When you plan to Study in Belgium Total cost, you want a clear, up‑to‑date understanding of tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, visa costs, and budgeting strategies. In 2025‑26, the Study in Belgium Total cost ranges from about €10,000 to €18,000 per year, depending on your program type (Bachelor, Master, PhD), your university (public vs private), and the city you choose. Public universities offer lower tuition often between €1,000 and €6,000/year for non‑EU students while living costs average €900–€1,300/month in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Leuven or Ghent. Combined, these set the realistic Study in Belgium Total cost around €14,000 per year for many international students. Affordable yet high‑quality, Belgium delivers excellent education, scholarship opportunities, and the chance to work part‑time up to 20 hours/week, helping manage your Study in Belgium Total cost.
Getting the full picture of the Study in Belgium Total cost means breaking down each element: tuition, shared housing or dorm rent, groceries, public transport, insurance, visa and blocked account requirements, materials, and discretionary spending. This blog covers everything you need from average figures, cost differences by region, sample yearly budgets, to money‑saving tips and scholarships you can apply to. If you’re looking for the Study in Belgium Total cost in 2025‑26 and want the latest financial planning guide, read on.
Also check, Study in Korea Total Cost in 2025‑26 | Latest
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Study in Belgium Total Cost in 2025-26 | Latest
1. Cost to Study in Belgium Leading Universities
ChatGPT said:
Studying in Belgium at leading universities is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries. Tuition fees typically range from €900 to €4,000 per year for EU students and €1,000 to €9,000 for non-EU students. Top institutions like KU Leuven and Ghent University offer excellent education at reasonable costs.
2. Tuition Fees at Public Universities
Public universities in Belgium are known for offering high-quality education at an affordable cost, especially compared to universities in the UK, USA, or even nearby EU countries. For international students, especially non-EU/EEA nationals, tuition fees are slightly higher but still manageable. Understanding Tuition Fees at Public Universities is crucial when calculating the full Study in Belgium Total cost for 2025–26.
Public University | Bachelor’s (EU Students) | Bachelor’s (Non-EU Students) | Master’s (EU Students) | Master’s (Non-EU Students) |
---|---|---|---|---|
KU Leuven | €980/year | €3,900 – €6,000/year | €980/year | €3,900 – €6,000/year |
University of Ghent | €980/year | €5,000 – €6,500/year | €980/year | €5,000 – €6,500/year |
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) | €835 – €1,050/year | €2,500 – €6,000/year | €835 – €1,050/year | €2,500 – €6,000/year |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) | €980/year | €3,500 – €6,000/year | €980/year | €3,500 – €6,000/year |
University of Antwerp | €980 – €1,250/year | €5,000 – €6,000/year | €980 – €1,250/year | €5,000 – €6,000/year |
Hasselt University | €980/year | €3,500 – €6,000/year | €980/year | €3,500 – €6,000/year |
UCLouvain | €835/year | €4,175 – €8,400/year | €835/year | €4,175 – €8,400/year |
3. Tuition Fees at Private Universities
Private universities in Belgium offer specialized programs in fields such as business, management, international relations, and the arts. While they often provide a more personalized academic environment and flexible course structures, the tuition fees are significantly higher than at public universities. This section is essential to understand the Study in Belgium Total cost if you are considering private institutions.
Private Institution | Bachelor’s Tuition (Annual) | Master’s Tuition (Annual) | MBA/Executive Programs |
---|---|---|---|
Brussels School of Governance (VUB affiliated, private) | €6,000 – €10,000 | €6,000 – €12,000 | N/A |
United Business Institutes (UBI) | €8,000 – €10,500 | €10,500 – €13,500 | €18,000 – €25,000 |
Vesalius College Brussels | €7,000 – €10,000 | €10,000 – €12,000 | N/A |
Antwerp Management School | N/A | €13,000 – €18,000 | €25,000 – €45,000 |
College of Europe (Bruges Campus) | N/A | €26,000 – €30,000 (all-inclusive) | N/A |
Solvay Brussels School (Exec. Education) | N/A | €12,000 – €16,000 | €30,000 – €40,000 |
4. Cost of Living in Belgium
When calculating the Study in Belgium Total cost, tuition fees are only one part of the equation. The other major component is the cost of living in Belgium, which includes rent, food, utilities, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses. On average, international students spend between €900 and €1,300 per month depending on their lifestyle, city of residence, and type of accommodation.
