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Meta description: What studying in Belgium costs non-EU students: 2026/27 university fees, living costs, visa fees, proof of funds, scholarships and first-year budget examples.
Last modified: 2026-09-30

# Cost of Studying in Belgium in 2026/27: Tuition, Living Costs and a First-Year Budget

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A year at a French-speaking Belgian university costs a non-EU student $6,100 (€5,369) at 2026/27 rates. Flemish universities set their own non-EEA fees: $1,340–10,780 (€1,181.40–9,493.92) per 60 credits at KU Leuven, $2,610 or $8,040 (€2,297.40 or €7,079.40) for a UGent master's, with a general Study in Flanders guideline of $6,020–13,630 (€5,300–12,000). Official portals and universities estimate living costs at $910–1,590 (€800–1,400) a month, but the visa requires proof of at least $1,210 (€1,062) a month, or $14,470 (€12,744) for the year. A realistic first-year budget including tuition, visa fees and living costs is about $17,650–26,010 (€15,540–22,910).

This guide breaks the total down into one-off and monthly costs, shows which discounts and scholarships are realistically open to applicants from Russia, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries, and lists the items people most often forget. All prices are converted at the ECB rate of 29.09.2026. For a comparison of the institutions themselves, see [universities in Belgium](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-belgium).

The Graslei quay in Ghent. Photo: Alvesgaspar / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ghent_April_2012-7.jpg), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0).

## Tuition: two systems, two logics {#section-1}

### French-speaking institutions: one supplement

In French-speaking Belgium the Community regulates fees. The full-rate registration fee (minerval) for 2026/27 is $1,360 (€1,194). Non-EU students without an exemption add a fixed supplement of $4,740 (€4,175), for a total of $6,100 (€5,369) a year — the same for bachelor's and master's, and at universities, hautes écoles and schools of arts alike.

Exempt from the supplement are nationals of countries listed in the annexes to ARES Circular No. 2026-001 (mostly least developed countries), refugees, long-term residents and some other categories, including WBI scholarship holders. Russian and Kazakh citizens do not qualify for these exemptions; nationals of other CIS countries should check the circular's annexes for their intake year. Some advanced master's and MBA programmes charge different amounts, stated in the authorisation to enrol.

### Flemish institutions: the university's own rate

In Flanders the fee is a fixed part plus an amount per credit, and each university sets its non-EEA rate.

| Institution and programme | Who | 2026/27, per 60 credits |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Any Flemish institution, EEA rate | EEA and assimilated students | $1,340 (€1,181.40) |
| Study in Flanders guideline | non-EEA, most programmes | $6,020–13,630 (€5,300–12,000) |
| Schools of arts | non-EEA | $9,990–28,390 (€8,800–25,000) |
| KU Leuven | non-EEA, rate depends on programme and nationality | $3,510, $6,370 or $10,780 (€3,093.12, €5,613.12 or €9,493.92); a few programmes $1,340 (€1,181.40) for everyone |
| UGent, master's in Arts and Philosophy, Law and Criminology, Psychology and Educational Sciences | non-EEA | $2,610 (€2,297.40) |
| UGent, master's in other faculties | non-EEA | $8,040 (€7,079.40) |
| UGent, Dutch-taught bachelor's | non-EEA | $1,340 (€1,181.40) |
| UHasselt, Master of Transportation Sciences (English) | non-EEA | $4,430 (€3,899.40) |

Two details matter. At KU Leuven, the rate of your starting year applies for the whole programme but may be indexed each year. And if a non-EEA student chooses a Dutch-taught programme that has an English-taught equivalent with a higher fee, KU Leuven charges the higher fee for the Dutch version too.

### Cost of a full degree

| Programme | Years | Tuition only |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bachelor's at a French-speaking institution | 3 | $18,290 (€16,107) |
| UGent Dutch-taught bachelor's | 3 | $4,020 (€3,544.20) at 2026/27 rates |
| 120-ECTS master's at a French-speaking institution | 2 | $12,190 (€10,738) |
| 120-ECTS master's at UGent | 2 | $5,220 (€4,594.80) at rate A or $16,080 (€14,158.80) at rate B |
| 120-ECTS master's at KU Leuven, top rate | 2 | $21,560 (€18,987.84) |

Programme structure is explained in our guides to a [bachelor's](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-belgium) and a [master's in Belgium](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-belgium). Multi-year totals use 2026/27 rates: fees are indexed, and a language or preparatory year adds another year of costs.

