Studying in Belgium in 2027 can give international students access to internationally respected universities, a multicultural European environment, research opportunities, and a strategic location at the heart of Europe.

For students from Africa and other parts of the world, Belgium offers several study pathways across bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs, with opportunities available in fields such as engineering, computer science, business, medicine, public health, international relations, economics, biotechnology, environmental science and social sciences.

Belgium is also home to globally recognized institutions such as KU Leuven, Ghent University, UCLouvain, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), University of Antwerp and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).

But before applying, international students need to understand an important point: Belgium has different higher-education systems across its language communities. Flanders primarily operates in Dutch, while universities in Wallonia-Brussels are mainly French-speaking. At the same time, many master’s and specialized programs are taught partly or entirely in English.

So, what does it actually cost to study in Belgium in 2027? Which universities should international students consider? What scholarships are available? And what visa requirements must students meet?

This complete guide explains everything you need to know.

Why Study in Belgium in 2027?

Belgium may not always receive as much attention as the UK, Canada, Germany or France, but it offers a compelling combination of academic quality, European exposure, research opportunities and international mobility.

Here are some of the major reasons students consider Belgium.

1. Internationally Recognised Universities

Belgian universities perform strongly in international rankings and research.

For example, KU Leuven’s current institutional figures place it among the world’s leading universities, with a QS World University Ranking 2027 position of #59 and a Times Higher Education 2026 position of #46.

Ghent University is also internationally recognised, with its published 2026 ranking information showing a QS position of 162 and a THE position of 115.

These rankings should not be treated as the only way to choose a university, but they demonstrate the international visibility of Belgium’s higher-education system.

2. Belgium Is Located at the Heart of Europe

Belgium’s geographical location is another major advantage.

The country borders:

France
Germany
Luxembourg
The Netherlands

Brussels is also home to major European and international institutions.

For international students, this creates opportunities to experience a highly connected European environment and potentially access internships, conferences, networking opportunities and international organisations.

3. Many English-Taught Programmes Are Available

Students who do not speak French or Dutch may still find suitable programmes, particularly at master’s level.

Flanders alone offers hundreds of English-taught study programmes across universities and universities of applied sciences.

However, students should never assume that every programme is taught in English.

Always check:

Language of instruction
Required English level
IELTS/TOEFL requirements
Programme-specific language requirements
Whether French or Dutch is required

For many English-taught programmes in Flanders, B2 English is the standard requirement, although individual programmes can impose higher or different requirements.

4. Strong Research Environment

Belgium has a strong research culture, particularly in:

Biotechnology
Medicine
Engineering
Artificial intelligence
Computer science
Pharmaceutical sciences
Environmental science
Physics
Chemistry
Agricultural science
Public health

This is particularly important for students planning to pursue a PhD or research-oriented master’s degree.

5. Access to European Academic Networks

Belgian universities participate extensively in European academic and research networks.

Students may also encounter opportunities involving:

Erasmus+
Erasmus Mundus
European research projects
Exchange programmes
Joint degrees
International research collaborations

This can make Belgium particularly attractive to students who want a broader European academic experience.

Best Universities in Belgium for International Students in 2027

Belgium has several excellent universities. Rather than choosing solely based on overall ranking, students should compare programme quality, tuition fees, language, location, scholarships, admission requirements and career opportunities.

Here are some of the major universities international students should research.

1. KU Leuven

KU Leuven is one of Belgium’s most internationally recognised universities.

Founded in 1425, it is one of Europe’s oldest universities and has a large international student population.

KU Leuven offers programmes across areas such as:

Engineering
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Business
Economics
Medicine
Biomedical Sciences
Biotechnology
Social Sciences
Law
Architecture
Environmental sciences
Mathematics
Physics

It is particularly attractive for students interested in research, technology, engineering and science.

KU Leuven also offers several scholarships and tuition-waiver opportunities for international students.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, the university has already published information about some scholarship and tuition-waiver schemes, including opportunities relevant to students from Nigeria and other African countries.

2. Ghent University

Ghent University (UGent) is another major Belgian research university.

It is particularly strong in areas such as:

Engineering
Bioscience engineering
Biotechnology
Medicine
Veterinary sciences
Environmental sciences
Computer science
Economics
Political science
Social sciences

Ghent University has a strong international research profile and offers a wide range of programmes for international students.

Students interested in scientific research should pay particular attention to UGent’s research groups and faculty-specific funding opportunities.

