Why Study in Belgium from Bangladesh?
Belgium is one of Western Europe's most famous Schengen countries. The currency of this country is the Euro. The countries around it are France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Belgium provides quality education with its top-notch universities. Alongside this, the visa ratio is so high in Belgium compared to other countries. Students can quickly get their PR here. Belgium is a good choice for a student visa in Europe. Thus, many students want to go for a Belgian student visa rather than a Canadian student visa from Bangladesh.
Education and Programs in Belgium
Belgian higher education institutions offer degrees at ordinary Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate levels and undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas in various disciplines. An international student can pursue their degree in Social Science (e.g., Economics, International relations, Political Science), Humanities, Health and Medicine, Business Management, Tourism and Hotel Management, etc.
Study Intakes and Application Sessions
Available intake and session information provided for this destination.
Fall Session
The deadline for application is on the 31st of April
Spring Session
The deadline for application is on the 31st of October
Language Requirements
Review the available English language requirements by study level.
General English / IELTS
Most English-taught Master's programmes ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, and some set a minimum band score such as 6.0 in each skill. Competitive programmes and scholarships can ask for 7.0. French-speaking universities often accept B2 or C1 level proof, so read the language page for your programme. Test scores are normally valid for two years.
Bachelor Language Requirement
Minimum overall IELTS score of 6. You can apply to Foundations and some bachelor's programs with a 5.5 in IELTS.
Master's Language Requirement
Minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5. Some universities also accept Medium of Instruction English (MOI).
Admission Requirements for Bangladeshi Students in Belgium
Belgian universities set their own admission rules, and Bangladeshi applicants are treated as non-EU/EEA students. Requirements depend on your degree level, programme and previous qualifications. Most universities also check that your Bangladeshi qualification is equivalent to the Belgian standard. Application fees vary, so check each university's page.
Academic Qualifications
Bachelor's: You need an upper-secondary qualification such as the HSC, and some universities also ask for extra subjects or an entrance test. Most Bachelor's programmes in Belgium are taught in Dutch or French, so you may need to prove language skills. Check the Bangladesh-specific entry rules on the university website. Master's: You need a recognised Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, usually with strong grades. Many English-taught Master's programmes ask for a motivation letter, CV and sometimes references. Non-EU deadlines for September 2027 usually fall between January and April 2027, and some programmes close earlier, so start preparing now.
English Language Requirements
Most English-taught Master's programmes ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, and some set a minimum band score such as 6.0 in each skill. Competitive programmes and scholarships can ask for 7.0. French-speaking universities often accept B2 or C1 level proof, so read the language page for your programme. Test scores are normally valid for two years.
Study Gap Acceptability
A study gap is not an automatic rejection. Universities review each file, and a clear explanation works best. Support your gap with evidence such as employment letters, internship certificates, training certificates or volunteer work, and explain in your motivation letter how you used the time. Shorter and well-documented gaps are easier to justify than long unexplained ones.
Requirements for Application to Study in Belgium
The exact requirements depend on the university, programme and application route. The following documents are commonly required during admission or visa preparation.
Country-Specific Admission Document Requirements
• Valid passport • Academic transcripts and degree certificates with certified English translations where needed • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or an accepted alternative) • CV and motivation letter • Programme-specific documents such as a course list, syllabus, portfolio or project report • Recommendation letters, if the programme asks for them • Equivalence or degree verification, if the university requests it • Evidence for any study gap (employment, training or internship letters)
Valid Passport
A valid passport is normally required for university and visa-related processing.
Academic Certificates & Transcripts
Previous academic certificates, mark sheets or transcripts are commonly required for admission assessment.
Language Proficiency
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or another accepted language certificate may be required depending on the university and programme.
Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter
Some programmes may require a statement explaining your study motivation, academic goals and future plans.
Recommendation Letters
Academic or professional recommendation letters may be requested depending on the university and study level.
