Belgium lies at the heart of Europe geographically and academically, and it is a study destination that remains under the radar for many Saudi students despite the fact that it hosts some of the most venerable and most highly ranked European universities in the world.
The KU Leuven university, for example, consistently tops the rankings of the best universities in continental Europe, and Brussels is the capital of the European Union and the incubator of hundreds of international institutions that open before the student the horizon of international training and employment in an exceptional way.
In this guide prepared by the Future Way team based on continuous monitoring of the experiences of Saudi students in Belgium, you will find everything you need to know: from the best Belgian universities and the specializations available in English, to the real costs, the visa procedures, and daily life.
Why Belgium for Saudi students?
Before talking about the figures and procedures, there is a more comprehensive picture that deserves contemplation: what makes Belgium a destination worth studying in and comparing?
Belgium: the heart of Europe geographically and academically
Belgium is not described as the “heart of Europe” metaphorically only, but it is so literally. Brussels is the capital of the European Union, NATO, and the headquarters of hundreds of international organizations, which makes it among the most open-to-the-world and culturally diverse European cities. From Brussels, the train reaches you to Paris in one hour and twenty minutes, to Amsterdam in two hours, and to London in two hours through the tunnel. This location transforms the years of study into an opportunity to discover all of Europe.
As for academically, Belgium possesses a deep-rooted university tradition; the University of Leuven (KU Leuven) was founded in 1425 and is among the oldest Catholic universities in the world, and it occupies today a steady position among the best 50 European universities. This long academic legacy means a huge research infrastructure, a mature educational system, and scientific production at the forefront of the world.
Reasonable costs by Western European standards
What surprises many Saudi students when researching Belgium is that its tuition fees are much lower than the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, or Switzerland despite being similar to them academically in many specializations. This is due to the strong government support system for the Belgian universities (especially in the Flemish region).
- The study fees for international students start from 4,000 euros per year in many programs.
- Even in the higher-cost regions, the fees rarely exceed 8,000 — 10,000 euros per year for the English programs.
Genuine education quality, not mere fame
Belgium is among the few countries in which the high international ranking translates into actual, tangible educational quality. The proportion of professors holding a doctorate is very high, the research environment is excellent, and many professors simultaneously occupy advisory positions in the institutions of the European Union and international organizations, which gives the education an applied and international character.
The best Belgian universities for Saudi students
Belgium is divided linguistically and academically into three groups: the Flemish (Dutch) universities in the north, the Francophone universities in the south and center, and Brussels which hosts both.
KU Leuven: the crown of the Belgian universities
It is the most prominent university in Belgium and one of the strongest research universities in Europe without rival:
| Indicator | Value |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | Among the world’s best 75 universities |
| The European ranking | Among the best 10 universities in continental Europe |
| Reuters ranking of innovative universities | The first in Europe for repeated years |
| Number of students | More than 60,000 students |
| International students | More than 10,000 students from 150 nationalities |
(It is located in the quiet university city of Leuven, and what distinguishes it is its exceptional research production and its laboratories that are at the forefront of the world).
Ghent University: the rising power in the applied sciences
Ghent University (UGent) is the second university in Belgium in standing and size:
- QS World Ranking: among the world’s best 200 universities (and among the world’s best 10 in the agricultural and biological sciences).
- Location: it is located in the city of Ghent with its captivating historic character.
- For Saudi students: it represents an excellent choice for those wishing for the specializations of sustainable agriculture, environmental sciences, or biotechnology.
The Free University of Brussels: bilingualism in the capital of Europe
The Francophone (ULB) and the Dutch-speaking (VUB) universities operate within an academic partnership in the capital:
- Location: it offers unlimited opportunities for training and professional networking in the European and international institutions.
- Achievements: ULB has won 4 Nobel Prizes.
- Programs: VUB offers dozens of English programs, and both are classified among the world’s best 200 — 250 universities (QS).
Other Belgian universities worth mentioning:
- The University of Liège: distinguished in engineering, medicine, and the applied sciences.
