Belgium : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

• Since the adoption of the Bologna process, the Belgian higher education structure has changed and it now has more similarities with the UK. The three major changes are the introduction of the bachelor-master structure, inter-institutional cooperation, and accreditation of training programmes.
• Belgian higher education includes both university and non-university institutions. The latter includes institutes of higher education and art academies. It is possible to transfer from one type to another.

What courses are available?

• Master programmes are characterised by the integration of education and research and a master’s dissertation. Masters last either one or two years depending on the field of study (and some programmes last longer).
• Most postgraduate programmes are in either Flemish or French, but there are a few programmes in English, sometimes run in collaboration with UK universities. For more information on degrees in different areas in Belgium, visit Higher Education in Belgium.

Where can I study?

• For a full list of universities, visit Universities Worldwide .
• For Belgium universities rankings, visit Top Universities .

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?

Most UK qualifications are accepted throughout Europe, but you will need to check the entry requirements of the university to which you are applying.

You may need to speak Flemish/Dutch or French, but some courses may be in English. Some universities offer summer language schools for international students to help them prepare for their course.

When do I apply?

Applications for postgraduate study can be made between the November and June preceding the start of your course. The academic year runs from September/October until June/July. Applications for doctoral training can be made at any time of year. Check with the relevant university for details of their specific application dates.

How do I apply?

• Applications are made directly to universities.
• You will normally need to download your application form and submit it by post.
• You will also need two references as well as a covering letter. You will have to pay a non-refundable application fee.

How much will it cost?

• Higher education for Belgian and European students is financed to a large extent by the public authorities and the student usually just needs to pay a registration fee every year. The cost to register with a university depends on the institution and the programme of study but is usually set around €800. To register with an institute of higher education or a college of arts, a fee of around €330 needs to be paid for long term courses, plus an additional €430 for the academic year in which the qualification is awarded.  Students from outside the EU will have to pay additional registration fees. For more information contact the registration services of the university you are interested in.
• Annual living costs for students vary depending on the programme of study and type of accommodation. Estimated costs are around €800 per month and accommodation is usually around €250-€350 per month.

Are any scholarships available?

Belgian Development Cooperation lists grants available to students from developing countries. In the UK, your university careers service may be able to advise.

Are there any exchange programmes?

UK students on undergraduate degree programmes or postgraduate Masters and some PhD programmes may be interested in spending time studying in Belgium through the Erasmus programme. This programme is open to all subject areas, but check with your institution’s Erasmus coordinator first (usually based in the international office) to see which countries they have links with and in what subject areas.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

As part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) , a Belgian postgraduate course is directly comparable to the UK equivalent. Full details on comparing international qualifications are also available from the UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) , which gives information and advice on vocational, academic and professional qualifications from over 180 countries.