Student Visa Process

Guidance for international students requiring a visa for Belgium.

Visa Application

Information for Third-Country Nationals

This third-country national must apply for a D visa at the Belgian diplomatic or consular post competent for the place where they habitually reside abroad. The procedure to be followed for submitting a D visa application and the form in which supporting documents must be submitted are explained on the post's site and/or the external service provider with which the post works (VFS Global, TLS Contact).

Required Documents (Standard File)

The general rule is that the applicant must submit the following items:

  • A copy of his valid passport or a copy of an equivalent travel document.
  • Proof of payment of the contribution fee, if this obligation applies to him.
  • A certificate of enrolment issued by Brussels College.
  • His secondary school leaving certificate, or his baccalaureate.
  • Any diploma, certificate or pass certificate obtained after secondary education.
  • A summary of the marks obtained during the final academic year issued by the institution attended.
  • Proof of sufficient knowledge of the language in which the courses are taught.
  • If he is under eighteen years of age, proof of consent from his parents or guardian.
  • Proof of sufficient means of subsistence.
  • Proof of health insurance covering risks in Belgium.
  • A medical certificate.
  • If over 18, an extract from the criminal record.
  • In the case of vocational training, an employer's certificate explaining the need for the study.

Sufficient Means of Subsistence

The third-country national who wishes to pursue full-time higher studies at an institution of higher education in Belgium, or a preparatory year for such education, and the third-country national who, after completing their studies, asks to be authorised to extend their stay in order to seek employment or set up a business, must prove that they have sufficient means of subsistence.

The minimum amount for the means of subsistence is set by Royal Decree and indexed every year. For the 2025 - 2026 academic year, this amount is 835 euros net/month.

Proof of sufficient means of subsistence is provided by submitting one or more of the following documents:

  • The deposit of a sum of money equivalent to twelve times the minimum monthly amount a student is required to have (12 X 835 euros), into a blocked account opened by Brussels College in the student's name.
  • The deposit of a bank guarantee equivalent to twelve times the minimum monthly amount a student is required to have (12 X 835 euros), into an account opened in the student's name by a financial services company specializing in the opening of blocked bank accounts intended to justify financial resources as part of a study application.

For more details, please visit the official government page: Sufficient means of subsistence.

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