Last Updated on August 29, 2024
Belgium is more than just chocolate and Medieval charm. It is also a highly chosen study destination by international students. The top universities in Belgium are the main contributing factors to its being one of the top study destinations in the world. Its scenic beauty and chocolate are just the cherry on top.
So, if you are also an Indian student considering studying in Belgium, keep reading this blog as we discuss all the top universities in Belgium.
Belgium offers its graduates an excellent 72.1% employment rate, a testament to the top universities’ ability to prepare students for the professional world. But it’s not just about the academics; the country also boasts a vibrant global community, with over 52,000 international students contributing to a rich, multicultural learning environment on campus.
And here’s the best part: Scholarship opportunities for students from India are rising! With Belgium’s central location in Europe, you can use it as a springboard for weekend excursions. Imagine studying in Brussels and then hopping on a two-hour train to Paris or exploring the beauty of Amsterdam. All this while you shape your prosperous future.
Top Universities in Belgium: Key Highlights
The key highlights of studying in Belgium are:
| Key Highlights | Details |
| Top Universities in Belgium | KU LeuvenGhent UniversityUniversity of Liège |
| Average Tuition Fees at Top Universities in Belgium for International Students | INR 2.5L – INR 6.5L per year |
| English Proficiency Requirements | IELTS – 5.5-6.5TOEFL – 70-81 |
| Cost of Living in Belgium Per Month | INR 83K |
| Intake Periods to Study in Belgium | Fall- September to JanuarySpring- February |
| Types of Visa | Type C – up to 90 days Type D – More than 90 days |
| Visa Fees | Type C – INR 7.1kType D – INR 16.2k |
Why Choose Top Universities in Belgium for Higher Education?
Belgium has consistently ranked among the top 20 happiest countries in the world! This is the best reason for choosing the Top universities in Belgium in 2024. Apart from this, some other reasons are:
- Central European Hub for convenient Travel
Belgium has a unique value due to its placement at the heart of Europe. This central location gives it an easy connection to many neighbouring countries. You can ride a train and reach Paris within two hours, while Amsterdam is about three hours away from Belgium’s capital, Brussels, by train.
Belgium’s central location is perfect for you if you are an international student. It allows easy access to different European cultures while being close enough to your top university in Belgium. The top universities in Belgium for overseas students are located in spots that make it convenient for those who desire to travel throughout Europe.
- Prestigious Universities with Diverse Academic Programmes
Belgium is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. As per QS World University Rankings 2024, KU Leuven’s global ranking is #64. The top universities in Belgium provide numerous programs, thus making sure that you can discover a course which matches your academic and career goals. The top Belgian universities cover all these fields if you have a passion for engineering, medicine, humanities or social sciences.
- Exceptional Networking in Brussels
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, provides distinct chances for networking because it is a centre of global politics and commerce. The European Union, NATO, and other significant worldwide bodies have headquarters in Brussels. When you study in Brussels, you are close to these institutions, which can be very helpful for establishing connections and progressing your career.
If you concentrate on international relations, law, or business, the networking possibilities in Brussels are unmatched. Public universities for international students in Belgium, such as Université libre de Bruxelles, offer superb opportunities in these areas.
- Work Opportunities during and after studies
You can have a part-time job for 475 hours per year during your study. After you finish studying, Belgium provides many chances for you to stay and work in the country. This is especially true if your profession is engineering, technology, or international relations.
Moreover, universities in Belgium that are known for their excellence will ensure you find work chances. Typical student jobs include delivering by bicycle and scooter, assisting in the library or being a waiter, with typical earnings of around INR 1K every hour.
List of Top Universities in Belgium
Here’s a list of the Top Universities in Belgium
| Top Universities in Belgium | Belgium University Rankings as Per QS World Rankings 2025 | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
| KU Leuven | 63 | INR 4.1L to INR 7.1L |
| Ghent University | 169 | INR 2.1L – INR 6.1L |
| Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) | 203 | Base fees – INR 76k Goes up to INR 3.6L |
| Université libre de Bruxelles | 230 | INR 2.6L |
| University of Antwerp | 267 | INR 3.1L |
- KU Leuven
Established in 1425, KU Leven is Belgium’s prominent research institution and the most extensive University. With a student population of more than 51,000, KU Leuven provides various opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Documents Required for Admission to Master’s Programme at KU Leuven
- Diploma and transcripts of academic records
- English Proficiency Certificate
- Translation of diploma and transcripts by a registered translator
- Brief course description of UG courses in the specific field of study.
- Proof of payment of application fee
- Copy of passport
- Letter of motivation
- Updated CV
English proficiency test requirements:
| Exam Name | Required Score |
| TOEFL (Paper-based test) | 610 |
| TOEFL (Computer-based test) | 251 |
| TOEFL (Internet-based test) | 110 |
| IELTS Academic Test | Band 7.0 |
| CPE | Grade B |
| ITACE | C1 level |
- Ghent University
A renowned university for its extensive range of English-taught master’s programmes, Ghent University has been catering specifically to international students like you for years. It has 12 faculties and offers over 200 courses, providing a diverse and lush academic environment.
Basic Admission Requirements
- A high school diploma equivalent to the Flemish secondary education diploma is required for bachelor’s programmes.
- A relevant Bachelor’s degree is required for master’s programmes.
