia does not experience a shortage of student accommodation. The prices for student housing in Belgia 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.

LIFE OF AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN BELGIUM – TIPS AND INFORMATION FOR PERSPECTIVE STUDENTS

  • Administrative requirements Register with the local civil registration office for your personal number (NISS), which is necessary for health services, bank accounts, and rent.
  • With the NISS, you can obtain health insurance in Belgia, but its issuance usually takes time, so we advise you to have a European Health Insurance Card issued in Bulgaria before traveling to Belgia. This card allows you to access free medical services within the EU.
  • International students Contact the university before departure to participate in orientation programs, student groups, and events for international students.

WORK DURING STUDIES IN BELGIUM

Like all countries in the EU, Belgia allows European students to work up to 20 hours per week. They can earn an average of between 480 and 800 euros per month, depending on the number of hours and the type of work, with hourly wages typically ranging from 8 to 10 euros. Students are most often employed in supermarkets, cafes, or as administrative staff within the universities themselves.

SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND STUDENT LOANS

In Belgia, there is no general national scholarship available to all students, but many regions (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels) offer their own scholarships for students living and studying there. These scholarships are usually awarded to students with high academic achievement or proven financial need. The amounts can vary from a few hundred euros to full coverage of tuition fees, rent, transportation, or living expenses, depending on the specific program and region.
Belgia also offers options for student loans. These loans are typically repaid after graduation, in accordance with your income once you find a job.

EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

Belgium’s public universities have established strong international collaborations and exchange agreements, providing students with opportunities to study abroad and gain international experience. Here are some of them:
  1. KU Leuven
  2. Universitatea Ghent
  3. Universitatea din Antwerp
  4. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
  5. Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)
 

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