Study in Belgium 2025–26: Complete Guide for Pakistani Students

Study in Belgium 2025–26: Explore top universities, scholarships, tuition fees & admission requirements for Pakistani students.

Top 10 Universities in Belgium for Pakistani Students (2025–26)

1. KU Leuven (Leuven)

🔗 Website: kuleuven.be

Top Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Social Sciences
Language:
- Bachelor: Mostly Dutch
- Master/PhD: Many programs in English
- Some advanced Bachelors in English

2. Ghent University (Ghent)

🔗 Website: ugent.be

Top Programs: Life Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, Veterinary Science
Scholarships: “Top-up grants” available for students from developing countries
Language:
- Bachelor: Mostly Dutch
- Master/PhD: Extensive range of English-taught programs

3. Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)

📍 Cities: Louvain-la-Neuve, Brussels, Mons
🔗 Website: uclouvain.be

Top Programs: Economics, Political Science, Health Sciences, Philosophy
Language:
- Bachelor: French
- Master: Some programs in English (especially Business & Economics)
- French B2 required for French programs

4. Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

📍 City: Brussels
🔗 Website: ulb.be

Top Programs: Political Science, Law, Medicine, International Relations
Language:
- Bachelor: French
- Master: Some English & bilingual options
- IELTS ~6.5 for English programs; French B2 for French-taught

5. University of Antwerp (UAntwerp)

📍 City: Antwerp
🔗 Website: uantwerpen.be

Top Programs: Business, Economics, Biomedical Sciences, Product Design
Language:
- Bachelor: Dutch
- Master: Many programs in English (Law, Science, Economics)

6. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

📍 City: Brussels
🔗 Website: vub.be

Top Programs: Computer Science, Political Science, Communication, Engineering
Language:
- Bachelor: Mostly Dutch
- Master: Large number in English
- IELTS ~6.5 required

7. University of Liège (ULiège)

📍 City: Liège
🔗 Website: uliege.be

Top Programs: Veterinary Science, Astrophysics, Business, Geology
Language:
- Bachelor: French
- Master: Some in English or bilingual
- English for most PhD programs

8. Hasselt University

📍 City: Diepenbeek / Hasselt
🔗 Website: uhasselt.be

Top Programs: Transportation Sciences, Data Science, Biomedical Sciences
Language:
- Bachelor: Dutch
- Master: English options in Transport, Statistics, and Biomedicine

9. University of Mons (UMons)

📍 City: Mons
🔗 Website: umons.ac.be

Top Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Materials Science
Language:
- Bachelor: French
- Master: Few English programs (e.g. MSc Computer Science)
- French language courses available

10. Vlerick Business School

📍 Cities: Ghent, Leuven, Brussels
🔗 Website: vlerick.com

Top Programs: MBA, MSc in Management, Marketing, Finance
Language:
- Programs fully in English
- IELTS ~7.0 or equivalent required

Average Tuition Fees in Belgium for Pakistani Students

For public universities, tuition fees for non-EU students (including Pakistani applicants) generally range between €3,000 to €7,000 per year, depending on the program and university.
French-speaking universities often charge a fixed fee of €5,010/year for most non-EU students.
Some specialized private schools (e.g. business or arts) may charge higher, especially for MBA or executive programs.
Master’s programs in English tend to cost more than Dutch/French bachelor’s programs.
Arts and applied sciences colleges often charge €1,000–€2,000/year for professional degrees.

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Top 10 Scholarships for Pakistani Students to Study in Belgium

Belgium offers a range of fully-funded and partially-funded scholarships for international students. Below are the 10 best scholarship opportunities that are available for Pakistani students who wish to study in Belgium. Each scholarship includes details on eligibility, funding, application process, and official links.

🎓 1. Master Mind Scholarships (Government of Flanders)

Type: Merit-based | Level: Master’s | Funding: Partial (Tuition Waiver + €10,000 grant)

Eligibility: Outstanding non-EU students, including Pakistanis, admitted to a Master’s program in Flanders.
Coverage: Tuition waiver + €10,000 stipend per year.
Application: Apply to a Flemish university first; university nominates candidates.
Fields: All fields in Flemish institutions.
🔗 Official Link

🎓 2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) Scholarships

Type: EU-Funded | Level: Master’s | Funding: Fully-funded

Eligibility: Open to all nationalities including Pakistani students.
Coverage: Tuition, €1,000/month stipend, travel, insurance.
Application: Direct to program consortium website.
Fields: Multiple disciplines across European universities, including Belgium.
🔗 Official Link