- The University of Mons: strong in engineering and science.
- The University of Antwerp: research-active in the social sciences and business.
The specializations available in English in Belgium
Studying in Belgium in English is possible almost fully at the master’s and doctorate stage, and to a limited extent at the bachelor’s.
Engineering with its diverse specializations
The master’s duration is two years according to the European system and includes:
- Computer engineering and data science: among the most in-demand programs.
- Mechatronics and robotics engineering: Belgium is among the most prominent centers of machine manufacturing.
- Architecture and urban design.
- Renewable energy engineering: a direct connection to the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.
- Chemical engineering and biotechnology.
Business administration and international economics
Brussels is a natural destination for studying international policy and business:
- Master’s in international business administration.
- Master’s in European economics and public policy.
- Master’s in accounting and finance.
- Master’s in digital marketing and entrepreneurship.
A highlight from Future Way: for the Saudi student ambitious to work in diplomacy or multinational organizations, a master’s degree from Brussels with training in the institutions of the European Union represents an invaluable added value in the CV.
The health sciences and biomedicine
(KU Leuven) has a university hospital (UZ Leuven) among the largest treatment and research centers in Europe.
- Master’s in public health (MPH).
- Master’s in medical biotechnology.
- Master’s in epidemiology and biostatistics.
- Master’s in clinical pharmacy.
Admission requirements at the Belgian universities for Saudi students
Equating the Saudi high school certificate
Belgium does not impose a centralized admission system; rather, each university evaluates the files independently.
- For the master’s: the Saudi certificate is often accepted directly after obtaining the bachelor’s.
- For the bachelor’s: the universities may require an additional preparatory year or passing admission tests.
(The practical recommendation: the smoothest path for Saudis is to head to Belgium at the master’s stage).
The language certificates required for admission
For the English programs:
| University | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | Notes |
| KU Leuven | 6.5 — 7.0 | 90 — 100 | Varies by program |
| Ghent University | 6.5 | 90 | A unified criterion in most programs |
| VUB | 6.5 | 88 | Some programs accept 6.0 |
| ULB | 6.5 | 90 | For the English programs only |
For the French or Dutch programs:
- French: a DALF C1 certificate or its equivalent.
- Dutch: an NT2 level two certificate or the university’s internal test.
A tip from Future Way: if your goal is the English programs only, there is no need to learn French or Dutch to enroll. But learning the basics of the local language facilitates your daily life.
The tuition costs in Belgium 2026
The tuition fees by region and university
The Flemish region (KU Leuven, Ghent, Antwerp, VUB):
| Study stage | Annual fees (euros) |
| Bachelor’s (international students) | 1,000 — 2,500 (subsidized) or 4,000 — 7,000 (full) |
| Master’s (English programs) | 4,500 — 8,000 |
| Doctorate | 1,000 — 2,000 per year (with the possibility of full funding) |
The Francophone region (ULB, Liège, Mons): it adopts a progressive system linked to income.
| Study stage | Annual fees (euros) |
| Bachelor’s / Master’s | 835 — 4,175 (determined by income and nationality) |
| Specialized English programs | 4,000 — 9,000 |
The scholarships available in Belgium for Saudis
- The government VLIR-UOS scholarship: some of its programs open opportunities for international applicants.
- The special KU Leuven scholarships: discounts and partial scholarships for excellence, and full funding for the research doctorate programs.
- The Erasmus+ program: for short-term training and exchange.
- The Saudi Ministry of Education scholarship: some Belgian universities are accredited for external scholarship purposes.
