Study in Belgium for Ukrainians

Higher education in Belgium is based on the Bologna model (ECTS) and is governed not by a “single” federal ministry, but by three linguistic communities: Flemish (Flanders), French-speaking (Wallonia-Brussels Federation) and German-speaking. This is important for the applicant: the rules of admission, language of programs, recognition of documents and fees are determined at the level of the respective community and a particular university. The official description of the Flanders system is available on the government portal, with links to ECTS and international mobility.

Levels of education and degrees. The first cycle is a bachelor 's degree (usually 180 ECTS = 3 years), then a master's degree (60-120 ECTS = 1-2 years), doctoral degree (PhD) - an individual research program in cooperation with a supervisor and a faculty. There are also postgraduate certificates/advanced masters and postgraduate programs. The degree structure and credit load are unified in the European Higher Education Area.

Types of institutions. In Belgium, there are two types of institutions:

- Universities (research-intensive) - academic bachelors, masters, PhD, advanced science and postgraduate studies.

- University colleges/universities of applied sciences (and arts) - practice-oriented programs: professional bachelors, associate/advanced degrees, postgraduate certificates; art schools sometimes also offer academic degrees (BA/MA/PhD in art). The detailed division is well described on the official Study in Flanders portal.

Languages of instruction. In Flanders, the main language of instruction is Dutch; in Wallonia/Brussels, French. At the same time, English-language programs are widely available, especially at the master's and PhD levels - their catalog is maintained by the official portal Study in Flanders (English programs in Flanders and Brussels) and Study in Belgium (for the French-speaking community).

Can foreigners apply, are there any quotas? Most programs are open to foreigners without general quotas. Exceptions relate primarily to medical and related specialties:

• Flanders has a centralized entrance exam with a fixed number of places in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine (exam in Dutch); it is a highly competitive selection.

• In the French-speaking community, a number of “sensitive” specialties (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physiotherapy, speech therapy/audiology, etc.) have a limit on the proportion of “non-residents”: usually up to 30% of the intake (20% for veterinary medicine). Procedures and schedules are published on the official portal mesetudes.be/ARES.

Recognition of Ukrainian documents (equivalence / nostrification)

For Flanders, the competent authority is NARIC-Vlaanderen: applications for the recognition of foreign qualifications are submitted here (online procedure, information on terms and costs is available on the government website). Universities can individually grant academic recognition for admission purposes.

For the French-speaking community: higher diplomas are considered by ENIC-NARIC Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (equisup); secondary school diplomas for access to bachelor's degrees are recognized by the Service des équivalences (equivalences.cfwb.be). Online application is available for Ukrainians; official instructions and FAQs are published on the portals.

The state portal belgium.be explains when an equivalence certificate is required and where to apply in each community.

The process of applying to Belgian universities for Ukrainians depends on the educational community (Flanders or Wallonia/Brussels) and the chosen level (bachelor's, master's, PhD). Important: Belgium recognizes Ukrainian certificates and diplomas, but often requires official confirmation of equivalence (nostrification).

Documents required

A Ukrainian applicant will need a standard package:

• A high school diploma (for bachelor's degree programs) or a bachelor's/master's degree (for master's and PhD programs).
• Official translation of documents into French, Dutch or English (depending on the university). The translation must be certified.
• Certificate of language proficiency:

- for English-language programs - IELTS (6.0-6.5), TOEFL (80-90 iBT), sometimes Cambridge;

- for programs in French - DELF B2 or DALF C1;

- for programs in Dutch - B2 level (ITNA certificate or similar).

• A motivation letter explaining why you have chosen the program.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers (often 1-2).
• CV (resume) for master's and PhD programs.
• For PhD, a research proposal or research project plan.

In some cases, proof of financial solvency may be required (bank statements, sponsorship letter).

Are exams or a preparatory year required?

• Bachelor's degree:

- In most majors, a high school diploma and a language certificate are sufficient.

- Medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine: In Flanders, a centralized Dutch exam is required; in Wallonia, there are quotas for “non-residents” (see block 1).

• Preparatory year: if the previous education does not fully meet the requirements of the program (for example, a Ukrainian bachelor's degree does not match the Belgian profile), the university may require you to complete a “bridging program” before enrolling in a master's program.

Submitting documents: where and how

Applications in Belgium are submitted directly through the websites of the universities. Unlike Germany or Finland, there is no single national platform.

