Liege is a large student city in eastern Belgium, close to the Dutch and German borders. It has several universities and colleges, a lower cost of living than Brussels in many cases, and an active student life. If you want to study there, check each university's admissions page for the exact programme rules, language level, fees and deadlines.
Which universities and colleges are in Liege?
Liege is best known for a few main institutions. The biggest is the University of Liege, often called ULiege. It offers many bachelor, master and doctoral programmes and is known for research across science, medicine, engineering, law, economics and more.
- University of Liege - a large public university with many fields and research options.
- HELMo - a higher education college with professional study in areas like teacher training, business, social work and health-related fields.
- ESA Saint-Luc Liege - known for art and design studies.
- Other schools and institutes - Liege also has smaller specialist colleges and partner schools in the wider area.
For the exact list of programmes, use the official website of each school. In Belgium, the name of the institution tells you little about the style of study, so always check the programme page.
English-taught study in Liege
English-taught options exist, but they are more common at master level than at bachelor level. Many bachelor's programmes are taught in French, while some master's programmes, exchange courses and research degrees may be available in English.
- Look for the language label on the programme page.
- Check whether you need IELTS, TOEFL, another English test, or proof of previous study in English.
- If the course is in French, check if the school accepts DELF, DALF or another French certificate.
Do not assume that one English-taught course means the whole university works in English. Student services, housing offices and city services may use French, Dutch or English depending on the office.
Costs and rent in Liege
Belgium is not the cheapest country in Europe, but Liege is often less expensive than Brussels and sometimes cheaper than other major Belgian student cities. Exact costs depend on your housing, lifestyle and programme. The university or city website may publish sample budgets, but you should still plan with a margin.
- Rent - student rooms, often called kot, are usually the cheapest option. Private studios cost more.
- Food - supermarket prices are moderate, but eating out often can raise your monthly budget quickly.
- Health insurance - EU and non-EU students may have different rules, so check the Belgian health insurance or your provider.
- Study materials - books, printing and lab costs can add up in some subjects.
For a realistic budget, compare the city's living cost pages, the university's housing advice and current student listings. Rental prices can change fast, so use current adverts and not old forum posts.
Student housing and where to live
Many students in Liege live in a kot, which is a student room or shared flat. This is usually the easiest way to keep costs down and stay close to campus. Private studios are available too, but they are often more expensive.
- University housing - some institutions offer rooms or help with finding accommodation.
- Private student rooms - common in areas near campuses and the city centre.
- Shared flats - useful if you want more space and are happy to live with other students.
Before you sign anything, read the contract carefully. Check the rent, deposit, utility costs, notice period and whether furniture is included. If you do not speak French well, ask for help from the university housing service or a trusted local adviser.
Transport and getting around
Liege has a train station with good links to other Belgian cities and to neighbouring countries. Inside the city, buses are important for daily travel, and many students also walk or cycle, depending on where they live.
- Trains - useful for trips to Brussels, Leuven, Antwerp and beyond.
- Buses - often the main local transport for students.
- Walking and cycling - practical if you live near campus or downtown.
If you plan to travel often, check the public transport company, the national rail operator and any student discount rules. Seasonal passes and age-based discounts can change, so read the official pages before you buy.
Part-time work and student life
Many international students want part-time work to help with costs. In Belgium, work rules depend on your nationality, residence status and study situation. The safest source is the Belgian immigration authority and the university's international office.
- Check how many hours you may work during term time.
- Check whether you need a work permit or any extra registration.
- Keep your study results in mind, because work should not hurt your course progress.
Student life in Liege is social and busy. There are cafes, student events, sports, cultural groups and easy day trips in the region. The city has a reputation for being lively, but your own experience will depend on your campus, language level and budget.
How to get noticed by admissions offices
If you want universities or colleges in Liege to contact you first, make your profile clear and complete. Admissions teams usually search for students by subject, level, language and documents, so the more exact your profile is, the easier it is to find you.
- Use the correct field of study, not a broad guess.
- Add your latest education level and grades if you have them.
- State your English or French level honestly.
- Upload the documents they usually ask for, such as transcripts, diploma, passport and language proof.
Then still check each university's admissions page yourself. Only the official programme page can confirm entry rules, selection steps, deadlines and whether a course is open to international applicants that year.
Common questions
Is Liege a good city for international students?
It can be a very good choice if you want a student city with a lower cost of living than Brussels in many cases, plus several higher education options. The best fit depends on your subject and language level.
Can I study in Liege in English?
Yes, some programmes are available in English, especially at master level. But many programmes are in French, so always check the programme page and the language requirement before you apply.
Is it easy to find housing in Liege?
Student rooms are common, but good places can go quickly before the start of term. Start early, compare contracts and use the university housing office or trusted student housing pages.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so universities can see what you are looking for. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.