Financial Documents
Bank statements, solvency evidence, sponsorship documents or other proof of funds may be required.
Application Forms
The relevant university, residence-permit or student-visa application form must be completed where applicable.
Health Insurance
Valid health or travel insurance may be required during the visa or residence-permit stage.
Top Universities in Belgium for Bangladeshi Students
Belgium has two main study systems. Flanders (Dutch-speaking) includes KU Leuven, Ghent, Antwerp, VUB and Hasselt. Wallonia and Brussels (French-speaking) include UCLouvain, ULB and Liège. Most English-taught options are at Master's level, so check the language of instruction before you shortlist a Bachelor's programme. Belgian universities perform strongly in the QS rankings 2027. KU Leuven reached 59th, its best-ever position and the highest for any Belgian university. Ghent University sits 150th, UCLouvain 196th, the University of Antwerp 227th, ULB 248th, VUB 295th and the University of Liège 364th. Here are seven universities Bangladeshi students often shortlist:
Compare universities in Belgium
| University | Offered Courses | IELTS Requirement | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| KU Leuven | Engineering, Science, Business and Economics, Law, Biomedical Sciences, Humanities | 6.5 overall (some programmes higher) | From about €5,600 |
| Ghent University | Bioscience Engineering, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Economics, Engineering, Law | 6.5 overall (programme dependent) | €5,300–€12,000 |
| University of Antwerp | Business and Management, Biomedical Sciences, Transport and Logistics, Social Sciences | 6.5 overall (programme dependent) | €5,300–€12,000 |
| Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) | Engineering, Political Science, Economics, Social Sciences, Communication | 6.5 overall (programme dependent) | €5,300–€12,000 |
| UCLouvain | Economics, Management, Engineering, Philosophy, Health Sciences | Programme dependent (English B2–C1) | About €5,400 |
| Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) | Political Science, International Studies, Law, Sciences, Engineering | Programme dependent (English B2–C1) | About €5,400 |
| University of Liège (ULiège) | Engineering, Aerospace, Sciences, Health Sciences | Programme dependent (English B2–C1) | About €5,400 |
*Scores differ by programme. Check the programme page before you book a test. **Typical non-EU/EEA fees for a full-time year (60 ECTS) at public universities. Flemish universities set programme-based fees, and French-speaking universities use a standard non-EU fee. Fees change each year.
Popular Courses in Belgium for International Students
Bangladeshi students tend to pick Belgian programmes with strong research links and good access to European employers. These seven fields attract the most interest.
Computer Science and Information Technology
KU Leuven, Ghent, VUB and Antwerp run English-taught Master's programmes in artificial intelligence, software, cybersecurity and data engineering.
Business and Management
Programmes in finance, marketing, supply chain and international business are offered at KU Leuven, Antwerp, Ghent and UCLouvain, with Brussels offering a base close to many multinational firms.
Engineering and Technology
KU Leuven, Ghent, VUB and Liège are strong in electrical, mechanical, civil and materials engineering. Several Master's programmes offer industry projects.
Health and Life Sciences
Biomedical sciences, pharmacy, public health and biotechnology are popular, with Ghent and KU Leuven especially strong in life sciences.
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Belgium has a growing tech sector, and Master's programmes in data science, statistics and machine learning link well with research institutes and employers.
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Ghent and KU Leuven offer programmes in bioscience, environmental management and sustainable development, which suit students interested in climate and food systems.
Political Science, Law and International Relations
Brussels is the seat of major EU institutions and NATO, so ULB, VUB and KU Leuven attract students who want to study European and international affairs.
Tuition Fees and Financial Requirements for Studying in Belgium
Belgian tuition is much lower than in many other popular destinations, but non-EU students pay higher fees than EU/EEA students. Plan your budget in two parts: tuition and everyday living costs.