3. UCLouvain

UCLouvain, or Université catholique de Louvain, is one of the major universities in French-speaking Belgium.

It offers programmes across:

Business
Economics
Engineering
Computer science
Psychology
Social sciences
Political science
Law
Medicine
Health sciences
Humanities
Environmental sciences

Students should pay close attention to the language of instruction because UCLouvain operates primarily within the French-speaking higher-education system.

However, several master’s and international programmes include English-language instruction.

4. Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is located in Brussels and is particularly attractive to students who want to study in an international capital.

Academic areas include:

International relations
Political science
Economics
Business
Engineering
Computer science
Public health
Medicine
Social sciences
Humanities
Law
Natural sciences

Its Brussels location can also be attractive for students interested in European institutions, international organisations, NGOs and multinational companies.

ULB has published its 2026–2027 tuition structure, including additional fees applicable to certain non-European students. Prospective 2027 applicants should check the university’s latest fee schedule before budgeting.

5. University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is another important research university in Belgium.

It offers programmes in areas including:

Business
Economics
Engineering
Computer science
Pharmaceutical sciences
Social sciences
Law
Biomedical sciences
Environmental sciences

Antwerp is also an important commercial and international city, making it an interesting location for students interested in business, logistics, technology and international commerce.

6. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is located in Brussels and has a strong international orientation.

Students can explore programmes related to:

Engineering
Computer science
Artificial intelligence
Business
Economics
Social sciences
International studies
Medicine
Health sciences
Sciences

Its Brussels location is particularly relevant for students interested in international organisations and European affairs.

Belgium University Comparison for International Students

University	Location	Major Strengths	International Students
KU Leuven	Leuven	Engineering, Science, Technology, Medicine, Business	Yes
Ghent University	Ghent	Engineering, Biotechnology, Medicine, Science	Yes
UCLouvain	Louvain-la-Neuve/Brussels	Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Health	Yes
ULB	Brussels	International Relations, Business, Science, Engineering	Yes
University of Antwerp	Antwerp	Business, Economics, Sciences, Medicine	Yes
VUB	Brussels	Engineering, Technology, Business, Social Sciences	Yes

Tuition Fees in Belgium for International Students in 2027

Tuition fees in Belgium vary considerably depending on:

University
Region
Programme
Degree level
Nationality
Whether the student is EU/EEA or non-EU/EEA
Whether the student qualifies for an exemption
Whether the programme is specialised

This means there is no single tuition fee for studying in Belgium.

Students should always check the official fee schedule of their chosen university.

Tuition Fees in Flanders

For the 2026–2027 academic year, Study in Flanders gives the following general guidelines for full-time programmes worth 60 ECTS credits:

EU/EEA students

Approximately €1,181.40 per year.

Non-EU/EEA students

Approximately:

€5,300–€12,000 per year for many full-time programmes.

Schools of Arts can be considerably more expensive, with published general ranges of approximately:

€8,800–€25,000 per year.

These are guidelines rather than universal prices.

For the 2027 intake, applicants should check the exact tuition fee for their programme because individual institutions set their own fees and some programmes have different pricing structures.

Tuition Fees in French-Speaking Belgium

The Wallonia-Brussels Federation has a different fee structure.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, many non-EU students who are not covered by an exemption may face:

Standard registration fee
Additional contribution

At institutions such as ULB, the 2026–2027 structure for certain non-European students is €1,194 plus a €4,175 additional contribution, producing a total of €5,369.

UCLouvain has also published a 2026–2027 structure involving an additional €4,175 contribution for certain non-EU students.

This demonstrates why students should not rely on a generic “Belgium tuition fee” figure when preparing their budget.

Estimated Cost of Living in Belgium

Tuition is only one part of the financial equation.

Students also need to budget for:

Accommodation
Food
Transportation
Health insurance
Study materials
Mobile phone
Internet
Personal expenses
Clothing
Entertainment
Emergency expenses

Study in Flanders currently estimates average student living costs in Flanders and Brussels at approximately €800–€1,000 per month.

Accommodation alone is estimated at approximately €450–€600 per month in its general guidance.

Actual costs can be higher in expensive locations or for students who choose private apartments rather than shared accommodation.

Estimated Annual Student Budget in Belgium

A reasonable planning model could look like this:

Expense	Estimated Monthly Budget
Accommodation	€450–€700
Food	€200–€300
Transport	€40–€80
Phone/Internet	€30–€60
Study Materials	€30–€70
Personal Expenses	€100–€200
Estimated Total	€850–€1,410+

These are planning estimates rather than official fixed costs.

