01 — EU
EU policy capital
Brussels' proximity to EU institutions, NATO and international organisations creates a one-of-a-kind internship ecosystem for policy and international relations students.
Study AbroadBelgium
LANDSCAPE · BRUSSELS · GRAND PLACE
· · · ·Destination · Belgium
Belgium · BE
Belgium
Multilingual academia at the heart of the EU.
Capital Brussels·Language English / French / Dutch·Currency € EUR
6
HIGHLIGHTED UNIVERSITIES
IB · IELTS
RECOMMENDED EXAMS
€12,744
ANNUAL FINANCIAL PROOF
EN / FR / NL
INSTRUCTION LANGUAGE
· · · ·Why Here
Why Belgium?
02 — LANGUAGES
Trilingual academia
Dutch, French and English instruction within the same city — a combination unmatched anywhere else in Europe; joint and dual-track programmes are common.
03 — COST
Balanced living cost
A €9,600–€14,400 annual band makes Belgium meaningfully more flexible than the Netherlands or Switzerland on budget.
04 — RESEARCH
Strong research universities
KU Leuven and Ghent University sit near the top of European research rankings — strong targets for biomedical and engineering students.
· · · ·Student Cities
Where your campus could live.
A few different cities, a few different campus experiences — let's clarify which one fits you together.
· · · ·Highlighted Universities
Highlighted Universities and Institutions
At IYN Education & Consultancy we evaluate university, college, pathway and foundation options across many countries based on each student's academic profile, target field, budget and career plan. The institutions below are examples that stand out for their English-language options, international student admissions, academic reputation and programme variety.
Featured
Top Research
KU Leuven
Among Belgium's strongest and most recognised universities, with broad offerings in Engineering, Business, Law, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology and Social Sciences.
EngineeringBusinessLawBiomedical SciencesPsychology
Top Research
Ghent University
A research-driven university particularly strong in Engineering, Life Sciences, Medicine, Biosciences and Social Sciences, with a robust international student body.
EngineeringLife SciencesMedicine
Top Research
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Located in Brussels, VUB offers a strategic position for European Studies, International Relations, Business, Social Sciences and Engineering.
European StudiesInternational RelationsBusiness
Business & Finance
University of Antwerp
Strong programmes in Business, Economics, Law, Biomedical Sciences and Social Sciences — Antwerp's port and global-trade links are a meaningful career advantage.
BusinessEconomicsLaw
Top Research
UCLouvain
One of Belgium's most established universities, offering strong academic depth in Economics, Engineering, Psychology, Law, Medicine and Social Sciences.
EconomicsEngineeringPsychology
Top Research
Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
A research-focused Brussels university particularly visible in Political Science, International Relations, Law, Social Sciences and Sciences.
Political ScienceInternational RelationsLaw
Note: this is not a list of formally contracted institutions — it shows examples of universities and institutions worth evaluating. The final application list for any given student is built individually around academic performance, language level, budget, programme preference, career goal and admission requirements.
Cost of Living
What does annual cost look like?
Student living costs in Belgium can generally be planned in the €9,600–€14,400 annual range. For Flanders and Brussels the European Commission country profile lists annual living costs of €9,600–€12,000. Some official consular sources cite €12,744 per year as the student financial-proof figure for the 2026/27 academic year.
BrusselsLeuvenGhentAntwerp
Accommodation
Accommodation options
Belgian students typically live in 'kot' student rooms, university halls or shared houses. Brussels is more international and pricier; in Leuven, Ghent and Antwerp student housing is more abundant but applying early still matters.
BrusselsLeuvenGhentAntwerp
Student Work Rights
Can students work?
Yes. Non-EU students can usually work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, with more flexibility during official holidays. Work must not clash with the student's class schedule.
· · · ·Timeline & Visa
Twelve months out, step by step.
An overseas application is a long, structured process. To stay ahead of the deadlines, the right time to start is 12 months out.
−12 MO
University research
Identify target universities and programmes; narrow the shortlist.
−10 MO
Exam plan
Decide which of SAT / IB / AP / IELTS apply and lay out the calendar.
−8 MO
Applications open
Common App / UCAS / Studielink portals open; finalise the list of choices.
−5 MO
Essays & references
Personal statement final draft and academic references collected.
−3 MO
Offer & visa
Accept the university offer, gather financial proof, file the visa.
0 MO
Settlement & orientation
Housing, bank, insurance, orientation week.
· · · ·To Get Started · Belgium
Let your journey begin with Belgium.
A free 15-minute conversation · The right exam, the right university and the right timeline — let's clarify it together.