Cost of Studying in Belgium for Pakistani Students

Belgium is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international education — offering world-class universities, diverse programs, and affordable living costs. For Pakistani students, the cost of studying in Belgium is relatively reasonable compared to other Western European countries like Germany, the UK, or France.

This article provides a complete breakdown of the tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, and other costs that Pakistani students should expect while pursuing higher education in Belgium. Understanding these costs helps in financial planning and scholarship applications before starting your academic journey.

Overview of Education Costs in Belgium

Belgium’s higher education system is divided into three main communities — Flemish (Dutch-speaking), French-speaking, and German-speaking — each setting its own tuition structures. However, international students generally pay moderate fees compared to other European nations.

Expense Category	Estimated Annual Cost (€)	Equivalent in PKR (Approx.)
Tuition Fees	€1,000 – €6,000	Rs. 310,000 – Rs. 1,860,000
Living Costs	€9,000 – €13,000	Rs. 2.8 – 4.0 million
Health Insurance	€400 – €600	Rs. 120,000 – 180,000
Transportation	€250 – €500	Rs. 75,000 – 155,000
Books & Study Materials	€300 – €600	Rs. 90,000 – 180,000
Miscellaneous	€500 – €1,000	Rs. 155,000 – 310,000

Tip: The actual cost of living depends on your city, lifestyle, and accommodation type. Cities like Leuven and Ghent are slightly cheaper than Brussels.

Tuition Fees at Belgian Universities

Belgium’s tuition fees are among the most affordable in Western Europe. Pakistani students can choose from public universities, private institutions, and university colleges.

University Type	Average Annual Tuition Fees (€)	Remarks
Public Universities	€1,000 – €4,000	Most affordable; majority of programs offered in English
Private Universities	€4,000 – €10,000	Higher cost, often with specialized or professional programs
University Colleges	€800 – €3,000	Short-cycle professional degrees or applied programs

Top universities like KU Leuven, Ghent University, and UCLouvain charge around €2,000 – €3,500 per year for international students in most master’s programs.

Some doctoral programs (PhDs) are fully funded, meaning students receive a monthly stipend instead of paying tuition.

Cost of Living in Belgium

Belgium offers a comfortable standard of living, combining modern infrastructure with rich cultural experiences. On average, Pakistani students need €800 to €1,200 per month to cover living costs.

Expense Type	Average Monthly Cost (€)
Accommodation (Rent)	400 – 700
Food & Groceries	250 – 400
Transport (Public)	30 – 60
Utilities (Electricity, Internet, etc.)	100 – 150
Leisure & Miscellaneous	100 – 200

Cities like Leuven, Liège, and Ghent are student-friendly and affordable compared to Brussels, where rent and transport may be slightly higher.

Accommodation Costs

Pakistani students can choose between on-campus dormitories and private housing.

Type of Accommodation	Monthly Cost (€)	Features
University Dormitory	300 – 500	Shared facilities, utilities often included
Private Apartment	500 – 800	Independent living, higher privacy
Shared Flat	400 – 600	Cost-effective option for international students

Most universities assist international students in finding student housing before arrival. Booking early ensures better rates and convenient locations.

Health Insurance & Medical Expenses

All international students in Belgium must have health insurance coverage.

EU/EEA students can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Non-EU students (including Pakistanis) must purchase local health insurance costing €400–€600 per year.

This insurance covers medical checkups, emergency treatment, and hospitalization. Some scholarship programs, such as VLIR-UOS or ARES, include free health coverage.

Transportation Costs

Belgium’s transport network is one of the most efficient in Europe. Pakistani students can use buses, trams, and trains for daily commuting.

Monthly student pass: €30 – €50
Train discounts: Up to 50% off with student cards
Bicycle rental: €15 – €30 per month in university cities

Students studying in cities like Leuven or Ghent often prefer cycling, an affordable and eco-friendly option.

Scholarships & Financial Support

Belgium offers numerous scholarships for Pakistani students to cover tuition and living expenses. These include:

VLIR-UOS Scholarships (for Master’s programs from developing countries)
ARES Scholarships (for postgraduate study in development-related fields)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EU-funded programs)
University-specific scholarships (KU Leuven, UCLouvain, Ghent University)

Many scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition, health insurance, travel, and a monthly allowance (approx. €1,100–€1,300).

Part-Time Work Opportunities

Pakistani students with a Belgium student visa (Type D) can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during holidays.

Hourly pay: €10–€15/hour
Common jobs: university assistant, café staff, tutoring, research internships

Working part-time helps students manage expenses while gaining valuable experience in an international environment.

Conclusion

Belgium offers Pakistani students an affordable yet high-quality education in the heart of Europe. With tuition fees as low as €1,000 per year, generous scholarships, and a reasonable cost of living, Belgium stands out as one of the most budget-friendly study destinations in Western Europe.

By planning ahead, managing expenses wisely, and exploring scholarship opportunities, Pakistani students can enjoy a world-class education and a rewarding international experience without financial strain.