STUDY IN BELGIUM

Basic facts

Why Belgium?

There's just something about Belgium. Maybe it's the friendly & welcoming people who with three official languages still find it easy to converse in English, the 4th unofficial language. Maybe it's the stunning architecture decorating the quaint cobblestone squares. Or perhaps it's the incredible cuisine found in the vast array of restaurants where each meal seems better than the last. Energetic and carefree, the overall mood in Belgium is infectious, summoning in all of us to live as Belgians and enjoy life to the fullest.

Well situated between France and Holland, the kingdom of Belgium encompasses all the best that Europe has to offer. Within the span of one day you can take a romantic cruise down a canal in Bruges, hunt for diamonds in Antwerp, enjoy waffles on the beach in Oostende, frolic in a festival in Binche, get lost in a castle in Namur, discover antiques at an outdoor market in Liege, and explore a fine art museum in Brussels. A dense train network connects all of Belgium and makes navigation simple and comfortable for travelers.

Education system

The higher education network of the Wallonia-Brussels Community is comprised, on the one hand, of universities that are a staple on the international top institution lists, and, on the other hand, institutes of higher education. The universities come under three university Academies (the Academy of Louvain, the Academy of Wallonia-Brussels, the Academy of Wallonia-Europe). In view of Belgium's multicultural profile, it is no surprise that 20% of the students are foreigners (40% at doctorate level). The universities have become quite a fixture in the top level European research landscape. Many research laboratories participate in the European networks of excellence in various fields such as life sciences, nanotechnologies, information technologies, etc. Moreover, the international surveys confirm the quality of their work at world-wide level. The Wallonia-Brussels Community has also developed a very comprehensive non-university higher education network: the institutes of higher education. These focus on preparing students for specific professions or artistic careers. Foreign students account for 15% of enrolments for these programs. The universities and institutes of higher education have signed hundreds of cooperation agreements with foreign educational institutions. To conclude, there is no denying that the Wallonia-Brussels Community is an educational hub at the heart of Europe, proud of its strong scientific tradition and bursting with projects for the future. Three reasons that will appeal to young people eager to build on their knowledge or to take their first steps in research.

The main lines of action of the Bologna process implemented in the Wallonia-Brussels Community are the following:

• A readable and comparable qualification system
• A three-cycle structure: Bachelor - Master - Doctorate
• Generalization of the credits
• Awarding of the diploma supplement
• Mobility of the students and academic staff
• Higher education quality assurance

Costs

For Belgian and European students, higher education is financed to a very large extent by the public authorities. Every year, students must pay a registration fee. The amount of this fee varies depending on the higher education establishment and the type of program followed.

To register with a university: € 811. To register with an institute of higher education, a college of the arts or a higher institute of architecture: for a long-term course: € 330 (and € 428 for the academic year in which the qualification is awarded); for a short-term course: € 165 (and € 214 for the academic year in which the qualification is awarded).

Student living costs are dependent on a number of factors linked to the type of program followed by students, type of accommodation chosen, way of life, etc. It may be considered that students will need a minimum of € 800 per month, without however taking into account the various registration fees. With respect to accommodation, some establishments offer students rooms at very reasonable prices. Students can also search for accommodation via estate agents or individuals. The minimum price for accommodation may be estimated at between 250 and 350 euro per month.

Student life

Students from a European Union Member State must carry a national identity card in order to come to Belgium. Within eight days following their arrival in Belgium, students must register with the local administration of their place of residence in Belgium.

The majority of higher education establishments are located in urban centers that are easily accessible by public transport (train, tram, bus, underground). Students benefit from a whole range of infrastructures (shops, swimming pools, sports centers, cinemas, theatres) and from a variety of catering options.

Students are able to participate in numerous extra-curricular activities (cultural and sporting activities, student parties, conferences, etc.) organized by the establishments or by student associations.