## One-off payments {#section-2}

Amounts apply to the 2026/27 intake; institutions and authorities review them every year.

| Payment | Amount | When |
| --- | --- | --- |
| School certificate equivalence (French-speaking bachelor's) | $450 (€400) | 15 November–15 July |
| ENIC-NARIC statement on a degree, if required | $79 (€70) | before applying |
| File fee at UCLouvain and ULiège | $230 (€200), credited to tuition if you enrol | on application |
| D visa fee | $280 (€250) from 1 July 2026 | at visa application |
| Immigration Office administrative fee | $290 (€251) for a recognised institution, $270 (€242) for a private one | before the visa application |
| Municipal registration (Brussels example) | $28 (€25) + $11 (€10) for the temporary certificate | after arrival |

Add a language test, sworn translations, apostilles, a medical certificate from an approved doctor, a police certificate and the visa centre service fee. Students holding a scholarship from the Belgian government, a Belgian institution or university, or an international organisation in Belgium are exempt from the D visa fee.

## Monthly living costs {#section-3}

The two Communities' official portals give different guidelines, mostly because of housing.

| Item | Flanders and Brussels (Study in Flanders) | French-speaking Belgium (Study in Belgium) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total per month | $910–1,140 (€800–1,000) | $1,140–1,480 (€1,000–1,300) |
| Housing | $510–680 (€450–600) | average $650 (€575) incl. utilities |
| Food | included in total | $340 (€300) |
| Study materials | included in total | $57 (€50) |
| Insurance | included in total | $34 (€30) |
| Local transport | included in total | $57 (€50) |
| Leisure | included in total | $57 (€50) |
| Phone, going out and other | included in total | $190 (€170) |

For Leuven, KU Leuven gives its own estimate of $1,190–1,590 (€1,050–1,400) a month covering housing, food, insurance and study materials. The lower portal figures fall below the visa minimum: for 2026/27 you must show $1,210 (€1,062) a month, so do not budget below that.

The first month costs more: temporary accommodation, a rental deposit, bedding and kitchenware, which student rooms usually lack. Student rooms (kot) are normally let for 12 months, while a flat usually needs a deposit of two months' rent on a blocked account.

## Proof of funds: money you must show {#section-4}

For 2026/27 the Immigration Office requires at least $1,210 (€1,062) net per month for the academic year. For a self-funded student this means $14,470 (€12,744) in a blocked account held by the university or a specialised company. This is not an extra cost: the money is released to you for living expenses, so do not add it on top of your living budget.

Alternatives are a scholarship of at least $1,210 (€1,062) a month or a sponsor's undertaking. The sponsor must show net income of at least $3,670 (€3,235.88) a month: $2,470 (€2,173.88) for themselves plus $1,210 (€1,062) for the student. For a private institution, only a $14,470 (€12,744) deposit with Studely or Ready Study Go International is accepted. See our [Belgium student visa](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-belgium-student-visa) guide for the procedure.

## First-year budget: four examples {#section-5}

The totals include tuition, the visa and Immigration Office fees and 12 months of living costs. The lower living figure is the $14,470 (€12,744) visa minimum; the upper one is the Study in Belgium estimate for French-speaking Belgium and KU Leuven's for Leuven. For Ghent the top Study in Flanders estimate is below the visa minimum, so the minimum is used. Flights, extra insurance and language tests are not included.

| Scenario | Tuition | 12 months of living | First-year total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bachelor's at a French-speaking university, incl. equivalence | $6,100 | $14,470–17,710 | $21,590–24,830 (€19,010–21,870) |
| UGent master's at rate A (humanities faculties) | $2,610 | $14,470 | $17,650 (€15,540) |
| UGent master's at rate B (sciences, engineering, economics and others) | $8,040 | $14,470 | $23,070 (€20,320) |
| Master's at KU Leuven, middle rate | $6,370 | $14,470–19,080 | $21,420–26,010 (€18,860–22,910) |

Living costs, not tuition, make up most of the budget: in the UGent humanities scenario they account for more than 80% of spending. That is why the choice of city and housing matters as much as the choice of university.

