Top 20 Affordable Universities in Belgium for International Students

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Affordable Belgium Universities 2025 – Tuition & Scholarships


Top 20 Affordable Universities in Belgium for International Students (2025)

So, you’re thinking about studying in Belgium? Awesome choice! It’s becoming super popular for international students looking for a great education without crazy costs. Belgium’s got a cool history, a mix of cultures, and it’s right in the heart of Europe. I’ve put together a guide to the top 20 **affordable universities in Belgium for international students** in 2025. We’ll look at tuition, what you need to get in, and how to snag a scholarship.

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Top 20 Affordable Universities in Belgium (2025)

Alright, let’s dive into a comparison of the 20 most **affordable universities in Belgium**. I’m including details on tuition, scholarships, and the courses they’re known for. This should help you figure out which one is the best fit for you.

**University Name****Average Tuition Fees (EUR/Year)****Scholarship Availability****Popular Courses**
Ghent University€6,000 – €9,000YesEngineering, Sciences, Law
KU Leuven€6,500 – €9,500YesEngineering, Theology, Humanities
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)€4,500 – €8,000YesPolitical Science, Law, Economics
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)€4,000 – €7,500YesMedicine, Engineering, Philosophy
University of Antwerp€5,500 – €8,500YesBusiness, Sciences, Arts
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)€5,000 – €8,000YesLaw, Social Sciences, Engineering
Hasselt University€4,000 – €7,000YesComputer Science, Business, Medicine
University of Liège€3,500 – €7,000YesSciences, Engineering, Arts
Saint-Louis University, Brussels€3,000 – €6,500YesHumanities, Law, Political Science
Antwerp Management School€9,000 – €15,000YesBusiness, Management
Transnational University Limburg€4,000 – €7,000YesComputer Science, Business, Medicine
European College of Parma€3,500 – €7,000YesSciences, Engineering, Arts
Vesalius College€3,000 – €6,500YesHumanities, Law, Political Science
Katholieke Hogeschool Vives€9,000 – €15,000YesBusiness, Management
Erasmus University College Brussels€4,000 – €7,000YesComputer Science, Business, Medicine
Plantijn University College€3,500 – €7,000YesSciences, Engineering, Arts
Karel de Grote University College€3,000 – €6,500YesHumanities, Law, Political Science
Artevelde University College Ghent€9,000 – €15,000YesBusiness, Management
LUCA School of Arts€4,000 – €7,000YesComputer Science, Business, Medicine
Thomas More University of Applied Sciences€3,500 – €7,000YesSciences, Engineering, Arts

Why Study in Belgium as an International Student?

Belgium’s a fantastic spot to study! You get a top-notch education in a place that’s full of different cultures. Plus, it’s right in the middle of Europe, so weekend trips to other countries are totally doable. Fun fact: the Belgian government says international students spend over €500 million a year here – that’s a lot!

1. Unmatched Quality of Education

Belgian universities are known for being really good. Places like KU Leuven and Ghent University are always ranked high globally, and they have tons of programs to choose from [KU Leuven]. They don’t just teach you stuff, they help you think for yourself and get ready for the real world.

2. Affordable Tuition Fees and Living Costs

Compared to places like the UK or the US, tuition in Belgium is pretty reasonable. It changes depending on the school and program, but generally it’s less. Also, cities like Ghent and Leuven are affordable to live in, which makes a big difference. For a detailed breakdown, check out the Complete Guide to Living Cost in Belgium for International Students 2025.

3. Scholarship Opportunities for International Students

Good news: there are lots of scholarships for international students in Belgium! The government, the universities themselves, and other organizations offer them. These can really help with the money side of studying abroad. The VLIR-OUS scholarships are a good example; they help students from developing countries [VLIR-OUS]. To explore other funded opportunities, see How to Study in Belgium with Scholarships: A Complete Guide for International Students.

4. Part-Time Work Options to Support Expenses

You can even work while you study! International students can work up to 20 hours a week during the school year, and full-time when you’re on holiday. That extra cash can definitely help with living costs [Study in Belgium].

5. Safe and Inclusive Student Communities

Belgium’s a safe and friendly place, perfect for international students. The cities are multicultural, so you’ll feel at home no matter where you’re from. Plus, the universities offer lots of support to help you get used to everything.

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Top Reasons to Study at Affordable Universities in Belgium

1. High-Quality Education at Low Cost

You get a fantastic education without the crazy price tag. The OECD says Belgium’s serious about education, which means great teaching and research [OECD Education]. Smart choice if you’re on a budget.

