Studying in Belgium: Obtaining your student visa when you are Senegalese

More and moreSenegalese students choose Belgium for their higher education. This country has many advantages: quality education, courses in French, Dutch or English, courses in French, Dutch or English, accessible tuition fees and a dynamic student life. However, before joining Belgian universities, it is mandatory to obtain a long stay visa (type D). This approach now goes exclusively through the center. TLScontact Dakar. Here's everything you need to know to successfully apply in 2025.

Why choose Belgium for your studies from Senegal?

Belgium offers a university system renowned on a European scale. Several institutions such as the Université Libre de Bruxelles, UCLouvain or the University of Liège welcome a large number of international students every year.

The country offers you an unparalleled multicultural experience: more than 20% Belgian students are international, creating a cosmopolitan environment where you can share your ideas and enrich your network. As for languages, you can take your courses in French, Dutch or English, which reinforces your international employability.

Finally, the cost of living in Belgium remains reasonable: an average student rent is around €350 — €450 per month, and public transport offers subscriptions at less Of 50€ monthly. Not to mention the quality of life: human-sized cities, free cultural events and generous gastronomy.

By choosing Belgium, you are investing in a solid academic career while enjoying a unique human and cultural experience.

What are the types of student visas for Belgium?

Before you put your bags down at leuven or at Liège, it is necessary to identify the right visa: short or long stay. Depending on the duration of your program and your schedule, one will better meet your needs.

Visa C (short stay) :

• Intended for stays of less than 90 days (intensive courses, summer courses, short-term exchanges);
• You must provide an invitation letter from the establishment or company, proof of accommodation and proof of resources (around €45 per day);
• The treatment is usually done in 2 to 4 weeks.

D visa (long stay):
Compulsory for any training lasting more than 3 months (license, master...);

Choosing the right visa will avoid administrative setbacks and ensure a smooth start to Your studies in Belgium.

What documents should you prepare for your application for a study visa in Belgium?

Before submitting your file, be sure to gather each document, or you may see your application delayed.

Mandatory documents:
Official admission certificate from your Belgian institution.

Practical advice: enrich your file with originals and certified copies, translated into French if necessary, and file each document in a PDF file. Check the embassy's deadlines carefully and allow for a margin of two weeks for any missing pieces.

How to get your Belgian student visa step by step?

Do you dream of joining a Belgian university? Here is the road map:
Prepare your documents: visa form, valid passport, proof of resources (€10,370 on a blocked account or scholarship certificate) and travel insurance. Tip: write everything in a clear PDF to avoid rejections.

Get your visa easily with The Studely blocked account

Where and how do you file your request?

Since 2023, visa applications are no longer submitted directly to the embassy. All procedures must go through TLScontact Dakar, located in Mermoz. The first step is to create an account on the platform VisaOnWeb, which allows you to fill out the online application form and obtain a personalized list of required documents.

Once this step is complete, you will have to make an appointment on the TLScontact website and present yourself physically to submit your file. No file is accepted without prior appointment. The embassy recalls that it is possible to make an appointment up to six months prior to the scheduled departure date.