Studying in Belgium: what are the differences in costs between French-speaking and Dutch-speaking universities?

Belgium attracts thousands of foreign students every year thanks to the quality of its higher education.
But a question often comes up: is studying more expensive in a French-speaking university (Wallonia-Brussels) or a Dutch-speaking university (Flanders)?
Differences exist, both in terms of registration fees and in the cost of living and in the language of instruction.

1. The Belgian university system: two linguistic communities

Belgium has two major university networks:

• Les French-speaking universities, located mainly in Wallonia and Brussels.
• Les Dutch-speaking universities, located in Flanders.
Each community manages its own rules, in particular for registration fees and the conditions of access for foreign students.

2. Enrollment fees in French-speaking universities

French-speaking universities fall under the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (UCLouvain, ULiège, ULB, UNamur, etc.).

Average annual amount:

• European students: between €850 and €1,000 per year.
  

• Non-European students: between €2,500 and €4,175 per year, depending on the course.

Special features:

• Courses in medicine, engineering or applied sciences are often more expensive.
  

• Some universities grant partial tuition discounts or exemptions depending on the student's financial situation or country of origin.

Example:

• UCLouvain: around €835 for a European student, €2,505 to €4,175 for a student from outside the EU.
  

• ULiège: €835 to €4,175 depending on the status.

3. Tuition fees in Dutch-speaking universities

Dutch-speaking universities depend on the Flemish Community (KU Leuven, Universiteit Gent, Universiteit Antwerpen, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, etc.).

Average annual amount:

• European students: between €980 and €1,100 per year.
  

• Non-European students: between €2,500 and €7,000 per year depending on the course and degree.

Special features:

• International masters taught in English are often more expensive (up to €6,000 to €8,000 per year).
  

• Flemish universities charge higher fees for programs that are in high demand internationally (science, economics, engineering, management).

Example:

• KU Leuven: around €1,092 (European) and €6,000 to €7,000 (non-European).
  

• Universiteit Gent: around €980 (European) and €3,000 to €6,000 (non-European).

4. Language of instruction and options for international students

• French-speaking universities offer the majority of courses in French, with more and more programs in English at the master's level.
• Dutch-speaking universities offer a wide range of international programs in English, especially in science, engineering and economics.

This affects the cost: 100% English programs are often more expensive, regardless of the network.

5. In summary: which region should you choose? CriterionFrench-speaking universitiesDutch-speaking universitiesMain languageFrenchFrenchDutch/EnglishEnrollment fees (EU) 850€ to 1,000 €980 € to 1,100 €Enrollment fees (outside the EU) 2,500€ to 4,000 €2,500 € to €2,500 € to 7,000 €Cost of living €2,500 to €7,000 €Cost of living LowerlyHighLightly higherScholarships availableWallonia-Brussels FederationVlir-UOS, Flemish universitiesLanguage AccessibilityMore simple for French speakersAdvantage for English speakers