English proficiency test requirements for Master’s Programmes :
| Exam Name | Minimum Required Score |
| TOEFL (Paper-based test) | 610 |
| TOEFL (Computer-based test) | 251 |
| TOEFL (Internet-based test) | 110 |
| IELTS | Band 7.0-8.0 |
| CPE | Grade B |
| ITACE | C1 level |
- Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)
UCL is one of Belgium’s oldest universities. It was founded in 1425 and is located in Louvain-la-Neuve. It is known for its globally recognised research institutes, such as the Institute of Neuroscience and the Earth and Life Institute.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
- Photocopy of a national identity card
- Cover letter
- Photocopy of secondary education certificate
- Certified copy of higher education qualifications
- Certified copy of marks (of each year of higher education)
- Detailed CV, dated and signed
- Two letters of recommendation (sent directly to the mobility coordinator): international-espo@uclouvain.be.
English proficiency test requirements are mentioned in the table below.
| Exam Name | Minimum Required Score |
| TOEFL (Paper-based test) | 551 |
| TOEFL (Computer-based test) | 214 |
| TOEFL (Internet-based test) | 78 |
| IELTS | Band 6.5 |
4. Université libre de Bruxelles
Known for its large international student population and diverse programmes Université libre de Bruxelles has strong ties with institutions worldwide and aims to provide an inclusive academic experience.
Academic Qualifications:
- Recognised high school diploma or equivalent for bachelor’s program
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field for a master’s program
- Relevant master’s degree or equivalent for PhD program
Language Requirements:
- Clear a French language exam for a master’s in French.
English proficiency levels
The English language proficiency requirement is:
| English Proficiency Test | Test Score |
| IELTS | 6.0 |
| TOEFL | 91 |
5. University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp was formed by the merging of three institutions. It offers a wide array of academic programmes and is globally known for its focus on interdisciplinary research.
Academic Qualifications for Master’s Programmes
- Bachelor’s degree for initial master’s programmes of 2 years
- Master’s degree for advanced master’s programmes of 1 year
English proficiency requirements are given below.
The English language proficiency requirement includes:
| Exam Name | Minimum Required Score |
| TOEFL iBT | 81 |
| IELTS | Overall score of at least 6.5 |
| ITACE | Minimum level B2 |
| Cambridge English | Minimum B2 First with a score of at least 175 |
Intake Periods for Studying at Top Universities in Belgium
Intake periods for studying at colleges in Belgium are:
| Intake | Details | Application Deadline |
| Fall Intake | It starts in September and lasts till JanuaryPreferred by most students | Mid-July |
| Spring Intake | It begins in February and lasts until JuneSlightly lower admission rates | December |
Cost of Living in Belgium for Indian Students
A detailed breakdown of the cost is mentioned below:
| Factor | Average Monthly Cost of Living in Belgium for Indian Students |
| Rent for Student Accommodation (1 Bedroom Apartment) | INR 59K – INR 99K |
| Food | INR 19K – INR 26K |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | INR 3.1K – INR 6K |
| Sports and Entertainment | INR 3.1K – INR 8K |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water) | INR 12K – INR 32K |
| Internet | INR 3.1K – INR 8K |
Top 3 Scholarships to Study in Belgium
The top scholarships available in Belgium for international students are:
| Scholarship | Grant |
| Science@Leuven Scholarships | INR 12L |
| Government of Flanders Master Mind Scholarships | INR 9L |
| Erasmus Mundus Programmes in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation | INR 1.2L per month for up to 24 months |
Top 5 High-Paying Jobs in Belgium
As mentioned earlier, Belgium has an employment rate of 72.1%. The top 5 high paying jobs in Belgium are given below:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
| IT Director | INR 1 Cr |
| Pilot | INR 98L |
| Finance Manager | INR 86L |
| Medical Advisor | INR 83.5L |
| Engineering Manager | INR 83L |
Types of Student Visas and Application Process for Indian Students
A table showcasing an overview of the main types of visas is mentioned below:
| Visa Type | Duration of Stay | Processing Fees and Time |
| Short-Stay Visa (Schengen) | Up to 90 days | INR 8k Processing Time- up to 15 working days |
| Long-Stay Visa (D Visa) | More than 90 days | INR 17k Processing Time- 15 days to 90 days |
Conclusion
To sum up, Belgium is not known just for its delicious chocolates and history. It is also famous for its education standards at top universities. In this article, we have discussed the top universities in Belgium in detail. We have also covered other aspects of studying in Belgium, such as scholarships, living costs, etc., as an international student.
For further assistance, contact us at Admissify and take your first step towards studying at your dream destination. We have a team of expert counsellors and an experienced team dedicated to helping you throughout your journey.
FAQ
Are there English-taught programs available at top universities in Belgium?
Certainly, numerous universities in Belgium offer programs taught exclusively in English, especially for postgraduate studies.
What are the admission requirements at colleges in Belgium?
Everyone has different needs. They usually want to see good academic results, check if you can speak languages well (such as English or Dutch/French), and sometimes look at your standard test scores, too.
How much are the tuition fees at top universities in Belgium?
The cost depends; it is usually less than what you pay in the UK or the US. Usually, European Union students have to pay the same amount as Belgian students, and non-European Union students may need to give more money for their studies.
Are scholarships available for international students?
Numerous universities and the Belgian government give scholarships to international students based on their achievements or financial situations.
What’s the cost of living in Belgium?
Depending on the city, you should plan to spend approximately €800-€1000 each month on housing, meals, and other costs.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
