Posted by It is said that Aspiring scholars and researchers from across the globe are seeking the best universities in Belgium and are drawn to this country, Belgium.
This is due to several reasons such as the quality of education in the country, the low tuition, and low cost of living in the country, which is significantly lower than most universities in US.
Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the best universities in Belgium.
Table of Contents
Why Study at Belgium?
Belgium is a hub for innovation, with a strong focus on sustainable e-commerce and fashion technology.
The country is known for its security, excellent quality of life, and dynamic culture, with attractions like world-class healthcare and culinary delights.
Belgium is also a welcoming location for international students, offering funding and scholarship options, as well as low tuition prices and living costs compared to western European neighbors.
Belgium also offers access to a global career, with major international organizations like the EU, NATO, the eurozone, World Trade Organization, and Organization for Economic Cooperation.
List of Popular Courses to Study in Belgium
Below is a list of the popular courses to study in Belgium:
- Social sciences
- Business
- Humanities
- Journalism
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Logistics
List of the Best Universities in Belgium
Below is a table showing the best universities in Belgium:
Top 20 Best Universities in Belgium
1. Catholic University of Leuven
KU Leuven is a research-intensive university and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.
- Founded: 1425
- Location: Leuven, Belgium
- Tuition fee: EUR 903 per year (EU/EEA students) or EUR 9,030 per year (non-EU/EEA students)
- Ranking: World University Rankings 2023: 81st
- Accreditation: KU Leuven is accredited by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training. It is also a member of the European University Association and the International Association of Universities.
- Financial aid: KU Leuven offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
List of courses
KU Leuven offers a wide range of courses in the following areas:
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Science, Engineering and Technology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Law
- Theology and Religious Studies
- Arts and Architecture
- Education
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Veterinary Medicine
2. Ghent University description
- Founded: 1817.
- Location: Ghent University is located in Ghent, Belgium.
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students in Ghent University ranges from $900 to $10,000 per year, depending on the program.
- Ranking: Ghent University is ranked 84th in the world by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).
- Accreditation: Ghent University is accredited by the Flemish Accreditation Agency (NVAO).
- Financial aid: Ghent University offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
List of courses
Ghent University offers over 200 programs in a wide range of subjects, including:
- Arts and humanities
- Sciences
- Engineering
- Business
- Law
- Medicine
- Education
- Social sciences
Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Ghent University:
- It is a highly ranked university with a strong reputation for academic excellence.
- It offers a wide range of courses in a variety of subjects.
- It is a bilingual university, so you can study in Dutch or English.
- It is a student-centered university that provides excellent support to its students.
- It is located in a beautiful city with a vibrant culture.
3. University of Liege
- Founded: 1817
- Location: Liège, Belgium.
- Tuition fee: €900 per year for undergraduate international students and €1,200 per year for graduate international students.
- Ranking: Ranked 151-200 in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Flemish Accreditation Agency (NVAO).
Financial aid: ULiège offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
List of courses
ULiège offers a wide range of courses in the following faculties:
- Arts and humanities
- Languages and linguistics
- Communication and information sciences
- Mathematics and computer science
- Physics and astronomy
- Chemistry and biology
- Earth and environmental sciences
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
- Veterinary medicine
- Engineering sciences
- Architecture
- Psychology
- Speech and language therapy
- Education
- Law
- Political science and international relations
- Criminology
- Sociology and social work
- Agriculture
- Food sciences
- Animal sciences
4. Catholic University of Louvain
Catholic University of Louvain is a public research university with over 50,000 students.
- Founded: 1425
- Location: Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium (main campus); also has campuses in Brussels, Mons, and Charleroi.
- Tuition fee: €900-€1,200 per year for EU/EEA students, €10,000-€12,000 per year for non-EU/EEA students
- Ranking: 70th in Europe (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
- Accreditation: The Catholic University of Louvain is accredited by the Flemish Accreditation Agency (NVAO).
Financial aid: The Catholic University of Louvain offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
List of courses
The Catholic University of Louvain offers a wide range of courses, including:
- Arts and humanities
- Business and economics
- Engineering and technology
- Health sciences
- Law
- Sciences
- Social sciences
Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Catholic University of Louvain:
- The university has a strong focus on research.
- The Catholic University of Louvain is a global university with students and faculty from all over the world.
- The university offers a wide range of student activities and opportunities, including sports, clubs, and societies.
5. Free University of Brussels
Free University of Brussels is a public research university with over 30,000 students. It is a member of the European University Association and the Brussels University Alliance.
- Founded: 1834
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Tuition fee: €896 per year for EU/EEA students and €9,600 per year for non-EU/EEA students
- Ranking: 259 in the QS World University Rankings 2024
- Accreditation: The VUB is accredited by the Flemish Accreditation Agency (NVAO)
- Financial aid: The VUB offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Courses: Some of the most popular courses include law, medicine, engineering, and business.
