Maritime universities in Belgium for Ukrainians. Detailed information by country of study: Belgium

Today, many international students have the opportunity to study in Belgium. Having received the coveted "crust", a graduate of a Belgian university has the right to prestigious employment. A small but economically developed and stable country, Belgium provides many great opportunities for both good specialists and students who want to study here.

Panoramic view of the canal in the city of Bruges

Getting an education in Belgium, as, indeed, in any other European country, is quite prestigious. Upon graduation from the chosen university, a person has the right to employment both in the Kingdom itself and on the territory of another EU country.

Belgium is a multicultural country. Once here, you can learn not one, but several foreign languages ​​at once. In some regions of the country they speak French and English, in some the Flemish dialect prevails.

Evening view of the central square in Brussels

The main advantages of studying in the Kingdom include:

1. democratic value.
2. Opportunity to receive scholarships and other monetary bonuses.
3. Opportunity to combine education with research activities.
4. Passing an internship in the largest international enterprises located in the Kingdom.
5. Opportunity to work legally and travel within EU countries. After admission, a person is given a long-term.

Peculiarities

The education system in Belgium involves three main levels:

• primary (lasts 6 years);
• medium (2 stages x 2 years);
• higher (from 4 years).

The goal of primary education is not the scholastic memorization of key academic disciplines, but creative and personal development. At this stage, a person also learns to communicate in society and adapt to rapidly changing living conditions.

The structure of Belgian education

The uniqueness of Belgian primary education lies in the fact that it can be compared to an exciting training rather than an academic study.

The first 4 years are mandatory. After that, the student has the opportunity to choose whether he will study for another two years in the general program, or not. At this stage, the student already has some ideas about the technical and applied direction. Admission to a university is possible only after the completion of a 6-year course of a secondary educational institution.

The advantages of studying at a university

Higher education in Belgium is available not only for citizens of the European Union, but also for those who live in the CIS countries. The main criterion for admission is the solvency of the applicant. No competitions are required for admission to a "regular" Belgian University.

The building of the University of Louvain-la-Neuve in the city of the same name

But if there is a desire to become a student of a prestigious university, then you need to pass a test. There is another characteristic feature: you can enter a higher educational institution in the Kingdom only after completing the first year in your homeland.

Training is conducted in 3 languages:

1. French.
2. English.
3. Flemish.

To enter the University, you need to be fluent in one of these languages. Also, a foreign student has the right to employment. He can work no more than twenty hours a week during the training period.

Basic degrees

Today, studying in Belgium in higher education institutions involves four main degrees:

• basic (similar to a Bachelor's degree);
• basic (similar to a Master's degree);
• additional (similar to a specialist diploma);
• higher.

On the basic degree, students study for two years.

University of Liege building in Belgium

The humanitarian disciplines are actively studied here, and general technical training is also expected. The student receives the main degree after 2-3 years of additional training. This is also true after writing a scientific work.

The student achieves an additional degree after defending a dissertation. The highest degree is awarded 2 years after receiving a doctoral degree.

As in many other European and Russian universities, the term of study at Belgian universities is four years. Sometimes students study for ten or twelve years.

Academic year

Similar to higher educational institutions located on the territory of the former USSR, the academic year in the Kingdom is divided into 2 semesters: winter and summer. Students begin their studies in September and end in June.
The semesters look like this:

1. The first semester is from September to January.
2. The second semester is from February to June.

It looks like a diploma of higher education in Belgium

Belgian universities

On the territory of the Kingdom there are both "native" universities and branches of foreign educational institutions. Branches are located in the capital of Belgium.
The main universities in Belgium are:

1. Louvain Catholic.
2. Liege State.
3. Ghent State.
4. Free Brussels.
5. University of Monse Hainaut.

Features of admission

There are no restrictions on admission to universities in the Kingdom. A student wishing to study at one of the universities undertakes to submit a package of necessary documents in a timely manner.