• Flanders (Dutch-speaking universities): KU Leuven, Ghent University, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) - all have their own online portals (KU Leuven Application, Mobility Online, etc.).
• Wallonia/Brussels (French-speaking universities): Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), UCLouvain, University of Liège - applications are submitted through university portals, but the rules are coordinated by the mesetudes.be platform.

For some specialties (for example, medicine in Wallonia), you need to apply separately through the ARES system ( Académie de Recherche et d'Enseignement supérieur).

Application deadlines

• For students from outside the EU (including Ukraine, if there is no temporary protection status): usually by March-April for the beginning of studies in September.

• For Ukrainians with temporary protection status: often allowed to apply by later deadlines (May-June), as you are equated to EU students.

• For PhD programs, the deadlines are more flexible, depending on the supervisor and the faculty.

We advise you to check the exact dates on the websites of the chosen university, as they differ even within the same community.

Nostrification (recognition of Ukrainian diplomas)

Ukrainian educational documents are recognized in Belgium, but you need to go through the equivalency procedure:

• Flanders: the authority is NARIC-Vlaanderen. They recognize both secondary school certificates and higher diplomas. You can apply online, the cost is from 180 € (exemption is possible for refugees).
• French-speaking community:

1) secondary education - Service des équivalences (required for bachelor's degree programs);

2) higher education - ENIC-NARIC Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (equisup).

It is better to start nostrification in advance (6-9 months before studying), as the processing of documents takes time. For Ukrainians, there are simplified rules - for example, you can submit copies without an apostille if the originals cannot be obtained due to the war.

Practical advice for Ukrainians

If you came to Belgium for temporary protection, you are usually equated with EU students when applying for admission: lower tuition fees, later deadlines, simplified procedures for recognizing diplomas.

If you have only a tourist visa or have left Ukraine directly without status, prepare to apply as a “third-country student”: earlier deadlines, higher tuition fees.

Belgian universities advise to start the process at least a year before the start of study, but Ukrainians in a crisis situation are often given “quick” options - it is worth checking with the international department of a particular university.

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Housing is one of the most important issues for those planning to study in Belgium. Prices and conditions vary from city to city, but there are plenty of options: from university dormitories to private rooms and apartments.

University dormitories

Most large universities (KU Leuven, ULB, UCLouvain, Ghent) have their own student residences - often called kot universitaire. Since the number of places is limited, international students and first-year students are given priority. Applications for dormitories open in the spring, immediately after confirmation of admission.

Accommodation conditions are standard: a room for one or two people, a shared kitchen and a bathroom. The average price ranges from 200 to 450 euros per month, depending on the city and university. In many cases, the price already includes utilities (electricity, water, internet), but sometimes they are paid separately.

Private rent

Due to the shortage of dormitories, most students rent housing on the private market. The word kot is often used here - a small room or studio for a student.

• In Brussels, renting a room costs from 450-700 euros, and an apartment - from 800-1,000 euros.
• In Leuven, Ghent, or Antwerp, prices are slightly lower: a room costs 350-500 euros, a studio 600-750 euros.
• In smaller cities, you can find accommodation for less - 250-300 euros per room.

The rent almost always comes with a deposit (the equivalent of one to two months), home insurance, and mandatory registration with the local municipality.

Where to look for accommodation

The safest way to start your search is through the official channels of the university - many of them have their own housing portals for foreigners. National websites will also be useful:

• student.be - student rooms and internships,
• immoweb.be - the largest rental portal,
• kotatgent.be - specifically for students in Ghent.

It is better to sign an official contract. This guarantees your rights and helps you avoid fraud.

Registration and documents

A student arriving in Belgium is obliged to register with the local commune and obtain a residence permit (carte A/verblijfstitel A). To do this, you need to submit

• proof of admission to the university,
• a housing lease agreement or a certificate from the dormitory,
• valid passport and student visa D (if required),
• insurance policy.

After the documents are checked, an electronic residence card is issued, which is valid for the duration of the study.

Specifics for Ukrainians

Ukrainians with temporary protection already have a special card that allows them to rent housing and sign contracts without additional permits. If you come as a student on a visa, the procedure is standard: register with the commune and get a student card.

Many universities have created Welcome Desks for Ukrainians (e.g. ULB, VUB, UCLouvain), where they help with finding housing, translating documents, and registering. It is a convenient entry point where you can get support in your native language or in English.

