If you are a Pakistani student, you will need a D visa (national long-stay visa) to study in Belgium. This visa is created specifically for students like you who are ready to start their study abroad adventure in Belgium. Learn the best information about the D visa (national long-stay visa) process to decide whether studying abroad in Belgium is right for you.
Studying in Belgium can offer excellent opportunities for professional development and personal growth, as the country has a strong education system and a solid economy. The country’s strong economy, world-renowned universities, and multilingual environment make it an excellent place to pursue your studies. Overall, studying in Belgium can offer you excellent job prospects in a variety of fields.
Belgium Study Visa Without IELTS
If you are a non-EU student planning to study in Belgium, you will usually need to show proof of your language proficiency in the language of instruction of your chosen program. For most programs, this means demonstrating proficiency in Dutch, French, or English, depending on the language of instruction. While IELTS or TOEFL scores are commonly used to demonstrate language proficiency, some universities in Belgium may accept other forms of evidence like PTE or English proficiency certificate stating that the courses studied in student’s previous academics were taught in English.
How To Apply For Belgium Study Visa 2024
If you are a non-EU student planning to study in Belgium, you will need to apply for a student visa. Here are the general steps to follow:
Apply to a Belgian university: First, you’ll need to apply and be accepted to a Belgian university or higher education institution. You should start the application process as early as possible, as admission can take several months.
Pay the tuition fees: Once you’ve been accepted to a Belgian university, you’ll need to pay the tuition fees for your program. You’ll receive an invoice from the university, and you should pay the fees as soon as possible.
Obtain a certificate of enrollment: After you’ve paid the tuition fees, you’ll need to obtain a certificate of enrollment from the university. This document confirms that you have been accepted to a program of study and have paid the tuition fees.
Apply for a student visa: With your certificate of enrollment, you can apply for a student visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa application process may require you to provide documentation such as your passport, certificate of enrollment, proof of financial support, and proof of health insurance. You may also need to attend an interview.
Wait for the visa decision: The visa processing time can vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it can take several weeks or even months. Once your visa application is approved, you’ll receive a visa sticker in your passport.
Travel to Belgium: With your visa sticker, you can travel to Belgium and start your studies.
Belgium Study Visa Requirements
If you are a non-EU student planning to study in Belgium, you will need to meet certain requirements to be eligible for a student visa. The specific requirements may vary depending on the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country, Belgium study visa requirements for Pakistani citizens are as follows
Acceptance to a Belgian university or higher education institution: You will need to provide proof that you have been accepted to a program of study at a recognized Belgian university or higher education institution. This will typically involve submitting an acceptance letter from the university.
Sufficient financial means: You will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your studies in Belgium. This may involve providing bank statements, scholarship award letters, or other evidence of financial support.
Language proficiency: Depending on the language of instruction of your chosen program, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in Dutch, French, or English. This will typically involve providing evidence of language proficiency, such as an IELTS or TOEFL score.
Health insurance: You will need to provide evidence of health insurance that is valid in Belgium.
Passport: You will need a valid passport that is not set to expire before the end of your studies.
Visa application fee: You will need to pay a fee when you submit your visa application.
Belgium Study Visa Fee For Pakistanis 2024
The visa application fee for a Belgium study visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate in your home country and the type of visa you are applying for. As of 2024, the visa application fee for a student visa to Belgium is 200 euros.
Belgium Study Visa Processing Time From Pakistan
The processing time for a Belgium study visa can vary depending on several factors, including the number of visa applications being processed, the time of year, and the complexity of your case. He average estimated time taken by embassy for Belgium visa processing is 15 days.
Belgium Post Study Work Visa
Belgium offers a post-study work visa for international students who have completed their studies in the country. Here are some important details:
Duration: The post-study work visa is valid for up to one year.
Eligibility: To be eligible for the post-study work visa, you must have completed a program of study at a recognized Belgian university or higher education institution. You must also have a valid student visa at the time of application and must have graduated within the last year.
Application process: You can apply for a post-study work visa at the local town hall or the local immigration office. You will need to provide documentation such as your passport, residence ce permit, proof of graduation, and proof of health insurance. You will also need to pay a fee.
Job search: During one year, you can work in any field in Belgium, but you must find a job within 12 months of graduating. Once you have a job offer, you can apply for a work permit, which will allow you to stay in Belgium for the duration of your employment.
Permanent residence: If you have worked in Belgium for a certain period (usually five years), you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
Belgium Student Visa Procedure for Pakistani Students
An acceptance letter will be emailed to you if you meet the academic requirements and successfully gain admission to the University of Belgium. The acceptance letter serves as an invitation letter from the university in Belgium to submit the fee and apply for the student visa. You will visit the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your home country for student visa details. Student visa requirements will not be the same for all countries. Generally, all international students are required to submit the following documents for the Belgium student visa:
• Completed student visa application for Belgium
• Valid passport of the applicant (must be valid until the duration of the study program)
• Bank statement (confirms that you have sufficient financial resources to cover living and study expenses in Belgium)
• Medical examination certificate
• Clearance letter from police station
• Transcription of academic documents
• Certificate of proof of language proficiency
• Proof of accommodation in Belgium
• Receipt of paid application fee and original acceptance letter from the University
Belgium Permanent Residence Visa for Pakistani Students
Belgium permanent resident visa process depends on the employment contract of any Belgian company or company based on your academic profile after completing your graduation. Firstly, you can extend the duration of your student visa (Card A) for an additional 12 months to search for work. During this period you can carry out part-time jobs to support your living expenses and post CVs at companies related to your degree. There are three types of residence permit cards applicable to applicants based on their employment contract, professional skills and qualifications. The permanent residency categories applicable to foreign applicants are as follows:
• Type B electronic residence card
• Type C electronic residence card
• Type D electronic residence card
FAQ
How much bank balance is required for a Belgium student visa?
This method requires the payment of at least €950 for each month of the short stay or €12,350 for an entire academic year into the university’s bank account. For the renewal of the residence permit the amount drops to 800 euros per month and to 9,600 euros for an academic year
Is it easy to get a student visa for Belgium?
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient income when living in Belgium for your studies. The requested amount is €666 per month. Admission test. You must prove that you have been accepted into a Belgian university.
How much does a student visa to Belgium from Pakistan cost?
Belgium Study Visa Fee for Pakistanis 2024
The visa application fee for a Belgium study visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate in your home country and the type of visa you are applying for. From 2024, the fee for applying for a student visa in Belgium will be 200 euros.
How to Apply for a Belgium Visa from Pakistan?
An appointment at the Visa Application Center can be made via Gerry’s website. At the visa application center, your photo will be taken live (of all applicants) and, if necessary, fingerprints will be taken. Your visa application will be processed at the Belgian Embassy.
Is IELTS required for a Belgium student visa?
Language requirements for studying in Belgium
Certificates accepted based on the chosen language: English: IELTS and TOEFL (most popular) or PTE Academic and Duolingo. Dutch: Dutch diploma NT2-II. French: DELF or DALF.
How long can students work in Belgium?
You can work during the validity period of your residence permit. During the academic year you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. During official holiday periods (e.g. winter, spring or summer holidays), you can work more than 20 hours per week.
Can I study in Belgium without IELTS?
Without IELTS, you can study in Belgium. Applications are already being accepted for the next academic year. Without IELTS, Belgian universities offer scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master, and Ph. D.
How long does the visa for Belgium last?
Applications received at the Belgian Embassy/Consulate General will be processed within 2 and 15 working days, provided a complete file is submitted. We recommend that you submit your applications 15 days before your scheduled departure date. Applications can be submitted up to 90 days in advance.