You need to find out about competitions organized by prestigious closed Belgian universities at the Embassy or on the websites of these universities. With regard to the timing of admission, a foreign applicant interested in studying in Belgium must submit a request ten months before arrival.

Package of documents

In order to be able to study at one of the Belgian universities, a foreign applicant undertakes to provide the following documents:

• international passport;
• a certificate confirming financial viability (this can be either a printout of a bank account or a letter from a sponsor);
• registration permission;
• medical certificate (issued and certified by the Consulate or Embassy of the Kingdom);
• certificate of no criminal record;
• certificate of scholarship, confirming that all expenses of the student are paid by his parents, guardians or sponsor (certified by the Embassy or Consulate).

Belgium is a country with many young people seeking higher education. Its location is the eastern coast of the North Sea of ​​Western Europe. with countries such as Luxembourg, Germany, France and the Netherlands. The territory of this country is quite large, and the conditions for studying at universities are very good.

After graduating from higher educational institutions, former students are given the opportunity to undergo internships in large international organizations. That is why Belgium is attractive not only for, but also for foreign students who want to study abroad. In order to have an idea about the education system in a given country, it is advisable to approach these issues with all responsibility.

It is worth noting that candidates must be no more than 36 years old, in addition, they must have a bachelor's degree.

The provision of research grants is carried out regardless of the type of research being carried out. The age category of candidates is up to 36 years. They must have a master's or specialist's degree in their hands. Candidates are nominated for grants by the Academy of Sciences of Russia.

Belgian universities attract students from Eastern Europe more than other Western European universities. What conditions are created in Belgium for foreigners? What is the peculiarity of education in this country?

Belgian education is considered one of the best in the world - 7 public universities are among the top 300 universities in the world, of which 5 are included in the top universities according to the THE ranking.

Higher educational institutions of the country are popular with foreigners due to multiculturalism - educational programs are conducted in the most common European languages:

• Dutch;
• French;
• Deutsch;
• English.

Education in Belgium is inexpensive relative to average European prices - a year of study costs 1036-4863 US dollars per year. The common currency is the euro.

The main advantage that Belgian universities have is the mark of the international PISA rating, thanks to which the state educational program is ranked 19th in the world.

Higher education

The advantage of Belgian universities over European ones is that the study program at higher educational institutions is comfortable for graduates from Eastern Europe.

• September-January;
• February-June.

Admission to universities is possible from the age of 17-18.

Education programs

Education after school in the country is possible in such educational institutions:

• Universities;
• colleges at universities;
• Art universities (art history, architecture) and military academy.

In Belgium, higher education is carried out according to the Bologna system, in accordance with which one can obtain bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees.

Bachelor's and master's programs are presented in all educational institutions - 3-4 years are allotted for obtaining the first degree, 12-24 months for the second. A doctorate degree can be obtained in 3-4 years only in higher educational institutions (classical, technical, medical universities).

The bachelor's degree is divided into categories:

• Professional - involves the development of professional skills at a level sufficient to work in the chosen profession;
• Academic - focuses on theoretical and scientific knowledge. After this category, admission to the magistracy is possible.

A feature of the Bologna system is also the assessment of students' knowledge. The highest possible score - 100 (equivalent to the Russian 5) - is earned by accumulating points for assignments during the semester, as well as exam answers.

Conditions for admission

Features of admission directly depend on the level of knowledge of the applicant, the availability of certain documents, the specialty and the university that he has chosen.

For admission you need:

• Present a certificate of completed secondary education that meets the requirements of the Belgian Ministry of Education;
• Conduct an assessment of the level of knowledge of a foreign language and decide in which language the training will take place;
• Pass a profile exam, if required (mainly for technical, medical and artistic specialties);
• Obtain documents confirming enrollment;
• Apply for a student visa.

You can enter Belgian educational institutions both after the 9th grade (college, art school) and after the 11th grade (university, academy).

List of required documents

A Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian applicant, upon admission to a Belgian higher educational institution, must submit the following documents:

• Universal international certificate of education;
• Confirmation of the absence of a criminal record;
• Medical report on the state of health;
• Assurance of financial solvency;
• Passport (citizen of your country).

