Cost of Living and Study in Belgium for Pakistani Students

International students residing in Belgium under a residence permit can travel to other Schengen states without a visa. Belgium is one country in Europe which can give you a true international experience as you can meet students belonging from different ethnicities and countries. Yet it is an affordable country in terms of living expenses, accommodation and food. The study cost is relatively low than other Schengen States as Austria and France. Additionally Belgian government is running several scholarship programs for students of developing countries based on academic merit. A student studying for post graduate degree in Belgium can work 20 hours a week. If you are planning on to study abroad in Belgium, the following guide give an elaborated estimate of study and living expenses in Belgium:

Cost of Study in Belgium for International Students 

The cost of study may vary depending upon the study program and level of education. The public institutions offer cheaper tuition fees than private institutes. The tuition fee and other expenditures also depend upon an applicant’s nationality.

Approximate Study Cost for EU Nationals in Belgium

EU nationals can expect to pay 850 Euros per year for a post graduate program in Belgium. It can be lesser or higher for different study programs. There are Belgium scholarships and grants specifically directed at assisting EU nationals to avail cheap cost education around the European countries such ERASMUS.

Approximate Study Cost for Non-EU Nationals in Belgium

Non-EU nationals have to pay tuition fee, registration fee, visa fee and many such expenses. On average to study a post graduate program in Belgium a student can expect to pay 1000 Euros to 4000 Euros a year. The tuition fee can be cheaper and higher depending on the study program you have chosen. The public institutions charge much lower tuition fees than private institutions.

Living Expenses in Belgium for International Students 

Belgium is not an expensive country but as a foreign student residing in a distant land maintaining a monthly budget is necessary for avoiding debt. Living costs are directly related to a person’s lifestyle and spending habits. Similar to any other country the living cost in the urban cities of Belgium is much higher than the rural areas. But part time jobs are accessible in urban cities mainly. Consequently, international students belonging to any nationality who are studying abroad in Belgium are mostly resided in urban cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven and Liege. An international students enrolled in a full time study program at post graduate level can work for 20 hours a week to earn an additional amount to bear his/her living expenses. On average the per month living costs as an international student living in the different cities of Belgium can be estimated as follows:

Accommodation Expenses

The charges of accommodation naturally depend upon the locality and city you decide to live in Belgium. Mostly international students prefer to reside in university halls as it the least expensive and most facilitating option. University halls and dormitories are available in all major university cities of Belgium. Students who can afford private apartments and flats can expect to pay higher rent than university halls. The monthly rent of different types of accommodations for internationals students in Belgium is follows:

University Halls and Dormitories: On average on campus room or dorm room can be rented in 200 to 400 Euros per month based on available facilities and bills.

A room in private flat or apartment: A room in a private flat or apartment in the urban city of Belgium can be rented in 500 Euros per month.

Rent of a private apartment: If you want to rent a private apartment or studio apartment for in Belgium can expect to pay monthly rent of 600 to 700 Euros.

Food Cost in Belgium

Belgium is famous for its food and restaurants. You can find every type of cuisines in local restaurants and fully packed cafes. Cooking at home and buying monthly groceries from super markets on discount rates is the cheapest and healthiest eating option for everyone including foreign students residing in Belgium. On average you can expect to spend around 200 to 300 Euros per month on buying groceries for one person in Belgium. The more specific rates of day to day groceries and restaurant costs per meal for one person are estimated as:

• A basic one time meal including a drink for one person in a restaurant is 16 Euros

• A meal for one person in fast food restaurant as Bib Mac Meal is 8 Euros

• 1 kg boneless chicken is 4.97 Euros

• 1 liter of milk bottle is 1.04 Euros

• A Pack of dozen eggs is 4.32 Euros

• 1 kg of tomatoes is 1.97 Euros

• 1 kg of apples is 2.10 Euros

• A loaf of bread is 1.34 Euros

• 2 liter bottle of Coca Cola is 2.42 Euros

Transportation Cost in Belgium 

The best option of transportation for international students in Belgium is via public transports such as buses and train.  Monthly ticket of metro trains and buses can cost you 50 Euros. For travelling along the coast line public coast tram can be used. Students can have discounts on travel tickets. If you own a car it is also not so expensive option. 1 liter of gas will cost you 1.46 Euros. International students prefer to travel around the city on bicycles as well. Taxis are an expensive option of travelling. Most taxi services in Belgium are owned by private companies which have fixed their own per ride rate.

Health Care Expenditure

Health care coverage is an important document of attaining a student’s residence permit of Belgium. Any international student enrolled in a full time study program in Belgium requires attaining a health care insurance from one of public or private company based in Belgium. The health care insurance will cover medical expenses or in case of any medical emergency hospitalization expenditure of the student during their stay in Belgium. The amount of health care coverage will be specified to you by Belgian Embassy while applying for a student visa.