How to Apply for Belgium Student Visa in 2024?

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Belgium is an ideal destination for students who wants to study abroad. If you have secured admission in Belgium and now wants to proceed for study permit, this guide is for you. If you are not from the EU, you will need a Belgium Long Stay Visa (D Visa) to study there. This guide will explain what you need, how to apply, and other important details to help you get your student visa easily.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Belgium student visa, you must:

  • Have been accepted into a university in Belgium.
  • Show enough financial means to support yourself during your studies.
  • Show proficiency in the language of instruction (usually English, French, or Dutch).
  • Have no criminal record.

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Who Needs a Belgium Student Visa?

You do not need a Belgium student visa if:

  • You are a citizen of an EU or EEA country.
  • You are from a Schengen country.
  • You are from the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, or Andorra. You can apply for a residence permit upon arrival in Belgium.

Documents Needed to Apply

To apply for a Belgium student visa, you will need:

  • Visa Application Form

Available on the VFS Global website or from the Belgian consulate in your home country.

  • Passport

Valid for at least 12 months beyond your intended stay.

  • Acceptance Letter

Proof of acceptance from a Belgian university.

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  • Motivation Letter

A letter explaining why you want to study in Belgium.

  • Language Proficiency Proof

Certificates showing proficiency in the language of instruction.

  • Criminal Record Check

Document proving you have no criminal record.

  • Academic Degrees and Transcripts

Proof of your previous educational qualifications.

  • Photographs

Two recent passport-sized photos.

  • Health Insurance

Proof of health insurance coverage.

  • Financial Proof

Proof that you can financially support yourself (scholarship documents or a bank statement).

Complete Application Process

  1. Acceptance from a Belgian University

Before you can apply for a student visa, you must have an acceptance letter from a recognized university in Belgium.

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  1. Complete the Visa Application Form

Fill out the student visa application form, available on the VFS Global website or from the Belgian consulate.

  1. Gather Required Documents

Arrange all the documents mentioned above.

  1. Schedule a Visa Appointment

Schedule an appointment to submit your application and biometrics (fingerprints and photographs). You can book this through VFS Global if they provide services in your country.

  1. Attend the Visa Interview

Attend the visa interview in person. Bring all required documents, and be prepared to answer questions about your study plans.

  1. Wait for Visa Approval

After submitting your application and attending the interview, wait for the visa processing. This can take several weeks, so apply well in advance.

Visa Cost

The current fee for a Belgium student visa is 180 Euros. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date fee information as it can change.

Who Does Not Have to Pay the Student Visa Fee?

  • Spouse/partner and children (under 21) of EU and Swiss citizens.
  • Nationals from Israel, San Marino, Japan, Morocco, and Turkey.
  • Students with scholarships from the Belgian State.
  • Students in programs such as Erasmus Mundus, Lotus, and Tempus.

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Apply for a Residence Permit After Arriving in Belgium

Once you arrive in Belgium, you have eight days to register at the local town hall and obtain a residence permit. This permit allows you to stay in Belgium for the duration of your studies.

EU Students

EU students do not need a residence permit but must register their stay if it exceeds three months.

Working in Belgium While Studying

International students in Belgium can work up to 20 hours a week during their studies, as long as it does not affect their study.

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