Living costs in Belgium for Saudi students 2026
Housing in Brussels and the study cities
(Leuven and Ghent are 25% — 35% less expensive than Brussels)
| Type of housing | Monthly cost (euros) |
| A room in the university residences (shared) | 250 — 450 |
| A private room in a student residence | 400 — 650 |
| A studio apartment in Leuven or Ghent | 500 — 800 |
| A studio apartment in Brussels | 700 — 1,100 |
| A shared apartment with colleagues (per-person share) | 350 — 600 |
Food, transport, and daily expenses
| Item | Monthly cost (euros) |
| Food (home cooking + restaurants sometimes) | 250 — 400 |
| Public transport (a monthly ticket) | 50 — 80 |
| Communications and internet | 20 — 35 |
| Books and study supplies | 30 — 60 |
| Entertainment and social activities / insurance | 130 — 260 |
| Estimated total (outside Brussels) | 730 — 1,235 |
| Estimated total (Brussels) | 930 — 1,535 |
The Belgian visa for Saudi students
The study visa procedures in Belgium
Studying for more than 90 days requires obtaining a (D) visa.
The first stage: before travel:
- Obtaining an official admission letter.
- Assembling the complete visa file.
- Applying at the Belgian embassy in Riyadh or the consulate in Jeddah (the decision takes 4-8 weeks).
The required documents:
- A valid passport (at least 15 months).
- The university admission letter.
- Proof of residence in Belgium.
- A bank statement (proving the availability of at least 650 euros per month).
- Health insurance covering Schengen.
- A good-conduct certificate (criminal record).
- Biometric photos and the application form.
The second stage: after arrival:
- Registration at the municipality within 8 days of arrival.
- Submitting the documents to extract the residence card, conducting a medical examination (if requested), then renewing it annually.
(The visa allows free movement within 27 European countries).
Life in Belgium for Saudi students
The Arab community in Belgium
Muslims make up about 6% – 7% of the total population:
- Districts in Brussels comprise a high concentration of Arab and Islamic communities.
- Numerous mosques are spread throughout the city for holding the prayers and the Friday sermon.
- The availability of halal restaurants, butcher shops, and Arab markets.
- Tangible Islamic atmospheres during the blessed month of Ramadan.
(Belgium is a safe and institutionally stable country in general).
Frequently asked questions about studying in Belgium for Saudis
1. How much does studying in Belgium cost?
The annual tuition fees for Saudi students in the English programs range between 4,500 and 9,000 euros depending on the university, the specialization, and the linguistic region. To them are added living costs ranging between 730 and 1,535 euros per month depending on the city and lifestyle, so that the overall picture remains much more economical than London, Zurich, or Amsterdam.
2. What is the best university in Belgium?
KU Leuven is the highest ranked and is considered among the world’s best 75 universities according to QS. It is the first in Europe in innovation according to the Reuters ranking. But “the best” depends on the specialization: Ghent University may be the most suitable choice in agricultural and environmental sciences, and VUB or ULB in political science and European economics.
3. Must one learn French or Dutch to study in Belgium?
No, it is not a condition for joining the English programs at the master’s and doctorate stage. English is completely sufficient to complete your academic program. However, learning the basics of the local language (French in Brussels and Liège, Dutch in Leuven and Ghent) enriches your daily experience and facilitates communication outside the campus.
4. How much does living in Brussels cost?
The estimated monthly budget in Brussels ranges between 930 and 1,535 euros, including housing, food, transport, communications, and entertainment. This cost decreases by 20 — 30% in the cities of Leuven, Ghent, and Antwerp while maintaining a similar living level.
5. Is Belgium safe for Saudi students?
Belgium is a generally stable and safe country by European standards, and its record in human rights and the rule of law is firmly established. The large Muslim community and the strong Arab presence make adaptation much easier compared with other European countries. As is the case in any European capital, the usual caution in night movement and some districts is necessary.
Is Belgium your next destination?
Belgium is a destination that deserves serious scrutiny from every Saudi student aspiring to study in Europe. It offers universities with a genuine global ranking, diverse English programs, costs lower than the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, and a location at the heart of Europe that opens before you a whole continent.
At Future Way, we accompany you in every stage of the decision: from choosing the suitable university and specialization, to preparing the admission file and the motivation letter, and following up the visa procedures and travel preparation.
Contact our team today via futurewaytr.com and start your first step toward Europe.
