Study in Belgium: Housing & Living Costs
In Belgium you can either live in a student dormitory within a university campus or rent a private accommodation. The cost of living in Belgium is student-friendly and affordable, but it all depends on the region you are living and your lifestyle. In the Flanders and Brussels region, student dormitory accommodation is rather limited and most students live in private student apartments.
In Belgium you can either live in a student dormitory within a university campus or rent a private accommodation. The cost of living in Belgium is student-friendly and affordable, but it all depends on the region you are living and your lifestyle.
In the Flanders and Brussels region, student dormitory accommodation is rather limited and most students live in private student apartments. Living in a student dormitory though will assist you in reducing your cost of living in Belgium.
Your personal point of contact should always be your institution, as they can guide you and give you additional information about housing options as a student. Make sure to contact them as soon as you get admitted. If you are able to find a spot in a university student dormitory, then prices start only from 200 EUR per month. If you are interested in student private accommodation, it will cost you between 300-500 EUR per month.
Some average living costs in Belgium are:
| Meal | 15 € |
| Coffee | 3 € |
| Beer | 4 € |
| Cinema Ticket | 11 € |
| Monthly Rent | 200-1,000 € |
| Monthly Transport | 20€ with a student discount |
In student apartments you can have your fully furnished private room and share the rest of the facilities with other students. Make sure to always check the rental terms regarding what is included in the rent before you sign a student accommodation agreement. If you haven’t found a student apartment before the beginning of your studies, then you can stay in a hostel for a short period of time and start searching while you are located in the country.
Overall, as a student in Belgium you are expected to spend 800-1000 EUR per month. Finding a place to live on your own is more expensive, especially in a city like Brussels, ranging around 600-800 EUR per month. In smaller cities like Ghent or Leuven, the cost is smaller for student private accommodation.
For monthly transportation as a student in Belgium, you will only need to pay 20-25 EUR with the student discount. Books and study materials will cost you around 50 EUR per month, depending on the program you are studying and supermarket expenses around 300 EUR per month.
Take advantage of student discounts, use a bicycle or even walk to the university if you can and cook more instead of eating out on a daily basis. That will save you a lot of money in Belgium which you can save for a hobby or travelling!
Study in Belgium - Overview
Over 40,000 international students choose Belgium as their study abroad destination every year. Click here to learn why.
Education System
Want to learn about how higher education works in Belgium? A popular destination for international students given its high-quality education and fascinating cultural diversity, take a minute to dive into Belgium’s higher education system!
Student Visas
Do you need a visa to enter Belgium to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizen status. You will also be required to bring certain documents with you to passport control at the airport, which we cover as well.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees for degree programs in Belgium may vary. Both international and domestic students are expected to pay tuition fees in Belgium. To cover the rest of the costs, there’s plenty of scholarship opportunities available.
Language & Culture
Belgium is a country rich in history and culture. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and more!
Application Process
All countries have specific admissions requirements for students to gain acceptance into a university. Learn more about the ins and outs of admission to programs in Belgium, and what you need to apply, depending on your citizenship.
Programs
Ready to look at education in Belgium? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Belgium today!
Keystone Team
Author
The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.