Bachelor Tuition Fee
4,000 to 9,000 Euros per year
Master's Tuition Fee
1,000 to 13,000 Euros per year
Estimated Living Costs
Belgium requires non-EU students to show at least €1,062 net per month for the 2026–2027 academic year, and this is a useful budgeting guide. Brussels and Leuven cost more than Liège or Ghent. Annual living budget: €10,800–€15,600. Student rooms fill up quickly, so start searching as soon as you receive your admission offer.
Block Amount
11,000 Euros for every program. It has to be paid before going to Belgium, which will be returned within one year after reaching Belgium.
Tuition fee overview in Belgium
| Programme Level | Typical Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Flanders (public universities, full-time 60 ECTS) | €5,300–€12,000, depending on the programme |
| KU Leuven (non-EEA, 2026/27 guideline) | About €5,600 |
| French-speaking Belgium (public universities) | About €5,400 for most non-EU students |
Living expenses in Belgium
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €400–€700 |
| Food and groceries | €250–€350 |
| Local transport (with student rates) | €20–€60 |
| Health insurance, phone, internet and study materials | €100–€200 |
| Leisure and personal | €100–€200 |
| Recommended total monthly budget | €900–€1,300 |
Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students in Belgium
There are many scholarships for international prospective students. Here are a few popular scholarships: 1. University Top Grand Scholarship. 2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.
University-Specific Scholarships
• KU Leuven: Offers scholarships for non-EU Master's applicants, including nominations for the Flemish Master Mind Scholarship. Internal deadlines are early, so check the scholarship page when you apply for admission. • Ghent University: Offers merit-based funding for international Master's students and nominates candidates for Master Mind. • University of Antwerp and VUB: Offer scholarship and nomination routes for outstanding international Master's applicants. Deadlines differ by university. • French-speaking universities: Offer limited funding and fee exemptions. Check each faculty page for current options.
Government / External Scholarships
The Master Mind Scholarship from the Flemish government is the best-known option. It gave about €10,200 per academic year plus a tuition fee waiver in the 2026–2027 round, with around 30 awards across Flemish universities. Students cannot apply directly, because the host university nominates candidates, and the deadlines at each university usually fall between mid-January and the end of March. Bangladeshi applicants can also look at Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees, which can be fully funded, and at development-focused schemes such as VLIR-UOS or ARES where eligibility applies.
How to apply for scholarships
- Choose your programme. Pick a Master's programme at a university that nominates for scholarships.
- Check scholarship eligibility. Read the rules on the university or scholarship page.
- Apply before the deadline. Scholarship deadlines are often earlier than admission deadlines.
- Prepare strong academic documents. Good grades, a clear motivation letter and solid references help.
- Check what the scholarship covers. Confirm whether it pays tuition, gives a living grant or both.
Always confirm the latest scholarship criteria with the relevant institution before applying.
Student Visa Requirements and Application Fees for Belgium
Financial Commitments and Application Fees
Available fee information for the student visa or residence process.
Embassy Fee
238 Euros
Health Insurance Fee
197.10 Euros per year
Consulate Fee
Attestation fee of 20 Euros per paper
How to Apply for a Belgium Student Visa from Bangladesh
For degree studies longer than 90 days, Bangladeshi students need a long-stay Type D student visa. Belgium launched its Visa Application Centre in Dhaka, operated by VFS Global, with appointments from 16 November 2025. The Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi handles Bangladesh visa matters. Apply 4 to 5 months before your course starts, because the process includes document checks, medical steps and fee payments.
Your study visa application roadmap
- Receive your admission from a recognised Belgian institution.
- Pay the required fees, including any tuition deposit or administrative fee your university asks for.
- Complete the visa application form on the Belgian Visa on Web portal and prepare your documents.
- Book an appointment at the Belgium Visa Application Centre in Dhaka through VFS Global.
- Submit your documents and pay the visa handling fee.
- Wait for the decision, then collect your passport and register at your local municipality after you arrive in Belgium.
