How to Apply for a Belgium Student Visa

This visa is intended to be used for higher education in Belgium. After being admitted to a Belgian university, international students must apply for a Belgium student visa. Great Mind Grows in Belgium. Belgium offers reasonably priced tuition and a first-rate educational system. I just released a list of Belgian scholarships for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Better education at a cheaper cost. Université Catholique de Louvain, Ghent University, and KU Leuven are among the best universities.

Non-EU nationals applying for a student visa to Belgium must apply for the Belgium Long Stay Visa (D Visa) Category and show up in person at the visa application facility to register their biometrics, which includes live digital pictures and fingerprint scans. Let’s review the prerequisites, the necessary paperwork, and the appointment scheduling process.

Who Does Not Need a Belgium Student Visa?

If you fit into any of the following categories, you are exempt from applying for a Belgian student visa:

• EU/EEA Citizens:
  • To study in Belgium, citizens of any nation in the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) do not need a student visa.
• Residents of Schengen Area:
  • You can study in Belgium without a visa if you live in one of the Schengen Area nations.
• Citizens of Specific Non-EU Countries:
  • No student visa is required for citizens of the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, or the Republic of Andorra. Alternatively, after entering Belgium, you can apply for a residence permit immediately.

Requirements of a Belgium Student Visa

The following paperwork is required when applying for a student visa to Belgium:

1. Student Visa Application Form:
   • To learn more about the procedure, you can either contact the Belgian embassy in your nation or complete the application form on the VFS Global website.
2. Passport:
   • A valid passport with at least two blank pages.
3. Acceptance Letter (Proof of Admission):
   • a document verifying your enrollment in an approved study program from the Belgian educational establishment.
4. Supporting Letter (Cover Letter):
   • a letter detailing your academic objectives and the reasons you wish to study in Belgium.
5. Proof of English Language Proficiency:
   • If appropriate, use assessments such as the TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language.
6. Clean Criminal Record:
   • a police certificate from your nation of origin attesting to your criminal-free status.
7. Proof of Previous Educational Documents:
   • copies of your prior coursework, including diplomas, certificates, and transcripts.
8. Two Passport-sized Photos:
   • Two current, passport-sized photos that satisfy the standards for visa photos.
9. Health Insurance:
   • Proof of valid health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Belgium.
10. Proof of Financial Means:

• Proof proving you have enough money to pay for your living expenses while you’re studying in Belgium. A bank statement, a letter of sponsorship, or evidence of a scholarship could be examples of this. You might not need to complete this step if you are receiving a scholarship.

How to Apply for the Belgium Student Visa?

To apply for a Belgium student visa, follow these steps:

1. Get Accepted at a University in Belgium: Make sure you’ve been accepted into a reputable Belgian school before submitting an application for a student visa.
2. Fill in the Visa Application Form: Fill out the application for a student visa on the website of the Belgian embassy or consulate, or via VFS Global if they manage visa applications in your nation.
3. Gather Required Documents: The following documents are typically required for a student visa application:
   • A passport that is valid for at least a year.
   • An acceptance letter from the university in Belgium.
   • Evidence of financial resources (such as bank statements, letters of scholarship, or evidence that you have enough money to live comfortably in Belgium).
   • health coverage for the length of your visit.
   • Evidence of accommodations, such as a rental agreement or a reservation for a university residence hall.
   • A picture the size of a passport.
   • Evidence of previous education, such as an undergraduate degree or high school diploma.
   • a cover letter outlining your research strategies.
   • any other particular documentation that the Belgian consulate or embassy in your nation may want.
4. Schedule a Visa Appointment: Make an appointment at the Belgian consulate or embassy in your nation after completing the application and gathering the required paperwork. You can schedule an appointment and send your paperwork using VFS’s portal if they process visa applications in your nation.
5. Attend an Interview: Attend your visa interview on the appointed day. Bring all the necessary paperwork, biometric information (fingerprints), and photos that the embassy or consulate requests. During the interview, you can be asked about your financial status, the program you are enrolled in, and your study plans.
6. Wait for Processing: Your application will be processed following the interview. Make careful you apply well in advance because this process may take many weeks.

Visa Cost

All foreign applicants must pay 180 euros to apply for a student visa to Belgium. Always checking the official website is advised. due to changes in the visa procedure and cost.

Who is Exempt from Student Visa Fee?

When applying for a student visa to Belgium, the following people are normally excluded from paying the fee:

1. Spouse/Partner and Children (under the age of 21) of EU and Swiss citizens: The visa fee is typically waived for spouses, partners, and children under 21 who are family members of EU and Swiss nationals.
2. Nationals from:
   • Israel
   • San Marino
   • Japan
   • Morocco
   • Turkey
3. Students with Scholarships from the Belgian State: You might not be required to pay the visa fee if you are a student who has been awarded a scholarship by the Belgian government.
4. Students in Erasmus Mundus, Lotus, and Tempus Programs: You can also be excused from paying the student visa cost if you participate in these international exchange programs.

Apply for the Residence Permit: After Arriving in Belgium

You have eight days after your arrival in Belgium to register and obtain your residence card at the local government office. You can remain in Belgium for the length of your study course with this card.

EU students do not require a residence permit, but if they want to stay for more than three months, they must register their presence.

Work in Belgium while Studying

During the semester, you are permitted to work 20 hours per week as an international student. I hope it’s useful. Spread the word and wish you luck on your travels.

Conclusion

Belgium is a fantastic option for international students seeking an affordable education without compromising on quality. To study here, you must apply for a student visa (for non-EU nationals), fill out the necessary documentation, attend an interview, and pay the necessary fees. Once granted, you can take advantage of a first-rate educational system, live in a community with a varied range of cultures, and work part-time while you study. Apply early in advance and make use of any available scholarships to further reduce your costs.

Frequently Asked Questions