🎓 3. Science@Leuven Scholarship (KU Leuven)

Type: Merit-based | Level: Master’s | Funding: Partial (€12,000)

Eligibility: International science students applying to KU Leuven Faculty of Science.
Coverage: Tuition waiver + living allowance.
Application: Apply to KU Leuven first, then for the scholarship.
Fields: Pure/applied sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Math, etc.)
🔗 Official Link

🎓 4. Ghent University Top-Up Grants

Type: Need-based | Level: Master’s | Funding: Partial

Eligibility: Admitted students from developing countries (Pakistan eligible).
Coverage: Full tuition waiver + €1,000/month for 2 years.
Application: No separate application; selected from admitted students.
Fields: Any English-taught Master’s at UGent.
🔗 Official Link

🎓 5. KU Leuven Global Minds Doctoral Scholarship

Type: PhD | Funding: Fully-funded

Eligibility: Researchers from developing countries (Pakistan included), in partnership with a KU Leuven professor.
Coverage: PhD salary, research budget, travel costs for 4 years (sandwich model).
Application: Initiated by the KU Leuven supervisor.
Fields: Any discipline relevant to development.
🔗 Official Link

🎓 6. HEC Pakistan Overseas Scholarships

Type: Government of Pakistan | Level: MS & PhD | Funding: Fully-funded

Eligibility: Pakistani nationals selected by HEC for approved international universities (Belgium included).
Coverage: Tuition, stipend, travel, bench fee.
Application: Through HEC’s official portal and requirements.
Fields: STEM, Social Sciences, others per HEC priority.
🔗 Official Link

🎓 7. University of Antwerp Excellence Scholarships

Type: Partial | Level: Master’s

Eligibility: Top international students applying to UAntwerp programs.
Coverage: Tuition reduction (25%–50%), sometimes more.
Application: During admission or separately depending on department.
Fields: General + Development Studies, depending on faculty.
🔗 Official Link

🎓 8. Bilateral HEC–Ghent University PhD Scholarship Program

Type: MoU-based | Level: PhD | Funding: Fully-funded

Eligibility: Pakistani PhD candidates nominated by HEC and accepted by UGent.
Coverage: €1,350 monthly stipend, tuition, bench fee, visa support.
Application: Admission at UGent + HEC application.
Fields: All disciplines at Ghent University.
🔗 Official Link

🎓 9. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Type: EU Research Grant | Level: PhD/Postdoc | Funding: Fully-funded

Eligibility: All nationalities, including Pakistani researchers.
Coverage: Research salary, travel, insurance.
Application: Apply to MSCA-funded research positions.
Fields: All academic/research fields.
🔗 Official Link

🎓 10. University-Level & Faculty Scholarships (Multiple Universities)

Type: Various | Level: Master’s/PhD

Eligibility: Based on academic merit, field of study, or development impact.
Coverage: Partial tuition waivers, €4,000 grants, or reduced fees.
Application: During admission or via department nomination.
Fields: Varies by faculty (e.g., engineering, photonics, arts).
🔗 [Check individual university sites]

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Academic Eligibility & Minimum Marks for Pakistani Students for Studying in Belgium

Belgian universities expect your previous education to match their entry requirements for each program.

Admission for Bachelor’s Programs

To apply for a bachelor’s in Belgium, you need a higher secondary certificate equivalent to Belgium’s secondary diploma (12 years of schooling). Pakistani Intermediate (HSSC) is usually accepted with minimum 60% marks

Most students with F.Sc or FA and good marks can apply.
Competitive programs want 60% or higher; 70–80% is even better.
If you did A-levels, you need at least 3 subjects, sometimes specific ones like Math or Physics for engineering.
For medicine or dentistry, admission is very limited and often requires passing an entrance exam and knowing Dutch or French, because those courses are in local languages.
Minimum 50% marks are usually needed for equivalence.
You must prove language skills in French or Dutch (usually B2 level) unless the program is in English, which is rare.

Admission for Master’s Programs

For a master’s, you need a bachelor’s degree equal to a Belgian bachelor (usually 3 years, but Pakistan’s bachelor is often 4 years).

If you have a 2-year bachelor, you usually need a 2-year master’s to qualify.
Universities expect a good academic record — around 62.5% (GPA 2.5/4.0) minimum.
Competitive programs want 75% or higher (GPA 3.0+).
Your degree should be in a related field; if not, you might need extra preparatory courses.
English proficiency tests (like IELTS 6.5) are often required if the course is in English.

