BELGIUM AS STUDY ABROAD DESTINATION

#Key highlights:

• Diverse Higher Education System: With three communities (Flemish, French, and German) and educational institutions such universities, university colleges, and arts schools, Belgium provides a well-organized, multilingual education system.
• Affordable Education: Tuition for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students varies, and there are many government and private scholarships available. Public universities also have a low registration cost (around €850).
• Top-Notch Universities: Renowned universities with internationally renowned programs and research possibilities, such KU Leuven, Ghent University, and UCLouvain, offer several of their courses in English.
• Student-Friendly Living: Belgium is a great place to study since it provides great public transportation, reasonably priced housing, intercultural encounters, and a rich cultural legacy.

#Belgium – An Introduction

• Belgium is a western country in the European Union. Its official name is the Kingdom of Belgium. The country is known for its flora and fauna with a rich heritage of food, art, and culture. It has a population of around 11.5 million is the 22nd largest country in the world. 
• Dutch is the most frequently spoken language in the country. Apparently; French is also spoken here. As Belgium is a global study destination; English is quite often spoken as a common medium of exchange of thoughts. 
• Belgium is one of the founding countries of the European Union having capital as Brussels. Other famous cities in Belgium are Antwerp, Ghent, Namur, and Leuven.

#Why study in Belgium?

• Belgium has a well structured and planned study curriculum that makes it competitive and recognized across the globe. The universities are well equipped with the latest technology, study material, and experienced mentors to make a rewarding career for students who devote their time and money to them.  It has been noticed globally that students educated from Belgium became great worldwide leaders.
• Apart from course and curriculum, Belgium also provides several other facilities to students such as multiple and affordable accommodation options, authentic food and supermarkets, various transport mediums to commute and travel to see the beauty of the city where they reside.
• Belgium has a three-tier classified system of education that is divided according to classes and higher education. These are bachelor, master, and doctorate which is pursued in three types of institutions that provide master and doctorate program whereas bachelor and vocational education program is run by art and university colleges.

Contact Grad-Dreams experts for the best international education plans.

If you wish to study abroad, contact Grad-Dreams for the best international career plans.

#Affordable fee structure

• In Belgium, each and every student is bound to pay a one-time registration fee which is around 850EUR for public institutions. The tuition fee segregates from an EU/EEA/Swiss national student and a Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national student. The scholarships are also highly differentiated among these. For EU/EEA student’s maximum scholarship is provided by government bodies and public authorities to provide higher education to these students. 
• Non – EU/EEA students have to pay a certain additional amount apart from the registration fee depending upon the chosen course and institution. It varies between 835EUR to 4200 EUR per year for a bachelor’s degree. Students have to pay 835EUR first year; then 50EUR for subsequent years in a doctorate course.
• Moreover, scholarships are not granted by universities only; eligible foreign students can get it directly from the government, the Academy of Research, and higher education and from private Belgian agencies too.

#Belgium's Higher Education System

A Basic Analysis of Belgium's Higher Education System

The educational system in Belgium is specially designed to represent its various language and cultural groups:

• The Flemish Community: Made up of mostly Flanders-based Dutch-speaking establishments.
• French Community: These organizations are mostly located in Wallonia and some areas of Brussels, where the predominant language is French.
• German-Speaking Community: Students who speak German are served by this little area in eastern Belgium.

There are three primary categories of higher education institutions in Belgium:

• Universities: These establishments offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees with an emphasis on scholarly research.
• University colleges, also known as Hochschulen or Hautes écoles, place a strong emphasis on education that is relevant to careers.
• Arts Colleges: Specialized educational institutions that provide courses in design, music, and fine arts.

Belgium's degree structure is in line with European norms because it adheres to the Bologna Process. Students now have an easier time finding employment or continuing their education throughout Europe.

Here is a brief overview of Belgium's degree system:

• A bachelor's degree typically requires 180 ECTS credits and three years to complete.
• A master's degree requires 60–120 ECTS credits and takes 1-2 years to complete.
• PhD: Requires three to five years of rigorous study.

#Most prestigious universities in Belgium

Belgium boasts a number of esteemed universities that draw students from around the globe. The following institutions are among the most notable:

• KU Leuven: Recognized as the top university in Belgium, KU Leuven is celebrated for its research-oriented programs and a wide array of English-language Master's and doctoral degrees.
• Ghent University: This prominent public research university in Flanders is distinguished for its engineering, sciences, and life sciences programs.
• Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain): A leading institution within the French-speaking community, UCLouvain is particularly strong in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and engineering.
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): Renowned for its global perspective and innovative approach, VUB offers a variety of English-taught programs in business, science, and engineering.
• University of Liège: A significant French-speaking university, the University of Liège is well-regarded for its extensive program offerings and research initiatives.
• University of Antwerp: With a robust focus on research and applied sciences, the University of Antwerp delivers outstanding programs in business, social sciences, and applied sciences.

#Visa Requirements for International Students:

International students from non-EU/EEA countries are required to obtain a student visa to pursue their studies in Belgium. The following steps outline the necessary procedures:

• Step 1: Secure an acceptance letter from an accredited Belgian university.
• Step 2: Demonstrate proof of adequate financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses, estimated to be between €10,000 and €12,000 annually.
• Step 3: Acquire valid health insurance that will cover your duration of stay in Belgium.
• Step 4: Assemble your academic documentation, which should include transcripts, degree certificates, and evidence of language proficiency if applicable.
• Step 5: Submit your visa application at the Belgian embassy or consulate located in your home country.
• Step 6: Provide a medical certificate that verifies your good health status.

It is essential to initiate the visa application process well in advance, as the procedure may require several weeks to finalize.

#Synopsis:

It is worth studying in Belgium as it provides global exposure and world-class opportunities to students making their career in a personified way. Students are mentored and guided in a manner that makes them a smart, in-demand, and proficient person who eventually becomes an expert in their field of study and become successful. Thus; it would be a good option to choose Belgium for higher education as every year this country nurtures thousands of students making them successful human beings.