## Scholarships and discounts {#section-6}

- Master Mind (Flanders). $11,610 (€10,225) a year plus a tuition waiver for high-achieving master's students. Russian nationals are explicitly excluded. Other nationalities may apply, but the 2026/27 call is closed and the scheme is under review for 2027/28.
- MASTER IN — WBI grant (French-speaking institutions). $11,380 (€10,020) paid in 12 instalments; holders are exempt from the Immigration Office fee and receive health insurance. For 2026/27, applications went to the institution by 31 March 2026. There is no nationality restriction, but 14 listed countries have priority.
- Erasmus Mundus. Joint master's programmes run by several European universities with full scholarships, open to candidates worldwide.
- University scholarships. KU Leuven, UGent, VUB and others run their own schemes, listed by Study in Flanders.

There is no free tuition for a regular non-EU student: WBI itself warns that its grant does not cover a full academic year.

## Working while you study {#section-7}

A non-EU student with a valid residence permit may work up to 20 hours a week during term and without an hours limit during official holidays. Work is not allowed during class hours or in the summer before your first academic year. Working more than 20 hours a week in term may lead the Immigration Office to conclude that study is no longer your main purpose, which can complicate renewal. Study in Flanders advises against funding your studies through a student job.

## Paying from Russia {#section-8}

Belgian universities invoice in euros, and transfers from Russian banks are restricted by sanctions. Before paying a deposit or tuition, confirm a lawful payment route — see our guide on [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia). Ask the university which payment methods it accepts and keep every confirmation for the visa file.

## Where budgets go wrong {#section-9}

- Using the EU fee. $1,340–1,360 (€1,181–1,194) a year applies to EU and assimilated students only.
- Forgetting the language year. A Dutch- or French-taught bachelor's may add a preparatory year of fees and living costs.
- Adding the blocked amount to living costs. It is the same money.
- Budgeting at the lowest portal estimate. $910 (€800) a month is below the $1,210 (€1,062) visa minimum, and in Leuven the university itself suggests $1,190–1,590 (€1,050–1,400).
- Ignoring the deposit and first month. A flat deposit can equal two months' rent.
- Counting on a student job to pay tuition. Twenty hours a week in term is extra income, not funding.

## FAQ {#faq}

### Can I study in Belgium for free?

Not as a student from Russia or Kazakhstan. The French-speaking supplement is waived for nationals of countries on the ARES lists and certain categories such as refugees and WBI grant holders. In Flanders, a Dutch-taught bachelor's at UGent costs $1,340 (€1,181.40) a year even for non-EEA students, the closest option to free.

### How much is a year of a master's in Belgium?

At a French-speaking university, $6,100 (€5,369). In Flanders it depends on the programme: at UGent $2,610 (€2,297.40) in Arts and Philosophy, Law and Criminology, Psychology and Educational Sciences and $8,040 (€7,079.40) elsewhere, $1,340–10,780 (€1,181.40–9,493.92) at KU Leuven according to its calculator, and $4,430 (€3,899.40) for Transportation Sciences at UHasselt.

### How much do students need to live in Belgium?

Study in Flanders suggests $910–1,140 (€800–1,000) a month in Flanders and Brussels, Study in Belgium gives $1,140–1,480 (€1,000–1,300) for French-speaking Belgium, and KU Leuven puts Leuven at $1,190–1,590 (€1,050–1,400). Do not plan below the $1,210 (€1,062) monthly visa minimum, and expect a costlier first month because of the deposit and set-up costs.

### How much must I show for the student visa?

For 2026/27, at least $1,210 (€1,062) a month, or $14,470 (€12,744) for the academic year. The amount is indexed annually and can be proven with a blocked account, a scholarship or a qualifying sponsor's undertaking.

### Do I get my money back if the visa is refused?

The Immigration Office fee is not refunded after a D visa refusal, and neither is the visa fee. Refund terms for tuition and for the blocked account are set by the university and the account provider, so read them before transferring money.

### Is Belgium cheaper than the Netherlands?

It depends on the programme. French-speaking Belgian institutions charge non-EU students $6,100 (€5,369) a year for any programme; Flemish ones charge their own rates, from $2,610 (€2,297.40) for UGent humanities master's to $13,630 (€12,000) for some programmes and up to $28,390 (€25,000) at schools of arts. For Dutch prices see [cost of studying in the Netherlands](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-the-netherlands), and compare programmes in the same field.