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Studying in Belgium is considered more affordable than in many Western European countries. However, the amount of fees varies significantly depending on whether you are an EU or non-EU student, as well as on the university where you choose your program.

How much does it cost to study

At public universities, Belgians and EU citizens usually pay around €835-1,100 per year. For foreigners from non-EU countries, the fees are much higher: on average, from 2,500 to 7,500 euros, and in Flanders, the upper limit can even reach 8,000. In private business schools and specialized institutions, the figures are even more serious - from 10,000 to 15,000 euros per year.

Ukrainians should be aware that since 2022, most Belgian universities have equated students with temporary protection status with EU students. This means that you can pay tuition fees like Europeans - several times less than “regular” foreigners. For those who come to Belgium directly on a student visa and do not have this status, standard non-EU rates apply.

What other expenses should be taken into account

Studying is not only about university fees. A student in Belgium spends an average of 850-1,200 euros per month. This includes: rent (from 300-700 euros depending on the city), food (200-350 euros), transportation (a student pass in Brussels costs only 12 euros per month), textbooks and materials (50-100 euros per semester). Add university administrative fees and mandatory student fees (about 50-150 euros per year).

Ukrainians should remember that temporary protection status entitles them to discounts on transportation and social support at some universities. This can significantly reduce the monthly burden.

Health insurance

Another issue is insurance. It is mandatory for all students. If you are already registered in Belgium as a person under temporary protection, you can join the local health insurance system (mutuelle / ziekenfonds) and get basic coverage.

But if you come to Belgium only to study, you will have to take out a private policy. Its price ranges from 300 to 600 euros per year, depending on the package and company. The policy is needed not only for your own safety, but also for applying for a student visa and registering in a commune.

👉 Apply for international health insurance for studying in Belgium online - the policy is suitable for both visa and registration.

How to plan your budget

A smart step is to make an estimate in advance: tuition + housing + food + transportation + insurance. For example, a student from Ukraine who has temporary protection can expect to pay about 1,000 euros per year for tuition and another 1,000 euros per month for living expenses. For those who enter without this status, the costs will be two to three times higher just due to university fees.

Studying in Belgium is not always limited to paying the full price. For many students, including Ukrainians, there are real opportunities to reduce costs or even study for almost free. Scholarships and grants are offered by universities themselves, government organizations, and international programs.

Are there any free places?

Belgium does not have completely free education, as in some European countries. However, if you are a Ukrainian under temporary protection, you already get a big discount: you pay the “EU student rate” instead of the full price for foreigners. This is a difference of several thousand euros. In addition, some universities have their own assistance funds for refugees from Ukraine, which can fully cover the annual fee.

University scholarships

Many Belgian universities have their own support programs for international students. For example:

• KU Leuven offers Science@Leuven Scholarships for master's programs in English;
• Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) has a Welcome Desk for Refugees, which helps Ukrainians with documents, housing and financial issues;
• UCLouvain has launched the Access2University program, which provides French language training and mentoring for refugees.

Such programs can cover part of the tuition fee or provide financial assistance for accommodation.

National and regional grants

1. The ARES (Académie de Recherche et d'Enseignement supérieur) in Wallonia annually allocates scholarships for master's degrees and short programs for students from developing countries. Ukrainians can apply for these competitions.

2. VLIR-UOS (Flanders) supports students from the “global South”. Although Ukraine is not formally included in the main target countries, some programs may be opened for Ukrainians under special quotas.

European programs

• Erasmus+: an opportunity to spend a semester or a year at a Belgian university with EU funding. Many Ukrainian universities have agreements with KU Leuven, Ghent University, ULB.
• Horizon Europe/Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: research and PhD grants for young scientists.
• Belgian government programs sometimes include short-term scholarships for advanced training.

Special opportunities for Ukrainians

After 2022, targeted programs appeared in Belgium:

• universities offer exemption from part or all fees for students from Ukraine;
• local municipalities and charitable foundations provide one-time grants for housing and food;
• Brussels and Leuven offer free language courses for Ukrainians.

How to apply

Scholarship applications are submitted in parallel with or immediately after admission. You need to prepare

• a motivation letter,
• letters of recommendation,
• sometimes proof of financial hardship.

Deadlines depend on the program: Erasmus+ - by January-February, university scholarships - by March-April.