Here are some of the reasons why you might want to study at the VUB:
- The VUB is a top-ranked university with a strong reputation for academic excellence.
- The VUB offers a wide range of courses in a variety of disciplines.
- The VUB is located in a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.
- The VUB is committed to diversity and inclusion.
- The VUB offers generous financial aid to students who need it.
6. University of Antwerp
University of Antwerp is a public university in Antwerp, Belgium. The university is known for its high-quality education and research.
- Founded: 1831
- Location: Antwerp, Belgium
- Tuition fee (international students): €900 per year
- Ranking: 151-200 in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2023)
- Accreditation: The Flemish Accreditation Agency
- Financial aid: Available for students who qualify
List of courses
The University of Antwerp offers a wide range of courses in the following areas:
- Arts and humanities
- Business and economics
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
- Science
- Social sciences
7. University of Namur
University of Namur is a private university in Namur, Belgium.
The University of Namur is known for its research in the fields of energy, environment, materials, social sciences and humanities, life sciences, and ICT.
- Founded: 1831
- Location: Namur, Belgium
- Tuition fee: $5,000 per year for EU/EEA students and $10,000 per year for Non-EU/EEA students.
- Ranking: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023: 101-150 (Belgium)
- Accreditation: Belgian Accreditation Council
- Financial aid: The University of Namur offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Courses
Some of the popular courses include:
- Business
- Law
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Science
- Social sciences
- Humanities
8. Hasselt University
Hasselt University is a relatively young university in Belgium. It is known for its strong focus on research and innovation.
- Founded: 1970
- Located: Hasselt, Belgium
- Tuition fee: Tuition fees for international students: EUR 875 per year for bachelor’s degrees and EUR 1,750 per year for master’s degrees
- Ranking: Ranked 165th in Europe and 351st in the world by U-Multirank 2022
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Flemish Accreditation Agency (NVAO)
- Financial aid: Offers financial aid to international students, including scholarships and grants
Courses
Offers a variety of courses in the following faculties:
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Business and Economics
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Life Sciences
- Faculty of Movement Sciences and Education
9. University of Mons
University of Mons is a public university located in Mons, Belgium.
- Founded: 1817
- Tuition fee: Tuition fees for EU students are €900 per year, and €9,000 per year for non-EU students.
- Ranking: The university is ranked 401-450 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023).
- Accreditation: It is accredited by the Belgian Accreditation Agency (NVAO).
- Financial aid: The university offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Courses
Some of the most popular courses at the University of Mons include:
- Law
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Business administration.
10. Institute of Tropical Medicine
Institute of Tropical Medicine is a leading institute in the field of tropical medicine and has a global reputation for its excellence.
- Founded: 1906
- Location: Antwerp, Belgium
- Tuition fee: $20,000 per year (for international students)
- Ranking: #1 in Belgium for tropical medicine
- Accreditation: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Financial aid: Available for students from developing countries
Programs
- Master of Science in Tropical Medicine: It covers a wide range of topics, including epidemiology, parasitology, virology, and clinical tropical medicine.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Tropical Medicine
- Master of Science in Public Health
- Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health
11. Erasmus University College, Brussels
- Founded: 1995
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Tuition fee: For Bachelor programs: €903 per year (EU/EEA students) or €9,030 per year (non-EU/EEA students) and for Master programs; €9,030 per year (all students)
- Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2023: 101-150 in the world for arts and humanities
- Accreditation: Flemish Ministry of Education and Training
- Financial aid: Erasmus University College offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Courses
Erasmus University College offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the following fields:
- Arts and humanities
- Business and economics
- Education and social sciences
- Health and technology
- Science and engineering
12. Howest University of Applied Sciences
Howest University is a public university of applied sciences in Belgium. It has five campuses in Kortrijk and Bruges.
- Founded: 1995
- Location: Kortrijk and Bruges, Belgium
- Tuition fee (international students): €8,750 per year
- Ranking: 401-450 in the QS World University Rankings 2023
- Accreditation: Flemish Accreditation Council
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans are available
Courses
- Accounting and Finance
- Business Management
- Marketing
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Social Work
- Communication
- Education
- Psychology
- Digital Arts and Entertainment
- Game Design
- Fashion Design
13. Antwerp Maritime Academy
The Antwerp Maritime Academy is a public higher education institution that offers a variety of programs in nautical science, marine engineering, and maritime business.
- Founded: 1845
- Location: Antwerp, Belgium
- Tuition fee: $10,000 per year
- Ranking: 101-150 in the world for maritime studies (QS World University Rankings 2023)
- Accreditation: International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- Financial aid: Available for students from developing countries
Courses
- Nautical science
- Marine engineering
- Maritime business
- Other maritime-related courses
14. La Cambre National School of Visual Arts
La Cambre is a public school, which means that it is funded by the Belgian government. The school has a strong focus on creativity and experimentation.
