In Belgium, tuition fees vary depending on the language community (Flemish, French, or German-speaking) and the student’s nationality.

For non-EU/EEA students, tuition typically ranges between €2,500 and €7,500 per year at public universities, though some master's programmes (especially in English) may charge higher fees, particularly in professional or business fields.

EU/EEA students benefit from much lower fees, often under €1,000 per year, thanks to public subsidies.

How to study for free in Belgium

While Belgium does not offer fully free study to non-EU students by default, there are ways to significantly reduce or eliminate tuition costs:

1. Scholarships: Various scholarship schemes are available at the regional level (e.g. ARES scholarships in Wallonia-Brussels, VLIR-UOS in Flanders), covering tuition and even living expenses for eligible international students from certain countries.

2. Doctoral Studies: PhD programmes in Belgium are typically tuition-free and come with paid research positions or fellowships, making them an accessible option for international students.

3. Social or Financial Reductions: Students with low-income status or those who qualify as “assimilated” residents (e.g. due to long-term stay or family ties) may receive partial or full fee waivers, particularly in the French-speaking community.