Belgium can be a good place to study artificial intelligence if you want strong tech courses and an international study setting. You can find AI at bachelor level in related fields and more often at master level as part of computer science, data science, or engineering. Always check the university programme page for the exact entry rules, language, and costs.
What AI study options exist in Belgium?
In Belgium, “artificial intelligence” is often not a separate degree at bachelor level. It is usually part of computer science, engineering, data science, or applied informatics. At master level, you are more likely to find specialisations, tracks, or courses focused on AI, machine learning, and data science.
- Bachelor's level - usually a broad IT, computer science, or engineering degree with some AI-related courses.
- Master's level - more common for direct AI study, with deeper work in machine learning, data analysis, and intelligent systems.
- Research degrees - if you want a PhD later, AI topics are also common in research groups.
Belgian universities and universities of applied sciences can both offer useful paths, but the study style is different. Universities are usually more theory and research focused. Applied programmes are usually more practical.
Typical admission requirements
Entry rules depend on the level and the university. For a bachelor, you usually need a school-leaving certificate that gives access to higher education in your home country. For a master, you usually need a relevant bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a similar field.
- School results - strong grades in maths, programming, or science help.
- Proof of language - English-taught programmes often ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test.
- Motivation letter - many programmes want to know why you chose AI and that field.
- CV or portfolio - some master's programmes ask for projects, internships, or coding experience.
If you come from outside the EU, your diploma may need a formal equivalence check. This is usually handled by the university or by the official recognition body, depending on the region and the programme. Check the admissions page early, because this can take time.
English-taught options
Belgium has many English-taught master's programmes, especially in science, engineering, and IT. Bachelor’s level is more often taught in Dutch or French, depending on the region and university. Some universities also offer a few English courses inside a local-language degree.
- Flanders - many universities offer English-taught master's tracks in tech fields.
- Wallonia and Brussels - you can also find English-taught master’s programmes, but the mix varies by school.
- Language support - some schools offer beginner language courses so you can manage daily life.
Do not assume the whole degree is in English. Check the programme page for the teaching language of each course, the thesis language, and any Dutch or French level needed for internships or group work.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in Belgium changes by institution, programme type, and your nationality. Public universities often have lower tuition than many other countries, but non-EU students may pay more. The safest way to check is the university tuition page and the official admissions office.
- EU/EEA students - tuition is often in the lower range for public institutions, but it still varies by programme.
- Non-EU students - tuition is usually higher, sometimes much higher, especially in specialised programmes.
- Living costs - budget for rent, food, transport, health insurance, books, and personal spending.
A realistic monthly student budget in Belgium often starts from a moderate level and rises a lot in bigger cities like Brussels, Leuven, Ghent, or Antwerp. Rent is usually the biggest cost. If you need exact numbers, use the university’s cost-of-living page and the city housing office, because prices change by year and neighbourhood.
Application timeline and visa steps
Start early. Many students begin 6 to 12 months before the planned start date. Some programmes have early deadlines for non-EU applicants because you may also need time for recognition, housing, and a visa or residence permit.
- Choose the programme and check the entry profile.
- Prepare your diploma, transcripts, passport, CV, and language test.
- Apply through the university portal or the programme page.
- Wait for the admission decision and follow the next steps.
- If you are non-EU, check the Belgian immigration authority for visa and residence permit rules.
Do not wait for the last month. Housing, legal papers, and document checks can take longer than expected. For visa questions, always use the official Belgian immigration source or your local Belgian consulate, not social media advice.
How to make your application stronger
AI programmes are competitive, so it helps to show real interest and real skills. You do not need to be an expert, but you should show that you can handle maths, logic, and programming.
- Write a clear motivation letter about why AI interests you.
- Show projects, GitHub work, hackathons, internships, or coding courses if you have them.
- Make sure your documents are complete and easy to read.
- Match your previous studies to the programme. If there is a gap, explain it simply.
If your background is not directly in AI, some universities may still consider you for a related master's if you have enough maths or computing credits. Check the exact course prerequisites before you apply.
Common questions
Can I study AI in Belgium after high school?
Yes, but at bachelor level AI is usually part of a broader study like computer science or engineering. A direct AI-specialised degree is more common at master level.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
Often yes for English-taught programmes, unless the university accepts another proof or you studied in English already. Check the programme page for the exact score and accepted tests.
Can I work while studying?
Many international students can work part-time, but the rules depend on your residence status and study schedule. Check the Belgian immigration authority and your university’s international office before you plan on income.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first. You stay visible to universities that are looking for students like you, without sending the same details again and again.
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.