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Filled with amazing Flemish Renaissance architecture, the Western European country of Belgium has a flair that¡¯s all its own. With the bilingual capital of Brussels at its center, Belgium is divided into two separate regions: the southern Wallonia where they speak French, and Flanders at the north with Dutch as its primary language. In 1994, it was made a federal state which allowed each of its cultures to be equally represented. Its beautiful countryside adds to its historic charm and with exports like gemstones from Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world, and fresh sugar beets from its farming community, Belgium should be a must-visit on everyone¡¯s bucket list.

What Type of Schools Offer Undergraduate Degrees in Belgium?

Students pursuing higher education in Belgium are able to choose from various universities and colleges. With the institutions being organized primarily by µþ±ð±ô²µ¾±³Ü³¾¡¯s two primary language communities, the French and the Flemish have completely separate schools. There are many institutions that are offered only in the French community, such as institutes of architecture and art colleges. No matter what school is chosen, Belgium offers its students a quality education in the midst of a bustling country full of history.

How Long is the Academic Year in Belgium?

Higher education in Belgium typically begins in the second or third week in September, depending on if you are attending a university or college. With no fall break, the semester continues until winter vacation in December during which exams and a break from coursework are taken until January. Classes then resume at the beginning of February and continue on until June with a short vacation from school around Easter.

Tuition Fees

The cost of obtaining an undergraduate degree from Belgium is separated into three different pricing categories for Belgian students. They offer their local students decreased tuition if they qualify for financial aid and base this on their household income. Tuitions for international students generally run between €1,900 and €3,800 per academic year with schools in the Dutch community usually coming up cheaper than the French institutions.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Bachelor¡¯s Degree in Belgium?

Attaining higher education in Belgium is similar to those in other countries and follows the system which assigns both bachelor¡¯s and master¡¯s degrees. Earning a bachelor¡¯s degree typically takes about three years with the subsequent master¡¯s taking anywhere from one to two years, depending on what area is being studied.

Why Earn an Undergraduate Degree in Belgium?

With µþ±ð±ô²µ¾±³Ü³¾¡¯s historic European appeal and ornate, yet modern, cities, it is an amazing place to call home for a few years while looking to obtain an undergraduate degree. Their high levels of education and distinct cultures are sure to give international students the life and experience that they¡¯ve been hoping for in a study abroad adventure.

Higher Education

Higher education institutions in Belgium offer bachelor¡¯

s, master¡¯

s and doctorate degrees. Belgium has two types of institutions of higher education:

1- University education is offered by universities, and includes education in a selected discipline along with scientific research.

2- Non-university higher education includes both university colleges and art academies. University colleges

prepare students for specific professions.Art academies teach the theory and practice of various arts.

Many masters degree courses are taught in Dutch or French, and some programs and courses are taught in English.

Why Study in Belgium?

Belgium is in the heart of Europe, just a short train ride away from major cultural cities such as Paris and Berlin. As a crossroads of Europe, Belgium is known for its multiculturalism and welcoming attitude toward international students.

Belgian institutes of higher education are recognized around the world by both the business and scientific communities for their high quality. Belgium also boats a high quality of life, including low tuition, excellent health care and a robust public transportation network.

Universities

Belgium has six universities that cover masters degrees in all fields of study, such as economics, engineering, languages and psychology.

µþ±ð±ô²µ¾±³Ü³¾¡¯

s 21 university colleges offer master¡¯

s programs in eight areas: agronomics, applied arts, economics, paramedical, education, social sciences, technology, and translation &

interpretation.

Belgium also has 17 art academies that offer master¡¯

s degrees in one of four general areas: fine arts, music, dramatic art, and broadcasting techniques.

Tuition and Program Duration

Tuition in 2012-2013 at universities for students from EU countries is 835€

. Students from non-EU countries pay additional fees of about 2,000€

to 4,000€

depending upon their program of study and university.

Tuition at university colleges and art academies is lower. The 2012-2013 tuition for a master¡¯

s program is 351€

each year except for the final year, which is 455€

. Again, additional fees may apply for students from non-EU countries. The specific institution can provide information on these additional fees.

²Ñ²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù¡¯

s degree programs are 1 year (60 credits) or 2 years (120 credits) depending upon the field of study. In addition, students who already have a master¡¯

s degree can obtain a Complementary ²Ñ²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù¡¯

s degree with a minimum of 60 credits in a specialized profession.

Academic Year

The academic year includes three terms. The first term begins in mid-September and runs through the end of December, followed by exams in January. The second term begins in early February and runs though the middle of May, followed by exams at the end of May or early June. The third term runs over the summer. Students who fail exams may retake them during a session that runs from mid-August to mid-September.

Post-Graduate Opportunities

International students who obtain a master¡¯

s degree in Belgium may work for a Belgian company after graduation. However, the right to work is not automatic, so students should check the current laws if they are offered a position. At a minimum, students may be required to obtain a work permit;

this applies to students from both EU and non-EU countries.

Students who wish to continue their studies may be admitted to a doctoral program and join a research team after obtaining their masters degree in Belgium.

Visa Requirements

Students from EU/EEA-member countries

do not need a visa to study in Belgium. Students from other countries may require a visa;

however, as requirements vary for each country, prospective students should contact the Belgian embassy or consulate in their home country.

Health Insurance

Non-EU member students who

do not have health insurance from their home country that covers a stay in Belgium are required to join a ¡°

³¾³Ü³Ù³Ü±ð±ô±ô±ð¡±

to receive health care benefits. Students from EU countries must have a European health insurance card from their home country;

this card allows them to join a mutuelle under the same conditions as a Belgian national. Health insurance costs about €

50 per quarter for each person and must be paid during the term of study.

Tips

Since French and Dutch are the languages of choice for instruction in Belgium, prospective students for some master¡¯

s program may be required to pass a Dutch or French language proficiency exam. For specific requirements, students should ask the institution they are interested in attending. Most institutions offer additional language instruction to students who have difficulty with the language of tuition.

Although the cost of studying in Belgium is low, there are still many scholarships and grants available for students of master¡¯

s programs who need additional assistance.