Study in Belgium: Housing & Living Costs
If you know what to look for, the cost of living in Belgium can be very manageable in comparison to other EU countries. Find out what you can do to make that happen!
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 live in and your lifestyle.
In the Flanders and Brussels region, student dormitory accommodation is rather limited, and so most students live in private student apartments. However, living in a student dormitory can help reduce your cost of living in Belgium.
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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're 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.
Average costs
Some average living costs in Belgium are:
| Meal | €20 |
|---|---|
| Coffee | €3.5 |
| Beer | €4 |
| Cinema Ticket | €12.70 |
| Monthly Rent | €500-1,200 |
| Monthly Transport | €12-25 for students |
Housing
In student apartments, you can have your fully furnished private room and share the rest of the facilities with other students. 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, you can stay in a hostel for a short time and start searching while you're in the country.
Overall, as a student in Belgium, you're expected to spend 800-1000 EUR per month. Finding a place to live alone is more expensive, especially in a city like Brussels, ranging around 680 EUR per month. In smaller cities like Ghent or Leuven(450 - 670 EUR), the cost is smaller for student private accommodation.
The overall Belgian average for accommodation is 575 EUR.
👉 It's also important to note that most Belgium apartments are rented out unfurnished, and it will cost students more to fill them up.
Transportation
For monthly transportation as a student in Belgium, you'll 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're studying and supermarket expenses around 300 EUR per month.
Tips for saving money
💰 Take advantage of student discounts
🚲 Use a bicycle or even walk to the university if you can
🍳 Cook more instead of eating out at a restaurant or ordering takeout
Study in Belgium - Overview
Over 55,000 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!
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