Depending on the specialty, gender and skills of the applicant, the package of documents may vary.

Study visa

To obtain a study visa, you must contact the Belgian embassy in your country (Russia, Ukraine, etc.). the minimum period for submitting documents is 7 days, the optimal one is a month.

The main criterion for obtaining a visa is a documented basis for visiting the state.

After obtaining a visa and a residence permit, in the absence of violations on the part of the student and permanent residence in the country for 5-10 years, it is possible to obtain Belgian citizenship.

Cost of education

Due to the relatively low cost of education, Belgian education is more accessible to applicants from Eastern Europe.

An example of prices for a year of study at the best universities in the country:

Tuition fees may increase. The final price depends on such factors as tuition quotas for foreigners - the number of Belgian students in their native universities must equal or exceed 98%.

If residents of other countries did not fall into the established 2%, they can pay at least half of the established amount for the year of study and get into the number of students. To get into a place within the quota, you must submit documents no later than 10 months before the start of the academic year.

Is it possible to get education for free

The average amount of expenses for 1 student per year is 4-5.5 thousand dollars. Since students pay less when they enter, the rest of the amount is received by Belgian universities from various sponsors, programs, and grants.

There is no possibility of admission to free education in the country. However, you can try to win a place in a grant program or a scholarship - this money will be enough to partially or completely cover the cost of education.

Scholarships and grants for foreigners

You can study at state universities for free - for this you need to get into one of the international scholarship programs.

List of organizations providing free education:

• NATO;
• UNESCO;
• Communities (Flemish or French) in Belgium.

Detailed information can be found on the official websites of organizations.

Typically, grant programs are designed for 3-10 months. There are scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Scholarship applicants are subject to high requirements:

• Studying at the 4th-5th year at the university of the native state;
• Proficiency in English or one of the state languages ​​at the level of basic spoken.

Each applicant is required to prepare a graduation project worthy of studying at a bachelor's or master's degree.

Features for internship and exchange programs

Some educational institutions in the post-Soviet space cooperate with Belgian universities, especially in the following areas:

• The medicine;
• Agriculture;
• Natural Sciences.

Thanks to international cooperation, there are exchange study projects for foreign students. To find out about the possibility of studying on an exchange or internship in Belgium, you can contact the administrative department of the educational institution at the place of residence or the Belgian embassy in the state.

Accommodation and food options for students

The minimum amount that you should count on while living in Belgium is 600 euros.

The main feature of Belgian education is the structure of the system, which is formed on the basis of three national language communities - Flemish, French, German-speaking. However, despite this diversity, the Belgian educational system is not fragmented. Occasionally, only some of the hallmarks of learning in favor of a particular community appear.

Features of Belgian education

National language communities play the role of the main source of funding for education. The government of the country, if it allocates any funds, it is only a small part compared to funding from the communes. For this reason, the management of the educational system is concentrated in the hands of the authorities of the communities. And all the functions of the government are setting the age bar for compulsory education and conferring academic degrees.

Compulsory education in Belgium covers a period of 12 years. Children start school at the age of 6 and complete the compulsory school course at the age of 18. At the stage of compulsory education, it is possible to enroll in one of three types of schools:

1. Schools of language communities.
2. provincial public schools.
3. Budget schools from the Catholic Church.

Free Catholic schools prevail. They are chosen by most Belgian families. There are also private schools. As a rule, these institutions offer highly specialized education, as well as special education for children with disabilities. Regardless of the type of institution, the school year begins on September 1 and ends at the end of May.

Preschool education system

The period of pre-school education in Belgium should most likely be called pre-school education. This is due to the fact that the vast majority of educational institutions are part of primary schools. The upbringing of children, accordingly, is carried out with a bias towards preparation for primary school. Meanwhile, pre-school education is not included in the period of compulsory education.

