student visa in belgium

What do you know about the Student Visa in Belgium? If you are hearing this for the first time, then let us explain it to you why you should go for a student visa for Belgium. In this article, we discuss about what all things can you do on a student visa and how to get this visa easily.

A guide on student visa in Belgium. A visa is not required to study in this country in general, but you need to confirm that your course meets the entry requirements, and register with the correct government agency.

Whether you are a college student or someone enrolling in a master’s degree program, applying to a school in Belgium will bring some new challenges and changes to your life. While studying at a Belgian university is absolutely possible as an international student, you may face some complications that aren’t present in other countries. This article focuses on the process of securing a visa while going to school in Belgium.

Student visa in Belgium

Belgium is a beautiful country with many things to do and see. Whether you want to visit museums, go shopping or take part in the nightlife, Belgium has a lot to offer. You can find many things to do here that will keep you busy for hours. If you are thinking about studying abroad in this country, it is important that you know how to get a student visa.

How do I get a student visa?

In order to get a student visa, you must first apply for admission at an institution of higher education in Belgium. Once your application has been accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter from the university or college that has accepted your application. You then need to contact the Belgian embassy or consulate nearest where you live and apply for a student visa. Your application must include proof of financial support (proof of funds), proof of health insurance coverage (medical certificate) and proof of academic standing (academic transcript). The fee for processing your application is €150 Euros per person (20 years old or older).

What else do I need?

Students who wish to stay longer than three months after graduation must apply for an extension before their six-month period expires. Students can apply for an extension

Student visa in Belgium

Belgium is one of the most popular destinations for international students. It is a country with a rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as modern infrastructure. The country offers many opportunities to study and learn new things, while at the same time having an affordable cost of living.

If you would like to study in Belgium, you need to have a student visa. This document will allow you to enter the country and start your studies without any problems or complications. You can find more information about how to apply for it below:

Who needs a student visa?

Anyone who wants to study in Belgium must have this document before they arrive at their destination. However, there are some exceptions:

• If you want to study at a university degree course (master’s or bachelor’s level), but do not intend on working after graduation; then you do not need a visa before entering the country because it does not require any work permit once finished studying there;
• If you plan on taking part in an internship program; then it may be possible that they will ask for some additional documents such as proof of funds that cover expenses while staying there since they are just covering costs associated with studying only (ie tuition fees).

Belgium Student Visa Application Steps

The application process for a Belgium student visa is as follows:

1. Be accepted at a university in Belgium. Before applying for a student visa, you should first find the most suitable university for yourself. After you are accepted at the university, you can apply for a student visa.
2. Fill in your visa application form. You should download the application form, print it, and fill it.
3. Collect all the required documents. You should prepare the needed documents before applying for the visa. All the documents should be legalized or apostilled, so you should check them beforehand.
4. Schedule a visa appointment. You should make an appointment at the embassy or consulate to submit your visa application. Without an appointment, you won’t be able to apply.
5. Get ready for the interview. You will be asked to enter an interview, where you will be asked questions regarding your study plans in Belgium and your future goals.

Belgium Student Visa Requirements

These are the documents you should provide when you apply for a Belgium student visa:

• Student visa application form. You need to print out the application form, fill it with your correct information and sign it at the end. The application form contains questions such as: 
  • Your name and surname.
  • Your date and place of birth.
  • Your current nationality.
  • Your gender.
  • Your civil status.
  • Your current occupation.
  • Your intended stay in the Schengen area, etc.
• Passport. You need to have a valid passport during the whole time you plan to stay in the Schengen area. Your passport must have at least two blank pages for your visa to be attached.
• Two pictures of you. As per Schengen visa photo requirements, you need to include two identical photos of you taken within six months. The photos should be colored and clear. You should stay neutral (do not smile, raise your eyebrows, or grimace).
• Health insurance. It must cover the entire period of your studies in Belgium
• Proof of your financial means. You need to prove that you have sufficient income when you live in Belgium for your studies. The required amount is €666 per month.
• Proof of admission. You have to prove that you have been accepted into a Belgium university.
• A supporting letter. In this letter, you should explain why you chose to study in Belgium and what program you have been accepted.
• Proof of English language proficiency. 
  • You have to prove that you know English enough to understand your academic course. 
  • The TOEFL or IELTS certificate is accepted, and the required score depends on the university you have applied to. 
  • Some universities may ask for a higher score than others. 
  • The only university in Belgium that does not require language proficiency is Ghent University, a public university.
• Proof of non-criminal conviction. You need to prove that you do not have any criminal record (only over 21).
• High school diploma. You need the original copy of your high school diploma.

Make sure to contact the embassy in case you are asked to bring additional documents. Moreover, all the documents in a language other than English, French, Dutch, or German must be translated by a certificated translator.

Belgium Student Visa Financial Requirements

When applying for a student visa, you must prove that you have enough income to support yourself while studying and living in Belgium. Your income should be around €666 per month, including medical care, accommodation, living, and study costs. 

Depending on your situation, you should explain how you are going to provide your financial requirements:

By yourself.	If you finance yourself, you need to show your bank statements.
By your family or sponsor.	If your family or a sponsor will finance you, you need a statement of sponsorship and support to prove it.
A scholarship.	If you have won a scholarship to study in Belgium, you need to prove that you are a scholarship recipient, and it will finance your stay in Belgium.

Belgian student visa processing time

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll usually receive a decision within 15 days. However, during busy spells, the processing time can reach up to 30 days, or even 60 days. That’s why it’s always best to start your application in plenty of time.

Working with a Belgian student visa

You can work 20 hours a week during term time as an international student in Belgium, but only if it does not interfere with your studies.

You’ll need a written fixed term contract from your employer, and a type C work permit. You can work during official university holidays without needing a work permit.

What to do if your application is rejected

The decision whether or not to grant you a type D visa is made by the Aliens Office. If your application has been rejected you will be notified by the embassy or consulate you applied through.

Having your application rejected can be disheartening, but it doesn’t have to derail your international plans.

If you made some mistakes in your first application, you can fix them and re-apply. But if you think your application was wrongly denied, you’ll need to appeal against the decision.

To appeal, you must write a convincing letter. The letter should include:

• Your personal information, including name, passport number, and contact details
• The date of your application rejection
• The reason behind the refusal
• Explanation and evidence for why you think the decision was incorrect
• Your signature

Conclusion

If you are an international student looking to study abroad, Belgium has an excellent educational system and affordable tuition. And, you have the opportunity to study programs in English, Dutch, German, or French.

Within 8 working days after your arrival in Belgium, reach the local municipal administration offices/ town hall (maison communale/gemeentehuis) to register for a residence permit. This residence permit allows you to open a bank account, apply for a work permit and you could also get insurance in Belgium.

In some cases, you can apply for the residence permit at your university and they will help you with the application.