Many nations claim to be “the heart of Europe”, but Belgium may be closest to the truth: The small, cosmopolitan nation played an important role in shaping the Europe we know today, and its capital, Brussels, is the seat of the European Union government. With many study options available, Belgium is also an exciting destination for international students.

Flanders and Wallonia

If you are considering studying a Bachelor’s in Belgium or a Master’s in Belgium, it is important to understand how the country’s education system is shaped by its two main regions: Flanders and Wallonia.

Flanders, in the north, is the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, while Wallonia, in the south, is primarily French-speaking. This division influences university life, teaching languages, and even the structure of higher education institutions. Depending on where you choose to study, your university will usually belong to either the Flemish or Walloon system.

For students looking for Bachelors in Belgium, most undergraduate programmes are taught in Dutch or French, with fewer full English-taught options available at Bachelor’s level. However, there are still international pathways and selected English-language Bachelor’s programmes, particularly at universities of applied sciences and internationally focused institutions.

If you are searching for Masters in Belgium, you will find far more English-taught programmes, especially in fields such as business, engineering, international relations, political science, and health sciences. This makes Belgium particularly attractive for postgraduate students from abroad.

Brussels stands out as a special case. As the political centre of the European Union, the city is highly international and multilingual, with Dutch, French, and English widely used in daily life. Many international students choose Brussels for its global atmosphere, career opportunities, and universities with strong international connections.

Universities in Belgium

Belgium’s higher education system follows the European Bologna structure, meaning Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees are recognised across Europe and internationally. 

If you want to study in Belgium in English, there is a large number of universities to choose from, including some of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in Europe.

• KU Leuven: Belgium’s largest university and one of the oldest in Europe, founded almost 600 years ago.
• Ghent University: With 11 campuses, international students number ca. 10% of the student population.
• Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain): Leading French-speaking university with strengths in economics, law, and political science.
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): Popular for international relations, business, and social sciences.
• University of Antwerp: Strong in business, economics, and biomedical sciences.
• Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB): Well known for its research.
• Brussels School of Governance: Specialised in international relations, European studies, and governance.
• Hasselt University: Recognised for digital innovation and business studies.
• KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts: Known for its strong practical focus.
• Howest University of Applied Sciences: Strong in digital arts, game design, technology, and business.
• UCLL University of Applied Sciences: Offers bachelor’s built on a practical, industry relevant curriculum.

Tuition fees in Belgium at public universities are relatively low. EU/EEA students benefit from especially affordable fees, while non-EU students may pay higher tuition depending on the programme and institution. Even so, Belgium remains a cost-effective option thanks to its strong academic reputation, central location in Europe, and excellent career opportunities after graduation.

Student life in Belgium

Whether you choose to study in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, or Leuven, you’ll find student-friendly cities with excellent public transport, diverse communities, and plenty of cultural activities.

Belgium is also ideal for students who want to travel during their studies. Its central location in Europe means cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin are all easily accessible by train, making weekend trips simple and affordable.

For international students, one of the best ways to prepare before applying is by attending free university webinars. Many Belgian universities organise online webinars where prospective students can ask questions directly to admissions teams, professors, and even current students. These sessions are completely free and can help you better understand admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student housing, and what daily life in Belgium is really like.