55,000+ international students
Student Visa Belgium 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Last updated: March 2026 · 7 min read
Belgium hosts over 55,000 international students across universities like KU Leuven, UGent, VUB, ULB, and UCLouvain. If you're a non-EU student planning to study in Belgium, you'll need a Type D long-stay visa for student purposes. This guide covers every requirement, document, cost, and deadline.
Requirements
EnrollmentAccepted at a recognized Belgian institution
Financial proofEUR 803/month (2025-2026 indexed)
Health insuranceEUR 30,000 Schengen coverage minimum
Application timing6-9 months before course start
Document checklist
- ✓
Acceptance letter from a recognized Belgian university or institution
- ✓
Valid passport — 12+ months validity beyond your stay
- ✓
Proof of financial means — EUR 803/month for the academic year. Accepted forms: blocked bank account, scholarship letter from Belgian/EU authority, or Annexe 32 (financial guarantor declaration signed by a Belgian resident)
- ✓
Medical certificate — less than 6 months old
- ✓
Police clearance — if over 18, from country of residence, less than 6 months old
- ✓
Previous academic diplomas — legalized and sworn-translated
- ✓
Health insurance proof — Schengen-compliant, EUR 30,000 minimum coverage
- ✓
Passport photos — 4 biometric, 35x45mm
- ✓
D-visa application fee — EUR 180-210 (scholarship holders may be exempt)
Scholarship holders: If your scholarship is granted by Belgian or EU authorities, you may be exempt from the visa application fee and the financial proof requirement. Check with your university's international office.
Financial proof: the three options
Option 1: Blocked bank account. Show bank statements proving you have EUR 803 x 10 months = EUR 8,030 available. The account must be in your name and the statements must be recent (within 3 months).
Option 2: Scholarship letter. An official letter from your scholarship provider confirming the amount and duration. Must cover at least EUR 803/month.
Option 3: Annexe 32 (guarantor). A Belgian or EU resident signs a financial guarantee (Annexe 32 / prise en charge) committing to cover your living expenses. The guarantor must prove sufficient income — typically at least EUR 2,000/month net after their own expenses.
Working as a student
During term timeMax 20 hours/week
During holidaysUnlimited
Work permit needed?No (student permit covers it)
You don't need a separate work permit. Your student residence permit automatically allows part-time work. Your employer just needs to make a Dimona declaration.
After graduation: the search year
Non-EU graduates can apply for a 12-month "search year" residence permit after completing their degree. This allows you to stay in Belgium to look for a job or start a business. If you find employment during the search year, you can switch to a Single Permit without leaving Belgium.
Estimated costs
D-visa application feeEUR 180-210
Tuition (public university, non-EU)EUR 800-4,500/year
Financial proof (blocked account)EUR 8,030
Health insurance (annual)EUR 100-500
Sworn translationsEUR 80-200
Housing depositEUR 400-1,200
Student transport (Brussels/Wallonia)EUR 12/year (under 25)
Transport tip: Students under 25 registered in Brussels get an annual STIB pass for just EUR 12. In Wallonia, TEC offers the same deal. This covers unlimited bus, tram, and metro travel for the entire year.
Top universities for international students
Belgium's top universities for international students include KU Leuven (ranked #1 in Belgium, top 50 worldwide), UGent, UCLouvain, VUB, ULB, and University of Antwerp. Most Master's programs and many Bachelor's programs are taught in English. Dutch and French language courses are often available free or at low cost through the university.
Get your student visa checklist
Answer 5 questions and get a personalised document checklist with deadlines, costs, and what to do first — completely free, no account needed.
Start your free checklist →
Informational only, not legal advice. Verify with your university's international office or DVZ. Last updated March 2026.