Belgium has a rich history, culture, and diverse educational opportunities. Choosing the right university can take time and effort for an international student. This article will explore the best universities in Belgium for international students.
Why Study in Belgium?
Belgium is a small yet diverse country in the heart of Europe. It is known for its high standard of living, multicultural society, and excellent education system. Here are some reasons why studying in Belgium can be a great choice for students:
- High-quality education: Belgium is home to some of the top-ranked universities in Europe and the world. Its universities are known for their high academic standards, rigorous curriculum, and research excellence.
- Multilingualism: Belgium is a multilingual country with three official languages - French, Dutch, and German. This makes it an ideal destination for students who want to improve their language skills and experience different cultures.
- Central location: Belgium is in the heart of Europe, making it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the continent. It is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it easy to travel to other European destinations.
- Diverse cultural experience: Belgium is a multicultural society with a rich history and vibrant arts scene. Students can experience diverse cultures, food, and entertainment and participate in numerous cultural events and festivals.
- Affordable education: Belgium offers relatively affordable tuition fees for international students compared to other European countries. Also, living costs in Belgium are reasonable, making it an attractive option for students on a budget.
- Job opportunities: Belgium is home to numerous international organisations, including the European Union and NATO. This creates job opportunities for students after graduation, particularly in politics, law, and international relations.
KU Leuven:
KU Leuven is a public research university in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium. Established in 1425, it is one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities. KU Leuven offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study.
Programs Offered:
KU Leuven offers programs in various fields, including business, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and humanities. Some popular programs for international students include Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, and Master of Science in Engineering.
English Language Requirement:
The language of instruction at KU Leuven is mostly Dutch, but there are also programs offered in English. English language proficiency is required for non-native English speakers, and the minimum required score for TOEFL is 90 (internet-based) or 6.5 for IELTS.
Fees:
The tuition fees at KU Leuven vary depending on the program of study and nationality of the student. International students' tuition fees range from €900 to €15,000 per academic year.
Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain):
UCLouvain is a public research university located in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. It is a French-speaking university established in 1425 and one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities. UCLouvain offers a wide range of programs in various fields of study.
Programs Offered:
UCLouvain offers programs in various fields, including law, economics, engineering, and medicine. Some popular programs for international students include Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Economics, and Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
English Language Requirement:
UCLouvain offers programs in French and English. English language proficiency is required for non-native English speakers, and the minimum required score for TOEFL is 79 (internet-based) or 6.5 for IELTS.
Fees:
The tuition fees at UCLouvain vary depending on the program of study and nationality of the student. International students' tuition fees range from €835 to €4,175 per academic year.
Ghent University:
Ghent University is a public research university located in Ghent, Belgium. Established in 1817, it is one of Belgium's most renowned universities. Ghent University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study.
Programs Offered:
Ghent University offers programs in various fields, including science, engineering, medicine, and social sciences. Some popular programs for international students include Master of Science in Environmental Technology, Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering, and Master of Science in Applied Computer Science.
English Language Requirement:
Ghent University offers programs in Dutch and English. English language proficiency is required for non-native English speakers, and the minimum required score for TOEFL is 90 (internet-based) or 6.5 for IELTS.
Fees:
The tuition fees at Ghent University vary depending on the program of study and nationality of the student. International students' tuition fees range from €890 to €9,000 per academic year.
Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB):
ULB is a public research university located in Brussels, Belgium. Established in 1834, it is one of Belgium's largest and most renowned universities. ULB offers a wide range of programs in various fields of study.
Programs Offered:
ULB offers programs in various fields, including law, economics, engineering, and medicine. Some popular programs for international students include Master of Science in Business Engineering, Master of Science in Computer Science, and Master of Science in Environmental Sciences.
English Language Requirement:
ULB offers programs in French and English. English language proficiency is required for non-native English speakers, and the minimum required score for TOEFL is 79 (internet-based) or 6.5 for IELTS.
Fees:
The tuition fees at ULB vary depending on the program of study and nationality of the student. International students' tuition fees range from €835 to €8,500 per academic year.
