If you are applying via an agency or educational consultant, we recommend you consult with them for assistance with the visa procedure, as it may require professional guidance. If you are applying directly, please consult with our admission office at [email protected].
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
Who Needs a Blocked Account?
A blocked account is required only for international students who need to obtain or renew a student visa/residence permit for their studies. If you already have legal residence in Belgium through other means (e.g., family reunification, work permit, EU citizenship, or permanent residence), you do not need to open a blocked account, as you will not be applying for a student visa through the college.
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 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.
Blocked Account Provider: Studely
Studely is a financial service provider specializing in blocked account services for international students. According to their website, Studely's blocked account service is recognized and accepted by the Belgian Immigration Office (IBZ), Belgian consulates, and municipalities for student visa applications.
Key Information:
- IBZ Recognition: Service recognized by Belgian Immigration Office, consulates, and municipalities (as stated on studely.com)
- Specialization: Dedicated services for students applying for Belgian student visas (also serves France and Germany)
- Service Package: Blocked account setup, blocking certificate (AVI) for visa applications, monthly fund release upon arrival in Belgium
- Digital Platform: Mobile app and web platform for account management
- Customer Support: Multi-language support available
Required Deposit:
€835/month minimum for 2025-2026 (total €10,020 for 12 months) as per Belgian visa regulations.
How to Proceed:
Visit studely.com/en/belgique for complete information about their service, current fees, terms, and step-by-step instructions to open your blocked account.
Important Disclaimer: Brussels College provides this information about Studely for educational purposes only. We are not affiliated with, do not endorse, and receive no compensation from Studely. Students should visit studely.com to review complete service details, current fees, terms and conditions directly before proceeding. Service features and fees may change. For official visa requirements, consult the Belgian Immigration Office at dofi.ibz.be.
For more details, please visit the official government page: Sufficient means of subsistence.
The decision to grant or refuse a D visa is taken by the Immigration Office. In the event of a refusal, the decision and the reason for the refusal are notified to the applicant by the post. Applicants may introduce an appeal against this decision.
When their visa application is sent to the Immigration Office for a decision, the applicant can track the visa application through the app Follow-up the visa application.
For the most current and detailed information, please refer to the official Belgian Immigration Office website: IBZ Website.