POLITICAL STATUS: Belgium is a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The country has a stable political system with a highly developed economy and is a member of the European Union. The King of Belgium is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
HISTORY: Belgium has a rich history, having been inhabited by various tribes and nations throughout its existence. It gained independence from the Netherlands in 1830 and has since undergone significant transformations, including the unification of Flanders and Wallonia into a single state.
GEOGRAPHY: Geographically, Belgium is located in Western Europe and has a diverse landscape that includes coastal plains, rolling hills, and dense forests. The country is also known for its low-lying lands and numerous canals, which are essential for transportation and commerce.
LANGUAGE: Belgium is a multilingual country, with three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Dutch is spoken in the northern part of the country (Flanders), French is spoken in the southern part (Wallonia), and German is spoken in the eastern part. English is also widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and among younger generations.
CLIMATE: Belgium has a temperate maritime climate with moderate temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. Summers are generally warm and humid, while winters are mild with occasional snowfall.
Overall, Belgium is a stable and prosperous country with a rich history and diverse geography, making it an attractive destination for both tourism and education.
Belgium is home to several world-renowned manufacturing and IT companies, as well as numerous famous tourist destinations and historical landmarks.
AB InBev: One of the largest beer companies in the world, headquartered in Leuven, Belgium.
Solvay: A global leader in chemicals and materials science, based in Brussels,
Belgium.Barco: A multinational technology company specializing in imaging and projection technology, with its headquarters in Kortrijk, Belgium.
Umicore: A global materials technology and recycling company based in Brussels, Belgium.
Agfa-Gevaert: A multinational imaging and information technology company based in Mortsel, Belgium.
Grand Place (Grote Markt): A historic square in the center of Brussels, featuring stunning architecture and ornate buildings.
Bruges: A charming medieval city known for its winding canals, cobbled streets, and well-preserved architecture.
Atomium: A unique landmark in Brussels, featuring a futuristic design and panoramic views of the city.
Waterloo: Site of the famous Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated by the Allied Forces.
Ghent: A historic city known for its beautiful medieval architecture and lively cultural scene.
Overall, Belgium offers a diverse range of attractions and landmarks, from the world-famous breweries to the historic battlefields and beautiful medieval cities.
Belgium has a highly developed economy with a diversified range of industries and companies. The country's major industries include:
Manufacturing: Belgium has a long history of manufacturing and is home to several world-renowned companies in the sector, including AB InBev, Solvay, Barco, and Umicore.
Services: The services sector is the largest contributor to Belgium's economy, accounting for over 75% of GDP. Key sub-sectors include finance, healthcare, transportation, and tourism.
Agriculture: Belgium is known for its high-quality agricultural products, particularly in the dairy, meat, and vegetable sectors.
Technology: Belgium has a thriving technology industry, with companies like Agfa-Gevaert and Barco leading the way in imaging and projection technology.
Deloitte: A multinational professional services firm providing audit, consulting, and financial advisory services.
Proximus: A leading telecommunications company providing mobile, internet, and TV services.
Belfius: A banking and insurance company owned by the Belgian government.
Brussels Airlines: The flag carrier airline of Belgium, providing air transportation services to over 100 destinations worldwide.
KBC Group: A multinational banking and insurance company headquartered in Brussels.
In terms of sources of employment, the largest employers in Belgium are the government and public sector, followed by the services sector, manufacturing, and agriculture. The country also has a high rate of self-employment, with many individuals starting their own businesses in various sectors.
Belgium is home to several highly ranked universities and colleges that offer a range of programs across various fields. Here is an overview of some of the top institutions in Belgium, along with the programs they offer, tuition fees, and durations:
KU Leuven:
Programs: KU Leuven offers programs in areas such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and medicine.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for international students range from €938 to €4,154 per year, depending on the program.
Duration: Bachelor's programs typically last for 3 years, while Master's programs can last for 1-2 years.
Ghent University:
Programs: Ghent University offers programs in areas such as engineering, humanities, law, medicine, and science.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for international students range from €938 to €4,154 per year, depending on the program.
Duration: Bachelor's programs typically last for 3 years, while Master's programs can last for 1-2 years.
Université catholique de Louvain:
Programs: The Université catholique de Louvain offers programs in areas such as engineering, law, medicine, psychology, and social sciences.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for international students range from €835 to €4,175 per year, depending on the program.
Duration: Bachelor's programs typically last for 3 years, while Master's programs can last for 1-2 years.
Vrije Universiteit Brussel:
Programs: Vrije Universiteit Brussel offers programs in areas such as communication studies, engineering, humanities, and natural sciences.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for international students range from €938 to €4,154 per year, depending on the program.
Duration: Bachelor's programs typically last for 3 years, while Master's programs can last for 1-2 years.
University of Antwerp:
Programs: The University of Antwerp offers programs in areas such as business, law, medicine, and social sciences.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for international students range from €938 to €4,154 per year, depending on the program.
