Author: Abuzar Adnan
Date of Publication: 04/08/2022
Studying abroad is one of the experiences which I feel every individual should do once in their lifetime. Being an international student abroad gives a wide range of new moments and expands your horizon. You start watching the world in a more open and different way. In particular, studying in Europe is rewarding in every way. You will be able to travel to many countries visa-free, meet people from all over the world. Also, you will improve your intercultural and communication skills. People will start picking up and speaking different languages.
One of the countries which is in the center of Europe, so it makes it easier to travel around Europe is Belgium. I, myself, have studied in Belgium as a bachelor student in international business and trade at Thomas more Hogeschool which is in Mechelen, Belgium. One thing for sure from my experience that studying in Belgium is an amazing experience with so much of learning to gain. It has helped me prosper and understand different fields of work. Also, I was able to interact with people and make connections from around the globe.
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH STUDYING IN BELGIUM?
1. Choosing the right university in Belgium
There are several universities in Belgium, but it is important to choose the one that suits your study needs and the environment. Universities in Belgium often offer English study courses. Regarding the university's tuition fees, they are very affordable compared to other European countries.
Some universities in Belgium:
Thomas more Hogeschool
KU Leuven
Antwerp Management school
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Hasselt university
2. Applying to a university
There is always a difference in the application process for students from EU regions and students from Outside the EU. Nevertheless, Universities in Belgium have a very easy application process and mostly don’t require a lot of documents. Please always contact the university staff about the application procedure before applying to have a clear idea of the documents and deadlines.
3. Collecting documents and applying for a student visa (FOR NON-EU CITIZENS)
Before starting with the application for a visa, you need to make sure that you have all documents in your hand.
Embassies in every country have different requirements for visa documents. However, the most common and important documents asked by every embassy are:
University acceptance letter
Proof of financial means (Blocked account method or showing bank statements)
English language certificate
Passport
High school transcripts and records
4. After getting visa acceptance for studying abroad
If you have reached and completed this process, congratulations! You are on your way to start an adventure.
After getting the visa acceptance, the most important thing to do is secure an accommodation. Be aware that housing gets booked very quickly as more and more students have started to consider studying abroad. So, after getting accommodation, you should make sure to book a flight at least a week before the university starts. This is important in order for you to get used to everyday life in Belgium.