Studying finance in Belgium gives you access to top business schools and central European markets. You can choose between practice-oriented bachelor degrees and academic master programmes taught in English or French or Dutch. Admissions offices look at your previous grades, language skills, and motivation.
Choose your study level and language
Belgium has two main types of higher education institutions: universities and university colleges. Universities focus on academic theory, while university colleges offer applied sciences and professional training. Both offer finance degrees.
- Bachelor degrees typically last three years and build a solid foundation in economics, accounting, and mathematics.
- Master programmes last one or two years and let you specialise in corporate finance, banking, or asset management.
- English-taught options are widely available at the master level, and increasingly common for bachelor degrees in major cities.
Understand admission requirements
Entry rules depend on your nationality and where you completed your secondary education. You must prove that your previous diploma is equivalent to a Belgian secondary school certificate or bachelor degree.
- Check the recognition rules via the NARIC agency or the university admissions page.
- Provide proof of English proficiency, such as an IELTS or TOEFL certificate, if you apply for an English-taught programme.
- Some finance programmes require an entrance exam or a strong background in mathematics.
Tuition fees and living costs
Belgium offers relatively affordable higher education compared to other Western European countries, though rates differ for EU and non-EU citizens.
- EU students pay regulated tuition fees that are typically lower, often ranging from several hundred to a few thousand euros per year.
- Non-EU students usually pay higher tuition fees, which vary significantly by institution and programme. Check the programme page for exact figures.
- Living costs in cities like Brussels, Ghent, or Leuven typically range from 800 to 1,200 euros per month for rent, food, transport, and study materials.
Plan your timeline and visa
Admissions for the academic year starting in September usually open between December and March of the prior year. If you come from outside the European Union, you will need to apply for a student visa.
- Submit your university application early to allow time for diploma recognition and document translation.
- Once admitted, apply for your visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country using the university enrolment certificate.
- Proof of sufficient financial means and health insurance are mandatory for the visa process. Check the national immigration authority website for exact requirements.
Common questions
Can I work while studying finance in Belgium?
Yes, international students holding a valid residence permit can work a limited number of hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays.
Are scholarships available for finance students?
Some universities, regional governments, and external foundations offer scholarships based on academic merit or country of origin. Check the scholarship own site for application rules.
Do I need to speak French or Dutch to study finance?
Not if you enrol in a fully English-taught programme, but learning some local language helps with daily life and local job searches.
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.
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.