As soon as the child turns 2.5 years old, he is sent to a preschool. 90% of parents do just that. Only 10% of Belgian children are sent to private kindergartens or stay at home.

The recruitment of children's groups is carried out upon reaching the required age limit. As soon as the child turns 2.5 years old, the educational institution is ready to accept him, regardless of the season. True, in those regions where the administration is carried out by the Flemish community, the number of enrollments in preschool groups is limited to six during the year.

Belgian preschools work on the informal principle of education. There are no approved and established programs here, just as there is no practice of checking the level of knowledge. The main goal of the educational process is to develop mental and creative abilities in children. Preschool education in Belgium teaches proper communication, independence, self-expression.

... My daughter has been studying at such a school since she was 2.5 years old. I am very pleased. Great material and technique. She is still in the Clayter class, but I hope that she will also be in the main school at this school. Everything depends on the child. Many children are not suitable for teaching in this way ...

https://www.russian-belgium.be/node/39016

Primary education in Belgium

From 6 to 12 years old, children go through elementary school. The six-year period of primary education is divided into three stages, each of which covers 2 years of study. Students are taught counting, reading and writing skills. In addition, knowledge is given in the field of biology, history, religion. They also teach music lessons and labor lessons.

Classes in elementary school usually start in the morning and end in the afternoon. The standard schedule is from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, including an hour and a half for lunch. On Wednesday, the school day lasts until lunch (until 12:00). Days off - Saturday, Sunday.

Schools in Brussels and the municipalities of the Flemish community begin to teach French from the first year of study (rarely from the second). Other Flemish schools begin to give French lessons only at the third stage of education (5-6 years of study). True, students, if they wish, can take such lessons already at the second stage (3-4 years).

Schools in the French community are also mandated to teach English or Dutch on a mandatory basis. The specific choice of language depends on the type of school. In turn, the schools of the German-speaking community must ensure the teaching of French as a compulsory subject of the educational process.

... Language courses in a simple school are divided into 10 parts. The first 6 parts are free. But you need to go through only the first 2 parts. It happens "intensive" - ​​one course is completed in 2 months. Super "intensive" - ​​for 1 month. And it happens that they study only on weekends and take this course for a very long time ...

http://pora-valit.livejournal.com/3026254.html?thread=389991246#t389991246

Secondary education in Belgium

After six years of elementary school, the next cycle of compulsory education begins - secondary school. The standard age for students entering secondary school is 12 years old. Here, too, the learning process is divided into three stages, each lasting 2 years. The structure of the Belgian high school is built from four main types of education:

• base average,
• technical average,
• vocational,
• artistic.

Basic secondary education

The priority of basic secondary education is to prepare students for the transition to higher education. For 6 years of study, the basic secondary school prepares for admission to any Belgian university (college) and, accordingly, to similar educational institutions in other countries. Here the main disciplines are:

• Latin language,
• ancient Greek,
• French, Dutch, German, English, Spanish (optional),
• physics,
• chemistry,
• geography,
• biology,
• mathematics,
• economy,
• psychology,
• sociology.

Technical secondary education

Technical secondary education is divided into groups of transitional and qualification education. Each is aimed at studying technical aspects or gaining practical skills. Regardless of the specific group of education, students are taught the following disciplines:

• math,
• several foreign languages
• history,
• geography,
• applied Science.

The level of bringing general knowledge to the audience is somewhat lower than in the case of basic education. However, technical schools compensate for the lack of theory with enhanced practical training. After 6 years of study, a graduate of a technical school has a specialty and can enter the labor market without problems. Meanwhile, the majority of students in such schools prefer to go through one more year - the seventh year of study, improving their qualifications to a higher level.

Technical schools train specialists in the field of tourism and trade, health and teaching, as well as engineers and technicians. Studying at a technical school, in addition to special education, can be considered as a preparatory stage for higher education.

Vocational secondary education

Vocational secondary education resembles a technical school. However, there are some differences. For example, PTSO is the training of highly specialized workers. Within the framework of vocational education, directions are used where the learning process lasts more than 6 years. Widespread PTSD training programs:

• auto mechanic,
• jewelry business,
• woodworking,
• architectural construction,
• Medical equipment.