Admission for PhD Programs

For PhD, you need a relevant master’s degree with excellent grades and strong research experience (like a thesis or publications).

There’s no fixed minimum GPA, but good grades and research skills help.
Usually, you need a professor in Belgium to agree to supervise you before applying.
Some universities might accept direct PhD admission after a 4-year bachelor if you have outstanding records, but mostly you need a master’s first.

Important Documents for Application

Statement of Purpose (SOP):
Write a short essay (about 500–600 words) explaining your academic background, why you want to study in Belgium, your goals, and why you chose that program. Customize it for each university.
Curriculum Vitae (CV):
List your education, awards, skills, and experience. Keep it simple and about 1–2 pages.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR):
Get professors or supervisors who know you well to write about your strengths and why you are a good fit. Letters should be official, signed, and sent as requested by the university.

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Language Requirements for Studying in Belgium

Language proficiency plays a key role when you plan to study in Belgium, as the country has three official languages (Dutch, French, and German) and many study programs—especially at the Master’s level—are taught in English.

Is IELTS/TOEFL Mandatory?

Yes. If you’re from Pakistan, you’ll almost always need to provide proof of English proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL) for English-taught programs.

Common Requirements:

Bachelor’s in English:
- IELTS: 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5 or 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: 80–90
- Note: Most Bachelor’s programs are in Dutch/French. Only a few in Business or Social Sciences are in English.
Master’s in English:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each section)
- TOEFL iBT: 90–95
- Example: KU Leuven science programs may require IELTS 7.0. Ghent and VUB generally ask for 6.5.
PhD:
- If your previous degree was in English, you might not need a test. Otherwise, IELTS 7.0 is advisable.
- In many cases, your supervisor can assess your English level.

Part-Time Job Options for International Students in Belgium

Many international students who study in Belgium seek part-time jobs to support their living expenses and gain practical experience. Belgium offers flexible work options under clear legal guidelines, especially for non-EU students like those from Pakistan.

Work Hours: During and After Studies

During Semester:
You can legally work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms. This must not interfere with your class schedule. Since 2018, a separate work permit is not required—your student residence card (A card) plus enrollment proof is sufficient.
During Holidays:
During official university holidays (e.g., July–August, winter break), students can work full-time (up to 38–40 hours/week) without restrictions.
Post-Graduation (Stay-Back Year):
After graduation, Belgium offers a 12-month “search year” residence permit to find work or start a business. You can work unlimited hours during this period. If you secure a job that meets salary requirements, you can transition to a work visa or EU Blue Card.

Typical Student Jobs and Wages

Common Part-Time Jobs:

Hospitality: Waiters, kitchen staff, baristas in cafes and restaurants (especially in cities like Brussels and Antwerp).
Retail: Shelf-stocking, cashier roles at supermarkets like Carrefour, Delhaize, or clothing stores like Zara, H&M.
Promotional Work: Event staff, flyer distribution, brand ambassadors.
Campus Jobs: Library assistants, research assistants, tutors (especially for IT or math), or residence hall guides.
Cleaning Services: Office and home cleaning via agencies—early morning or evening shifts.
Food Delivery: Deliveroo or Uber Eats jobs—flexible hours and decent earnings.
Paid Internships: Some programs offer internships during studies (mostly in business or engineering).
Freelance Tasks: Babysitting, tutoring, pet sitting—often found via community or online platforms.

Wages and Earnings:

Average Pay: €9–€12 per hour net (after student social deductions).
Minimum Wage: ~€11.50/hour gross (as of 2025).
Example: 20 hours/week × €11 = €220/week → €880/month.

Students have 475 tax-reduced work hours/year, so most part-time income is tax-free if under ~€12,000/year.

Job Search Resources

Online Platforms:
- Student.be – jobs for students in English/French/Dutch
- Indeed Belgium & StepStone – filter by student/part-time

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Living Expenses for Students in Belgium – Monthly Breakdown

1. Average Monthly Cost:
€850–€1,000 (including rent, food, transport, etc.)

2. Accommodation (Rent):

Brussels: €500–€700
Ghent/Leuven/Antwerp: €400–€550
Liège/Mons: €300–€400
Shared rooms and university housing are cheaper.