## Sources {#section-11}

- [Study in Flanders: tuition fees 2026/27](https://www.studyinflanders.be/practical-information/tuition-fees), [cost of living](https://www.studyinflanders.be/practical-information/cost-of-living), [housing](https://www.studyinflanders.be/practical-information/housing), [work and study](https://www.studyinflanders.be/practical-information/work-and-study), [scholarships](https://www.studyinflanders.be/scholarships) — checked 29.09.2026
- [Study in Flanders: Master Mind scholarship](https://www.studyinflanders.be/scholarships/master-mind-scholarships) and [eligibility](https://www.studyinflanders.be/scholarships/master-mind-scholarships/eligibility-criteria) — checked 29.09.2026
- [Study in Belgium: registration fees](https://www.studyinbelgium.be/en/studying-french-speaking-belgium-registration-fees), [cost of living and studying](https://www.studyinbelgium.be/en/how-much-does-it-cost-live-and-study-french-speaking-belgium), [working while studying](https://www.studyinbelgium.be/en/working-while-studying-french-speaking-belgium) — checked 29.09.2026
- [Study in Belgium: MASTER IN — WBI grants](https://www.studyinbelgium.be/en/master-wbi-grants) and [financial terms](https://www.studyinbelgium.be/en/financial-support-master-wbi-grants) — checked 29.09.2026
- [ARES Circular No. 2026-001 (PDF)](https://www.ares-ac.be/sites/default/files/2026-02/circulaire-ndeg2026-001-du-12-02-2026.pdf) — checked 29.09.2026
- [KU Leuven: 2026/27 rates](https://www.kuleuven.be/english/education/student/fees/tuition-fee-breakdown), [fee regulations](https://www.kuleuven.be/english/stuvo/education/student/fees/regulation) and [cost of living](https://www.kuleuven.be/english/life-at-ku-leuven/money-matters/cost-of-living-in-belgium) — checked 29.09.2026
- [UGent: master's](https://www.ugent.be/student/en/administration/tuition/tuition-fee-master-programme-not-advanced-and-masters-programme-in-teaching.htm/tuitionmasterteacher20262027.htm) and [bachelor's](https://www.ugent.be/student/en/administration/tuition/tuition-fee-bachelor-programme-linking-programme-and-preparatory-programme.htm/copy_of_tuitionbalinkprepa20262027) fees 2026/27 — checked 29.09.2026
- [UHasselt: Transportation Sciences fees](https://www.uhasselt.be/en/study/programmes/master-of-transportation-sciences) — checked 29.09.2026
- [UCLouvain: 2026/27 fees and file fee](https://uclouvain.be/en/enrolment/registration-fee-amount), [ULiège: fees](https://www.enseignement.uliege.be/cms/c_17654509/fr/droits-d-inscription) — checked 29.09.2026
- [Wallonia-Brussels Federation Equivalence Service: $450 (€400) fee](https://equivalences.cfwb.be/) — checked 29.09.2026
- [EMN Belgium: $1,210 (€1,062) monthly minimum from 2026/27](https://emnbelgium.be/news/minister-raises-minimum-financial-requirements-non-eu-students-belgium), [Bruxelles-J: Immigration Office fee, sponsors, private institutions](https://www.bruxelles-j.be/etudier-se-former/venir-etudier-en-belgique/acces-au-sejour-pour-venir-etudier-en-belgique-etrangers-hors-eee/) — checked 29.09.2026
- [KPMG, 29.07.2026: D visa fee raised to $280 (€250)](https://kpmg.com/xx/en/our-insights/gms-flash-alert/2026/flash-alert-2026-198.html), [Embassy of Belgium in Japan: visa fees and exemptions](http://japan.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/travel-belgium/visa-belgium/steps-apply/visa-handling-fees) — checked 29.09.2026
- [City of Brussels: registration fees for non-EU students](https://www.brussels.be/non-eu-citizen-student-registration-d-visa) — checked 29.09.2026
- Every dollar amount uses the ECB rate for 29.09.2026 (€1 = $1.1355), rounded to the dollar under $100 and to $10 above that.

Budget planning for specific programmes, university shortlisting and preparation of financial documents are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Fees are set by the university and the Community, scholarships are awarded by funders and universities, and visas are decided by the Belgian consulate and the Immigration Office.

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Bachelor's Degree in Belgium for International Students: Admission After School, Language and Cost](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-belgium)
- [Master's Degree in Belgium for International Students: English-Taught Programmes, Requirements and Cost](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-belgium)
- [Belgium Student Visa: Documents, Fees and Application Steps](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-belgium-student-visa)
- [Universities in Belgium for International Students: Full List, Languages and 2026/27 Fees](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-belgium)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)
- [Cost of Studying in the Netherlands in 2026/27: Tuition, Living Costs, Permit Funds and the Full-Degree Budget](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-the-netherlands)

Updated: September 2026