This type of secondary education is the only one that does not provide for the preparation of students for admission to colleges and universities. However, upon completion of a 7-8 year course, students receive a technical diploma, which in terms of qualification is actually comparable to a bachelor's degree.

Art secondary education

Schools of art education combine basic secondary education and the practice of theatrical and visual arts in their activities. Several areas of study are also used here, including exclusively theoretical ones (preparation for higher education):

• ballet Art,
• acting activity,
• art of dance,
• graphic and artistic art.

Art high school, as a rule, becomes a start before studying at conservatories, institutes and colleges of acting, fine arts and other higher educational institutions.

Higher education

The Belgian higher education system is built on the basis of only the Flemish and French language communities.. This approach somewhat limits the possibilities of German-speaking applicants. They have no choice but to go to study in Germany or to enter the colleges and universities of the French community. The academic year of higher education begins in Belgium in mid-September. Beginning of the first semester 14-19 September. End of the first semester December 19-20. The beginning of the 2nd semester is February 8–13. Completion of the second semester in the second half of May.

Holders of a Belgian diploma of secondary education have a free road (without entrance exams) for admission to almost any university in the country. Entrance exams must be taken only in those universities where there are the following areas of study:

• medicine and dentistry,
• engineering activity,
• administrative management,
• artistic and artistic arts.

However, depending on the Flemish and French communities, the requirements are often different. For example, in the field of engineering, examinations are organized by the universities of the French commune, while within the borders of Flanders, higher education institutions have canceled the examinations at engineering faculties.

... The exam consists of 4 parts (respectively: a test for understanding, reading, writing and speaking.) Yes, understanding is necessary to understand (news as a rule) and answer the questions in detail, consider the letter too. Conversation: evaluate tables, graphs, summarize the result and make an opinion reading-see; understanding, only the written text, in short, a lot of writing ...

http://www.rus-bel.org/node/3318#comment-37524

The Belgian higher education system supports the Bologna process of learning. At the first stage, after 3 years of study, graduates are awarded a professional bachelor's degree or an academic bachelor's degree. In the first case, education is considered complete, in the second, completeness is considered conditional. Typically, academic bachelors continue their studies at the magistracy. A master's degree is another one or two years of study.

The award of a master's degree opens the way to a doctoral degree. Doctoral studies are entirely based on research work. As a rule, access to doctoral studies is opened to gifted students who have shown good results at previous levels of education. The PhD degree can only be awarded at universities.

…Most of the Belgians I know have only graduated from the Hogeschool, which is, in principle, a higher education, but lower in rank than a university. When I ask why they didn’t go further to study, almost no one can answer. The husband honestly says that he did not pull. Getting into most universities is quite easy - but studying is difficult ...

http://pora-valit.livejournal.com/3026254.html

… Hogeschool is the same as our institutes, after graduation you get a bachelor's degree, if you want a master's degree, you can study further. Unlike Hogeschool, universities are multidisciplinary and at the end of the 4-year cycle you also get a bachelor's degree, with the exception of medical and law degrees. Regarding your diploma, be prepared to take an exam in Dutch. Surely you will be asked to write a summary of your thesis ...

laryda24

http://pora-valit.livejournal.com/3026254.html?thread=389840462#t389840462

The cost of studying in Belgium

For native Belgians, the cost of studying at colleges and universities is relatively low. Flanders full-time students pay no more than €600 for one year of study. The cost of studying in the evening departments is even less - €340. Education fees for students in the French community are higher: for full-time students, the maximum amount is €835 per year.

Other conditions apply for foreign citizens. Immigrants also pay the basic amount, but additional fees are charged for foreign applicants. As a result, the amount of tuition fees for foreign students varies between €1900–4135 per year. The exact cost is determined by the specific university and its conditions.

