Study in Belgium
At the heart of Europe, with applications now handled directly in Dhaka. Here is the long-stay student visa (Type D) process.
Belgium at a glance
Typical temperatures
Approximate averages.
Seasons
At a glance
| Visa | Long-stay student visa (Type D) for studies over 90 days. |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Belgian Visa Application Centre (VFS), Banani, Dhaka. Appointments are mandatory. |
| Fees | D visa handling fee €250, plus VAC service fee BDT 12,325. Non-refundable. |
| Contribution fee | If you have no scholarship, a separate contribution is paid into a Belgian bank account before you apply. |
| Money to show | A minimum amount indexed each year. We confirm the current figure with you. |
| Who decides | The Immigration Office in Brussels. |
Rules, fees and amounts change. We confirm the latest official figures with you before you apply.
Who can apply
- Registration, admission or pre-registration at a higher education institution organised, recognised or subsidised by the public authorities.
- A diploma that gives access to Belgian higher education.
- Proof of funds, insurance, a medical certificate and a police clearance certificate.
Money you need
- Scholarship: confirmation from the Belgian authorities, or your university’s scholarship letter.
- University-held account: some universities hold your first-year funds and pay you monthly.
- Sponsor in Belgium: legalised Annexe 32 affidavit, ID, family composition and income proof.
- Sponsor outside Belgium: usually immediate family only, with a legalised Annexe 32, apostilled relationship documents, income proof and 6 months of bank statements.
Step by step
Get admitted
At a recognised institution, with the right attestation.
Arrange your financial proof
Choose the route that fits: scholarship, university account or sponsor.
Pay the contribution fee
If you have no scholarship, before submitting your file.
Medical certificate and police clearance
From the embassy’s certified doctor in Dhaka, and a PCC with apostille.
Translations and legalisation
Sworn translations into English, French, Dutch or German where needed.
Book and attend your VAC appointment
In Banani, Dhaka, Sunday to Thursday.
Track your file
Use the file number to follow your case with the Immigration Office.
Document checklist
The core documents. Your embassy or university may ask for more, and we check your full list with you.
- Visa application form
- Passport (valid at least 12 months) and copies
- 2 recent photos (white background)
- Proof of registration or admission
- Diploma giving access to higher education
- Proof of financial means
- Insurance covering all risks in Belgium
- Medical certificate from a certified doctor
- Police clearance certificate with apostille
- Contribution fee receipt (if no scholarship)
Work and after graduation
- Students at private institutions not recognised by the Belgian government must submit extra documents, including proof of full tuition payment and a study plan.
Common mistakes
- Paying incomplete fees. Incomplete payment makes the application inadmissible.
- A police clearance certificate older than 6 months.
- Not checking whether a private school is recognised.
Leading universities in Belgium
Universities in Belgium that regularly appear among the country’s best in international rankings, such as the QS World University Rankings 2027. Listed alphabetically.
Rankings change every year and differ between ranking tables. The best university for you depends on your subject, budget and profile. Ask a counsellor which ones fit you, or see the latest table at topuniversities.com.
Scholarships for Belgium
Scholarships are competitive and each one has its own rules and deadlines. Always check the current round on the official page.
Master Mind Scholarships
Flemish Government scholarships for talented international master’s students at Flemish institutions.
Official pageErasmus Mundus joint master’s
EU-funded scholarships for joint master’s programmes, open to students worldwide.
Official page