Study in Brussels, Belgium
by Paul Downey, , modified
| Brussels, Belgium | |
|---|---|
| Population: | 1,175,000 |
| Listed universities: | 9 |
|
Largest universities:
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
|
Filled with fascinating historical features and plenty of things to eat, drink, see and do, Brussels is a brilliant place to study.
Located right in the centre of Belgium, and composed of 19 municipalities, Brussels is home to around 1.2 million people. There are around 86, 000 students enrolled in its universities, and together they make up no less than a quarter of the total student population in Belgium.
The number of students coming to Brussels for higher education has increased steadily over the last decade, so there is no denying that the Belgian capital is a very popular city to study in.
Study in Brussels: Find Bachelors and Masters
Brussels is one of the most liveable cities in the world and one of the best student cities.
The city is the political heart of Europe, but it has a lot more going on than just EU institutions and diplomats. For students, it offers a good mix of international atmosphere, charming neighborhoods, and a surprisingly laid-back lifestyle. Whether you’re grabbing frites in Place Jourdan, cycling through Parc de Bruxelles, or hanging out in one of the city’s many cafés, you’ll quickly feel at home.
Brussels is also bilingual (French and Dutch), but you'll hear a dozen other languages daily thanks to the huge expat and student population.
Although living in Brussels can be costly, if you can manage to find student accommodation or a room in a shared house, you can make your stay abroad very affordable. Rent tends to be cheaper than in other Western European capitals, though it varies depending on your location. Expect to pay around €400–700 per month for student housing. And when it comes to culture, food, and nightlife, Brussels has a lot more to offer than you might expect for its size.
There are over a dozen universities in Brussels, including the Université Libre de Bruxelles (which is a predominantly French speaking university), the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (predominantly Dutch speaking), Le Cambre and Saint Louis University.
The ULB and the VUB often rank very high in international university rankings. Both of these universities’ names mean the same thing: “the free university of Brussels”; they were originally a single entity, but split up in the 1960’s. Both universities, in addition to study programmes in either Dutch or French, also offer a wide range of programmes fully taught in English.
Studying in Belgium comes with the bonus of relatively affordable tuition fees, especially when compared to other Western European countries. But if you still need to cover some of your living expenses, part-time work is a good option.
EU/EEA students don’t need a special permit to work and can take up part-time jobs just like Belgian students. Non-EU students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays, provided they have a valid residence permit and a student employment contract.
Brussels is home to countless international companies, NGOs, and EU institutions, making it a great place to gain work experience in fields like international relations, politics, communications, and business. Many universities also post job openings on student portals and career platforms, so keep an eye out for internships or part-time roles.
Brussels is one of Europe’s most well-connected cities, making it super easy to get to and explore. The city has two main airports: Brussels Airport (Zaventem) for most international flights and Brussels South Charleroi for many budget airlines. From either airport, you can easily reach the city centre by train or shuttle.
Public transport is affordable and efficient, and once in the city, getting around is straightforward. Students can apply for a heavily discounted annual transport pass, making daily commutes much more affordable. Cycling is also becoming increasingly popular as it’s a very convenient way to explore the city. Prefer walking? Brussels’ compact city centre and quirky neighborhoods make it perfect for discovering on foot.
And that's not all, Brussels' central location makes weekend getaways to cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or Cologne super easy.
