Higher education
Belgian universities comparator
Eight major universities, split between French-speaking Belgium and Dutch-speaking Flanders. All offer high-level programmes at accessible prices — especially for EU citizens (≤ €1,175/year).
€835 - 1,175/year
EU/EEA/Swiss fees
Depending on the language community. Flemish universities charge ~ €1,175, French-speaking ~ €835.
€4,175 - 6,800/year
Non-EU fees
Variable by university and discipline. Capped in FR (€4,175), free in FLA up to €12,000 for some masters.
FR / NL
Teaching language
Depending on region. Most also offer masters and some bachelors in English — especially VUB and ULB.
The 8 main universities
KU Leuven
FlandersLouvain (Leuven) · Dutch
Students
65.000
International
22 %
EU fees/year
€1,175
Non-EU fees/year
€4,175
QS World ranking 2026 : #61
Strengths
Science & engineeringMedicineTheology
✓ English programmes available
UGent (Universiteit Gent)
FlandersGand (Gent) · Dutch
Students
50.000
International
16 %
EU fees/year
€1,175
Non-EU fees/year
€6,800
QS World ranking 2026 : #154
Strengths
SciencesBio-engineeringEconomics
✓ English programmes available
UCLouvain
WalloniaLouvain-la-Neuve · French + English programmes
Students
32.000
International
21 %
EU fees/year
€835
Non-EU fees/year
€4,175
QS World ranking 2026 : #174
Strengths
HumanitiesMedicineEconomics
✓ English programmes available
VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
BrusselsBruxelles · Dutch
Students
22.000
International
32 %
EU fees/year
€1,175
Non-EU fees/year
€4,175
QS World ranking 2026 : #209
Strengths
English-taught studiesSocial sciencesMedicine
✓ English programmes available
ULB (Université libre de Bruxelles)
BrusselsBruxelles · French + English programmes
Students
38.000
International
30 %
EU fees/year
€835
Non-EU fees/year
€4,175
QS World ranking 2026 : #215
Strengths
Law & political scienceMedicineSciences
✓ English programmes available
UAntwerpen
FlandersAnvers (Antwerpen) · Dutch
Students
22.000
International
18 %
EU fees/year
€1,175
Non-EU fees/year
€6,500
QS World ranking 2026 : #226
Strengths
Applied sciencesSocial sciencesMedicine
✓ English programmes available
ULiège (Université de Liège)
WalloniaLiège · French + English programmes
Students
25.000
International
20 %
EU fees/year
€835
Non-EU fees/year
€4,175
QS World ranking 2026 : #282
Strengths
Veterinary medicineApplied sciencesHEC Liège
✓ English programmes available
UMons (Université de Mons)
WalloniaMons · French
Students
8.500
International
15 %
EU fees/year
€835
Non-EU fees/year
€4,175
QS World ranking 2026 : >800
Strengths
PolytechnicTranslation schoolPsychology
Application calendar and procedures
- January - March: opening of non-EU applications for September start. Deadlines vary by university, often 30 April for non-EU.
- May - June: EU applications (often until 1 September, more flexible).
- Entrance exam: required for medicine, dentistry (July), physiotherapy, civil engineering (FLA) — prepare early.
- Secondary diploma equivalence: to enter bachelor, equivalence request to the competent Community — 4 months delay, complete file required. Anticipate!
- See also: student visa · See also: finding a kot
Hautes Écoles & higher schools
This page focuses on universities. Belgium also has many Hautes Écoles (HE Bruxelles-Brabant, HE Vinci, Henallux, Hogeschool Gent, …) offering well-recognised professional bachelors (3 years), often cheaper (~€835/year even for non-EU) and more accessible. See the directory of Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles or VLIR.