3. Food & Groceries:

Home cooking: €200–€250
Eating out occasionally adds €30–€50
Cheaper supermarkets: Aldi, Lidl, Colruyt

4. Transport:

Student transport pass: €12–€30/month
GoPass for intercity train: 10 rides for €53
Used bike: One-time cost ~€80–€100

5. Utilities & Internet:

Often included in rent
If separate: €70–€100/month
Mobile & internet: €20–€30

6. Health Insurance:

Public student insurance: €8–€10/month
Mandatory for all students

7. Academic Materials:

Books and supplies: €20–€40/month
Use library and secondhand options to save

8. Personal Expenses:

Phone, clothing, entertainment: €50–€100
Student discounts available at many places

9. Cheapest Cities:
Liège, Mons, Hasselt (around €700–€850/month)

10. Most Expensive City:
Brussels (around €1,000–€1,100/month)

Step-by-Step Admission Process

✅ 1. Choose Program & Check Requirements

Check entry criteria, required documents, and language tests.
For Bachelor: Pakistani students need HSSC + Equivalence.
For Master: A 4-year Bachelor or 2+2 degree is accepted.
For PhD: Master’s + research proposal and supervisor approval.

✅ 2. Application Portals (Some Examples)

KU Leuven: apply.kuleuven.be
UGent: OASIS
VUB: apply.vub.be
UCLouvain: Admission platform
ULB: apply.ulb.be
Each university has its own portal.

✅ 3. Upload Required Documents

Attested Transcripts (HEC for degrees, IBCC for HSSC)
IELTS/TOEFL (IELTS 6.0–7.0 typical, TOEFL 79–90)
Passport Copy
CV (professional, ideally 1–2 pages)
SOP/Motivation Letter (1–2 pages, program-specific)
2 LORs (mostly for Master’s & PhD)
Research Proposal (PhD only, sometimes research Master)
Portfolio (if applying for arts/design)
Equivalence Application (needed in French region for Bachelor)
Application Fee: €50–€200 depending on university

✅ 4. Submit Complete Application

Deadline: Feb–March 2025 for Fall 2025 intake.
Late applications not encouraged for visa reasons.

✅ 5. Admission Decision

Response time: 4–8 weeks
Offer Letter: Conditional or Unconditional
Accept offer by signing and possibly paying small confirmation fee

After Admission

✅ 6. Document Legalization

Apostille by HEC + MOFA in Pakistan
French universities may ask for Service des Équivalences by July 15
Flemish universities may ask for NARIC Equivalence

✅ 7. Financial Proof (for Visa)

Use Blocked Account (e.g., KU Leuven, UGent ~€10,000)
OR submit Annex 32 + Bank Statement

✅ 8. Housing & Pre-departure Prep

Apply early for university dorms
Arrange travel after visa approval
Attend orientation and follow enrollment instructions

Important Tips for Pakistani Students

Apply directly – no need for agents
Bring HEC/IBCC-attested docs early
IELTS zaroori hai (MOI sometimes accepted, but not always)
Budget ~€1,000 for first month setup
Use university international office for support

Visa Process for Pakistani Students – Belgium (Type D Student Visa)

1. Admission Letter & Initial Preparation

Must have official admission letter from Belgian university (preferably unconditional).
Start preparing documents early (PCC, medical, proof of funds).
Some documents (e.g., medical & police certificate) take time.

2. Where & How to Apply

Submit visa application via Gerry’s / VFS Global (centers in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi).
Biometric data (fingerprints & photo) required.
Book an appointment online through VFS.
Apply minimum 8 weeks before travel date (visa takes 4–6+ weeks).

3. Pay Immigration Fee (Administrative Fee – Belgium)

Pay €366 to the Belgian Immigration Office before applying.
Payment is online (bank transfer or card).
Receipt is mandatory in your visa file.
This is separate from Gerry’s visa fee.

4. Fill Visa Application Form

Fill National D visa form (download from embassy or VFS site).
Attach 2–3 recent passport-size photos (white background).

5. Required Documents Checklist

Prepare the following (with 2 photocopies of each):

Educational Documents

Degrees, transcripts (Matric, Inter, Bachelor, etc.)
Must be attested by HEC or IBCC, not MOFA (except older Urdu docs).
Translation only needed if documents are not in English.

