How to Apply for a Belgium Student Visa: A Complete Guide for 2025–26

Study in Belgium is becoming an increasingly popular choice for international students due to its affordable tuition, diverse culture, multilingual education, and central location in Europe. Whether you’re planning to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree, Belgium offers world-class institutions that blend academic rigor with global perspectives.

But before you can start your academic journey, you need a student visa. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to apply for a Belgium student visa, plus tips on how My Study Offers, your trusted study abroad education consultant, can make the process seamless.

If you’re a non-EU/EEA student planning to study in Belgium for more than 90 days, you’ll need a Type D (long-stay) student visa.

1. Secure Admission to a Belgian Institution

• Apply to a recognized university in Belgium.
• Once accepted, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance, which is essential for your visa application.

Pro Tip: My Study Offers can help you shortlist universities based on your course and budget, and assist with documentation and SOPs to increase your chances of admission.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Completed and signed visa application form.
• Valid passport (must be valid beyond your intended stay).
• Letter of Acceptance from a Belgian university.
• Proof of sufficient funds (approx. €10,000/year).
• Proof of health insurance (minimum coverage €30,000).
• Police clearance certificate (if applicable).
• Medical certificate from an approved doctor.
• Proof of accommodation in Belgium.
• Academic transcripts and certificates.

3. Submit Your Visa Application

• Apply at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country
• Pay the visa application fee (usually around €200, subject to updates).
• Schedule a biometric appointment/interview if required.

4. Visa Processing Time

• Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, so apply at least 2–3 months before your course begins.
• Some applications may take longer based on individual circumstances or embassy workload.

5. Receive Your Visa & Prepare for Departure

• Once approved, you will receive a D Visa stamped on your passport.
• Book your flights and prepare all original documents to show upon arrival in Belgium.

• Register at the local town hall (commune) within 8 days of arrival to get your residence permit (A-card).
• Open a local bank account, get a SIM card, and activate student insurance.

• Tuition Fees: €900–€4,000/year (varies by program and university)
• Living Costs: €700–€1,200/month (housing, food, transport)
• Visa Fee: Approx. €200 + legalization/document fees

International students in Belgium can work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during term time
• Full-time during official breaks
  
• A student work permit or notification to the regional employment office may be required
• Salaries range between €10–€14/hour depending on the role and city.

As a leading study abroad education consultant, My Study Offers simplifies every step of your journey:

University & course selection SOPs, LORs, and application filing Visa documentation and guidance Financial planning & proof of funds support Health insurance & accommodation assistance Pre-departure checklist & orientation

From choosing the right program to settling in Belgium, we ensure that your dream to study in Belgium becomes a smooth and stress-free reality.

Belgium offers more than just a degree-it delivers an experience filled with diversity, academic excellence, and international exposure. If you’re looking to study in Belgium in 2025–26, now is the time to start your application process.

Connect with My Study Offers today and get expert help from India’s trusted study abroad education consultants. Let’s make your Belgium study dream a reality!