Master's in Belgium - Programs, Universities, Scholarships

Why study for a Master’s degree in Belgium?

Belgium is one of the best places for post-graduate studies in Europe, with high-ranking universities and a variety of programs offered in English, French, and Dutch. The country is known for its multicultural community that values diversity and fosters an environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of whether they are permanent residents or not.

Attending a master’s program in Belgium can be a great way to get practical experience in your field of study, as the country’s universities have a strong focus on research. By connecting with people from different cultures you’ll also be able to develop soft skills that are essential for your personal and professional growth.

Cost of Master’s Programs in Belgium

The cost of a master's in Belgium is approximately €5,000. This amount is an estimate, as fees may vary considerably depending on the university and the field of study. In public universities, tuition fees are very low.

Universities in Belgium do not offer tuition-free master’s programs, so a scholarship is the only way for international students to study for a master's degree in Belgium without paying tuition fees.

Life as an International Student in Belgium

Located in the heart of Europe, Belgium is one of the founding members of the European Union and home to the headquarters of many EU institutions. It’s a place with rich history and great importance, so living in the country has a lot to teach you, regardless of your field of study. Its convenient location is also ideal for short trips to other European destinations.

Universities in Belgium support international students and offer assistance for issues regarding student matters, living in the country, and finding accommodation or work. In most universities, you’ll find student clubs and associations that will help you socialize and have a healthy daily life.

Are there any 1-year Master’s Programs in Belgium?

In case you’d like to save some time or enter the workforce sooner, you could look for a 1-year master’s program in Belgium. Some master's programs in Belgium are designed to be completed in 1 year, while others may take 2 years or longer.

It's essential to research the individual universities and programs you're interested in to determine their duration.

Can I study for a Master’s degree in Belgium online?

Some universities in Belgium also offer distance-learning programs, either in a part-time or full-time format. Attending an online master’s program leads to the exact same degree as an on-campus graduate program.

The number of distance-learning postgraduate programs varies depending on the field of study and the institution, but if you want to reduce the cost of your studies or continue working in your home country, it is possible to obtain a master’s degree from a university in Belgium through distance learning.

What are the basic entry requirements of Master’s Programs in Belgium?

Every university has its own admission requirements for its postgraduate programs. However, the basic entry requirements, which must be met in any case, are a recent certificate of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, a copy of your bachelor’s degree, and, most likely, a detailed transcript of grades and a personal statement as well. For programs taught in French or Dutch, you will need a level B2/C1 certificate of language proficiency.

To study in Belgium, you’ll need a valid passport and a student visa. Students coming from countries in the EU/EEA do not need a student visa.

Are there any scholarships for Master’s Programs in Belgium?

If you want to reduce the cost of your postgraduate studies, you can apply for a scholarship. You can get a scholarship either directly from the university you attend or from other public or private organizations.

The scholarships offered are usually aimed at financially disadvantaged students or students with outstanding performance at the undergraduate level and cover part of the tuition fees and, sometimes, the full cost of attendance.

By applying to universities through Brive, you have a chance to get one of our scholarships.

Popular fields of study in Belgium for Master’s degrees

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Biotechnology
• Supply Chain Management
• Dentistry
   

Can I stay in Belgium after getting my master’s degree?

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen and you want to stay in Belgium after completing your post-graduate studies, you can apply for a job-seeker visa or a work permit to stay in the country to seek employment or work.

However, if you are a citizen of a country in the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit to stay in Belgium after completing your post-graduate studies. As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you have the right to reside and work in Belgium without a permit. You can stay in the country for as long as you want, provided that you are looking for work or working.

How to apply to a Master’s Program in Belgium?

Once you have gathered the necessary qualifications and documents, you can apply to the graduate school of your choice. Each university follows a different application procedure, but there is also an alternative.

By applying through Brive, you have access to personalized guidance throughout the process and can easily apply to the programs you like with just one click. You can also apply for one of our scholarships and reduce the cost of your studies.

Schedule a free counseling session with one of our certified counselors, discover the programs that suit your needs, and apply to universities all over the world.