The check-list before travelling to prepare your study stay in French-speaking Belgium

That’s it, you’ve decided. You are going to study in French-speaking Belgium! Great choice! To help you prepare for your study stay in Belgium, we have drawn up a check-list with everything you need to organise before you leave.


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  1. Finding the right course in French-speaking Belgium

Depending on the subject matter, language and type of studies you want to complete, there are various different course options available in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. To help you find the perfect one, take a look at our search engine.

  1. Find out about admission criteria and registration

Once you have chosen your path of study, you need to find out about admission and registration conditions. To do so, contact the Admissions and Registrations Service at your chosen higher education institution. Remember: in Belgium, the academic year starts in September. As a rule, the cut-off date for enrolment is 31 March before the start of the academic year.

  1. Get a study grant

Depending on your nationality, you may be entitled to a grant. Contact the Social Services Department of the chosen Belgian institution to find out about any financial aid available.

  1. Request a Belgian visa

Find out what you need to do to apply for a visa and get all the documents ready for the Belgian immigration service.

  1. Take out health insurance

To make sure that your stay in Belgium goes as well as it can, we strongly recommend taking out health insurance for the whole of the time you spend studying in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

  1. Find accommodation

Now it is time to find somewhere to stay. As a student, you have various options available to you. In any case, whatever type of accommodation you choose, we recommend getting organised before you reach Belgium. If you are not sure that you will be able to move in right away, we recommend you book a few nights in a youth hostel, just in case. 

Head to social media to help prepare for your study abroad in Belgium, too!

The red tape has been dealt with, you have somewhere to stay, you have enrolled with the higher education institution of your choice… but you still have a few specific questions? Fill in the form to contact us. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest news. By way of further preparation for your study stay in French-speaking Belgium, you can also take a look at the testimonials given by other international students who have studied in Belgium. And why not follow your chosen higher education institution on social networks too? That will give you an insight into Belgian culture before you even get here, telling you everything you need to know about what goes on at your campus.