Belgium
Belgium could be the perfect destination for students who want to develop their skills in one, two or maybe even three languages. Discover what it's like to study in the country...
There are three official communities, which each have separate governments and parliaments. As a result, the higher education system differs depending on where you are studying:
This is also known as the Dutch-speaking Community. It is merged with one of the three Belgian federal regions - Flanders, situated in the North.
Higher education institutions here include:
This community is made up of French-speaking Belgians, its parliament and its government. The majority of its citizens live in Wallonia, one of the three federal regions.
Provision of higher education is split between university and non-university institutions:
This community is made up of around 75,000 citizens, the majority of whom are German speakers. Some speak French. German speakers tend to enrol in either French or Flemish institutions, or study in Germany.
Each university has different entry requirements, regardless of the community in which it is located. Contact the institutions you are interested in to find out their entry requirements for the course you want to take.
The majority of institutions will accept UK qualifications, but some courses may require the student to speak either French or Dutch. However, there are some courses that give lectures in English.
You will also have to prove you can support yourself financially during your studies.
Citizens of the European Union (EU) are entitled to attend university in Belgium or any EU country. The same conditions apply to all EU citizens, whether a national of the country or not. This means that you are not required to pay higher course fees than students from Belgium and may be able to get help with tuition fees.
Grants and scholarships are available for EU students as they would be for Belgian nationals. However, they are assigned based on individual circumstances and many require qualifying students to have lived in the country for at least two years.
Non-EU students have access to a range of funding options. For more information, read the Study and Training Grants for Students from Developing Countries guide from the Belgian Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. The guide also contains information for EU students.
Students attending UK universities can take part in the EU's flagship educational exchange programme, Erasmus . The scheme offers work placements, study opportunities and language assistantships, which last from three months to one academic year.
Financial support is also available to selected Masters and Doctoral students through the Erasmus Mundus initiative.
Your university must have a formal agreement with a partner university in another EU country. Check that your university is involved in the programme and offers it in your subject.
It isn't always necessary to speak the language of your host country and you can arrange intensive language courses before you go. Speak to the Erasmus coordinator at your university about available opportunities.
As an EU citizen, you are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as you:
The documents you require to remain in Belgium will depend on your length of stay and your nationality. Non-EU nationals usually always need a visa.
To find out whether you require a visa, contact the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country, details of which can be found at Addresses of Belgian Embassies and Consulates Abroad .
Some countries also require you to register with the local authority after three months. Find out more at Europa - Rights, Conditions and Formalities .
Belgium is home to a range of major international organisations and a growing economy. Find out why Belgium may be an appealing place to work...
The majority of Belgians work in the tertiary sector - the part of the economy that provides services, rather than the production of tangible goods. Examples of such industries include media, legal services, tourism and banking.
Around a quarter of the population work in industry, in sectors such as textiles, glass, engineering, automobile assembly and chemicals.
Many foreigners end up in very specific roles due to labour shortages in the country.
The majority of the professions required are the same across the Flemish, French and German-speaking communities. These include:
The European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), whose headquarters are both located in Brussels, are also big employers of foreign workers.
Search for jobs in Belgium at:
The EU offers traineeships for university graduates at the European Commission (EC). The scheme runs twice a year for five months and each trainee is awarded a generous monthly living allowance. There are two types of traineeship: an administrative traineeship; and a translation traineeship with the Directorate General for Translation (DGT). For more details and to find out how to apply, visit the European Commission Traineeships Office (Bureau de Stages) .
Belgium is also a popular destination for those who want to teach English as a foreign language.
You can apply to work as an English language assistant in a school or higher education institute through the British Council - Language Assistants in Belgium . You need at least an AS-level or equivalent in French to apply.
Alternatively, if you have a TEFL/TESOL qualification, you may want to find a teaching role within a language school or business. For more information and to search for jobs in Belgium, visit TEFL.com .
Internships and summer work placements for students can also be arranged by:
If you want to improve your CV and language skills, as well as demonstrate your ability to work in a multilingual environment, you may be interested in volunteering in the country.
The EC funds a scheme called The European Voluntary Service (EVS) , which is aimed at 18 to 30-year olds who want to volunteer abroad. Opportunities can last for up to 12 months.
Accommodation, travel, food and insurance are all covered by a European grant and you even receive a personal allowance each month.
Other volunteering schemes are available through Concordia and the International Voluntary Service (IVS) in Britain .
There are three official languages in Belgium: Dutch; French; and German.
Consequently, language requirements will change depending on your location. However, in some roles English alone may be sufficient.
It is important you find out the language requirements of roles before you apply, so you know what to expect throughout the application process and when you get to Belgium.
According to the European Commission, EU citizens have the right to:
For more information, see:
EU nationals may also have health and social security coverage transferred to their host country. For country-specific information on social security entitlements, see European Commission - Your Rights Country by Country .
To find out whether your professional qualifications will be recognised in Belgium, visit Europa - Qualifications for Employment .