Brussels and other major cities can be more expensive depending on accommodation and lifestyle.

Scholarships to Study in Belgium in 2027

Scholarships can make a major difference to the total cost of studying in Belgium.

International students should investigate government scholarships, university scholarships, tuition waivers, research funding and Erasmus Mundus opportunities.

1. Master Mind Scholarship

The Master Mind Scholarship is offered by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training to outstanding international students who want to pursue master’s studies in Flanders or Brussels.

For the 2026–2027 cycle, the scholarship included:

€10,225 grant
Tuition fee waiver

The scholarship can cover one academic year for a 60-ECTS master’s programme or two years for a 120-ECTS programme.

However, the programme is currently under review for the 2027–2028 academic year, meaning the amount, selection process and other conditions may change.

Therefore, students planning for 2027 should monitor the official Study in Flanders scholarship page rather than relying on the previous year’s conditions.

2. VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships

The VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship is one of the most important scholarship opportunities to investigate if you are from an eligible developing country.

VLIR-UOS provides scholarships for selected English-taught programmes in Flanders.

The scholarship can cover:

Tuition fees
Travel
Insurance
Living expenses
Accommodation and meals

The scholarship is offered for the full duration of the selected programme.

The 2027–2028 call is expected to open around mid-November 2026, according to the current VLIR-UOS schedule.

There are 29 eligible countries, so applicants must verify that their nationality and country of residence are included before preparing an application.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships

Belgian universities participate in several Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes.

These programmes are delivered by international consortia of universities in different countries.

A student may study in Belgium as part of a programme that also includes another European country.

Erasmus Mundus scholarships can be highly competitive but may cover major costs such as:

Tuition
Travel
Visa-related expenses
Insurance
Monthly living support

The exact benefits depend on the specific programme.

This is particularly useful for students who want a European education that goes beyond a single country.

4. KU Leuven Scholarships and Tuition Waivers

KU Leuven offers several scholarship and fee-waiver opportunities.

One interesting opportunity for the 2027–2028 academic year is its general tuition-fee waiver for certain non-EEA students.

The published eligible nationality list includes many African countries, including Nigeria.

However, this particular waiver is connected to specific residence-status conditions in Belgium. Therefore, international applicants should not assume that simply being Nigerian or African automatically qualifies them.

KU Leuven also has faculty-specific scholarships and fee waivers.

For example, its Faculty of Science has published a 2027–2028 fee-waiver scheme with application procedures beginning in October 2026.

5. ARES Scholarships

The ARES scholarship programme supports international students pursuing selected advanced bachelor’s, master’s and continuing-education programmes in French-speaking Belgium.

ARES operates within Belgium’s development-cooperation framework and is particularly relevant for applicants from eligible partner countries.

The 2027–2028 ARES international training scholarship application system has already had a 2027–2028 application window, so students planning future cycles should monitor the official ARES and Study in Belgium websites closely for new calls and deadlines.

6. Wallonie-Bruxelles International Scholarships

Wallonie-Bruxelles International (WBI) also offers financial support for international students pursuing master’s studies in French-speaking Belgium.

A published WBI grant structure has provided approximately €10,020 divided into 12 monthly payments, along with health-related and other insurance support under the applicable conditions.

However, scholarship calls, eligible countries, priority regions and grant amounts can change between academic years.

Therefore, 2027 applicants should confirm the latest call before relying on a specific amount.

How to Apply for Belgian Scholarships

The application process depends on the scholarship.

A typical scholarship application may require:

Academic transcripts
Degree certificate
Curriculum vitae
Motivation letter
Recommendation letters
Passport
Proof of English or French proficiency
Research proposal, where applicable
Admission application
Proof of professional experience
Evidence of leadership or community involvement

Some scholarships require you to apply for university admission first.

Others allow you to apply for funding during the admission process.

Read the scholarship instructions carefully.

Bachelor’s Degree in Belgium for International Students

International students can apply for bachelor’s programmes in Belgium, but admission requirements vary.

For students applying from Africa, one of the most important issues is academic equivalence.

A foreign secondary-school certificate may not automatically provide direct admission to a Belgian bachelor’s programme.

The institution may assess:

Secondary-school qualification
Subjects studied
Academic results
University access rights in your home country
Language ability
Programme-specific requirements

Some programmes may have additional examinations.

Medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and certain other highly regulated programmes can have particularly demanding admission procedures.

Master’s Degree in Belgium for International Students

Belgium can be particularly attractive for international master’s students.

A typical applicant needs:

A recognised bachelor’s degree
Relevant academic background
Academic transcripts
Proof of language proficiency
CV
Motivation letter
Passport
Programme-specific documents

Some programmes may also request:

GMAT
GRE
Portfolio
Work experience
Research proposal
Interview

For English-taught master’s programmes in Flanders, B2 English is a common baseline, with IELTS 6.0 often used as an equivalent benchmark, although programme-specific requirements can differ.

Can Nigerians Study in Belgium?

Yes.

Nigerian students can apply to Belgian universities provided they satisfy the admission, financial and immigration requirements of their chosen institution and programme.

For Nigerian applicants, it is especially important to prepare:

International passport
Academic certificates
Academic transcripts
English-language test where required
Admission documents
Financial evidence
Medical documents
Police clearance/good-conduct documentation where required
Visa documentation

Nigerian students should also check the Belgian diplomatic mission responsible for their visa application and follow its current procedures.

Belgium Student Visa Requirements for 2027

If you are a non-EU/EEA national planning to study in Belgium for more than 90 days, you will generally need a long-stay Type D visa.

The Type D visa is different from a normal Schengen tourist visa.

Students should apply before travelling to Belgium.

Step-by-Step Belgium Student Visa Process

Step 1: Get Admission

Your first major step is securing admission to an eligible Belgian educational institution.

You need an official admission or enrolment document.

Step 2: Determine Your Visa Requirements

Check the Belgian embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence.

Visa procedures can vary depending on nationality and location.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Typical student visa documents may include:

Valid passport
Admission letter
Visa application form
Passport photographs
Proof of sufficient financial means
Medical certificate
Criminal-record/good-conduct certificate
Proof of accommodation where applicable
Proof of payment of applicable fees
Academic documents
Scholarship letter, if applicable

The exact list depends on your situation.

Step 4: Prove Financial Means

Financial solvency is a major part of the Belgian student visa process.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, Study in Flanders lists the minimum required means of subsistence at €1,062 per month.

For 12 months, that is:

€1,062 × 12 = €12,744

However, students applying for the 2027–2028 academic year should not automatically use €12,744 as their final visa figure.

The Belgian authorities can revise the minimum amount annually.

Check the latest official requirement before submitting your visa application.

Ways to Prove Financial Support

Accepted methods can include:

1. Blocked Account

You may deposit the required funds into an approved blocked account arrangement.

2. Bank Guarantee

Some students use a bank guarantee arrangement where applicable.

3. Scholarship

A recognised scholarship can serve as evidence of financial support, depending on the scholarship and immigration rules.

4. Sponsorship

A sponsor may provide the required financial undertaking through the appropriate Belgian sponsorship procedure.

Step 5: Submit Your Visa Application

Belgium’s long-stay visa application is normally initiated through the appropriate Belgian diplomatic or consular post.

Depending on your country, an external visa service provider may be involved.

Applicants should avoid waiting until the last minute.

Belgian authorities specifically advise students to prepare applications as early as possible because processing and appointment schedules can become busy.

Step 6: Complete Medical and Character Requirements

Students may need to submit:

Medical certificate
Criminal record certificate
Other supporting documents

Requirements can depend on nationality, age, duration of stay and other circumstances.

Step 7: Travel to Belgium

Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Belgium within the conditions specified on your visa.

Your immigration process does not end at the airport.

Step 8: Register After Arrival

Third-country students generally need to register with the municipal administration of the city where they live.

The federal immigration guidance indicates that holders of a D visa should report to the municipal administration within 8 days of arrival.

Students should therefore arrange accommodation and understand the local registration procedure before travelling.

What Is the Belgium Student Residence Permit?

After arriving in Belgium, eligible international students generally complete the residence registration process and receive a residence permit.

For long-term study, this is an important document because it establishes your legal residence status in Belgium.

Keep copies of:

Passport
Visa
Residence permit
Admission documents
Insurance
Accommodation contract
University registration documents

Can International Students Work in Belgium?

International students may be allowed to work while studying, subject to Belgian immigration and employment rules.

However, students should not treat part-time employment as their primary method of financing their education.

Your student visa/residence status is based on your studies and financial ability to support yourself.

Always check the current work conditions that apply to your specific residence permit.

Language Requirements for Belgium

Belgium has three official languages:

Dutch
French
German

The language you need depends largely on where you study.