Tuition fees and all kinds of fees are set by the Flemish and French communities for each new academic year. Also, issues of financial assistance (scholarships) to low-income students are resolved annually. Every student with low financial resources can count on a scholarship. There are three options for determining the financial capabilities of students:

1. Budget.
2. Semi-budget.
3. Non-budget.

The first option provides for the payment of financial assistance, thanks to which the student pays only € 80-100 per year for education. The second option also allows you to get a discount on the amount of payment if the student's family income is less than €1286 per month. In this case, the tuition fee is €330-380 per year. The third option, where the student's family income is above €1286 per month, does not qualify for assistance. The standard tariff approved by the communities applies here.

Is free education in Belgium possible for Russians, Ukrainians, Kazakhs

There is no completely free education in the higher education system in Belgium. Especially for foreigners. Nevertheless, there are decisions taken at the level of education management that make it possible to reduce the cost of education. These decisions concern developing countries and low-income territories. There is a special list of such states. True, Russia and Kazakhstan are not on the list, which is quite logical. But Ukraine is in this list.

The list is compiled depending on the value of the country's GDP per capita. If the indicator is in the range of $1000-3975, the state is considered underdeveloped and the cost of education is reduced for students. Usually under the same conditions as for budget and semi-budget groups.

Video about Belgian education

The most popular educational institutions

Five universities in Belgium that are popular:

1. The University of Antwerp (Universiteit Antwerpen) traditionally occupies high positions in the rankings of the world's best universities according to Times Higher Education. For students there are 33 educational programs within the framework of the bachelor's degree, 69 master's programs, 23 postgraduate programs.
2. University College Brussels (Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel) is a young educational institution founded in 2007. The university appeared as a result of the merger of several colleges of the European University and the Catholic University in Brussels. The educational process is conducted in Dutch and English.
3. Brussels Free University (Université Libre de Bruxelles) - In fact, the university was founded in 1834 as an educational institution that is completely free from the state and the church. However, the modern university was formed in 1970 as a result of the division of the old university.
4. Hasselt University (Universiteit Hasselt) - officially established in 1971 as the Central University of Limburg. The name to Hasselt University was changed in 2005. The educational institution has a good base of student campuses, which are located not only in Hasselt, but also in Diepenbeek.
5. The Catholic University of Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) is one of the oldest universities in Belgium. Founded in 1425. During the reign of Napoleon (in 1797), the university was destroyed. However, in 1834 the Belgians restored their first university. In 1986, the educational structure of the university was divided, two separate institutions were formed - Flemish and French-speaking.

Photo Gallery: Top Universities in Belgium

The Catholic University of Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) is one of the oldest universities in Belgium The University of Antwerp (Universiteit Antwerpen) is included in the list of the best educational institutions in Belgium lawyer Pierre-Theodor Warhagen University of Hasselt (Universiteit Hasselt) was officially established in 1971 as the Central University of Limburg

Five colleges in Belgium included in the list of popular universities:

1. The Leonardo Da Vinci High School (Haute École Léonard de Vinci) is a group of educational institutions in the status of a college. The year of formation is 1995. The school was formed by the merger of several educational institutions that are part of the ECAM structure - the central schools of arts and crafts. Today it consists of engineering, pedagogical, sports, technological colleges.
2. Practical Higher Commercial School (L'école pratique des hautes études commerciales) is a university college. The school has three student campuses. Teaching is conducted in French. College graduates receive a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields.
3. The Higher School of the Province of Liege (Haute École de la Province de Liège) unites three colleges. On the basis of the school, a high-level educational process is carried out. Graduates are awarded bachelor's and master's degrees. The scope of specializations is very rich. The lion's share with a technical focus.
4. The National Institute of Cinematic Arts (Institut National Supérieur des Arts du Spectacle) is a unique Belgian university. The institution is something like a film academy. The Institute was founded in 1962 by three famous personalities - Raymond Ravart, André Delvaux, Paul Henri.
5. The Royal Conservatory of Liège is one of the four conservatories of the French Community of Belgium. Students are offered higher education courses in the field of music and theater arts. The conservatory was founded in 1826 by William I.

