6 reasons to study in Belgium
Why do students choose Belgium?
Hear from international students what brought them here and what surprised them about their studies and everyday life.
Key questions before choosing Belgium
Interested in Belgium? From tuition to your first application – here are short answers to get you started.
How much do studies and living cost in Belgium?
For students with EU, EEA or Swiss citizenship, bachelor's studies in Flanders cost about €1,200 per year. This is the region where the programs Kastu offers in Belgium are taught.
For living costs, plan on about €1,000–1,400 per month. Housing is the biggest part, and your costs depend on the city and your habits.
Set aside some extra money for study materials and moving in. Student discounts on transportation and meals can help you save every day.
Can I get a grant while studying in Belgium?
Yes, the Flemish grant can be more than €5,000 a year. It's support you don't pay back; the amount depends on your or your family's income and other conditions.
One way for students from other EU countries to qualify is to work in Belgium for at least 12 months out of the last 2 years, 32 hours a month under an official employment contract.
If you only start working in Belgium when you arrive to study, you won't get the grant right away through this route. Plan your budget for the first months in advance.
Is English enough for studies in Belgium, and will I need a test?
All programs Kastu offers in Belgium are taught in English. You don't need Dutch or French for your studies. In Flanders, English is widely spoken in everyday life too.
Some universities accept your school-leaving exam in English as proof of your English level. It depends on your country and the university – if yours accepts it, you don't need an extra IELTS or TOEFL test.
Other universities require an international test. Before you choose a test, check which proof your chosen program accepts.
Check the English language requirements of your chosen university.
Can I combine my studies in Belgium with a job?
Yes, students with EU, EEA or Swiss citizenship can work in Belgium while they study. Students look for jobs in hospitality, logistics, retail, administration and event organization.
Fit your work schedule around your lectures and assignments. When choosing an offer, check which languages the job requires.
A job can add to your budget and help you qualify for the Flemish grant. Allow time for the job search, and have some savings for your first months.
When should I start applying to Belgium, and do I have to wait for my certificate?
You can start applying while you're still in your final year of school. Fill in the Kastu application form and submit a transcript of records confirmed by your school. You upload your secondary school leaving certificate when you receive it.
For the main intake through Kastu, submit your form by April 1 – the date is approximate. The exact date and the required documents depend on the program.
Kastu reviews your documents and submits your applications. If you start early, you'll have time to compare programs and get ready for their selection process.
Will I get practical experience in Belgium while I study?
Yes, practical training is an important part of studies at universities of applied sciences. In professional bachelor's programs you learn through projects and do internships in companies or organizations.
In group tasks you solve specific problems, discuss solutions with your classmates and learn to apply theory. This helps you understand better what kind of work is waiting for you in your chosen field.
If you're more interested in theory and research, it's worth comparing academic programs. Choose according to how you like to learn.
Where do students live in Belgium, and how do I find housing?
A common choice is a student room, called a “kot” in Belgium. You can also choose a dorm or other rented housing.
Start with the accommodation information of your chosen university. Universities help you make sense of the offers and can point you to their own dorms or partner rental platforms.
Look early, especially in the bigger student cities. Compare the price, the location and the trip to your lectures, and set aside a separate amount for moving in.
Will I make friends if I come to Belgium alone?
An active student community will help you meet people. Universities organize introduction weeks, buddy programs for newcomers and events for international students.
You can join a student organization, a sports club or a group trip. Study projects you do together also give you the chance to get to know your classmates better.
Start with an activity that really interests you. With other students you can discover Belgian cities and plan trips to the neighboring countries.
Why apply to Belgium through Kastu?
More choices – a stronger application
We check for errors and remind you of deadlines
Help doesn't end with your admission letter
What would you like to discover while studying in Belgium?
A field you love, a new city, friends or a corner of Europe you haven't seen yet? Start with a study program. See what you would learn and what practical experience would be waiting for you – maybe this is where you'll find your direction. Applying through Kastu is completely free, and if you have questions, ask KastuGPT – it's free and always available.
