Belgium’s linguistic divide means that it has been slow to embrace English-language education, but in those degree fields where it has, there are considerable options available, especially for those who want to study business. It’s not for everyone, but if you’ve got an eye towards living in Europe, where better to study than the de facto capital of the EU?
Noteworthy Universities
Unless you speak French, chances are that you’ll be interested in universities in the Flemish part of the country. There are several of note here, including the University of Ghent, the University of Rotterdam, and the Free University of Brussels (the Dutch speaking one – yes, there’s a French one too).
If you want to live in Luxembourg, the University of Luxembourg is an option, but you’ll have to network in order to find employment outside the Grand Duchy. Also, the language requirements are intense.
Degrees Available
Belgium has a relatively small number of programs in English, typically huddled around one of three different fields: business, social sciences, and philosophy. There are some outlier degrees in tech (and a rumored one in European studies), but Belgium likely isn’t a contender if you’re wanting to study something other than one of those fields.
Language Requirements
Linguistic differences are acutely felt in Belgium, with the differences between the French and Fleming (a variety of Dutch) speaking parts proving to be a major political stumbling block in the past. Of course, there is also the German speaking region in the extreme east, which only complicates matters.
In Brussels, English will typically suffice for most transactions, but you’ll want to learn a bit of French to get around. The same can also be said outside of the capital, but with Dutch taking the place of French.
Of course, if you’re already multilingual, and perhaps even speak German as well, you can also consider the University of Luxembourg; though not in Belgium, your linguistic background means that this is a possibility.
Admissions Requirements
In sharp contrast to many other universities, especially those in the nearby Netherlands, an American high school diploma with decent grades (above a 3.0, occasionally a 3.5) acts as sufficient proof that you’re capable of undergraduate work in Belgium. Language proficiency will be necessary for those programs that are taught in a language other than English.
Paying for It
There’s good news and bad news here. FIrst, the bad news – US Direct Federal Loans aren’t processed by Belgian universities. They are, however, eligible for deferment, so if you want to do a grad degree in Belgium, you can defer your loans.
The good news is that Belgium university tuition is really affordable, even for Americans, and you can easily afford living expenses in the vast majority of the country off of a student job. Therefore, a degree from a Belgian university is in easy reach of most people.
Living in Belgium
The three language communities are fiercely proud, so it is best to know what you’re getting into. The north speaks Fleming, the south speaks French (as does Brussels), and the far east speaks German. Most people do speak English, but as the country has almost broken apart because of language, it’s wise to know the differences.
The country itself has great links to the rest of Europe; plenty of low-cost flights leave from Brussels Airport, while there are daily links to London by train via EuroStar (the Chunnel).
Finally, for those interested in international organizations, both the EU and NATO have their headquarters in the city of Brussels, so there is plenty of opportunity for internships, though Americans may find more luck with think tanks than the EU directly.