- Founded: 1926
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Tuition fee: €900 per year (EU students); €10,000 per year (non-EU students)
- Ranking: 101-150 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 (Art and Design)
- Accreditation: Ministry of Education of Belgium
- Financial aid: Available for students from low-income families
Courses
- Architecture
- Ceramics
- Cinematography
- Communication design
- Conservation and restoration of works of art
- Fashion design
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Interior design
- Jewelry design
- Landscape architecture
- Painting
- Photography
- Product design
- Sculpture
- Textile design
- Typography
15. Transnational University of Limburg
- Founded: 2001
- Location: Diepenbeek, Belgium and Maastricht, Netherlands
- Tuition fee: EUR 8,000-10,000 per year (undergraduate) and EUR 9,000-11,000 per year (graduate)
- Ranking: Not ranked in the QS World University Rankings
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training (Belgium) and the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO)
Financial aid: Available for students who demonstrate financial need
Courses
- Biomedical Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Food Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Business Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Data Science
Here are some of the things that make the tUL a unique and attractive university:
- The TUL’s transnational structure allows students to study in two countries and gain a truly international education.
- The TUL’s focus on sustainability is reflected in its curriculum, campus, and operations.
- The TUL’s strong international community provides students with the opportunity to meet and learn from people from all over the world.
16. Royal Conservatory of Brussels
The Royal Conservatory of Brussels is a highly respected institution of music education. It has produced many talented musicians, including Arthur Grumiaux, Marcel Poot, and Toots Thielemans.
- Founded: 1832
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Tuition fee: €900-€2,500 per year (depending on the program)
- Ranking: #51-100 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2023 (Music)
- Accreditation: The Royal Conservatory of Brussels is accredited by the Federation Wallonia-Brussels.
- Financial aid: The Royal Conservatory of Brussels offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Courses
- Classical music
- Jazz
- Musical theater.
17. ICHEC Brussels Management School
ICHEC Brussels Management School is a private business school with campuses in Brussels, Antwerp, and Charleroi, Belgium.
- Founded: 1969
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for the BBA program is €8,400 per year for EU students and €11,200 per year for non-EU students
- Accreditation: The school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
- Ranking: ICHEC is ranked among the top business schools in Belgium and Europe. It is ranked 4th in Belgium by Eduniversal and 101-150th in Europe by the Financial Times.
Financial aid: ICHEC offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Courses
Some of the most popular courses include:
- Business Analytics
- Corporate Finance
- Economics of International Trade
- Marketing Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Strategy
18. Evangelical Theological Faculty, Leuven
- Founded: 1925
- Location: Leuven, Belgium
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for the Master of Divinity degree is €10,000 per year and the tuition fee for the Doctor of Theology degree is €12,000 per year.
- Accreditation: Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS)
- Financial aid: The Evangelical Theological Faculty, Leuven offers a variety of financial aid options to students who qualify.
Courses
- Biblical studies
- Church history
- Systematic theology
- Practical theology
- Missiology
- Ethics
- Philosophy of religion
- Other specialized courses
19. Thomas More University of Applied Sciences
Thomas More University is the largest university of applied sciences in Flanders, Belgium.
- Founded: 1971
- Location: Mechelen, Belgium
- Tuition fee (international students): $10,000 per year
- Ranking: 401-500 in the world by QS World University Rankings
- Accreditation: Flemish Accreditation Agency
- Financial aid: Thomas More University offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Courses
Thomas More University offers a wide range of courses, including:
- International Business Management
- Data Science, Protection & Security
- Global Supply Chain Management
- International Business & Trade
- International Tourism and Leisure
- International Communication and Media
- Branding & Activation
- Public & Corporate Affairs
- International Journalism
- Information Management and Multimedia – International Digital Product Architect
- International Media and Entertainment Business
- Applied Computer Science
- Automotive Technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics
20. Plantijn University College
- Founded: 1995
- Location: Antwerp, Belgium
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at AP is €9,000 per year.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Flemish Ministry of Education
- Financial aid: Available for eligible students, including scholarships, grants, and loans
Courses
Below is a list of courses offered by Plantijn University:
- Arts and Design
- Business and Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Health and Social Care
- Languages and Communication
- Science and Technology
FAQs on the Best Universities in Belgium
Are these universities accessible to international students?
Absolutely, Belgium's universities are welcoming to international students.
What research opportunities do these universities offer?
These universities are known for groundbreaking research initiatives. KU Leuven is involved in cutting-edge biomedical research, Ghent University leads in sustainable technology.
What's the student life like in Belgium?
Belgian universities offer a vibrant student life with a range of extracurricular activities, student clubs, and cultural events.
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Conclusion
Well we’ve come to the end of this article. Remember choosing to study in Belgium offers several benefits as well as access to a global career, with major international organizations like NATO, WHO making it a perfect place to obtain a college degree.
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