Introduction

Have you ever thought of going to school in Belgium? It’s the ideal combination of culture, easy access to central Europe, and excellent education without breaking the wallet. In order to help you budget wisely and enjoy the academic journey ahead, this book explores every expenditure you’ll encounter in 2025, including tuition, rent, transport, food, and hidden charges. Along the way, I’ll also share some important money-saving tips.

Tuition Fees in 2025

Undergraduate Tuition (EU vs Non‑EU Rates)

If you’re from the EU, expect €900–€1,000/year at public universities like KU Leuven or UCLouvain. Non‑EU students typically pay €4,000–€6,000/year, depending on program and institution.

Master’s Programs

Master’s degrees usually cost €900–€2,000/year for EU students, and €6,000–€10,000/year for international learners—though engineering or IMPE programs may charge more.

Doctoral & Research Fees

PhD candidates often qualify as staff or researchers, meaning they may pay no tuition, receive stipends, and work on funded projects. Always verify with your department.

Living Costs Breakdown

Accommodation

• Student residence: €300–€500/month

• Shared flat: €250–€450/month (rooms in Ghent or Leuven)

• Private studio: €500–€700/month in Brussels

Utilities & Internet

Expect €70–€120/month for gas, electricity, water, and internet—shared or split with roommates.

Food & Groceries

Cooking at home? It’ll cost around €200–€300/month. Eating out occasionally bumps it up by €5–€10/meal.

Transportation

Belgium offers excellent public transport:

• STIB/MIVB monthly pass: ~€55 (Brussels)

• Flemish or Walloon student NMBS train pass: ~€50/month

Health Insurance & Healthcare

All students must have Belgian health insurance, ranging from €50–€100/year. GP visits usually cost €25 plus small contribution.

Other Student Expenses

Study Materials & Course Fees

Books and lab materials? Budget €50–€100/semester—unless you’re in medicine or architecture (those cost more).

Social Life & Entertainment

Coffee with friends, club entry, events—allocate €100–€150/month.

Phone & Data Plans

SIM deals range from €10–€20/month, including data and calls.

Occasional Travel

Weekend trips to France, Netherlands, or Germany—set aside €100–€200 a couple of times a semester.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Government & Community Funding

Belgian communities like Flanders and Wallonia offer partial fee waivers for non‑EU students—check with your university.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many universities offer grants based on academic merit. For example, KU Leuven Grant for International Students can cover up to €5,000.

European Programs

Tap into Erasmus+ or Frontrunners Grants—these fund study periods or collaborative research across EU.

Work While Studying

Part-time Jobs

Students can legally work 20 hours/week during term and full-time in holidays—mostly on campus, in cafés, or tutoring.

Student Income & Taxes

Watch your earnings—if you go over a fiscal threshold (~€9,000/year), you may pay a bit of tax.

Internships & Co‑ops

Paid internships offer great experience—Erasmus internships are common and can pay up to €600–€1,200/month.

Visa & Permit Fees

Type D Student Visa

Typically costs €90–€180, depending on your embassy.

Residence Card (A Card)

Renewable card costs around €12/year in Belgium.

Biometric Fees

Expect a small additional fee for fingerprints and photos, around €10–€20.

Budget Sample Monthly Estimate

Brussels (more expensive)

• Rent: €500

• Utilities: €80

• Food: €250

• Transport: €55

• Misc: €150
  Total: ~€1,035/month

Ghent & Leuven

Total: ~€800–€900/month
(lower rent, eat-out fewer times)

Liège & Antwerp

Total: ~€900–€1,000/month
(mid-range rent, central amenities)

Money-Saving Tips

• Cook & buy at local markets

• Bike everywhere—Belgians love cycling

• Student discounts—cinema, transport, museums

• Use budget SIMs with 5G/data bundles

Unexpected Costs to Watch

• Parking fines (~€50+)

• Extra health screenings (~€20/test)

• Visa renewals and paperwork delays

Comparison with Other EU Destinations

Belgium is cheaper than the Netherlands (€1,200–€1,500/month) and France (€1,000–€1,200/month) but slightly pricier than Germany (€700–€900/month)—with tuition still much lower at Belgian institutions for non-EU students.

Financial Planning Checklist

• Pre-arrival: visa, health insurance, deposit

• Monthly tracking: rent, utilities, food, transport
  Use free budgeting apps like Mint or Spendee.

Real Student Experience

Maria from Spain (Brussels)

She shares a four‑person flat for €400/month, cooks frequently, works in the uni library (~€12/hour), and expects to spend €1,000/month total.

Ahmed from Egypt (Ghent)

He’s on the KU Leuven international student grant, studying biotech, earning via tutoring: saves €200/month and travels Europe two to three times.

Useful Links for Updated Info

• Belgian Federal Student Portal – https://www.studyinbelgium.be

• KU Leuven Tuition Fees – https://www.kuleuven.be/international/tuition

• UGent Student Costs – https://www.ugent.be/international/en

Conclusion

The cost-effectiveness, cultural diversity, and accessibility to central Europe make studying in Belgium an excellent choice. You may enjoy student life to the fullest, rain or sun, with annual budgets as little as €9,600, careful preparation, and astute saves.

FAQs

1. Are Belgian universities free?

No, but tuition is subsidized heavily. EU students pay ~€1,000/year while non‑EU pay ~€4,000–€10,000 depending on program.

2. Can I work 20 hrs/week?

Yes—part-time is legal during term, full-time in breaks. Make sure you stay within income thresholds to avoid unexpected taxes.

3. Is health insurance expensive?

No—about €5–€10/month. Basic insurance and occasional GP visits cost around €25 each.

4. Do scholarships cover living costs?

Some do! University and community grants often include stipends—always check individual programs.

5. How much should I bring for emergencies?

Plan for ~€1,500–€2,000 on arrival to cover first month’s rent, deposit, travel, and essentials.