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Belgium Admissions

Documents for a Belgian University Application

What Belgian universities ask for, using KU Leuven (a university in the city of Leuven) and Ghent University (UGent) as examples. Each program can ask for more. Check the program's page on the university website.

Recent Updates

Example: English test result uploaded

Example: degree check pending

Paper Groups

Belgian universities group the papers like this.

Study Papers

Your diplomas, mark sheets and course list.

Tests

English test, and GRE or GMAT for some programs.

Letters

Motivation letter, CV and recommendations.

ID and Forms

Passport page, fee proof and translations.

Study Papers

The core of every application.

Degree and mark sheets
  • For a master's: your bachelor's degree and all mark sheets.
  • For a bachelor's: your school leaving certificate and marks.
  • KU Leuven wants your original diploma before you sign up at the university.
Diploma supplement or course list
  • UGent asks for a list of all your courses, results and hours.
  • If your university gives no supplement, add the official syllabus.
Degree check
  • UGent checks degrees through Qualification Check, an outside service.
  • UGent counts your application as complete only after your degree is checked.
Pakistan: attested degrees
  • For the visa, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) or the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) must stamp your degree and mark sheets to prove they are real (attested).
Letters and CV

Papers that show who you are and why you apply.

Motivation letter
  • A core paper at KU Leuven, about one A4 page (a standard page of paper).
  • At UGent you may add one to strengthen your file.
CV
  • A core paper at KU Leuven.
Recommendation letters
  • Asked by some KU Leuven programs.
GRE or GMAT
  • UGent asks non-EEA applicants (from outside the EEA: the EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) for the GRE in engineering and architecture.
  • UGent economics and business asks for the GMAT or GRE.
  • Scores count for 5 years after the test.
Tips for Standout Supporting Documents

Recommendations

  • KU Leuven gives a template for recommendation letters.
  • Ask your referees (the teachers who write for you) early.
Fees and Money Papers

Some costs come before you are admitted.

Application fee
  • KU Leuven: EUR 120 (euro) for each application, not paid back.
  • UGent: no application fee.
Proof of money for the visa
  • EUR 1,062 a month for 2026-27.
  • A blocked account (a bank account that holds your money and pays it out in parts) or a scholarship letter. Or an Annex 32 sponsor form (a signed promise from a person who will pay your costs).

Average Cost Overview for Belgium

Required Funds
12 x EUR 1,062, for the 2026-27 study year

UGent applications, students who need a visa

Before 1 April 2027 for 2027-28

KU Leuven Dutch-taught programs, non-EEA

1 February 2027

Checks, Stamps and Translations

Make sure your papers are accepted as real.

Translations
  • English, Dutch, French or German: no translation needed.
  • Other languages: an official translation (a sworn translation), or one from your university.
Degree Checks
  • UGent: Qualification Check checks your degree.
  • KU Leuven may ask for official paper copies.
Stamps for the Visa
  • Pakistan: degrees and mark sheets are attested by the HEC or the IBCC. Other papers get an apostille (an official stamp that proves a paper is real) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
  • India: the police certificate for the visa needs an apostille.

Document Verification Timeline

Collect papers

Before you apply

Diplomas, mark sheets and course list as PDF.

Check and translate

Before the deadline

Start the degree check and any translations early.

Submit

By the deadline

UGent, if you need a visa: before 1 April 2027. KU Leuven English-taught engineering master's: by 1 March 2027.

Common Document Authentication Pitfalls

•Missing papers when the deadline passes. UGent does not read applications with missing papers.

•Uploading files in the wrong format (see the Tip).

•Forgetting the grading table when your mark sheet does not explain the grades.

Application Paper Checklist

Tick off each paper as you get it ready.

Study Papers

Bachelor's degree and mark sheets (for a master's)
School leaving certificate and marks (for a bachelor's)
Course list or diploma supplement (a list of all your courses and results)
Grading table, if your marks sheet does not explain the grades

Tests

English test result
GRE or GMAT (tests some master's programs ask for), if your program asks for it

Letters

Motivation letter (says why you want the program)
CV
Recommendation letters, if the program asks

ID and Forms

Passport identity page
Proof that you paid the application fee (KU Leuven: EUR 120 (euro) for each application)
Translations of papers in other languages

Tip

Make PDF copies of every paper before you start. KU Leuven takes only PDF or JPG files.

Expert Help

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