Duration: Bachelor's programs typically last for 3 years, while Master's programs can last for 1-2 years.
It's important to note that tuition fees and program durations may vary depending on the program and the institution, so it's best to check with OUR CONSELLOR the specific university or college for up-to-date information. Additionally, many universities and colleges in Belgium offer scholarships and financial aid for international students, which can help to offset the cost of tuition fees.
Belgium offers a wide range of courses and programs for international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Here are some examples of courses and programs offered in Belgium, along with their durations and tuition fees:
Bachelor's in Business Administration: This program is offered at various universities and business schools in Belgium and typically takes three years to complete. Tuition fees can range from €900 to €9,000 per year, depending on the university.
Master's in International Relations: This program is offered at universities such as KU Leuven, Ghent University, and the University of Antwerp and typically takes one to two years to complete. Tuition fees can range from €900 to €4,000 per year, depending on the university.
Bachelor's in Computer Science: This program is offered at universities such as Vrije Universiteit Brussel, KU Leuven, and the University of Namur and typically takes three years to complete. Tuition fees can range from €900 to €4,000 per year, depending on the university.
Master's in Renewable Energy: This program is offered at universities such as the University of Liège and Vrije Universiteit Brussel and typically takes one to two years to complete. Tuition fees can range from €900 to €4,000 per year, depending on the university.
Bachelor's in Medicine: This program is offered at universities such as the University of Antwerp and KU Leuven and typically takes six years to complete. Tuition fees can range from €900 to €9,000 per year, depending on the university.
Belgium offers a variety of short-term courses and programs for international students who may not have the time or resources for longer-term studies. Here are some examples of short and low-cost courses and programs available in Belgium, along with their durations and approximate tuition fees:
Language Courses: Many universities in Belgium offer short-term language courses in Dutch, French, and German. These courses typically range from two weeks to several months and can cost anywhere from €100 to €500, depending on the program.
Summer Schools: Various Belgian universities offer summer schools in a range of subjects such as business, law, engineering, and social sciences. These programs typically last from two to six weeks and can cost anywhere from €500 to €2,000, depending on the program.
Professional Certificate Programs: Universities such as KU Leuven and the University of Antwerp offer professional certificate programs in subjects such as project management, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. These programs typically range from three to six months and can cost anywhere from €1,500 to €4,000, depending on the program.
MOOCs: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are also available from various Belgian universities, such as the University of Ghent and the Université Catholique de Louvain. These courses are generally free or low-cost and can be completed at the student's own pace.
It is important to note that tuition fees for short-term courses and programs can vary depending on the university and program. It is recommended to check the university's website or contact their international office for the most up-to-date information on tuition fees and program durations.
Belgium has a highly skilled workforce and a diverse range of job opportunities across various sectors. Some of the skills, jobs, and professions that are currently in high demand in Belgium include:
Information Technology: Belgium has a thriving technology industry, and there is a high demand for skilled IT professionals, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, software development, and data analytics.
Healthcare: The healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in Belgium, and there is a significant need for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
Engineering: With a strong manufacturing industry, there is a high demand for skilled engineers in various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy.
Finance and Accounting: Belgium is home to several large banks and financial institutions, and there is a need for skilled finance and accounting professionals to support these companies.
Education: Belgium has a well-developed education system, and there is a high demand for qualified teachers and education professionals across all levels, from primary to tertiary education.
Construction: There is a high demand for skilled construction workers, particularly in urban areas where there is ongoing development and infrastructure projects.
Sales and Marketing: Belgium has a robust retail and consumer goods sector, and there is a need for skilled sales and marketing professionals to drive growth and profitability.
Overall, Belgium offers a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors, and individuals with skills and qualifications in these areas are highly sought after by employers.
The admission requirements and procedures for courses and programs in Belgium can vary depending on the university and the specific program. However, some courses and programs may require students to take an entrance examination or go through an interview process as part of the admission process. Here are some examples of such courses/programs and the relevant examination/interviews:
Medicine and Dentistry: The admission process for medical and dental programs in Belgium typically includes an entrance examination, such as the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Master's programs: Some master's programs may require students to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
Arts and Design programs: Some arts and design programs may require students to submit a portfolio of their work or go through an interview process.
Language programs: Some language programs may require students to take language proficiency exams such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Engineering programs: Some engineering programs may require students to take the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
In Belgium, the academic year is typically divided into two semesters, with most universities and colleges following the same schedule. The exact start and end dates of each semester may vary slightly depending on the institution, but the general schedule is as follows:
First semester: usually starts in mid-September and ends in mid-January, with a break of one to two weeks around Christmas and New Year's Day.
Second semester: usually starts in early February and ends in late June or early July, with a break of one to two weeks around Easter.