2. Scholarship and Financial Aid Programs

Belgian universities have scholarships and aid just for international students. They can help with tuition, living costs, and other stuff. It’s all about bringing talented students from everywhere.

3. Lower Living Costs Compared to Other Countries

Living in Belgium is cheaper than in many other Western European countries. Cities like Ghent and Leuven have affordable places to live, cheap transportation, and fun stuff to do. I read somewhere that living costs are 20-30% less than in London or Paris.

4. Multicultural Environment with International Student Support

You’ll meet people from all over the world! The universities really help international students with orientation, language courses, and getting used to Belgian culture. They want you to feel at home and do well in your studies.

5. Work Opportunities During and After Studies

You can work part-time to earn some money while you’re studying. After you graduate, you might be able to stay and work, especially in fields like tech and engineering. Getting international work experience is a huge plus! For more information on post-study options, see Post-Study Work Visa in Belgium: Eligibility, Requirements, and Process.

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Admission Requirements for Affordable Universities in Belgium

1. Academic Qualifications (High School Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree)

To get into **affordable universities in Belgium**, you’ll need a high school diploma (if you’re applying for undergrad) or a Bachelor’s degree (for postgrad). Make sure the Belgian Ministry of Education recognizes your qualifications. Double-check the specific requirements for your program.

2. English Proficiency Test (IELTS/TOEFL)

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to prove you’re good at it with tests like IELTS or TOEFL. The scores you need depend on the university and program, but usually they want around a 6.5 on IELTS or 80 on TOEFL. Some schools might have their own English tests. If you are exploring options without these exams, see Study in Belgium without IELTS: Your Ultimate Guide 2025.

3. Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) is super important. It’s where you explain your goals. Also, get Letters of Recommendation (LOR) from professors or employers. They’ll vouch for your skills and potential. These documents show the admission people why you’re a good fit.

4. Valid Passport and Identification Documents

You definitely need a valid passport to apply to Belgian universities. Make sure it’s good for as long as you plan to stay. You might need other IDs too, depending on what the university or the government asks for.

5. Proof of Financial Stability

You need to show that you can afford to live and study in Belgium. Bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship info can work. Having enough money is key to getting a student visa. You may also find Belgium Student Visa for Indian Students: Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide for 2025 useful.

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Cost of Studying in Belgium

Knowing how much it costs to study in Belgium is a must for planning. Here’s a breakdown of tuition, housing, and other expenses. Keep in mind that the exact amounts can change based on the city and how you live.

**Expense Type****Average Cost (EUR/Year)**
Tuition Fees€3,500 – €9,500
Accommodation€4,800 – €7,200
Food€2,400 – €3,600
Transportation€300 – €600
Miscellaneous€1,200 – €2,400

Living Expenses in Major Cities of Belgium

How much you spend can really change depending on which city you pick. Here’s a comparison of living costs in popular student cities. This can help you find a place that works with your budget.

**City****Average Monthly Living Cost (EUR)**
Brussels€900 – €1,300
Ghent€800 – €1,200
Leuven€850 – €1,250
Antwerp€850 – €1,200
Liège€750 – €1,100

Scholarships for International Students in Belgium

Belgium’s got a bunch of scholarships to help international students. Let’s look at the different kinds that are out there. Getting one can make studying abroad way less stressful financially.

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: Academic excellence rewards.

These are for students who do really well in school. They often cover a lot of tuition and sometimes even give you money for living expenses. KU Leuven and Ghent University are known for offering these to attract the best students.

2. Need-Based Scholarships: Financial assistance based on need.

If you’re struggling to afford your studies, these scholarships can help. They’re for students from less privileged backgrounds, to give everyone a chance at higher education. You usually need to show detailed financial info when you apply.

3. Government Scholarships: Sponsored by the government for international students.

The Belgian government offers scholarships to international students. These scholarships promote getting different cultures together. For example, the VLIR-OUS scholarships are funded by the government and help students from developing countries in specific fields [VLIR-OUS].

4. University-Specific Scholarships: Offered directly by the institutions.

Lots of Belgian universities have their own scholarships for international students. They can be anything from covering part of your tuition to paying for everything. Check the university websites for details on what’s available and how to apply.

Check Your Scholarship Eligibility Now!

Student Visa Requirements for Belgium

Getting a student visa is a big deal if you’re planning to study in Belgium. Make sure you meet all the requirements so you don’t run into problems. It takes some planning and paperwork.

1. Valid Passport and University Acceptance Letter

First off, you need a passport that’s not expired. You’ll also need a letter from a Belgian university saying they’ve accepted you into a program. Your passport should be good for at least a year after you plan to arrive.

