Belgium is increasingly recognised as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for university-level study. Home to institutions with centuries of academic history, a growing number of English-taught programmes, and a cost of living that is moderate by Western European standards, Belgium offers international students a genuine alternative to the UK, the Netherlands, or Germany – and one that is often overlooked.
For international students completing their secondary education in Belgium – at Owl Academy or elsewhere – the question of whether to stay and study at a Belgian university, or move to another country, is one that deserves serious thought. This guide sets out the key things every international student and their family needs to know.
Belgium’s University Landscape
Belgium has several major universities, distributed across its three linguistic communities. The main institutions that international students consider include:
- KU Leuven – consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, with a strong research profile across engineering, medicine, law, and the humanities.
- Ghent University – known for science, technology, and agriculture, with a growing international student population.
- University of Antwerp – located in the city itself, with strong programmes in business, law, pharmacy, and the social sciences.
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) – the Dutch-speaking Free University of Brussels, with an internationally oriented approach and a significant expat student community.
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) – the French-speaking counterpart, particularly strong in sciences and social sciences.
Most undergraduate programmes in Belgium are taught in Dutch or French. However, the number of English-taught master’s programmes has grown substantially, and several bachelor-level programmes – particularly in engineering, business, and the sciences – are offered in English or with significant English-language components.
Do Belgian Universities Accept British and American Qualifications?
Yes – and this is an important point for students completing their secondary education through the British or American curriculum in Belgium.
Belgian universities recognise A-Levels (examined through Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA) as a valid qualification for undergraduate entry. Students with strong A-Level results in relevant subjects are eligible to apply for undergraduate admission at Belgian institutions, subject to specific entry requirements that vary by programme and institution.
The American High School Diploma with strong AP examination scores is similarly recognised by most Belgian universities. Students should confirm specific entry requirements – including minimum AP scores and the number of AP courses expected – directly with the admissions office of their target institution.
Language Requirements for Belgian Universities
For undergraduate programmes taught in Dutch, international students will typically need to demonstrate Dutch language proficiency – usually through the NT2 (Nederlands als tweede taal) examination. This is a significant commitment for students who have not grown up speaking Dutch, and it should be factored into planning well in advance of the application.
For English-taught programmes – which are far more common at master’s level but do exist at undergraduate level – students will need to demonstrate English proficiency, typically through IELTS or TOEFL. Students who have studied through an English-medium international school will generally be well-placed to meet these requirements.
French-language programmes at ULB and UCLouvain require demonstrated French proficiency for non-native speakers.
Beyond Belgium – European Universities for International Students
Students completing their secondary education in Belgium also have strong access to universities across the rest of Europe. Several European higher education systems are particularly worth considering:
The Netherlands
Dutch universities – including the University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, and Erasmus University Rotterdam – offer a significant number of bachelor’s programmes taught entirely in English. Entry requirements are clear, the application process is well-structured for international students, and the Netherlands has a large and welcoming international student community. A-Levels and American diplomas with AP courses are widely recognised.
Germany
Germany’s public universities charge very low or no tuition fees – including for international students – making them extraordinarily attractive on cost grounds. The catch is language: the majority of undergraduate programmes are taught in German, requiring a high level of German proficiency. However, the number of English-taught master’s programmes in Germany is large and growing, making German universities an excellent option for students planning a master’s after an undergraduate degree elsewhere.
France
Sciences Po, HEC Paris, and the Paris universities attract significant numbers of international students and offer programmes in English or in French for those with the language skills. Sciences Po in particular has a highly international student body and actively recruits students with strong international secondary qualifications including A-Levels and the American diploma.
Spain and Italy
Both countries have prestigious institutions – particularly in architecture, design, medicine, and the humanities – with growing English-taught programme offerings. Tuition fees are generally lower than in the UK or the Netherlands, and both countries offer a quality of life that attracts a significant international student population.
The UK – Still a Strong Option for Belgian-Based Students
Despite Brexit, UK universities remain highly accessible to international students completing their secondary education in Belgium. A-Levels examined through Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA are the standard admission requirement at every UK university, from Oxford and Cambridge to the full Russell Group. Students applying through UCAS from a Belgian international school are treated in exactly the same way as students applying from within the UK – the qualification is the same, and it is understood.
Planning Your University Application From Belgium
The university application process varies significantly by country and institution. Key deadlines and timelines to be aware of:
- UK (UCAS): Applications for most courses open in September and the main deadline is January 15th of the year of entry. Oxford and Cambridge applications close in October.
- Netherlands: Applications through Studielink typically close in May, with some popular programmes closing in January.
- Belgium: Applications vary by institution and programme – check each university’s admissions page directly.
- US: Regular decision deadlines are typically January 1st, with early decision/action deadlines in November.
At Owl Academy, university application guidance is built into the A-Level and American diploma programmes from Grade 11 onwards – ensuring students and families are aware of requirements, deadlines, and the steps needed to submit a competitive application.
Final Thoughts
Belgium is not just a place to study for secondary school – it is a launchpad into some of the world’s finest universities, both within Belgium and across Europe. International students completing their qualifications at a school like Owl Academy in Antwerp graduate with credentials that are accepted, understood, and respected at institutions from Amsterdam to Oxford, from Leuven to Sciences Po.
The key is planning early, understanding the specific requirements of each target institution, and ensuring that subject choices at IGCSE and A-Level – or through the American diploma and AP courses – are genuinely aligned with the degree programme and university the student is aiming for.
