Best Universities in Belgium for International Students
Belgium is home to some of Europe’s most prestigious universities, offering high-quality education, diverse programs, and a welcoming environment for international students. With its central location in Europe, multilingual culture, and strong emphasis on research and innovation, Belgium is an excellent destination for students seeking a world-class education. Below is a list of the best universities in Belgium for international students, along with their key features.
1. KU Leuven
- Location : Leuven (Flemish Region)
- Language of Instruction : Primarily Dutch, but many programs are offered in English.
- Why It’s Great for International Students :
- Ranked among the top universities in Europe, KU Leuven consistently ranks highly in global university rankings.
- Offers over 100 English-taught programs , including engineering, business, humanities, and life sciences.
- Strong focus on research, with partnerships with leading institutions worldwide.
- Affordable tuition fees compared to other European countries.
- Vibrant student life in the historic city of Leuven, known for its lively atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.
- Popular Programs : Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Economics, and Law.
2. Ghent University (UGent)
- Location : Ghent (Flemish Region)
- Language of Instruction : Dutch, with numerous English-taught programs at the master’s level.
- Why It’s Great for International Students :
- One of the largest and most prestigious universities in Belgium, known for its research output and academic excellence.
- Offers over 60 English-taught master’s programs , including Environmental Science, Political Science, and Business Administration.
- Strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
- Located in Ghent, a charming and student-friendly city with a vibrant arts scene and affordable living costs.
- Active international student community with support services for newcomers.
- Popular Programs : Environmental Technology, International Business, and Political Science.
3. Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)
- Location : Louvain-la-Neuve and Brussels (French-speaking)
- Language of Instruction : French, with several English-taught programs.
- Why It’s Great for International Students :
- UCLouvain is one of Belgium’s oldest and most respected universities, known for its strong research focus.
- Offers a range of English-taught programs in fields like engineering, economics, and public health.
- Modern campus in Louvain-la-Neuve, designed specifically for students, with excellent facilities and a lively atmosphere.
- Proximity to Brussels provides access to internships, networking opportunities, and cultural experiences.
- Supportive environment for international students, including language courses and integration programs.
- Popular Programs : Engineering, Public Health, and Economics.
4. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
- Location : Brussels (Bilingual, but primarily English-taught programs)
- Language of Instruction : English for most international programs.
- Why It’s Great for International Students :
- Known for its progressive and inclusive approach to education, VUB is highly international, with students from over 150 countries.
- Offers a wide range of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs in fields like political science, computer science, and environmental studies.
- Located in Brussels, the heart of Europe, providing unparalleled access to EU institutions, NGOs, and multinational companies.
- Strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
- Affordable tuition fees and scholarships available for international students.
- Popular Programs : Political Science, Computer Science, and Environmental Management.
5. University of Antwerp
- Location : Antwerp (Flemish Region)
- Language of Instruction : Dutch, with many English-taught master’s programs.
- Why It’s Great for International Students :
- A dynamic and modern university with a strong reputation in research and innovation.
- Offers over 30 English-taught master’s programs , including Business Economics, Global Studies, and Linguistics.
- Located in Antwerp, a cosmopolitan city known for its fashion, art, and port activities.
- Welcoming environment for international students, with dedicated support services and orientation programs.
- Competitive tuition fees and scholarship opportunities.
- Popular Programs : Business Economics, Linguistics, and Cultural Studies.
6. Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
- Location : Brussels (French-speaking, with English-taught programs)
- Language of Instruction : French, with a growing number of English-taught programs.
- Why It’s Great for International Students :
- ULB is a leading research university with a strong international reputation, particularly in the sciences and humanities.
- Offers a variety of English-taught programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including International Relations, Biomedical Engineering, and Environmental Science.
- Located in Brussels, offering access to EU institutions, international organizations, and a multicultural environment.
- Active student life with over 200 clubs and associations.
- Scholarships and financial aid available for international students.
- Popular Programs : International Relations, Biomedical Engineering, and Environmental Science.
7. Hasselt University
- Location : Hasselt (Flemish Region)
- Language of Instruction : Dutch, with some English-taught programs.
- Why It’s Great for International Students :
- A smaller, more intimate university with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Offers English-taught programs in fields like Environmental Science, Transportation Sciences, and Business Informatics.
- Located in Hasselt, a friendly and affordable city with easy access to nature and nearby cities like Brussels and Maastricht.
- Personalized attention for students, with small class sizes and close interaction with faculty.
- Scholarship opportunities for international students.
- Popular Programs : Environmental Science, Transportation Sciences, and Business Informatics.
8. Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management (SBS-EM)
- Location : Brussels (Part of ULB)
- Language of Instruction : English and French.
- Why It’s Great for International Students :
- One of Europe’s top business schools, known for its rigorous academic programs and strong connections to the corporate world.
- Offers highly regarded English-taught programs in Business Administration, Finance, and Economics.
- Located in Brussels, providing excellent networking opportunities with multinational companies and EU institutions.
- Strong alumni network and career support services.
- Scholarships available for outstanding international students.
- Popular Programs : Master in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, and Economics.
9. University of Liège (ULiège)
- Location : Liège (French-speaking, with English-taught programs)
- Language of Instruction : French, with some English-taught programs.
- Why It’s Great for International Students :
- A comprehensive university with a strong focus on research and innovation, particularly in engineering, medicine, and environmental science.
- Offers English-taught programs in fields like Aerospace Engineering, Environmental Science, and Public Health.
- Located in Liège, a vibrant and affordable city with a rich history and cultural scene.
- Supportive environment for international students, with language courses and integration programs.
- Affordable tuition fees and scholarship opportunities.
- Popular Programs : Aerospace Engineering, Environmental Science, and Public Health.
10. Royal Academy of Fine Arts (KASK) – University College Ghent
- Location : Ghent (Flemish Region)
- Language of Instruction : Dutch, with some English-taught programs.
- Why It’s Great for International Students :
- Renowned for its arts and design programs, KASK is one of the top art schools in Europe.
- Offers English-taught programs in Visual Arts, Design, and Media Arts.
- Located in Ghent, a creative and artistic city with a thriving cultural scene.
- Hands-on, project-based learning with opportunities for collaboration with industry professionals.
- Affordable tuition fees and scholarships available for international students.
- Popular Programs : Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and Media Arts.
