Student Visa In Belgium: The Ultimate Guide

Embarking on an academic journey in Belgium, the heart of Europe, begins with obtaining a student visa. The process, as intricate as a Belgian lace pattern, can be navigated with the right guidance. Don’t Worry! We’ve got your back!

This article unfolds the necessary steps to acquire a Belgian student visa, ensuring your transition into this hub of international education and culture is as smooth as the country’s famed chocolates.

Let’s dive in!

Is A Visa Required To Study In Belgium?

If you are an international student from a country that does not have a visa agreement with Belgium, you will need a student visa.

You do not need to apply for a Belgian student visa if you meet the following criteria:

You are a member of the EU or EEA.
You are a citizen of one of the Schengen nations.
You are a citizen of the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, or the Republic of Andorra.

If you are from one of these countries, you can apply for a residence permit immediately upon entering Belgium.

Steps For Applying For A Student Visa In Belgium

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

Acceptance to a university in Belgium. Before applying for a student visa, you should first identify the best university for you.
You can apply for a student visa once you have been admitted to the university.
Complete the visa application form. Download the application form, print it, and fill it out. Please ensure that you fill it out with accurate and up-to-date information.
Gather all of the necessary documentation. Before applying for a visa, you should gather the necessary documentation.
All documents must be legalized or apostilled, so double-check them ahead of time.

Belgium Student Visa Requirements

When applying for a student visa in Belgium, you must submit the following documents:

Form for applying for a student visa. You must print the application form, fill it out with your correct information, and sign it at the end.
The application form asks for your name and surname.
Your birth date and place.
Your current nationality.
Your gender.
Your legal standing.
Your present job.
Your expected stay in the Schengen area, for example.
You must have a valid passport for the entire period you intend to stay in the Schengen area. Your passport must have at least two blank pages for your visa to be attached.
Two images of you.
Health coverage. It must span the duration of your study in Belgium.
Evidence of your financial resources. You must demonstrate that you have a suitable income while studying in Belgium. The required monthly sum is €666.
Admissions documentation. You must demonstrate that you have been accepted to a university in Belgium.
You should describe why you chose to study in Belgium and what program you have been accepted to in this letter.

Language proficiency in English must be demonstrated.

You must demonstrate that you understand your academic subject in English.
The TOEFL or IELTS certificate is accepted, and the needed score varies according to the university to which you have applied.
Some institutions may require a greater grade point average than others.
Ghent institution, a public institution, is the only one in Belgium that does not need language proficiency.

Evidence of a non-criminal conviction. You must demonstrate that you have no criminal record (you must be over the age of 21).

A high school diploma is required. You must provide an original copy of your high school diploma.

If you are asked to bring more documents, make sure you contact the embassy. Furthermore, all documents that are not in English, French, Dutch, or German must be translated by a certified translator.

Financial Requirements For A Student Visa In Belgium

When applying for a student visa, you must demonstrate that you have the financial resources to support yourself while studying and living in Belgium.

Your monthly salary should be roughly €666 if you include medical care, housing, living expenses, and study expenses.

Depending on your situation, you should explain how you intend to meet your financial requirements:

By yourself.	If you finance yourself, you must provide your bank statements.
By your family or sponsor.	If your family or a sponsor will fund you, you will need a sponsorship and support declaration to confirm it.
A scholarship.	If you have earned a scholarship to study in Belgium, you need to prove that you are a scholarship winner and that the scholarship will fund your stay in Belgium.

Student Visa Fees In Belgium

The student visa costs approximately €200, including application and administrative fees.

Following Arrival In Belgium: Student Residence Permit

You have eight days after arriving in Belgium to register at your local government office and obtain your residence card.

This card allows you to stay in Belgium for the duration of your studies. You can renew your residence permit every year until the completion of your course.

EU students do not require a residence permit, but if they want to stay for more than three months, they must register their presence.

Duration Of A Belgian Student Visa

A Belgian student visa is usually valid for one to two years. However, it is dependent on your program of study. If your study program lasts longer than the period of your visa, you may renew it.

Belgium Student Visa Extension

If you need to extend your visa, you should apply for an extension of your residence permit. You should schedule an appointment at least 14 days before your expiration date. You must apply at your local administration office or town hall.

What Should You Do If Your Application Is Turned Down?

The Aliens Office decides whether or not to issue you a type D visa. If your application is refused, the embassy or consulate where you applied will notify you.

It can be frustrating to have your application refused, but it does not have to derail your foreign aspirations.

If you made any errors in your original application, you can correct them and reapply. However, if you believe your application was incorrectly denied, you must file an appeal.

You must create a convincing letter to appeal. The following information should be included in the letter:

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

Can You Work In Belgium With A Student Visa?

You can work 20 hours per week as an international student during the semester, but only provided it doesn’t cause trouble with your studies. You may work full-time during semester breaks and holidays.

You will be issued a single permit that will allow you to reside, study, and work in Belgium. International students will no longer need a type C work permit as of January 2020.

Can I Bring My Family To Belgium With Me On A Student Visa?

As a student in Belgium, you have the right to bring your spouse and dependent children with you by obtaining a visa that is dependent on Belgium. You have to:

Find a suitable home for you and your family.
Get Belgian health insurance for everyone in your family.
You must be able to financially support your family while in Belgium.

Your family can stay in Belgium as long as your visa is valid.

Can I Switch From A Student To A Work Visa In Belgium?

You can change your student visa to a work visa. If you do not yet have a job in Belgium, you can stay for at least nine months after finishing your education, during which time you can look for work in Belgium.

However, you will need to apply at your local town hall to transform your resident status from a student visa to a Belgium work visa.

You should be required to do so as long as you are legally present in Belgium.

Conclusion

As we conclude our guide, the path to your academic adventure in Belgium is now demystified. Equipped with this knowledge, you’re ready to embark on a journey enriched with world-class education and multicultural experiences.

Belgium’s historic universities and vibrant student life are waiting to welcome you to an unforgettable chapter of your life.

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