2. Proof of Financial Stability and Bank Statements

You have to prove you can afford to live in Belgium. Bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship confirmations will do the trick. You’ll need to show you have at least €667 per month [Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs].

3. Medical Examination Certificate

You might need to get a medical checkup as part of your visa application. This is to make sure you’re not a health risk. Get a certificate from a recognized doctor and include it with your application.

4. English Language Proficiency Certificate

If your program’s in English, show proof that you’re fluent, like IELTS or TOEFL scores. This proves you can understand and participate in the course. Make sure your scores are high enough for the university.

5. Completed Visa Application Form and Fees

Fill out the visa application form carefully and pay the fees. You can get the form from the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country. Give all the info they ask for and send in all the documents to avoid hold-ups.

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Top Student Cities in Belgium

Belgium has some awesome cities for students, each with its own vibe and schools. Picking the right city can really make your study abroad experience better. Think about how much it costs to live there, how good the universities are, and what there is to do for fun.

**City****Key Attractions****Main Universities****Average Monthly Living Cost (EUR)**
BrusselsGrand Place, Atomium, European ParliamentULB, VUB€900 – €1,300
GhentGraslei, Gravensteen Castle, Saint Bavo CathedralGhent University€800 – €1,200
LeuvenOld Market Square, KU Leuven, Groot BegijnhofKU Leuven€850 – €1,250
AntwerpDiamond District, Port of Antwerp, Rubens HouseUniversity of Antwerp€850 – €1,200
LiègeLiège-Guillemins Railway Station, Montagne de Bueren, Curtius MuseumUniversity of Liège€750 – €1,100

Post-Study Work Opportunities in Belgium

Belgium lets international students work after they graduate. Knowing about the permits you need and which industries are hiring can help you plan your career. The government wants to keep talented graduates around to help the economy.

**Opportunity****Description****Requirements**
Job Search VisaAllows graduates to stay in Belgium for up to 12 months to find employment.Valid residence permit, proof of graduation, intention to work.
Single PermitCombines work and residence authorization into one permit.Job offer from a Belgian employer, meeting salary and working condition standards.
High-Demand IndustriesSectors like technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance offer numerous job opportunities.Relevant qualifications, language skills, willingness to adapt to the local culture.
Job Search TipsNetworking, online job portals, career fairs, and internships can enhance job prospects.Proactive approach, tailored resume, strong communication skills.

Explore Career Opportunities After Graduation!

Suggested Readings

Explore these related guides for more insights into studying abroad:

FAQs About Affordable Universities in Belgium

1. What are the cheapest universities in Belgium?

Looking for the most **affordable colleges Belgium**? Check out the University of Liège, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), and Ghent University – they tend to have lower tuition fees.


2. Can international students get scholarships in Belgium?

Yep, there are scholarships out there for international students! You can apply for ones offered by the Belgian government, universities, and other groups, like the VLIR-OUS scholarships.


3. What is the cost of living for students in Belgium?

Expect to spend around €750 to €1,300 each month, depending on the city you choose. Ghent and Liège are usually more **budget universities Belgium** compared to Brussels.


4. Is it possible to work while studying?

Totally! International students can work up to 20 hours a week during the school year and full-time during holidays – a great way to earn some extra cash.


5. Which cities are most affordable for students?

Liège and Ghent are generally easier on the wallet, with lower costs for housing and everyday stuff compared to Brussels and Leuven.


6. What are the admission requirements?

You'll need your academic qualifications, English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL), a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and proof that you can afford your studies.


7. How do I find budget-friendly accommodation?

Look into student residences, shared apartments, and online platforms for cheaper options. Booking early and looking outside the city center can also save you money.


8. Are there any government scholarships available?

Yes, the Belgian government offers scholarships like the VLIR-OUS for students from developing countries in specific programs. They're a great way to attend **low-cost universities Belgium**!


9. Can I get financial aid as an international student?

Definitely! You can apply for scholarships based on need or merit, and also check out financial aid programs offered by the universities themselves.


10. What are the top affordable courses in Belgium?

Popular and affordable courses include Engineering, Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Economics. These are offered by universities with lower tuition fees and scholarship opportunities, making them **cost-effective universities Belgium**.

Conclusion

Belgium’s a sweet spot for international students – you get a good education without emptying your bank account. By checking out the **affordable universities in Belgium** in this guide, understanding what you need to get in, and applying for scholarships, you can totally make your study abroad dreams a reality. To make an informed decision about your Masters courses, see Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Masters Courses in Belgium Universities. So, start planning today!

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