.png)
When preparing to study in Belgium, the first question that almost always comes up is the same: "How much will I actually spend each month?"
Online, there are many answers. Some talk about €700 per month, others state €1,500, while some universities publish even different estimates.
So, who should you trust? The truth is much more nuanced.
A student's budget obviously depends on the city they study in, their accommodation type, and their lifestyle. But it also depends on an often-overlooked factor: the expenses incurred even before arriving in Belgium.
At Studely, we assist thousands of international students each year with their administrative procedures. Even before booking their flight, many ask us the exact same question: "How much should I budget to live comfortably in Belgium?"
The answer isn't limited to the price of a 'kot' (university residence) or a metro ticket.
In this guide, we detail the actual budget of an international student, from the initial expenses in their home country to daily costs once settled in Belgium.
Our goal is not to give you an approximate figure, but to enable you to build a realistic budget to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Before even discussing expenses, it's important to understand why Belgium requires international students to provide proof of financial resources. The aim is not to complicate administrative procedures.
The authorities simply want to ensure that a student can finance their stay without major difficulties and without becoming a burden on public services.
For the academic year 2026-2027, the minimum amount set by the Belgian authorities is €1,062 net per month, or €12,744 for a full academic year.
This amount is set by royal decree and may be indexed annually. Contrary to popular belief, this sum does not cover tuition fees. It is intended to cover all daily living expenses:
• accommodation
• food
• transport
• supplies
• health insurance
• current expenses
In other words, even if your studies are inexpensive, you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient resources to live in Belgium for the entire duration of your stay.
This is probably the most common mistake. When students create their budget, they immediately think of rent. However, the first expenses arise several months before departure. These include:
• visa fees
• administrative fee
• equivalence fees (if applicable)
• institutional registration fees
• the plane ticket
• travel insurance
• the housing security deposit
• sometimes the first few months' rent paid in advance
• fees related to the blocked account or guarantor.
These expenses often amount to several thousand euros even before setting foot in Belgium. This is precisely why it's advisable to prepare your budget several months before the academic year begins.
If there's one expense that heavily impacts a student's budget, it's accommodation. On average, it accounts for between 40% and 60% of monthly expenses.
However, not all accommodation is equal. A student living in Brussels will generally not spend the same amount as a student living in Mons, Namur, or Liège.
In 2026, one can reasonably expect:
Before signing a contract, always check if utilities (water, heating, electricity, internet, etc.) are included. An accommodation advertised at €450 can quickly exceed €600 once all utilities are added.
This is often the second largest expense. Again, it all depends on individual habits. A student who prepares their own meals will spend much less than a student who eats out daily.
On average, you should budget for:
• groceries: €200 to €300 per month
• university cafeteria: €4 to €8 per meal
• Fast food: €10 to €15
Most students manage to keep this budget down by cooking for themselves.
Good news: Belgian public transport generally offers preferential rates for students. Depending on the region (Brussels, Wallonia, or Flanders), student passes remain relatively affordable.
On average:
• Brussels: €15 to €25 per month
• Wallonia: €20 to €35 per month
• Flanders: €20 to €35 per month
To get an accurate estimate of your travel costs, we recommend consulting the websites of the main public transport companies in Belgium directly. Fares, passes, and student discounts vary by region: le TEC in Wallonia, De Lijn in Flanders, la STIB in Brussels, and la SNCB, which operates train services throughout Belgium. There you will find the most up-to-date information and offers specifically for students.
Many students also prefer cycling, which is very popular in large cities and university towns. Some companies offer this type of transport, such as Villo, Avello or Blue-bike.
Once settled in, several small expenses add to the monthly budget:
• phone plan
• health insurance
• hygiene products
• clothing
• computer equipment
• leisure activities
Individually, these amounts seem small. However, when added up over a year, they represent several hundred euros.
Having supported thousands of students, we've found that a realistic budget generally falls within the following ranges:
These figures remain estimates.
Your budget will always depend on your lifestyle. However, you'll notice that these figures generally align with the cost of living amount set by the Belgian authorities.
This is no coincidence: this amount was specifically calculated to allow a student to cover all their essential expenses.
Reducing your budget doesn't mean living in precarious conditions. Several good practices can lead to significant savings:
• booking your accommodation several months before the start of the academic year
• opting for student transportation
• cooking instead of eating out daily
• taking advantage of student discounts offered in shops, museums, and on public transport
• anticipating administrative procedures to avoid last-minute fees.
Good preparation often allows you to save several hundred euros in the first year alone.
For many families, the main challenge isn't just gathering the necessary funds, but managing them effectively before and after arriving in Belgium.
It is precisely with this in mind that Studely has developed a solution that goes far beyond a simple blocked account.
In just a few minutes, students can create their application, get a European payment account even before they leave, pay their tuition fees or accommodation from their home country, and then receive their living expenses directly after their arrival.
This setup allows students to approach their departure with greater peace of mind, while meeting the requirements of the Belgian authorities.
Preparing your budget isn't just about adding up expenses. It's an essential step in your study abroad project. A student who knows the real cost of living in Belgium, anticipates administrative procedures, and plans their financing gains a significant advantage even before classes begin.
At Studely, we firmly believe that the success of a study project begins long before arriving in Belgium. It starts with serious, realistic preparation tailored to the practical realities.