Belgium Europe

VISA FORMALITIES TO STUDY IN BELGIUM

 

• The students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not require a visa or permit to study in Belgium. However, non-EU/EEA students should file a visa application (D-visa) with the Belgian diplomatic representation within their own country to ensure that they have been already accepted in the Belgian institution.

• A D-visa lets you stay or study in Belgium for 90 days or less. International students whose program is longer than 90 days or for some other reason wish to stay longer than 90 days then those students have to apply for a D-visa followed by an application for a resident permit.

 

• Where you can apply for a student visa: -

 

- You can apply for a student visa at the local Belgium embassy or consular office in your home country.

- If you are staying for a shorter period (within 90 days), then you must make an appointment 3 weeks before your departure for Belgium. 

- If you are staying for a longer period (more than 90 days), then you must make an appointment at least two months before your departure for Belgium. 

 

• Student visa Requirements for Belgium 

 

- Completed visa application form with signature.

- A passport with validity for more than 12 months. In some countries, it may be required that the passport must not be older than 10 years. 

- A financial proof through your bank statement or any other document stating your finances or financial aid (in case of scholarship) is required to ensure that you can support your study during your stay. The expenses to be covered include study, healthcare, living, and accommodation along with your cost of return ticket.   

- Medical certificate stating that you don’t carry any contagious disease or other diseases that may harm public health.

- A certificate of good conduct from the police department ensuring no criminal record or convictions (if you are above 21 years old). If you are from the US, an FBI background check will be required that may take five months.

- Acceptance letter or proof of registration from a recognized Belgian University suggesting that the student’s prime activity in Belgium is studying.

- Copies of your academic certificates of diploma or baccalaureate from secondary education and academic records of previous secondary education.

- For postgraduate students, an employer’s statement is required stating the necessity of pursuing higher education as part of your work.

- Cover or motivational letter describing courses in the chosen institution and comparison of them with the courses organized in your origin country.

- Visa application fee – 70 EUR for a shorter stay and 210 EUR for a longer stay.

 

• All students, when arrived in Belgium must visit the local municipal administration within eight days of arrival. From here, a residence permit will be issued to you that would allow you to enter Schengen states without a visa for a three months period. 

 

• With a valid resident permit, you will also be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week other than your school holidays. You need to get a written contract known as ‘student employment contract’ from the employer stating a fixed term. You can also apply for a work permit – Belgian work permit C for students, at the regional employment offices.  

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