What documents are required to study in Belgium?

Studying in Belgium attracts many foreign students thanks to the quality of its teaching and the international recognition of its degrees. However, the registration procedure requires a complete file.
The documents required vary according to the level of studies (bachelor, master or doctorate) and the type of institution (university, college, artistic or specialized school). Follow the step-by-step guide!

1. Documents common to all levels of study

Before detailing each case, certain documents are mandatory for enrollment in a Belgian establishment:

• Copy of valid passport or identity card
• Enrollment form duly completed (online or on paper depending on the institution)
• Recent identity photo
• Proof of residence (current address or residence certificate)
• Certificate of financial resources (Studely blocked account, sponsor, stock exchange, etc.)
• Proof of health insurance covering the duration of the stay
• Medical certificate attesting that the student is able to study
• Criminal record extract recent (in some cases for the visa)

2. Required documents according to the level of studies

A. For the Bachelor's level (Bachelor)
This level corresponds to the first university cycle (3 years).
The requested documents are:

• High school diploma (or equivalent to Belgian CESS)

• Transcripts High school

• Translation Sworn in with the diploma and notes (if the document is not in French, Dutch or English)

• Certificate Degree equivalence, issued by the _Wallonia-Brussels Federation

• Proof of language proficiency teaching (DELF B2 for French, IELTS/TOEFL for English)

• Motivation letter explaining the study project

• Sometimes: a copy of the passport And a ID photo supplementary

Universities often ask for a simplified file, while universities require more complete supporting documents.
B. For the Master level

To access the second cycle (1 or 2 years), you must present:

• Diploma of license/bachelor or recognized equivalent
  

• Transcripts Details of the first cycle
  

• Motivation letter or professional project
  

• RESUME academic and professional
  

• Letter (s) of recommendation (depending on the program)
  

• Proof of Language proficiency of the program (French or English)
  

• Equivalence certificate Bachelor's degree if obtained abroad
  

• In some cases: portfolio or previous work for artistic or technical fields

Universities are more demanding at this level, especially for selective programs (economics, engineering, health, communication, etc.).

C. For the Doctorate level

The doctorate (PhD) corresponds to the third university cycle (3 to 5 years). The parts requested are more specialized:

• Master's degree or equivalent
  

• Statements of Master's notes
  

• Research project (thesis proposal) detailing the subject, methodology, and goals
  

• Letter of agreement from the promoter (research director) or the host laboratory
  

• Full academic resume
  

• List of scientific publications or works
  

• Proof of funding (grant, research contract, personal fund, etc.)
  

• Language certificate (level C1 or equivalent depending on the language of instruction)

Doctoral applications are made directly with universities and often require an interview or validation by the doctoral committee.

3. Specific documents according to the type of establishment

A. Universities

Belgian universities (UCLouvain, ULiège, ULB, etc.) generally require:

• Full academic record (diplomas, transcripts, equivalency)
  

• Motivation letter and CV
  

• Proof of language level
  

• Letter of recommendation (often for masters and doctorates)

B. Higher education

The higher schools (HelHa, HELL, Henallux, etc.) are more practice-oriented.
They mainly ask for:

• High school diploma or Academics according to the target level
  

• Transcripts
  

• Passport copy
  

• Certificate of financial resources
  

• Sometimes a interview Or a Admission test

C. Artistic and specialized schools

For art, design, music or film schools:

• High school diploma or licensing depending on the level
  

• Art portfolio (drawings, photos, videos, personal creations)
  

• Motivation letter
  

• Sometimes a entrance exam Or a hearing
  

• Transcripts and certificates linguistics

4. Additional student visa documents

If you come from a country outside the European Union, you will also need to provide:
• La official admission letter Of the establishment
• La Proof of financial resources (Studely blocked account or vouch)
• One proof of accommodation In Belgium
• One medical certificate
• One Criminal record extract

These documents should be presented to the Belgian consulate or embassy of your country when requesting long stay visa (type D).