Living Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (€) |
---|---|
Accommodation (shared/private) | €300 – €700 |
Utilities & Internet | €80 – €150 |
Food & Groceries | €200 – €350 |
Transportation (public pass) | €20 – €60 |
Health Insurance | €25 – €50 |
Personal/Leisure Expenses | €100 – €200 |
Total Monthly Cost | €900 – €1,300 |
Also check, Study in Japan Total cost in 2025‑26 | Latest
5. City-wise Living Expenses
City selection plays a major role in determining the Study in Belgium Total cost. While tuition fees may remain relatively similar across universities, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on where you choose to study. Belgium’s major student cities include Brussels, Antwerp, Leuven, Ghent, and Hasselt each offering a unique lifestyle and cost structure.
City | Rent (Shared/Studio) | Food & Transport | Other Costs | Total Monthly Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brussels | €450 – €800 | €250 – €350 | €150 – €200 | €1,000 – €1,350 |
Antwerp | €400 – €700 | €230 – €330 | €130 – €180 | €950 – €1,200 |
Leuven | €350 – €600 | €220 – €300 | €120 – €180 | €900 – €1,100 |
Ghent | €350 – €650 | €230 – €310 | €120 – €170 | €900 – €1,150 |
Hasselt | €300 – €550 | €200 – €280 | €100 – €150 | €800 – €1,000 |
6. Available Scholarships for Studying in Belgium
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Belgium for international students 2025
- KU Leuven Science Scholarships in Belgium 2026 Application Process
- Master Mind Scholarship 2025 | Study in Belgium for Free
- Top Scholarships in Belgium for International Students 2025
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe for international students 2025-26
7. Visa and Application Fees
Understanding visa and application fees is essential when calculating the full Study in Belgium Total cost. International students from non-EU/EEA countries must apply for a long-stay (D-type) student visa, which involves several steps and costs. Additionally, each university may charge a separate application or administrative fee during the admission process.
University | Application Fee |
---|---|
KU Leuven | €75 – €100 |
Ghent University | €50 – €100 |
ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) | €50 |
University of Antwerp | €75 – €100 |
VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) | €50 – €75 |
Hasselt University | €100 |
UCLouvain | €50 – €100 |
8. Taxes for Cost of Studying in Belgium
When planning the Study in Belgium Total cost, it’s important to understand how taxes may affect your expenses as an international student. The good news is that tuition fees and scholarships are not taxed in Belgium. However, certain living and work-related costs may include indirect taxes such as VAT (Value Added Tax), and income tax rules apply if you work part-time.
Also check, Study in China Total cost in 2025‑26 | Latest
9. Why Study in Belgium?
Belgium is an excellent study destination known for its high-quality education system and internationally ranked universities. It offers a multicultural environment at the heart of Europe, giving students access to diverse cultures and languages. Many programs are available in English, especially at the master’s and PhD levels, making it ideal for international students. elgium is also part of the Schengen Area, allowing students to travel freely across Europe. Additionally, the country offers numerous scholarships and affordable tuition fees compared to other Western European nations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is the Study in Belgium Total cost per year?
Expect €10,000–€18,000/year depending on your tuition and lifestyle.
What is the tuition part of Study in Belgium Total cost?
Public uni fees for non‑EU students: €1,000–€6,000/year; private or MBA programs cost more.
Can working part‑time cut down Study in Belgium Total cost?
Yes, students can work up to 20 hours/week to earn €10–€14/hour.
Does Study in Belgium Total cost vary by city?
Yes, living costs are higher in Brussels and Antwerp, slightly lower in Leuven or Ghent.
Are living costs included in Study in Belgium Total cost?
Yes, includes rent, food, transport, insurance, books, visa fees.
Can I reduce Study in Belgium Total cost with scholarships?
Yes, ARES, Erasmus+, university grants, and need-based assistance exist.