Admission application deadlines for each semester may also vary depending on the institution and the program of study. It's recommended to check from OUR COUNSELLOR the specific deadlines for each university and program before applying, as some programs may have earlier deadlines than others. Generally, admission application deadlines for the first semester are between January and May, while deadlines for the second semester are between September and November.
International students in Belgium may be eligible for a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Here are some of the scholarships for which international students may be eligible:
Belgian Government Scholarship: The Belgian Government offers scholarships to international students from a number of countries to study at Belgian universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs.
Erasmus+ Scholarship: The Erasmus+ program offers scholarships to students from EU/EEA countries and other partner countries to study at universities across Europe. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs.
VLIR-UOS Scholarship: VLIR-UOS offers scholarships to students from developing countries to study at Belgian universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs.
Flanders Training Foundation Scholarship: The Flanders Training Foundation offers scholarships to students from developing countries to study in Flanders, Belgium. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs.
Fulbright Scholarship: The Fulbright program offers scholarships to international students to study at universities in the United States. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs.
International students can find more information about scholarships and financial aid opportunities by visiting the websites of individual universities or by visiting scholarship databases such as scholarshipportal.com, studyinflanders.be, studyinbelgium.be, and scholarships.com. It is important to note that eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and other details may vary by scholarship, so it is recommended to thoroughly research each opportunity before applying.
In Belgium, education is not completely tuition-free for international students. However, the tuition fees are relatively low compared to other European countries, and there are some universities that offer free or very low-cost education to certain groups of students, such as EU/EEA nationals or students with specific scholarships. Here are some universities in Belgium that offer free education:
University of Liège: The University of Liège offers free education to students from the EU/EEA, as well as to students with specific scholarships.
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB): ULB offers free education to students from the EU/EEA, as well as to students with specific scholarships. Non-EU/EEA students are required to pay tuition fees, but they are relatively low compared to other countries.
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): VUB offers free education to students from the EU/EEA, as well as to students with specific scholarships. Non-EU/EEA students are required to pay tuition fees, but they are relatively low compared to other countries.
Ghent University: Ghent University offers free education to students from the EU/EEA, as well as to students with specific scholarships. Non-EU/EEA students are required to pay tuition fees, but they are relatively low compared to other countries.
It is important to note that tuition fee policies can change, and it is recommended to check with OUR EDUCATION COUNSELLOR for the most up-to-date information on tuition fees and eligibility for free education.
| SR NO | UNIVERSITIES | LOCATION | COURSES | TUITION FEE | WORLD RANKING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Université Libre de Bruxelles | Brussels | Arts and Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences | €835-€8350 per year, depending on the program | #201-250 in QS World University Rankings 2022 |
| 2 | Vrije Universiteit Brussel | Brussels | Arts and Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences | €922-€9060 per year, depending on the program | #270 in QS World University Rankings 2022 |
| 3 | University of Liège | Liège | Arts and Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences | €835-€8350 per year, depending on the program | #461-470 in QS World University Rankings 2022 |
| 4 | Université Catholique de Louvain | Louvain-la-Neuve, Brussels, Mons, Tournai, Charleroi, Namur | Arts and Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences | €835-€8350 per year, depending on the program | #129 in QS World University Rankings 2022 |
| 5 | KU Leuven | Leuven | Arts and Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences | €938-€9386 per year, depending on the program | #84 in QS World University Rankings 2022 |
| 6 | University of Antwerp | Antwerp | Arts and Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences | €835-€8350 per year, depending on the program | #301-350 in QS World University Rankings 2022 |
| 7 | University of Mons | Mons | Arts and Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences | €835-€8350 per year, depending on the program | Not ranked |
| 8 | Hasselt University | Hasselt | Business and Social Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences | €938-€9386 per year, depending on the program | Not ranked |
| 9 | Ghent University | Ghent | Arts and Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences | €938-€9386 per year, depending on the program | #143 in QS World University Rankings 2022 |
| 10 | University of Namur | Namur | Arts and Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences | €835-€8350 per year, depending on the program | Not ranked |
| 11 | hent University Global Campus | Incheon, South Korea | Engineering, Business and Social Sciences | KRW 7,500,000-13,500,000 per year, depending on the program | Not ranked |
| 12 | Université Saint-Louis – Bruxelles | Brussels | Law, Economics, Social Sciences, Philosophy, Languages, and Literature | €835-€2300 per year, depending on the program | Not ranked |
| 13 | ICHEC Brussels Management School | Brussels | Business and Management | €11,000-€12,500 per year, depending on the program | Not ranked |
| 14 | Vesalius College | Brussels | Liberal Arts and Business | €13,800-€18,300 per year, depending on the program | Not ranked |
| 15 | Brussels School of International Studies | Brussels | Politics, International Relations, Law, Economics, and History | £18,000 per year for UK and EU students, and €18,000 per year for non-EU students | Not ranked |
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