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB):
VUB is a public research university located in Brussels, Belgium. Established in 1834, it is one of Belgium's largest and most renowned universities. VUB offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study.
Programs Offered:
VUB offers programs in various fields, including science, engineering, medicine, and social sciences. Some popular programs for international students include Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Master of Science in Computer Science, and Master of Business Administration (MBA).
English Language Requirement:
VUB offers programs in Dutch and English. English language proficiency is required for non-native English speakers, and the minimum required score for TOEFL is 80 (internet-based) or 6.0 for IELTS.
Fees:
The tuition fees at VUB vary depending on the program of study and nationality of the student. International students' tuition fees range from €890 to €9,000 per academic year.
These universities offer various programs in various fields of study, with options in both French and English. They have different tuition fees for international students, but they all offer scholarships and financial aid options to support students. English language proficiency is also required for non-native English speakers to enrol in programs taught in English.
Scholarships for International Students in Belgium
Belgium offers scholarships for international students to help cover the cost of tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs. Here are some scholarships that international students can apply for:
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: The Erasmus Mundus program is funded by the European Union that offers scholarships to international students to pursue master's or doctoral degrees in Europe, including in Belgium.
- Belgian Government Scholarships: The Belgian Government offers scholarships to international students from developing countries to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies in Belgium.
- VLIR-UOS Scholarship: The VLIR-UOS scholarship program offers scholarships to students from developing countries to pursue master's or doctoral degrees in various fields, including agriculture, environmental science, and engineering.
- Flanders Training Scholarship: The Flanders Training Scholarship program offers scholarships to students from developing countries to pursue masters or doctoral degrees in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium.
- Ghent University Top-Up Grants: Ghent University offers top-up grants to international students to who an external funding agency has awarded a scholarship to cover any remaining expenses associated with studying in Belgium.
- KU Leuven Scholarships: KU Leuven, one of the top universities in Belgium, offers scholarships to international students to pursue masters or doctoral degrees in various fields, including business, engineering, and science.
Popular Courses for International Students in Belgium
Belgium offers a wide range of courses for international students across various fields of study. Here are some of the popular courses for international students in Belgium:
- Business and Management: Belgium is known for its strong business and management education. Its universities offer excellent courses in finance, marketing, and international business.
- Engineering: Belgium has a reputation for being a hub of innovation and technology. Its universities offer courses in various engineering fields, including mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering.
- Law: Belgium's legal system is based on civil law, making it an attractive destination for law students. Its universities offer courses in various legal fields, including European, international, and business law.
- Political Science and International Relations: As the European Union and NATO headquarters, Belgium offers unique opportunities for students studying politics and international relations. Its universities offer courses in various areas, including diplomacy, global governance, and human rights.
- Hospitality and Tourism: Belgium is known for its food, beer, and chocolate, making it an attractive destination for students interested in hospitality and tourism. Its universities offer courses in various areas, including hotel management, tourism marketing, and culinary arts.
- Arts and Humanities: Belgium has a rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for arts and humanities students. Its universities offer courses in various areas, including art history, music, and literature.
Living Cost for International Students in Belgium
The cost of living for international students in Belgium varies depending on the city and lifestyle. Generally, the cost of living in Belgium is moderate compared to other European countries. Here is an approximate breakdown of the living expenses for international students in Belgium:
- Accommodation: The cost of accommodation varies depending on the type of housing and location. A single room in a shared apartment or student residence can cost between €300 and €600 per month. Private studios or apartments can cost between €500 and €1,200 per month.
- Food: The cost of food in Belgium is relatively affordable. Students can expect to spend around €150 to €250 monthly on groceries and eating out.
- Transportation: Belgium has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. A monthly student pass for public transportation can cost between €20 and €50, depending on the city.
- Health insurance: International students must have health insurance while studying in Belgium. The cost of health insurance can vary depending on the provider and coverage.
- Miscellaneous expenses: Miscellaneous expenses such as textbooks, stationery, and personal care items can cost around €50 to €100 per month.