Photo Gallery: Popular Belgian Colleges

The Liege Conservatory was founded back in 1826 by William the First The Leonardo Da Vinci High School (Haute École Léonard de Vinci) consists of engineering, pedagogical, sports, technological colleges Graduates of the Practical Higher Commercial School (L'école pratique des hautes études commerciales) receive a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields of activity High-level educational process is conducted on the basis of the Higher School of Liege (Haute École de la Province de Liège) National Institute of Cinematographic Arts (Institut National Supérieur des Arts du Spectacle) - film academy and theater school

Scholarship and grants for international students

French-speaking students, in some cases, may be granted grants and scholarships with the direct participation of the Service des Allocations d'Etudes - the service for allocating grants for education.

Students studying in Dutch are encouraged to visit the Flemish Community's education portal. It provides complete information on grants and scholarships for the Flemish community.

Various scholarships and grants (Erasmus, Tempus, Leonardo da Vinci, etc.) are also available through European education programs. However, they mainly provide student exchange programs within the EU. Thus, Russia is not included in the list of countries available for scholarships and grants.

Video about scholarships and grants in Belgium

Conditions for obtaining a visa and requirements for applicants

The requirements for applicants actually repeat the list of requirements for obtaining a visa. The Belgian authorities issue a student visa if the following documents are submitted:

• application from a prospective student;
• international passport (valid for at least 12 months);
• travel documents;
• certificate of sufficient funding for the period of study;
• medical examination;
• police confirmation of the absence of a criminal record;
• certificate of the equivalent of a diploma of foreign education (for the French community);
• copies of a high school diploma, a diploma from a vocational school, a technical school, a university;
• certificate of knowledge of the language in which the training is supposed to take place.

All documents must be submitted additionally with copies-translations in Dutch, French, German, English.

Jobs while studying and job prospects

Students of Belgian universities are open to opportunities for part-time work in their free time. However, at the same time, young people must comply with some requirements:

• The student must be at least 15 years of age
• Full-time form of education,
• have a student employment contract,
• work no more than 20 hours per week,
• students from outside the EU have a residence permit,
• I have a work permit category "C".

If a student plans to work outside the campus, a category "C" permit must be issued. The document is issued for a period of 12 months and is relevant only during the study session. During vacations and holidays, students can work freely, without presenting a permit. It is forbidden to work during the compulsory training course.

At the end of 2017, there were 487 thousand officially registered unemployed in Belgium. However, until 2022, the authorities plan to create 46,000 jobs annually in order to reduce the unemployment rate. Among the unemployed are young people with a high level of qualification, but without work experience. Nevertheless, there are job prospects in Belgium. For example, vacancies remain in demand:

• lawyers and bankers,
• journalists and travel agents,
• chemical engineers,
• automotive engineers,
• textile and glass production specialists.

Student Accommodation

Student life (in terms of accommodation and life) is organized in Belgium in almost the same way as in other EU countries. Some students use "peds" - buildings similar to campuses. Some live in public dormitories, where several rooms share common household premises. Some of the students rent apartments.

Video about a student place in a hostel

The most economical and disciplined life is considered to be inside closed campuses.. However, the living conditions there are set by the administration and these conditions are quite strict. The time of arrival and departure of students is recorded, access is limited at night. On a monthly basis, the administration sends a report to parents on the behavior of students during the period of residence.

Public hostels are more liberal in this regard, but at the same time they set a fee for services. The cost of living in a public hostel reaches 150–350 euros per month. The exact price depends on the location of the hostel and the area of ​​the rented room.. Finally, the option of renting housing in an urban area is used. In the case of a successful offer, you can get a profitable living space.

Pros and cons of studying in Belgium (final table)

The opportunities that Belgium gives to foreign students attract a huge number of people who want to study in this country. Belgian education is not as expensive as in other Western European countries. At the same time, the quality of knowledge acquired at Belgian universities will provide a direct path to a serious career.