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International students speak highly of the education quality, costs, and employment opportunities in Belgium. You have every right to pick this amazing coutnry to continue your education. You might just need a Belgium student visa to do so.

This article explains whether you need a visa or not, the requirements, and how to apply.

Do you need a Belgium student visa?

The answer to the question of whether you need a student visa or not is up to the duration of your course and your nationality.

The EU nationals do not need a student visa. They just need an ID card to study in the country. Having enough funds to stay in Belgium, insurance, and acceptance from a university is a must.

Your complete guide on Belgium student visa

A few countries do not need a Belgium short-stay visa; the US, South Korea, Israel, etc. If you are from one of these countries and your course takes less than 90 days, you do not need a visa. But in case the course takes longer than 90 days, you are going to need a visa.

The non-EU nationals that are not on the visa waived list need a student visa. The duration of the course does not matter.

Belgium student visa requirements

The list of requirements for a Belgium student visa is as follows:

Passport 

It must be valid for at least three months after the date you will leave Belgium, or your course will end. Also, two copies of the picture page are needed.

Application form 

It is an essential part of your application that you need to complete with care. Complete it with your personal information and every part that is true for you.

You can complete the online application form from the Belgium government website. You need to create an account first before completing the form.

Language form 

The one you choose indicates your language of preference. It is provided in

An English form is not available. A copy of the form is also needed.

Photos 

Two new photos are required. They must be new, not older than three months ago. Write your name back.

Clean record certificate 

You can get it from the police or judiciary in your home country.

Medical check certificate 

You need to take a test with a verified doctor by the embassy, and he/she completes the form and signs it. You also need two copies of this signed form.

The Belgium embassy has all of the approved doctors in your home country.

The medical certificate can not be older than six months at the time of application.

Proof to have enough funds 

You need one of the following:

  • proof of grant,
  • scholarship
  • student loan,
  • Bank balance, statements

Acceptance letter

Admission letter or acceptance letter from the Belgium university or education center.

A motivation letter or cover letter

Write a letter and explain why you have chosen Belgium and why this particular university is to continue your education.

Transcript 

Your latest transcripts of the last education certificate are needed.

Envelope (If the embassy requires) 

The embassy might post your visa stick on the passport to your address. To submit an envelope with your full address and postcode written on it.

A trackable envelope with a signature requirement would be a better option.

Recipe to paid fees 

The fee is up to the embassy you apply to and their services. When you pay, keep the receipt.

Translation 

Have your documents translated into one of the following languages:

  • German,
  • French,
  • English
  • Dutch

Don’t wait no more. Move to Belgium as a Teacher with ease. How? just take a look at our article.

Belgium student visa application

The way you need to apply for a Belgium student visa is as follows:

Step 1. Receive acceptance from a Belgium university or education center

The first step in a Belgium student visa application is to get acceptance from a university or education center in the country.

Some of the famous universities in Belgium are as follows:

  1. KU Leuven
  2. Ghent University
  3. University of Antwerp
  4. UCLouvain
  5. Institute for European Studies – Universite Libre de Bruxelles
  6. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
  7. Hasselt University
  8. University of Liège
  9. University of Namur
  10. Université de Mons

You need to visit the website of each university and find the program you want to apply for. Also, you need to figure out the requirements;

  • GPA
  • Language proficiency
    • English: TOEFL or IELTS
    • Dutch: Dutch NT2-II diploma
    • French: DELF or DALF
    • German: DSH or TestDaF
  • University certificate
  • Transcripts
  • Translation of documents

Apply to the university, and when you receive an admission letter or acceptance letter, you can apply for a Belgium student visa.

Step 2. Gather the requirements

Besides the university requirements, you need to submit some supporting documents to the Belgium embassy. You can find a list of them in the below section.

Gather every piece according to the instructions. You can visit the embassy’s website or visit them in person to know the full list of requirements or further requirements.

This stage could take some time, so you would better start it a bit earlier. In case the embassy asks for further requirements, you might have to wait longer to submit the documents. So, consider some wasted time at this stage.

Step 3. Schedule and visit the Belgium embassy in your home country

Find the nearest Belgium embassy or consulate in your home country. If one is not available, find one in a neighboring country.

Schedule a meeting with them and visit the embassy on the exact date.

You need to bring every piece of requirements to the meeting, so do not forget anything.

Applicants need to pay the fee for visa processing and answer questions regarding the purpose of their visit. You need to be honest and give true answers. What you say needs to be compatible with your documents.

Explain why you have chosen Belgium and why this particular university.

Step 4. Wait for processing

When the visa meeting is over, you need to wait for the unit the embassy works on your application. They send your request to the Aliens Office. They make the final decision on the application.

The normal processing time is 15 days to a month. The embassy will inform you of the decision. When your visa is approved, the officials will inform you to receive your visa.

Step 5. Registration with the officials

When you arrive in Belgium, you need to visit the municipal administration offices in the town you’re studying.

You will have to do it in the first week of your arrival. The officials will register you on the alien’s register, and you will get your residence permit which the permission to stay in the country for a particular period of time.

Your student visa application gets rejected. What should you do now?

The final department that decides on your student visa application is the Aliens Office. They notify the Belgium embassy or consulate, and then you will get the message.

The embassy will tell you what was wrong with your application or what part was missing. You need to fix the problem and apply again.

In case you are sure of your application and believe rejecting it was unfair, you can appeal to a court of law with a lawyer’s assistance.

You need to write a letter to submit to the court, and it must include:

application rejection date

  • Reason of rejection
  • Your reason why you think rejection was not tight and unfair.
  • Personal information:
    • name,
    • passport number
    • contact details

Belgium student visa processing time

The average processing time for a student visa is 15 days to a month. But the officials will process your visa in time so you can reach your deadlines. If not, you can defer your course to the next term.

The processing time is often up to the embassy and their workload and whether you have submitted a full list of documents or not.

Can you work in Belgium while studying?

Yes, you have permission to work part-time for 20 hours during your courses and work full time during holidays.

Your work mustn’t interfere with your studies, and you need to have time to study and attend the classes.

Often, you might have to sign a contract with your employer as well.

Belgium student visa acceptance rate

The acceptance rate for a Belgium student visa is up to different factors. You need to submit a full and complete list of documents.

Also, the major you apply for needs to be related to your previous study and work experience.

Financial requirement and how you will pay the cost of your studies is essential. Make it clear how and from what source you will pay the cost of your study and living expenses.

It is necessary to provide proof that you will return to your home country after completing your studies.

Can you bring your family to Belgium?

Yes. You have permission to bring your family to Belgium if you meet the requirements:

  • Have enough funs funds to cover the expenses
  • Prove the relationship through an official certificate
  • Have a place to stay in Belgium

Can you stay in Belgium after your studies?

Yes, if you find a job in a Belgium company or an employer, you can apply for a work permit and stay in the country.

You need to study well and prove you are worthy to the employers to get the offer.

Let’s sum up…

You are likely to need a Belgium student visa if you want to continue your education in the country.

This article provided you with who needs a student visa and who doesn’t the requirements, and the application process.

If you have any questions regarding Belgium student visas, write them in the comment section and the Visa Library will answer them.

You know find out about other types of Belgium visas from the left sidebar and other countries’ visas from the top menu.

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