Required Student Visa Documents
• Valid passport and completed, signed visa application form • Proof of payment of the visa handling fee • Proof of registration or admission from the institution • Proof that you meet the entry conditions for higher education (academic documents) • Proof of financial means of at least €1,062 net per month at the 2026–2027 level, shown through a blocked account, scholarship letter or accepted sponsorship • Medical certificate from a doctor approved by the Belgian Embassy • Health insurance covering all risks in Belgium • Police clearance certificate, if the checklist asks for it for your age group • Two sets of photocopies of every document, plus any legalised or translated documents the checklist lists Checklists change, so use the latest list on the Embassy of Belgium website and submit only what it asks for.
Visa Interview Tips
Belgium does not usually run a standard visa interview for student visas, but officials can contact you, so be ready to explain your plans. • Know your study programme. Be able to say why you picked this course and university. • Understand your finances. Know who pays for tuition and living costs, and keep proof ready. • Keep your answers consistent. Your documents, motivation letter and replies should tell the same story.
Visa Processing Time
Processing time varies by case, so allow several weeks to a few months and apply early. The Belgium Visa Application Centre in Dhaka is at Borak Mehnur, 51/B, Level 7, Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka 1213. Book appointments on the VFS Global website for Belgium. The Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi lists a handling fee of €180 for a long-stay visa, but some recent guides report a rise to €250 from July 2026, so confirm the current fee before you pay. VFS also charges a separate service fee.
Career Advancement and Residency Paths in Belgium
Explore the available pathways after graduation based on the information provided for this destination.
Job Opportunities
Students holding a residence permit will be limited to working 20 hours per week. During June, July, August, and September, from 15th December to 15th January, students can work 40 hours per week. After completing graduation, the student can legally work for one year.
Post-Study Work Permit
Students will get a one-year job-searching visa after completing a full-time degree.
Permanent Residency (PR)
Students can extend their work permits for three years and apply for Permanent Resident (PR) after staying five years in Belgium.
Spouse / Dependent Visa
Bachelor and Master students can take their dependents after reaching Belgium.
Common Questions About Studying in Belgium
01Is Belgium expensive for Bangladeshi students?
Belgium costs more than Bangladesh in daily life, but tuition is moderate. Expect tuition of about €5,300–€12,000 a year in Flanders or around €5,400 in French-speaking Belgium, plus living costs of about €900–€1,300 a month. Scholarships and cheaper cities such as Liège can lower the total.
02Can I work while studying in Belgium?
Yes, with limits. International students can usually work part-time, up to 20 hours a week during term, and more during holidays. Rules can change, so check the current limit on the Belgian immigration website before you accept a job.
03When should Bangladeshi students apply to Belgian universities?
For a September 2027 start, many non-EU Master's deadlines fall between January and April 2027, and scholarship deadlines can be earlier. Start preparing at least six months ahead and apply for the visa 4 to 5 months before your course starts.
04Do I need to know Dutch or French before studying in Belgium?
Not for English-taught programmes, which are mostly at Master's level. Many Bachelor's programmes use Dutch or French, so you will need proof of language skills for those. Learning a little of the local language still helps with daily life and part-time work.
05Can I apply to more than one university?
Yes. You can apply to several universities, and each has its own application form, fee and deadline. Keep track of each deadline and document list.
06Is IELTS compulsory for Belgian universities?
Most English-taught programmes ask for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or another accepted test. A few universities accept alternatives or waive the test in certain cases, so read the language page for your programme.
07Can I stay in Belgium after graduation?
Yes. Belgium offers an orientation year, which lets graduates extend their stay by 12 months to look for a job or start a business. Check the Belgian immigration website for the current conditions.
08Is a scholarship guaranteed if I have good grades?
No. Scholarships such as Master Mind are limited and competitive, with only about 30 awards across Flemish universities. Apply with a strong profile and keep a backup plan for tuition.
Additional Information About Studying in Belgium
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships can lower your costs a lot, but competition is tough and only a small number of awards are given each year. Check what each award covers before you plan your budget.
