Belgium student Visa Requirements for Bangladeshi
Belgium is one of the countries in the world that welcomes international students for undergraduate (bachelor’s), graduate (master’s), and PhD programs. Additionally, it supports credit transfers for undergraduate studies. Here are the detailed requirements for studying in Belgium from Bangladesh, including information on sessions, tuition fees, job opportunities, living costs, dependent or spouse visas, and required skills. Primarily, Belgium accepts IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, and other recognized language proficiency tests.
Top Subjects for study in Belgium
Belgium is renowned for its high-quality education system and diverse academic programs, making it a prime destination for international students. Following are some of the top fields of study:
- Business and Economics
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Healthcare and Nursing
- Arts and Design
- Information Technology
- Life Sciences
Academic Intakes and Deadlines
Belgium typically offers two main academic intakes each year: Fall and Spring. Deadlines may vary by institution, but general timelines are as follows:
- Fall Intake: Applications for the 2025 academic year are generally accepted from January to April.
- Spring Intake: Some universities also accept applications for the spring semester, which usually begins in February or March.
IELTS Requirements for a Student Visa to Belgium
- Bachelor: Most universities require an IELTS score of at least 6.0, with no individual band score below 5.5 or 6.0, depending on the institution.
- Masters: A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is typically required, though many institutions want a score of 6.5 or higher. You will need to know no band below 6.0 is accepted.
Tuition Fees for Studying in Belgium
- Bachelor: Tuition fees range between €800 and €10,000 per year for non-EU international students, depending on the field of study and the university.
- Masters: Fees for master’s programs normally range between €1,000 and €10,000 annually, varying by program and institution.
Job Opportunity and living Cost
- Job Opportunity: International students in Belgium can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during vacation. Part-time jobs can help managing living expenses but may not cover all costs.
- Living Cost: Monthly living costs typically range from €800 to €1,200, depending on the city and lifestyle. This includes housing, meals, transportation, and other essentials.
Bank Statement for Student and Spouse
Bank Statement for Candidate: Students must show proof of funds, generally amounting to €9,000–€10,000, to cover living expenses for a year. This amount must be credited to the student’s bank account.
Spouse Visa: To apply for a dependent visa, an additional €12,000–€15,000 per dependent is required.
Block Amount: 11,000 Euros for every program. The amount has to be paid before going to Belgium. Amount will be released within one year after reaching Belgium.
Scholarships Opportunity in Belgium
- For Bachelor’s Degrees: Scholarships for undergraduate students are limited but available through certain universities. Early Bird discounts or partial scholarships may be offered.
- For Master’s Degrees: Belgium provides several scholarship opportunities for master’s students, including the VLIR-UOS Scholarships for students from developing countries. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Post-Study Work Visa:
After completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Belgium, international graduates can apply for a post-study work visa. This visa allows them to stay in Belgium for up to 12 months to search for employment in their field.
Permanent Residency (PR):
- Residency Requirement: Applicants must live in Belgium for five years with a valid residence permit before applying for permanent residency.
- Language Requirement: Basic proficiency in one of Belgium’s official languages (Dutch, French, or German) may be required.
- Income Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, typically through consistent employment.
- Employment Field: It is not necessary to work in a field related to your studies to qualify for PR.
Common Questions And Answer:
Yes, IELTS or an equivalent English language proficiency test is typically required for a student visa to Belgium.
Belgium’s living costs are moderate compared to other European countries. The range typically between €600-€800per month. The cost of living entirely depends on how you choose to live your life.
Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week during studies and take up full-time employment on vacation and after completing your degree.
Study gaps aren’t usually an issue, and admission and visas can still be granted even with gaps of 10-15 years.
Common platforms for exploring programs include the official websites of universities and centralized portals like Study in Flanders or Study in Belgium.
Tuition fees range from €10,000 to €15,000 per year
Settling in Belgium as an international student or skilled worker can be relatively easier compared to some European countries due to its accessible pathways for residence and work permits. However, the ease of settlement depends on various factors, including your skills, qualifications, and long-term goals.
If you’re an international student in Belgium, you generally cannot sponsor your parents for a residence visa. However, your parents can apply for a short-stay visa (Schengen visa) for visiting purposes, typically for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For a longer stay, it would be more difficult unless they meet specific requirements.
This depends on your tuition fees, living costs, and city of residence. It’s generally possible to manage up to €8,000 per year.
You can bring your spouse and children with you. They can apply for residence permits as your dependents. Your spouse will typically be allowed to work, and your children can access education and healthcare. However, you need to show sufficient funds to support them during their stay.