Study in Belgium – Expert Belgium Education & Visa Consultants

Intakes & Deadlines

- Fall (August/September): Major intake. Deadline: Dec – March

- Spring (January): Fewer courses. Deadline: Aug – Oct

- Summer (May): Limited courses. Deadline: Jan – Mar

Tuition Fees (per year)

- Undergraduate: $20,000 – $45,000

- Postgraduate (Master’s): $25,000 – $50,000

Living Costs (annual estimate)

- $10,000 – $18,000 depending on location and lifestyle (includes housing, food, transport, insurance, etc.)

Language Requirements

- TOEFL iBT: 80–100

- IELTS: 6.5–7.5

- Duolingo English Test: 105–120 (accepted by many institutions)

Work Rights

- On-campus: Up to 20 hours/week during semesters, 40 hours/week during breaks

- Off-campus: CPT (during study), OPT (after graduation)

Application Fees

- $50 – $100 per university (varies by institution)

Overview

🇧🇪 Study in Belgium – A Guide for Bangladeshi Students

Belgium, located in the heart of Europe, offers a rich cultural experience and high-quality education. With a multilingual environment and a strong emphasis on research and innovation, Belgian universities attract students worldwide. For Bangladeshi students, Belgium presents an opportunity to study in English, French, or Dutch, depending on the institution and program.

Admission Requirements for Bangladeshi Students

Undergraduate Programs:

Academic Qualifications: Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with a strong academic record.
Language Proficiency: IELTS score of 6.0 or higher for English-taught programs; proficiency in French or Dutch for programs taught in those languages.
Additional Requirements: Some programs may require specific subject prerequisites or entrance examinations.

Postgraduate Programs:

Academic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a minimum CGPA as specified by the university.
Language Proficiency: IELTS score of 6.5 or higher for English-taught programs; proficiency in French or Dutch for programs taught in those languages.
Additional Requirements: May include letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and relevant work experience, depending on the program.

Note: Specific requirements may vary by institution and program. It's essential to check individual university guidelines.

Visa Processing and Required Documents

Visa Type: National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) (Masters Portal)

Application Steps:

Obtain Admission: Secure an acceptance letter from a recognized Belgian university.
Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents, including proof of financial means and health insurance.
Schedule Appointment: Book an appointment at the Belgian Embassy or Consulate responsible for your region.
Submit Application: Attend the appointment and submit your visa application along with the required documents.
Await Decision: Visa processing times may vary; monitor your application status accordingly. (Edumig)

Required Documents:

Completed and signed visa application form
Valid passport (minimum validity of 12 months)
Recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of admission to a Belgian university
Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., bank statements, scholarship letters)
Health insurance coverage
Academic transcripts and certificates
Language proficiency certificates
Medical certificate from an authorized doctor
Police clearance certificate (Studee, india.diplomatie.belgium.be, FPS Foreign Affairs)

Visa Fees:

Visa application fee: €180
Additional administrative fee: €201 (for certain institutions) (Bachelors Portal, Masters Portal)

Embassy and Resources:

Belgian Embassy in India (accredited to Bangladesh): Visa Information
Student Visa Document Checklist: Download Checklist

Post-Study Work Rights and Permanent Residency (PR) Opportunities

Post-Graduation Work Rights:

International students can apply for a 12-month residence permit extension to search for a job or start a business after graduation.
This extension is non-renewable and must be applied for before the current student residence permit expires.
During this period, graduates can work without a separate work permit under specific conditions. (Study in Belgium)

Permanent Residency Pathways:

Single Permit for Work: After securing a job, graduates can apply for a Single Permit that combines residence and work authorization.
Long-Term Residence: After 5 years of legal and uninterrupted stay in Belgium, individuals may apply for long-term residency status in the EU.
Belgian Permanent Residency: After legally residing in Belgium for at least 5 years and meeting integration and language requirements, one can apply for Belgian permanent residency.
Path to Citizenship: After 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay and integration (language proficiency, economic participation), it is possible to apply for Belgian citizenship.