Flanders

Dutch is the main language, but many international programmes are taught in English.

Wallonia-Brussels

French is the dominant academic language, although numerous master’s and international programmes are available in English.

German-speaking Belgium

German is used in the German-speaking community.

For English-language programmes, universities may accept:

IELTS
TOEFL
Cambridge English
Other recognised tests

Some institutions may waive English testing where the applicant’s previous education was conducted entirely in English, but this is institution-specific.

Intakes and Application Deadlines for Belgium 2027

The main academic year generally begins in September.

For students planning to study in Belgium in 2027, it is wise to begin preparations during 2026.

A practical timeline is:

September–October 2026

Research:

Universities
Programmes
Scholarships
Tuition fees
Admission requirements

October–December 2026

Prepare:

Passport
Academic documents
CV
Motivation letters
English-language test
Recommendation letters

November 2026 onward

Monitor scholarship opportunities such as the upcoming VLIR-UOS ICP Connect cycle.

December 2026–March 2027

Submit scholarship and university applications according to individual deadlines.

Early 2027

Follow up on:

Admission
Scholarship decisions
Housing
Financial documentation

Spring/Summer 2027

Begin the visa process after securing admission and preparing the required financial and supporting documents.

September 2027

Travel to Belgium and begin your studies.

Important: Deadlines vary significantly by university and programme. Some programmes close applications earlier than others, and scholarship deadlines can be much earlier than admission deadlines.

Documents You Should Prepare Before Applying

Create a digital folder containing:

International passport
Birth certificate where required
Degree certificate
Academic transcripts
Secondary-school certificate
CV
Motivation letter
Recommendation letters
English test result
French/Dutch certificate where required
Research proposal if applicable
Portfolio where applicable
Employment certificates
Passport photographs
Scholarship documents
Financial documents

Keep both scanned and physical copies.

How to Write a Strong Motivation Letter for Belgium

A weak motivation letter simply says:

“I have always wanted to study in Europe.”

That is not enough.

Your motivation letter should explain:

1. Where You Are Coming From

Explain your academic and professional background.

2. What You Have Achieved

Mention:

Academic achievements
Projects
Internships
Work experience
Leadership
Volunteering

3. Why This Programme

Explain why the specific programme matches your career goals.

4. Why Belgium

Connect Belgium’s academic environment to your objectives.

5. What You Will Do After Graduation

Explain how the degree will contribute to your professional development and, where relevant, your contribution to your home country or wider community.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship

Scholarships are highly competitive.

You can improve your application by:

Applying early
Choosing programmes that match your background
Maintaining strong academic performance
Building relevant work experience
Demonstrating leadership
Showing community involvement
Writing specific motivation letters
Applying to multiple legitimate opportunities
Following every document requirement
Avoiding generic AI-generated essays
Using measurable achievements

For example, instead of writing:

“I am passionate about technology.”

Write:

“During my undergraduate studies, I developed a database project that helped a student organisation manage more than 500 member records.”

Specific evidence is more persuasive than generic claims.

Common Mistakes International Students Make

1. Applying Only to One University

Competition can be strong.

Apply to several suitable programmes where permitted.

2. Ignoring Language Requirements

A programme may look perfect until you discover that it requires French or Dutch.

Check before applying.

3. Using Outdated Tuition Information

Belgian tuition structures can change.

Always check the university’s current fee schedule.

4. Assuming Every Scholarship Is Fully Funded

Some scholarships cover:

Tuition only

Others cover:

Tuition
Living costs
Travel
Insurance

Read the scholarship conditions carefully.

5. Waiting Until Admission Before Thinking About Housing

Student accommodation can become competitive.

Start researching housing as soon as your admission situation becomes clear.

6. Using a Tourist Visa for Long-Term Study

Students planning to stay more than 90 days generally need the appropriate long-stay permission.

Do not attempt to enter Belgium as a tourist when your actual purpose is long-term study.

7. Trusting Unofficial Agents

Be careful with anyone promising:

Guaranteed admission
Guaranteed visa
Guaranteed scholarship
“Embassy connections”
Fake scholarship letters
Fake university documents

Always verify information through official university and government websites.

Is Belgium Affordable for International Students?

Belgium is not necessarily the cheapest European destination, but its cost can be manageable compared with some other Western European countries.

The biggest expenses are generally:

Tuition
Accommodation
Food
Insurance
Transportation

Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden.

