Belgium

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Belgium have three native languages, but people there are quite fluent in English. Belgians are also known to be very friendly - which is always a huge plus when you are just arriving somewhere new. 

Belgium's education ranks as 19th best in the world by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) coordinated by OECD. There are plenty of international school catering to the expat community. It operates under Bologna System, which essentially improves the quality of education and creates an easier process for students when switching from European countries. 

Aside from its gorgeous historic monuments, castles, cobblestone architecture, beautiful art work , delectable food and festivals, Belgium is certainly enriched with well-rounded and cultures educational experience. 

 

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Schools in Belgium offer many undergraduate and graduate programs in every academic field. After deciding (1) What your career goals are and (2) What academic programs can help you achieve those goals, it's time to do some research on which school is best for you! There are schools in the Belgium that are looking for Filipino students just like you! Explore them here.

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Philippine passport holders doesn't need a visa if they will only stay in Belgium for not more than 90 days as part of Schengen agreement. If they need to stay longer than that, they must apply for a long stay Belgian visa. This is applicable to all Filipinos who are going to Belgium to work, study, as an au pair, or for cohabitation.

Requirements:

• Philippine passport (must be valid for at least 1 year)
• Fully accomplished long stay Belgian visa application (2 copies, with signature)
• 2 passport-size color photographs (recent, white background, attach to application form)
• €180.00 visa application fee paid in Philippine peso
• Medical certificate (http://www.diplomatie.be/manila/default.asp?id=28&ACT=5&content=20&mnu=28)
• NBI clearance
• DFA authenticated parental consent letter for minors
• Letter of admission to Belgian school or university
• Copies of diplomas and certificates
• “Annexe 32” – Proof of scholarship, Proof of sponsors financial capability (employment letter, tax certificate, pay slips)
• For applicants enrolled in a private Belgian university – letter explaining why applicant is studying in Belgium, Proof that course or subject is not offered in the Philippines (Official Department of Education letter or certificate), Proof of language proficiency

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Generally, schools in the Belgium will ask for your:

• Enrollment at an approved university/educational institution,
• Sufficient income to live in Belgium without needing income support,
• Comprehensive health cover

The specific requirements will vary depending on your school, course, and level of study. Visit the Edukasyon profile of the school you like to find their specific requirements. For a list of schools in Belgium looking for Filipino students, see here.

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Belgium has 3 national languages: Dutch, French and German. Leuven lies in the northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium called "Flanders". Most people in Leuven also speak French and English relatively well.

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There are many scholarships offered by the Belgium government and even the schools themselves. Visit the Edukasyon profiles of the schools you are interested in to check if they are offering any scholarships.
There are also some international student loans available from different loan giving bodies. University representatives usually work in tandem with their financial aid department that focuses on helping students find options to finance their education. Explore our partner schools here, and click "Send Inquiry" to get connected with your university representative.