If you want to study computer science in Belgium, you usually choose between a bachelor's and a master's. Belgium has good university options, some English-taught programmes, and a clear admissions process, but the exact rules depend on the university and the language of the programme.
This guide gives you the usual path, the main costs, and where to check the official details before you apply.
What you can study
In Belgium, computer science may be called computer science, informatics, or applied computer science. The name can change by university and by language, but the subject is often similar.
- Bachelor's degree - usually for students who are starting higher education.
- Master's degree - usually for students who already have a relevant bachelor's degree.
- Pre-master or bridging route - sometimes needed if your first degree is not a full match.
Many universities in Belgium are public. Admission rules are set by the university or by the faculty, so always read the programme page, not only the general university website.
Entry requirements
For a bachelor's, you usually need a secondary school diploma that gives access to university in your home country. Some universities may ask for specific subjects or a strong maths background.
For a master's, you usually need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, data science, or a closely related field. Some programmes accept students from other STEM degrees if they have enough maths and programming.
- Academic records and diploma copies
- Transcript of grades
- Proof of English or Dutch/French, depending on the programme
- Passport copy
- Motivation letter
- Sometimes a CV and reference letters
If your documents are not in English, French, or Dutch, you may need certified translations. If your diploma is from outside Belgium, the university may ask for a recognition or equivalence check. For school-leaving diplomas, check the relevant regional authority and the university admissions page.
English-taught options
Belgium offers some English-taught computer science programmes, especially at master's level. Bachelor's options in English are less common, so many students study in Dutch or French for the bachelor's and then move to English for the master's.
Language rules differ by institution and programme. A university may accept one of several English tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or another approved test. The required level is set by the programme, so check the admissions page before you book any test.
If you choose a Dutch- or French-taught programme, expect the university to ask for language proof. Some schools offer preparatory language courses, but these are not automatic admission.
Cost of studying and living
Tuition in Belgium is usually lower than in many other Western European countries, but the price depends on your status and the university.
- EU/EEA students often pay a lower tuition fee at public universities.
- Non-EU students often pay a higher fee, but the exact amount varies a lot by institution and programme.
- Special master's programmes can cost more than standard programmes.
A realistic way to budget is to check the programme page for tuition and then add living costs. For living costs, many students plan for housing, food, transport, health insurance, books, and personal spending. Your total will depend a lot on the city and whether you live in student housing or private housing.
Useful official sources to check are the university's fee page, the city or university housing page, and the Belgian immigration or consular pages if you need a visa or residence permit.
Application timeline
Belgian universities usually open applications months before the academic year starts. Exact deadlines can differ by faculty, programme, and whether you need a visa.
- Start by checking the programme page early.
- Prepare your transcripts, diploma, and language proof.
- Apply before the posted deadline.
- Wait for an admission decision.
- If admitted, follow the steps for enrolment, housing, and visa or residence permit if needed.
If you are a non-EU student, start early. Visa or residence permit steps can take time, and you may need extra documents after admission. The official source for this is the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country and the Belgian immigration authority.
How universities find candidates
Belgian universities do not usually search social media to find students. They look at applications, fairs, education agents they trust, and student registers or matching platforms when they use them.
This is why a clear profile helps. If you list your field, level, country, English level, and documents, an admissions office can quickly see whether you fit a programme and contact you first.
- Use your real study field, such as computer science or software engineering.
- Add your current level, like final-year pupil, bachelor's student, or graduate.
- Upload the documents you already have.
- Keep your contact details current.
Common questions
Can I study computer science in Belgium in English?
Yes, some programmes are taught in English, especially at master's level. Always check the language on the specific programme page because not every university or campus offers the same option.
Do I need a visa to study in Belgium?
If you are from outside the EU or EEA, you usually need a visa or residence permit for long studies. The exact process depends on your nationality and study length, so check the Belgian embassy or consulate and the immigration authority.
Is Belgium expensive for students?
It can be manageable compared with some other Western European countries, but your total cost depends on tuition, city, and housing. Check the university fee page and plan a monthly budget for rent, food, transport, and insurance.
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 in control, and you can compare interest from different universities before you decide where to apply.
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.