How to Get Into a Belgian University
You apply directly to each Belgian university. Most English-taught programs are master's. Students from India and Pakistan are from outside the EEA (the European Economic Area: the EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), so their deadlines are earlier. See the dates below.
Belgium University Applications
- Language Proficiency
- English test: KU Leuven (a university in the city of Leuven) engineering asks for IELTS 7 overall, and at least 6.5 in each part
- Documents
- For a bachelor's in the French-speaking part of Belgium, your school diploma must be checked as equal to a Belgian one.
The steps for students from India and Pakistan
Your Path to a Belgian University
Six steps from choosing a program to your first class.
Pick programs
Check each program's admission rules, language and deadline.
Pick programs
Check each program's admission rules, language and deadline.
Check you qualify
Your degree and marks must fit the program. Each university decides.
Check you qualify
Your degree and marks must fit the program. Each university decides.
Prepare papers
Degree, mark sheets, English test, CV and motivation letter.
Prepare papers
Degree, mark sheets, English test, CV and motivation letter.
Apply online
On each university's website. KU Leuven charges EUR 120 for each application. UGent is free.
Apply online
On each university's website. KU Leuven charges EUR 120 for each application. UGent is free.
Wait for the decision
UGent: about 3 months after you send all your papers.
Wait for the decision
UGent: about 3 months after you send all your papers.
Visa and sign-up
Apply for the D visa (the long-stay visa for stays over 90 days). When you arrive in Belgium, sign up at your university.
Visa and sign-up
Apply for the D visa (the long-stay visa for stays over 90 days). When you arrive in Belgium, sign up at your university.
Key Application Deadlines
- KU Leuven English-taught engineering master's: by 1 March 2027.
- KU Leuven Dutch-taught programs: by 1 February 2027.
- Ghent University (UGent): if you need a visa, before 1 April 2027.
Plan to apply from October 2026. The earliest deadline is 1 February 2027, for a September 2027 start.
Comprehensive Admissions Guide
Explore every aspect of the Belgium university application process through our detailed guides on eligibility, documents, and submission procedures.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even qualified applicants can face rejection due to application errors. Be aware of these common mistakes to increase your chances.
Missing the earlier visa deadline
If you need a visa, your deadline is earlier. Check the date first.
Missing papers
Ghent University (UGent) does not read an application if papers are missing when the deadline passes.
Untranslated papers
Papers not in English, Dutch, French or German need a translation.
Choosing a Dutch-taught program
Flanders is the Dutch-speaking north of Belgium. Most programs there are taught in Dutch. English programs are mostly master's.
Complete Guide to Belgium
Explore all aspects of studying in Belgium with our comprehensive guides
Admissions - Detailed Guides
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