What comes to mind when Belgium is mentioned? The best wristwatches, delicious chocolates, and beer. While Belgium is renowned for several reasons, the country has become a top study destination for many international students. Located in the heart of Europe, Belgium is a multicultural and multilingual study environment for many. Studying in a European country will avail you of the opportunity to explore other countries in Europe. From the magnificent buildings to the fairytale landscapes, Belgium has several historic sights which in turn makes the international study experience more delightful. Want to know more about studying in Belgium? Here’s a guide to studying in Belgium from Nigeria.
1) Find a study program
Choosing a study program is the first step in the application process. Discover your interest and passion. This will guide you in making the right decision. Many universities offer several programs that you can choose from. Ensure you choose right as this will influence your career path.
2) Decide on a Belgian university to study
Once you’ve decided on your course of study, you can proceed to find a university that offers the program. While there are several universities in Belgium, you should consider the best options. Make a shortlist of schools. Find out about their tuition fees, admission requirements, facilities, location, etc. While it’s advised to read reviews about schools, ensure you make the right choice as these reviews may influence your decisions. Some of the top-ranked universities in Belgium include the University of Antwerp, the University of Leuven, Hasselt University, the University of Liége, etc.
3) Check the admission requirements
Admission requirements vary based on the program, location, and level of education. In some cases, you may need to prove that you can speak French, Dutch or English. Hence the need for a language proficiency test. Each program and university has its entry requirements. Contact the admission office or check the university’s website for more information.
4) Prepare to apply
After you’ve chosen a program and university, you can start preparing your paperwork for the application process. Make enquiries before applying as you might need to translate some of your documents to Dutch or French. Below are the required documents for admission into any Belgian university.
- Passport or any other proof of identification
- High School diploma (for bachelor’s degree)
- Bachelor’s degree certificate ( for master’s program).
- Duly completed application form downloaded from the institution’s website.
- Proof of application fee payment
- Motivation letter
- Letter of recommendation (if applicable)
- Language Proficiency (if applicable). Typically, most Belgian universities exempt Nigerian students from doing language proficiency tests. But it’s expected that applicants will present a letter from their previous university or Ministry of Education indicating that English is the medium of instruction. If you want to pursue French or Dutch-taught programs, you’ll need to do language proficiency tests like French (DELF or DALF) and Dutch (Dutch NT2-II).
Ensure your academic certifications and documents are legalized and authenticated by recognized authorities such as the Ministry of Education and Foreign Affairs. Documents that aren’t legalized won’t be considered for your visa application.
5) Apply to university
By now, you’ve got all your documents ready for your application. It’s about time you submit your application to your preferred university. Apply to the school via their website or online application platforms. You might have to send the original copies of your documents to prove their authenticity. Ensure you meet the application deadlines. These deadlines are often dependent on your visa status. Applications are opened for those who require a visa in March. Those who don’t need visas can apply to schools in June.
See also:
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6) Obtain a Belgian study visa
You’ll need a Belgian study visa to study in Belgium. Since you’ll be staying in the country for more than 90 days, you have to obtain a Type D long-stay visa. Your official documents must be legalized before submitting them to the embassy. You can do the legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Submit the original and photocopies of each document at the embassy. For your study visa application, you’ll need the following:
- Proof of payment of application fee
- A passport valid for at least 15 months
- Two visa application forms, duly completed and signed.
- Two recent passport photographs
- High School diploma
- Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree certification.
- Academic transcripts or results
- Proof of admission or registration in a tertiary institution.
- Proof of sufficient funds. The minimum amount required for Belgium is around 660 EUR per month and you can prove it by providing bank statements.
- A medical certificate issued by a Belgian Embassy approved medical doctor is issued not more than six months prior to the date of application.
- Proof of clean criminal record
The embassy may request that you come for an interview with additional documents. Ensure you process your visa on time to avoid disappointment. Your visa processing may take up to 4 months. In some cases, it may take up to 8 months. The earlier you begin your visa application, the faster the processing time. The embassy handles visa applications according to the quality of visa type, date of travel and date of submission.
Note that a complete application does not guarantee that you will be issued a visa. In addition, incomplete documentation can lead to visa refusal.
7) Secure accommodation
It’s crucial to sort your accommodation before embarking on your trip to Belgium. Without this, you won’t be able to proceed with other requirements. Most Belgian universities usually send details about housing alongside an acceptance letter so they can reserve a room for you. These universities may list the rooms on their websites for students to make their choice. Ensure you find out about accommodation plans from the university.
8) Arrive in Belgium
After you’ve completed the necessary documentation, it’s about time you book your flight to Belgium. Make sure you don’t leave any essentials behind. Once you arrive in the country, enrol for your classes, do proper documentation and pay your tuition fees. Most Belgian universities allow you to pay your tuition fees after completion of your visa application. Also, obtain your residence permit within 8 days of your arrival in Belgium.
Congratulations on attaining a new height. You’ve successfully achieved your dreams of studying abroad in Belgium. While you study, try to have fun as well. Learn about the Belgian culture, economy, social events, etc. This will benefit you. Have a smooth sailing in Belgium. Good luck in your academic pursuits!