How to Get a Student Visa for Belgium

Belgium offers two main types of student visas for international students, depending on the duration of the course. 

1. C-Type Study Visa (Short Stay) 

Duration: For courses lasting less than 3 months 

Ideal for: Short-term programs like summer schools or certificate courses 

Key Notes: 

• No option for post-study work 
• Limited employment rights (if any) 
• Must leave Belgium after course completion 

2. D-Type Study Visa (Long Stay) 

Duration: For courses lasting more than 3 months 

Ideal for: Undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, or long-term diploma programs 

Key Notes: 

• Allows part-time work during studies (up to 20 hours/week during term, 40 hours/week during holidays) 
• Eligible for post-study work visa under the Graduate Route 
• Requires registration with Belgian immigration and obtaining a residence permit

Additional Requirements 

• Acceptance letter from a recognized Irish institution 
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) 
• Evidence of financial support (minimum €12,000 for living expenses per year) 
• Valid medical insurance 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your study plans and intent to return home 

To apply for a C Visa, you will need to submit the following documents: 

• A completed application form 
• A valid passport 
• A passport style photograph taken less than 6 months ago 
• Proof of residence in your country of origin 
• An acceptance or enrollment letter from your university 
• A letter from the institution explaining the details of your studies 
• Proof of accommodation in Belgium 
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay 
• Proof of health insurance which mentions the applicant’s name, dates of travel, a minimum coverage of €30,000 and coverage of repatriation if further care is needed and coverage within the Schengen Area. 
• Proof of travel and return arrangements 

To apply for a D Visa, you will need to submit the following documents: 

• A completed application form 
• A valid passport with an additional copy of the picture page 
• A passport style photo taken less than 6 months ago 
• Proof of payment of the visa fee (€250 as of 2026) 
• Proof of payment of the contribution fee (€251 as of 2026) 
• An acceptance or enrollment letter from a university 
• A Nationwide FBI criminal history record 
• A medical significant signed by a doctor saying that you don’t have an illness requiring quarantine, you do not have pulmonary tuberculosis, and you do not have any contagious diseases, infections or parasites. 
• Proof of financial means 
• Proof of health insurance which mentions the applicant’s name, dates of travel, a minimum coverage of €30,000 and coverage of repatriation if further care is needed and coverage within the Schengen Area. 
• A pre-paid self-addressed envelope so that you can receive your visa documents 

1. Apply to a university in Belgium and receive a letter of acceptance. 
2. Determine whether you will need a C Visa (if you are staying for less than 3 months) or a D Visa (if you are staying longer than 3 months) 
3. Prepare the documents mentioned above. 
4. Arrange your proof of finances (set up a blocked bank account with the correct amount of money in it or, if you are being financed by a scholarship or sponsor, ask for a letter which you can submit instead). 
5. Complete the online visa application at VisaOnWeb. 
6. Book an appointment at your local Belgian consulate or embassy. 
7. Attend the appointment with your full application package and documents. You may be interviewed about your study plans and asked to be photographed and submit biometric information like fingerprints at this appointment. 
8. Pay the handling fee of €250. 
9. Wait for your application to be assessed. If you are given a visa, your passport will be sent back to you with your visa documents. 
10. Travel to Belgium within the validity period given on your visa. 
11. Register with your local municipality so you can apply for your residence permit. 

Do: 

• Attend university lectures and events 
• Travel as much as you want within the Schengen Area 
• Work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to full-time hours during school holidays 
• Stay in Belgium for up to 12 months after graduation to look for work 

Don’t:

• Work for more than 20 hours during term time or exceed full-time working hours at any point during your stay in Belgium 
• Remain in Belgium after graduation without the right visa 
• Automatically work full-time after graduation without a work permit.