Studying in Belgium
Studying in Belgium: A Guide for International Students
Belgium is the country enriched with culture and European history, not to mention how attractive this destination is for those international students who are seeking high quality education in Belgium in affordable cost. This article will help you with providing information related to Belgium student visa along with application process, documents required, eligibility criteria and what steps to take to get your student visa of Belgium.
Do You Need a Student Visa for Belgium?
The requirement for a student visa depends on your nationality. It depends from where you belong, in case you are a europeon citizen or from the EEA state, or a country with a visa waiver program with Belgium that include counties like US, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, and Andorra), you do not require a student visa to study in Belgium. However you may still be required to apply for a residence permit upon your arrival.
For international students who do not belong to these countries need a student visa to study in Belgium. The visa is mandatory.
The Belgian Student Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step
The Belgian student visa application process has several key steps:
University Acceptance
The acceptance letter from the educational institution of Belgium is the first key step. Getting an admission in recognized university of Belgium is top priority and this can be proved by the acceptance or invitation letter from the university. After receiving it you can initiate your visa application process.
Visa Application Form:
Download and print the Belgian student visa application form from the official website and fill this form with accurate and to the point information. DO not leave any field empty or any box unchecked.
Document Gathering
Applicant must gather documents before applying for visa through application. This will ensure you save time and add accurate and correct information.
Visa Appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country to submit the visa application for Belgian student visa. These appointments are important and those applications which are submitted without appointments are not entertained.
Interview Preparation
Make sure you prepare yourself before appearing for an interview. You might be asked several questions about your own self and your study plan and future goals. Make sure you are confident enough and have the knowledge about your case.
Belgian Student Visa Requirements: A Checklist
Following are the requirements that must be checked by the applicant whether they are complete or not;
- Student Visa Application Form
- Valid Passport
- Passport Sized Photographs
- Health Insurance
- Financial Requirements
- Proof of Admission
- Supporting Letter
- Proof of Language Proficiency
- Police Clearance Certificate (if over 21)
- High School Diploma
Student Visa Application Form
The application form of Belgium student visa must be completed and signed by the applicant.
Valid Passport
Passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay for the purpose of your study. Two blank pages at least while traveling to Belgium for the purpose of stamping and all.
Passport Sized Photographs
Two recent passport sized photographs that must meet the embassy requirement, background and other facial requirements must be met.
Health Insurance
Incase of any medical issue of the applicant during his or her stay in Belgium for education purposes, the applicant must have health insurance on his or her name.
Financial Requirements
The applicant must have enough financial resources to help him live and study in Belgium
Proof of Admission
Acceptance letter from your university that shows that you are successfully enrolled.
Supporting Letter
This letter will explain your reason for choosing Belgium as a place to study, why not other countries.
Proof of Language Proficiency
A proof to show that you are proficient in English, Dutch, French or German, it depends on the language of instruction that you have chosen the program. TOEGL and IELTS test scores will determine your language proficiency.
Police Clearance Certificate (if over 21)
If you are over 21 you will need police clearance to show that you have no criminal record.
High School Diploma
The original copy of your high school diploma or previous certificates.
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