Belgium Student Visa for Indian Passport Holders

When a student is looking forward to acquiring education from Belgium, a student visa for Belgium in the name of this candidate is issued. There are several benefits to this permit. The holder can study as well as tour the country at the same time. If allowed, the holder can even work part-time on the visa. The validity of the visa will differ as per the type of the same. There are two types of visa which are differentiated as per the validity. They are as follows:

• Short term - Type C

This is the kind of Belgium study visa that is issued to the candidates who are willing to acquire a short term course or education for less than 3 months. It can also be for acquiring some sort of training, internship or for attending summer school in Belgium.

• Long term - Type D

The long term Belgium study visa is for pursuing an education that might certainly take longer than three months. It can be for studying a long term course or acquiring a degree. This is generally a multiple entry visa and the duration of the stay is not specified as well.

• Admission to a Recognized Belgian Institution: You must have an unconditional acceptance letter from a Belgian university/college recognized by the Belgian authorities.
  
  
  
• Language Proficiency: Depending on your course, demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (English, French, Dutch, or German).
  
  
  
• Financial Means: Show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself in Belgium (approximately €800-€1,000 per month).
  
  
  
• Health Insurance: Have health insurance that covers you in Belgium.
  
  
• No Criminal Record: Provide a police certificate from India and possibly from countries where you've lived in the past 5 years.

Mandatory Documents

• Valid Passport:
  

• At least 12 months' validity from the date of application.
• Ensure you have at least two blank pages.
  
  

• Completed and Signed Visa Application Form:
  
  

• Download from the Belgian embassy/consulate website or obtain in person.
• Fill it out in the language of the region where you'll study or in English.
  
  

• Recent Passport-Sized Photos:
  
  

• 2-3 photos as per the embassy's specifications (usually 35x45mm, white background).
  
  

• Admission Letter from the Belgian University:
  

• Unconditional offer clearly stating the program, duration, and language of instruction.
  

• Proof of Language Proficiency:
  
  

• English: TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English (depending on the university’s requirements).
• French: DELF, DALF, or TCF.
• Dutch: CNaVT.
• German: Goethe-Institut, TestDaF.
  
  

• Proof of Financial Means:
  
  

• Blocked Account: Showing approximately €800-€1,000 per month for the first year.
• Scholarship Award Letter: If fully or partially funded.
• Sponsor’s Declaration: With proof of the sponsor’s financial situation.
  
  

• Health Insurance:
  
  

• Policy that covers you in Belgium for at least the first year.
  
  

• Police Certificate (Criminal Record):
  
  

• From the Regional Passport Office or the local police, not older than 6 months.
• May require an Apostille or legalization.
  
  

• Medical Certificate:
  
  

• Issued by a recognized medical practitioner, not older than 6 months.
• May require an Apostille or legalization.
  
  

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Tuberculosis (TB) Test:

• Required for stays exceeding 90 days.
• The test must be taken in India, not older than 6 months.

• No Objection Certificate (NOC):

• For PhD students or if the course is fully funded by a foreign government.

• Proof of Accommodation in Belgium:

• Might be required by some universities or as per the embassy’s discretion.

• Check with the Belgian Embassy/Consulate:
  

• Confirm the specific requirements and any additional documents needed.
• India has a Belgian Embassy in New Delhi and Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
  
  

• Gather All Documents:
  

• Ensure all documents are either in English, French, Dutch, or German. If not, provide a translation by a sworn translator.
  
  

• Submit Your Application:
  

• In Person or Through VFS Global (if the embassy/consulate has outsourced visa applications to VFS).
• Book an appointment in advance if required.
  
  

• Pay the Visa Application Fee:
  

• Currently, the long-stay visa fee is around €180 (subject to change; check with the embassy/consulate).
• Additional service fees may apply if using VFS Global.
  
  

• Attend the Interview (If Required):
  

• The embassy/consulate might invite you for an interview to assess your application.
  
  

• Collect Your Visa:
  

• Once your application is approved, you can collect your passport with the visa from the embassy/consulate or VFS Global.

• Two copies must be submitted
  
  
• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
  
  
• Colour: Coloured
  
  
• Head must occupy the central position
  
  
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
  
  
• Background: Solid, plain white 
  
  
• 85% face coverage
  
  
• Neutral expression
  
  
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
  
  
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
  
  
• Facial hair is permitted

• Register with the Local Authorities:
  

• Obtain a residence permit (B-card) from the municipal administration within 8 working days of arrival.
• This might require a medical examination and registration with a health insurance fund.
  
  

• Enroll at Your University:
  

• Finalize your registration at the university with the required documents.
  
  

• Open a Belgian Bank Account:
  

• To manage your living expenses and potentially receive your scholarship.

• Apply Early: To account for any unexpected delays.
  
  
• Double-Check Requirements: With the embassy/consulate to ensure you have all necessary documents.
  
  
• Seek Assistance if Needed: From your university, the embassy, or a visa consultancy service.
  
  
• Ensure Sufficient Funds: For the application process, initial stay, and potential additional expenses.

• Belgian Embassy in New Delhi:
  

• Address: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91 11 4242 8000
• Email: newdelhi@diplobel.fed.be
• Website: https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/
  
  

• VFS Global (for Belgium in India):
  

• Website: Check the official VFS website for the latest information on Belgian visa applications through their services.
  
  

• Belgian Universities’ International Offices:
  

• Contact your admitting university for specific guidance on the visa application process and post-arrival formalities.

Need more clarity on the Belgium Student visa? Check out helpful resources below

Belgium Visa Requirement
Belgium Tourist Visa Requirement
Belgium BusinessVisa Requirement
Belgium Work Visa Requirement
Belgium Visit Visa Requirement
Belgium Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection