How to Manage Living Expenses in Belgium on a Student Budget

Studely
June 29, 2026

Belgium has become a preferred destination for students looking to pursue engineering or management studies, and for good reason. First, the Belgian universities are renowned for their academic excellence and cutting-edge research. Institutions such as KU Leuven and the Catholic University of Louvain (UCLouvain) regularly rank among the best universities in Europe and offer specialized programs in mechanical engineering, information technology or international management.

Another key advantage: bilingual education. Many programs are taught in English, sometimes in combination with French or Dutch. This approach allows students to develop language skills while pursuing high-level education. This multicultural environment enhances your CV and eases your integration upon arrival.

Belgium also stands out for its strong ties with the professional world. Large companies, from industrial groups to innovative biotech startups, collaborate with universities to offer paid internships, research projects, and access to state-of-the-art laboratories. This way, you not only earn a recognized degree but also gain valuable professional experience highly sought after in the European job market.

The best technical universities (Engineering and Computer Science) in Belgium for Indian students

Belgium is renowned for the quality of its programs in engineering and computer science, which combine scientific excellence and technological innovation. For Indian students, these universities offer a multicultural environment, modern infrastructure, and strong partnerships with leading European technology companies.

KU Leuven

KU Leuven is considered a benchmark in engineering and ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide. Programs in mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering are offered in English on the Heverlee campus, near Leuven. Students particularly benefit from the Leuven AI Institute and numerous internship opportunities with international companies.

Ghent University

Ghent University is particularly renowned for its programs in computer science and applied sciences. Its Faculty of Engineering and Architecture offers several Master's programs in English, including software development and Data Science. Its extensive alumni network facilitates access to Belgian startups and international research laboratories.

Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)

UCLouvain combines engineering disciplines with management studies. On the Louvain-la-Neuve campus, you will find English-taught programs in biomedical engineering, industrial management, as well as state-of-the-art laboratories in robotics and bioinformatics.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Located in the heart of Brussels, VUB offers Master's programs in English in computer science within a particularly dynamic international environment.

University of Liège

The University of Liège also offers several English-taught research programs specializing in automation, cybersecurity, and new technologies.

Your choice of university will primarily depend on your specialization, career goals, and desired language of instruction.

The best management schools in Belgium

Belgium is also recognized for the excellence of its business and management schools.

Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management

Part of the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Solvay is renowned for its programs in finance, business analytics, and management. The Master's programs in Management, Finance, or Digital Transformation are taught in English and benefit from numerous partnerships with companies such as Google, Deloitte, or Procter & Gamble.

Vlerick Business School

Triple-accredited internationally, Vlerick is particularly recognized for its Master's programs in Financial Management and Digital Transformation. Graduates benefit from a vast alumni network spread across more than 80 countries.

Antwerp Management School

Ranked among the best European Business Schools by the Financial Times, Antwerp Management School offers a full-time MBA including consulting assignments carried out for major companies like BASF or KPMG.

HEC Liège

HEC Liège notably offers a Master's in Business Engineering affiliated with the CFA Institute, as well as a curriculum strongly oriented towards entrepreneurship thanks to the Liège Startup Clinic.

Whether you want to work in consulting, finance, or start your own business, these institutions will offer you a solid academic education and an excellent professional network.

Admission, tuition fees, and scholarships

To enroll in a Belgian university, you will need to meet several conditions.

For a Bachelor's degree

You will generally need to provide:

  • your secondary school diploma;
  • your transcripts;
  • proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS).

For a Master's degree

Institutions generally require:

  • a Bachelor's degree in a similar field;
  • letters of recommendation;
  • sometimes a research project or a letter of motivation.

Tuition Fees

Fees vary depending on your status:

  • European students: between €900 and €1,500 per year.
  • Non-European students: generally between €4,000 and €4,600 per year, particularly for engineering or management programs offered by KU Leuven or UCLouvain.

Management programs generally cost around €4,175 per year.

Scholarships

Several programs can help fund your studies:

These programs can fund up to €10,000 per year.

Universities also offer merit-based scholarships ranging from €2,000 to €5,000.

Remember to submit your application several months in advance, as applications generally open 6 to 9 months before the academic year begins.

Once admitted, you will need to apply for your Belgian student visa. This notably requires proof of financial resources. You can easily meet this requirement with the help of the Studely blocked account, recognized for assisting international students with their administrative procedures.

Discover the solution on Studely.

Why Belgium is an excellent destination for Indian students

Belgium offers an excellent balance between quality of education, cost of studies and career prospects.

Tuition fees remain much more affordable than in the United States or the United Kingdom, while benefiting from internationally recognized degrees.

Many Masters, but also some Bachelors, are taught entirely in English, thus facilitating the integration of international students.

After graduation, Belgium also offers you job opportunities thanks to its post-study visa options and its strategic location in the heart of Europe. You'll easily be able to develop your professional network, travel, or work in neighboring countries like France, Germany, or the Netherlands.

Finally, to prepare for your departure with peace of mind, Studely assists you with your key steps thanks to its blocked account, its payment account, its health insurance and its housing assistance, so that you can fully focus on achieving your study goals.

Studely
June 29, 2026