Passport

Valid for at least 15 months
Copies of ID page + old visas (if any)

Admission Letter

Final acceptance letter (not provisional only) from university

Proof of Immigration Fee Payment

Receipt of €366 paid to Belgian Immigration Office

Police Character Certificate (PCC)

English PCC from your district (past 5 years coverage)
Apostilled by MOFA

Medical Certificate

Issued only by Embassy-approved doctor (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi)
Sealed envelope from the panel physician

Financial Proof – Choose One:

Annex 32 (Financial Sponsor Guarantee Form)
- Must be legalized
- Sponsor must show sufficient monthly income (~€1,896)
Scholarship Letter (if applicable)
- From recognized body (e.g., Erasmus, Master Mind, HEC)
Blocked Account
- Some universities (e.g., KU Leuven, Ghent) offer this option
Bank Statement + Affidavit
- ~€10,000–€12,000 (PKR 3M–3.5M) maintained for 3–6 months
- Include notarized affidavit of support, tax proof, property docs (optional)

Accommodation Proof (Optional but helpful)

Dorm booking or hotel/temporary stay confirmation

Cover Letter (Optional)

1-page letter summarizing your purpose and document list

6. Submit Application at Gerry’s

Go on appointment day with complete file
Submit biometrics + documents
Visa fee:
- €180 (~PKR 55,000–60,000)
  - Gerry’s charges ~PKR 4,500
Receive tracking number receipt

7. Processing Time & Interview

Embassy may call for interview in Islamabad
Common questions:
- Why Belgium? Why this program?
- Who is funding you?
- What will you do after graduation?

Most Popular Courses & Fields for International Students in Belgium

Belgium offers many programs, but these fields are most popular among international students, including Pakistanis, due to job demand and strong industry presence.

1. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

Computer Science & Software Engineering
- High global demand; booming software market in Belgium.
- Popular areas: AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Software Development (Java, Python, .NET).
- Average salary: €47,000–€65,000/year.
- Pakistani students often choose MS in CS or IT-related fields.
Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical)
- Belgium faces engineer shortages (needs 2,000+ per year but produces ~1,500).
- Popular specializations: Mechatronics, Nanotechnology, Sustainable Energy.
- Salary: ~€48,000/year median, can rise to €75,000+ with experience.
- Big companies: Siemens, Volvo, petrochemical firms in Antwerp.
Data Science & Big Data
- Growing need for data analysts, database managers, AI specialists.
- Starting salary ~€40,000.
- Programs offered as Masters in Data Science or Analytics.
Biomedical & Life Sciences
- Belgium is a pharmaceutical hub (GSK, UCB).
- Fields: Biotechnology, Pharmacology, Public Health, Biomedical Engineering.
- Nursing shortage exists, so healthcare degrees have good prospects.
Environmental Science & Sustainability
- EU Green Deal projects drive demand in environmental engineering, sustainable development, marine sciences.

2. Business, Economics & Management

MBA & Masters in Management
- Top business schools in Brussels and Antwerp (Vlerick, Solvay, Antwerp Management School).
- Popular among students with work experience.
- Salary varies; fresh finance grads start around €35,000–€40,000.
Economics & Policy
- Programs in International Economics, European Studies, Public Policy.
- Opportunities in EU institutions, think tanks.
- Multilingual skills (French/Dutch) often required for government roles.
Supply Chain & Logistics
- Belgium’s Port of Antwerp is Europe’s 2nd largest.
- Growing logistics hubs in Antwerp and Liège.
- Logistics jobs account for ~22% of hard-to-fill vacancies.
Finance & Accounting
- International banks and insurance firms present.
- Demand for accounting and finance professionals.
- Knowledge of English + French/Dutch helps.

3. Humanities & Social Sciences

International Relations & Diplomacy
- Brussels is an EU and international organizations hub.
- Careers in NGOs, UN, foreign service are common goals.
Law (International and European Law)
- LLM programs focus on EU and international law.
- Practicing in Belgium requires language skills and equivalence exams.
Communication & Media Studies
- Media programs linked to Brussels’ press and EU communication.
Arts & Culture
- Fashion design, music, visual arts are popular among creatives.
- Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp is world-renowned.

4. Preferred Fields for Pakistani Students

Computer Science & Engineering
Business (MBA, Finance)
Life Sciences (Biotech, Public Health)
Architecture/Urban Planning
Data Analytics
Hospitality & Tourism Management (niche)

5. Fields with Best Post-Study Job Potential

IT Professionals
- Continuous demand; English widely used in multinational companies.
- Salary approx. €40k–€65k/year.
Engineers
- High shortage, strong demand in manufacturing and green energy sectors.
Healthcare
- Nurses, doctors need local language skills.
- Biomedical researchers have good opportunities.
Business & Finance
- Jobs in Brussels for international companies; multilingual skills help.
Academia & Research
- Competitive, but good for PhDs in science and engineering.

6. Industry Trends & Language Requirements

Technology: Focus on AI, fintech, startups.
Renewable Energy & Environment: Growth due to EU Green Deal.
Languages: English sufficient for IT/engineering; French/Dutch needed for law, healthcare, public sector.