Belgium

To meet the student visa requirements for Belgium, you’ll need to furnish the following documents:

1. Completed and signed visa application form(s), which may vary depending on the situation.
2. Passport or travel document valid for more than 12 months. Some countries require the passport to be no older than 10 years and have two consecutive empty pages.
3. Proof of sufficient financial means or support for healthcare, living expenses, study costs, accommodation, and return ticket. This can be in the form of a grant/scholarship certificate, financial responsibility agreement from a sponsor, or personal bank statement showing adequate funds.
4. Medical certificate affirming you don’t carry diseases endangering public health.
5. Police certificate of good conduct indicating no prior convictions (for individuals aged over 21). US citizens may require an FBI background check, which can take up to five months.
6. Proof of student status and study plans, including:
7. Registration at a recognized higher education institution in Belgium for a full-time course.
8. Application for an equivalence certificate for a diploma conferred abroad (for French Community education).
9. Original and certified copy of secondary education diploma/certificate/baccalaureate, and academic record from the last year of secondary education.
10. Copies of all diplomas and certificates obtained post-secondary education.
11. Employer’s statement justifying the pursuit of higher education as part of work (mostly for postgraduate students).
12. Documentation describing courses offered by your chosen institution, comparing them to courses in your country of origin.

All documents in languages other than German, French, English, or Dutch must be translated by a sworn translator, legalized in your country of origin, and re-legalized by the Belgian consulate or embassy.

Supporting letter explaining your course choice, reasons for studying in Belgium, and how it benefits you.

Proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction, either through an internationally recognized language exam or a certificate from education in the chosen language.

You can track your visa application using the reference number and the location of your chosen consulate or embassy. Visa applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, with the consulate or embassy having the sole discretion to accept or refuse your visa. If your application cannot be processed, they may suggest applying for a tourist visa, with the option to convert it to a student visa upon arrival in Belgium. Ensure you obtain a written statement for this purpose.