Belgium

Belgium University Key Facts and Unique Aspects

• Key aspects of the universities in this country:
  • 11 research universities,
  • 13 Universities of Applied Sciences (and Arts),
  • 19 university colleges,
  • 16 colleges of arts.
• Number of English speaking programs. One in the French side, but many in Flanders–almost 80.
• Entry Qualifications
• IB Recognition
• Official Belgium Country Profile by Study in Europe.

Cool Country facts

• Purchasing power: 79.9 –Consider the US as 100; a score of 80 means it is 20% less expensive than living in the USA
• Happiness Index Rank: 18 in the world!
• Quality of life: 157.3 (average is 140 across the globe)
• Rainbow Index: 72% LGBTI equality & human rights (average is 68 in Europe)
• US NEWS Best Countries: Rank 18
• Prosperity Index: 18th in the world.
• Learn more through Beyond the States Profile and Educations’ Country Guide

Application Process

• How to apply
• For bachelor’s studies in Flemish higher education institutions, admission is granted on the basis of a secondary education diploma that gives access to university studies in the country where the diploma was awarded. Besides your diploma, you will need an accompanying access declaration stating that, on the grounds of your diploma, you can be admitted to university studies in the country in which the diploma was awarded.
• English at level B2 is required for most bachelor’s and master’s programmes taught in English. The B2 level equals a minimal TOEFL test score of    72-94 (internet-based). For IELTS the minimum overall band score is 6.0.
• Various study programmes organize “calibration tests”. These tests give you an idea of the level of the study programma and whether you have sufficient prior knowledge to succesfully complete the programme. For some programmes, participation in the calibration test is mandatory. More info (only in Dutch).
• Depending on the study programme, additional documents (eg. SAT score, transcripts of records,.. ) may be needed.

Application timeline:

• When to do what by

Tuition fees:

• Average Tuition fees (in US Dollars/year):
  • EU/EEA nationals: 922.3 EUR (2018-2019 for a full time programme)
  • Non EU/EEA nationals: Fees vary per study programme, mostly between 922.3 EUR and 6000 EUR (with some exceptions).
• Living costs Min. S$ 1350 per month
• Examples for international students

Scholarships

• X
• Work Students are allowed to work max. 20 hours/week while completing a full time study programme
• After completing a full time study programme in Belgium, the residence permit can be extended for up to 12 months to find work or start your own business. If you are recruited by a Belgian company, you will need to request for a working permit for foreign students from outside the EU.

Research Links

• Study in Belgium
• Study in Flanders
• Beyond the States Profile –Very nice write up.
• Educations Guide –another good overview.

Unique aspects

Check out UNESCO’s interactive map