Students should ideally create a budget covering at least the first year before travelling.

Belgium vs Other European Study Destinations

Belgium can be compared with:

Germany
France
Netherlands
Austria
Finland
Sweden
Ireland
Hungary

One major difference is that Belgium has multiple language communities, so students must pay closer attention to the language of their selected programme.

For students interested in European institutions, international relations, research and multilingual environments, Belgium can be particularly attractive.

Best Courses to Study in Belgium in 2027

International students can explore programmes in:

Technology

Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Cybersecurity
Software Engineering

Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering

Business

Business Administration
Finance
Economics
Accounting
International Business

Health

Public Health
Biomedical Sciences
Pharmacy
Nursing
Health Sciences

Science

Biotechnology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Mathematics

Social Sciences

International Relations
Political Science
Development Studies
Sociology
Economics

Study in Belgium in 2027: Quick Checklist

Before submitting your application, make sure you have:

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Belgium in 2027

Can international students study in Belgium in English?

Yes. Belgium has a growing number of English-taught programs, particularly at master’s and postgraduate levels. Flanders alone lists hundreds of English-taught programs.

However, always confirm the language of instruction for the specific program.

How much does it cost to study in Belgium?

It depends on the university, program and nationality.

For 2026–2027, general Flemish guidelines put many non-EU/EEA full-time programs at approximately €5,300–€12,000 per year.

French-speaking Belgium can have different fee structures, including additional contributions for certain non-EU students.

How much money do I need for a Belgium student visa?

For 2026–2027, the minimum financial means listed by Study in Flanders is €1,062 per month.

Because this amount can change annually, 2027 applicants must confirm the official amount applicable to the 2027–2028 academic year.

Do I need IELTS to study in Belgium?

Not necessarily.

The requirement depends on the programme and institution.

Some English-taught programmes require IELTS or TOEFL, while others may accept alternative evidence of English proficiency.

Can Nigerians study in Belgium?

Yes. Nigerian students can apply to eligible Belgian universities and programs.

They must satisfy admission requirements and, where applicable, obtain the appropriate Belgian long-stay student visa and residence permit.

Can international students work in Belgium?

International students can generally work subject to the conditions attached to their residence status and Belgian employment regulations.

Students should verify the current rules before accepting employment.

Are there fully funded scholarships in Belgium?

Yes, but they are competitive.

Potential opportunities include:

VLIR-UOS ICP Connect
Erasmus Mundus
University-specific scholarships
Master Mind Scholarship
ARES opportunities
WBI grants
Faculty-level funding

Not every scholarship is open to every nationality or degree level.

Is Belgium good for master’s students?

Belgium can be a strong option for master’s students, particularly those interested in:

Engineering
Technology
Business
International relations
Science
Medicine
Public health
Research

The country also has a strong network of European and international institutions.

When should I apply to study in Belgium in 2027?

Start preparing in 2026.

Scholarship deadlines can occur months before the academic year begins, and some university programmes also have early deadlines.

Students should ideally begin researching programmes several months before the application deadline.

Final Thoughts

Studying in Belgium in 2027 can be a valuable opportunity for international students who want a respected European education without limiting themselves to the traditional study destinations.

With universities such as KU Leuven, Ghent University, UCLouvain, ULB, University of Antwerp and VUB, Belgium offers strong options across technology, engineering, business, science, health, social sciences and research.

The financial side requires careful planning. Tuition fees vary by region, university, program and nationality, while living costs can add several hundred euros every month. Scholarships such as Master Mind, VLIR-UOS, Erasmus Mundus, ARES, WBI and university-specific funding can make a major difference for qualified applicants.

For non-EU students, the Belgium Type D student visa is another major part of the preparation process. Applicants need to demonstrate admission, financial means and other required documentation before travelling.

The smartest approach is to start early: identify suitable programs, confirm language and academic requirements, research scholarships, prepare your documents, submit applications before deadlines and use only official sources for immigration information.

For students from Nigeria and other African countries, Belgium can offer more than a university degree. It can provide exposure to a multilingual European environment, international research networks and a location that connects students to opportunities across Europe.

If Belgium is on your 2027 study-abroad shortlist, the best time to start preparing is now.

Official Resources to Explore

For the most accurate and current information, always verify your plans directly with the relevant Belgian authorities and universities.

Belgian Immigration Office – Student Visa and Residence Information

Study in Flanders – Official Study Portal

Wallonie-Bruxelles Campus – Study in French-speaking Belgium