Study in Belgium
World-ranked degrees in the heart of Europe at subsidised fees
Tuition (per year)
€2,500–€9,000 / year (higher for select programmes)
Living costs
€10,000–€13,000 / year
Intakes
September (main), February (very limited)
Belgium quietly offers one of Europe's best value propositions: centuries-old universities such as KU Leuven and Ghent rank alongside far more expensive institutions elsewhere, yet heavily subsidised tuition keeps many master's programmes under €5,000 a year. With Brussels hosting the EU institutions and thousands of international employers, Bangladeshi graduates step out of the lecture hall into one of the most internationally connected job markets on the continent.
Why Belgium?
- Top-100 universities with tuition far below UK or US levels
- Brussels offers internships at EU bodies and multinational firms
- Twelve-month search-year permit after graduation
- Trains reach Paris, Amsterdam and Germany within hours
- Wide choice of English-taught master's programmes in Flanders
Entry requirements
Undergraduate
- HSC recognised for admission, though English-taught bachelor's options are limited; some fields require entrance exams
- IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall depending on programme
- Certified and legalised academic transcripts
- Proof of solvency of roughly €821 per month via blocked account or formal sponsor
Postgraduate
- Four-year bachelor's degree in a closely related field; three-year degrees assessed case by case
- CGPA 3.0+ recommended for KU Leuven, Ghent and other ranked universities
- IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 for most programmes
- Motivation letter, CV and academic references
- Some programmes require a preparatory or bridging semester
Work rights & post-study options
Students may work up to 20 hours per week during term time without a separate permit and full-time during holidays. After graduation, the twelve-month search-year residence permit allows you to look for skilled work or start a business anywhere in Belgium.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Belgian fees so low for such highly ranked universities?
The Flemish and French community governments subsidise higher education heavily, and international students share in much of that benefit. The trade-off is academic rigour — admission is strictly merit-based and credit match with your bachelor's degree is checked carefully.
How does the financial requirement work for the Belgian visa?
You must prove solvency of roughly €821 per month for the academic year, most commonly by depositing the annual amount into the university's blocked account, which repays you monthly after arrival. A formal guarantee by a qualifying sponsor is the alternative route.
Do I need French or Dutch to study there?
No — Flanders in particular offers a wide range of fully English-taught master's degrees. That said, basic Dutch or French dramatically improves part-time work options, and universities run affordable language courses for students.
How early should I apply for a September start?
Belgian universities assess international files slowly and thoroughly, and the visa involves academic equivalence checks. We advise Bangladeshi students to submit university applications by February and begin the visa file the moment an offer arrives.
Ready to start your journey abroad?
Book a free one-to-one consultation with our counsellors — we'll map out your options, costs and timeline in under an hour.