How to study nursing in Belgium

If you want to study nursing in Belgium, you usually start with a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related health programme. Master’s study is possible in some health fields, but nursing itself is often a professional bachelor path that leads to work in healthcare. The exact options, language, and entry rules depend on the university or university of applied sciences, so always check the programme page and the official admissions page.

What nursing study looks like in Belgium

Belgium has different higher education systems in its Dutch-speaking, French-speaking, and German-speaking communities. That means the nursing title, course language, and admission steps can vary by institution.

• Professional bachelor in nursing - the most common route for becoming a nurse.
• Academic bachelor - less common for direct nursing training, but some health-related study paths exist.
• Master’s level study - usually for broader health sciences, management, education, or advanced practice, not always for initial nurse qualification.

Some programmes are taught in Dutch or French. A smaller number of courses, especially at master’s level or in international health fields, may be in English. Do not assume an English-taught nursing programme exists at every university. Check the programme language on the official page.

Typical entry requirements

For a bachelor’s degree, you usually need a secondary school diploma that gives access to university-level study in your home country. The university checks whether your diploma is equivalent enough for admission.

Common requirements can include:

• Secondary school completion with good grades, especially in science subjects
• Proof of language level in Dutch, French, or English, depending on the programme
• Passport or ID
• Motivation letter
• Sometimes a CV or proof of relevant experience

For nursing and other healthcare study, some schools may also ask for health checks, vaccination records, or a criminal record certificate for placements. Requirements can differ, so read the admissions page carefully.

If your documents are not in the local language, you may need certified translations. Some schools also ask for a diploma recognition or equivalency decision. The correct source is the university admissions office and, if needed, the official recognition body in the region.

Language: Dutch, French, or English

Language is one of the biggest points in Belgium. Many nursing programmes are taught in Dutch in Flanders or in French in Wallonia and Brussels. English is less common for initial nursing training.

Typical language proof may include:

• IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programmes
• NT2, CNaVT, or another Dutch test for Dutch-taught programmes
• French language proof such as DELF, DALF, or school-approved proof for French-taught programmes

Each university sets its own minimum level. Some programmes want B2 level, while others may accept different proof or require extra language support. Always check the exact test and score on the programme page.

If you want to work with patients during study, strong language skills matter even more than the minimum admission requirement. Clinical placements often happen in local hospitals or care homes.

Tuition fees and living costs

Tuition in Belgium is often lower than in some other Western European countries, but the exact amount depends on your nationality, institution, and programme type.

• EU/EEA students - tuition is usually in a lower public fee range.
• Non-EU students - fees are often higher, but still vary a lot by institution and programme.

For many public institutions, you will see yearly tuition in the low thousands of euros, but some programmes can be lower or higher. Private or specialised programmes can cost more. Check the programme page or the university’s fee page for the current amount.

Living costs are a separate budget. A student in Belgium usually needs money for:

• Rent and utilities
• Food
• Local transport
• Study materials
• Health insurance
• Residence permit or visa costs, if needed

A realistic student budget is often several hundred euros per month, and the amount changes by city and housing choice. Brussels and other larger cities are usually more expensive than smaller student towns. Check the university’s cost-of-living estimate and the Belgian immigration website for proof-of-funds and residence rules.

Timeline and how to apply

Start early. For many international students, the process can take months because of diploma checks, language tests, housing, and immigration steps.

1. Choose a programme and confirm the language.
2. Check whether your diploma is accepted.
3. Prepare your passport, grades, translations, and language proof.
4. Apply through the university admissions portal.
5. Wait for the admission decision and any conditional offer.
6. Apply for a visa or residence permit if you are a non-EU student.
7. Arrange housing, insurance, and arrival documents.

Many universities open applications months before the start date. Some close when places are full, while others have a fixed deadline. Do not guess the deadline. Check the programme page and the admissions office page for the current year.

If you are from outside the EU, visa and residence rules come from the Belgian immigration authority and the embassy or consulate in your country. Use official sources only, because the required documents and processing time can change.

How universities look for candidates

Universities and admissions teams do not only wait for paper applications. Many also search student profiles when they have places to fill, especially for international programmes.

They usually look for:

• Students with the right diploma level
• Good grades in science or related subjects
• Proof of language ability
• Clear study goals
• Documented interest in healthcare or care work

If you are already preparing your profile, include your education, field of interest, language level, and documents you have ready. This makes it easier for a school to see whether you match their programme.

Common questions

Can I study nursing in Belgium in English?

Sometimes, but not always. English-taught options are more common in some master’s or health-related programmes than in basic nursing training. Check the programme language on the official university page.

Do I need diploma recognition?

Often yes, especially if your school diploma is from outside Belgium. The university will tell you whether you need a recognition or equivalency decision and where to get it.

Can I work while studying?

Many international students can work part-time, but the rules depend on your residence status and nationality. Check the Belgian immigration authority and your university’s student advice page before you plan work hours.

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.

This means you do not need to wait for the right school to notice you on your own.