Do you want to study in Belgium as a citizen or an international student? You will get our list of the Best Universities in Belgium below to aid you in making a fruitful decision.
Belgium is one of the most multicultural places on earth, especially since the country consists of three regions, each corresponding to one of the three official languages (Dutch, French, and German).
Several of the best universities in Belgium include government-funded and private universities. How then do you identify them?
This ranking is based on publications, research, and web presence. The aim is to facilitate the web presence, research, and publishing of Belgium universities lagging.
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Brief History Of The Universities In Belgium
Known as the heart of Europe, Belgium is a hub of international cooperation and networking, offering an enriching educational experience.
Belgium is also steeped in history and has a unique mix of cultures. Here, you will discover many medieval castles and historical sites – like the battlefield of Waterloo.
Around half of all students enrolled in Belgium universities and colleges are international, and you’ll benefit from a high standard of education with a great research focus.
Why Choose Universities In Belgium?
Belgium hosts many top-ranking universities, so you can get excellent academic training. As the center of European politics and global business, Brussels is an ideal place to obtain international training or enroll in a business study program.
Universities and colleges in Brussels offer internationally recognized degree programs focused on European studies on various subjects. International guest speakers, which focus on international cooperation, teach many of these courses.
In addition, most universities in Belgium have a strong research culture, with a diverse and world-class research community.
Even if you apply for a degree in teaching English, Belgium universities offer great opportunities to improve additional language skills. Many universities offer foreign language lessons, especially for Dutch, French, and German.
What Can I study in Belgium?
Due to its numerous universities, Belgium offers study programs for all degree levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D.) in every field you could ask for. You can study plenty of Art and Design degrees and Business and sciences programs, such as Medicine, Finance, Political Science, Marketing, or Information Technology.
Here are some of the most popular study options in Belgium:
- Masters in Economics in Belgium
- Masters in Political Science in Belgium
- The Masters in International Business in Belgium
- Masters in Biology in Belgium
- Masters in International Relations in Belgium
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What are the major cities in Belgium?
Belgium has about 10 student cities, each offering plenty of social and cultural activities. From museums and beautiful natural surroundings to fancy bars and charming shopping centers, you can also have great and memorable leisure time in Belgium.
Below is the list of the major cities in Belgium:
- Antwerpen
- Brussels
- Gent
- Leuven
- Liege
What Are The Best Universities in Belgium for 2024?
Before proceeding to check out the best universities in Belgium, below are factors we consider before ranking a school as the best among others:
World University Rankings created by Times Higher Education takes into account the reputation of research done by universities and how often papers produced by universities were quoted around the world.
Academic Ranking of World Universities created by Shanghai Jiao Tong University focuses on the number of award-winning scientists, most cited researchers from the listed universities, and their contribution to the scientific community.
QS World University Rankings created by TopUniversities surveys a large number of academic experts about the reputation of universities and also measures the quality of teaching.
Best Global Universities Rankings created by U.S. News & World Report analyses university graduation rates and how many students remain enrolled in their second year of studies. It also surveys university representatives on the performance of universities.
Here is the list of the best Universities in Belgium for 2024
- KU Leuven
- Ghent University
- Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL)
- University of Antwerp
- Institute for European Studies -Universite Libre de Bruxelles
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
- University of Liège
- Hasselt University
- Université de Mons
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9. Université de Mons
UMONS was created in 2009 following the merger between the University of Mons-Hainaut and the Faculty of Engineering of Mons, the university’s oldest faculty founded in 1837.
UMONS provides its researchers and students the resources of nine libraries. In addition to the Central Library whose collections are focused on the social sciences (history, philology, fine art) and that also shelters the UMONS heritage collections (handwritten, old printed papers, charts, and maps), there are specialized faculty libraries.
It is also important to note that the University of Mons, abbreviated to “UMONS”, is a French-speaking university in the province of Hainaut, Belgium, near the French-Belgian border. It is approximately 50 kilometers from Brussels, the capital of Europe.
Research Areas
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy
- The Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Psychology and Education
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Translation and Interpretation-EII – School of International Interpreters
- Warocqué School of Business and Economics
- School of Human and Social Sciences
- Law School
Accreditation
Directorate General of Non-compulsory Education and Scientific Research, Belgium.
8. Hasselt University
Hasselt University is a young, dynamic center of expertise for teaching, research, and service provision. It regards it as its social responsibility to contribute actively to a sustainable and innovative region. It aspires to be a hub in this innovation web.
Hasselt University is also an independent, innovative university with strong regional roots, yet with a distinctly international orientation. It stands for excellent education, and top-notch research in key domains, and is actively involved in innovation and entrepreneurship. They strive for academic excellence, combined with economic and social relevance.
The university also wants to increase participation in higher education and offers a dynamic environment in which students and staff can fully develop their talents. This is also one of the best universities in Belgium.
Research Areas
- Business & Management
- Engineering & Technology
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Computer Science & IT
- Arts, Design & Architecture
Accreditation
Flemish Ministry of Education and Training, Belgium.
7. University of Liège
The University of Liege is the comprehensive public university of the Brussels Walloon Union. It reflects two centuries of recognized teaching and academic research, as well as an intellectual tradition set from the medieval map.
Through its teaching, ULiège makes every effort to help everyone build their future, now and throughout their lives. At the University of Liège, They offer 38 Bachelor degrees in various subject areas. And after each of them, there are more than 10 Masters to choose from. The master programs are offered in all knowledge areas, in French or English, during the day or otherwise.
Among the most important employers in the Liège region, ULiège generates more than 5,000 direct jobs from its several sites, comprised of 3,300 teachers and researchers, and approximately 1,700 management, administrative, technical and labor staff members.
Research Areas
- Engineering & Technology
- Computer Science & IT
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Business & Management
- Arts, Design & Architecture
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences
- Social Sciences
Accreditation
ULiège benefits from the three labels of the European Commission: ECTS, Diploma Supplement, and HR Strategy for Researchers.
6. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, being one of the best universities in Belgium is also the largest Dutch-speaking employer in the Brussels Region. Centrally situated in the capital of Europe, our university takes up its role as an ambassador for Flanders and Brussels, in a spirit of active pluralism and open-mindedness.
The interesting part of the VUB is that its students have access to a variety of services, such as personalized study guidance, social services, housing service, medical services, career development, integration within the VUB community, foreign language learning, library services, etc.
Research Areas
- Engineering & Technology
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences
- Arts, Design & Architecture
- Business & Management
- Computer Science & IT
- Humanities
- Journalism & Media
- Medicine & Health
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Applied Sciences & Professions
- Education & Training
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Accreditation
VUB is registered with the Flemish government of Belgium. The VUB programs are accredited by the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO, Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatie Organisatie).
5. Institute for European Studies – Universite Libre de Bruxelles
The IEE-ULB is a center of interdisciplinary excellence in teaching and research. It focuses on European issues. The organization of the IEE-ULB is unique, thanks to its international teams, the interaction with EU institutions, and the strong connection between teaching and research.
The IEE-ULB is also one of the oldest institutes for teaching and research dedicated to European Studies. It was created in 1962 by the Board of Directors of the ULB. The 1st academic year starts in October 1963. It has evolved at the pace of European construction.
Research Areas
- European law
- Political science
- Economics
- History
Accreditation
European Foundation for Management Development EFMD-EQUIS.
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4. University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp, founded in 2003, is a non-profit public educational institution located in the urban environment of the medium-sized city of Antwerp (population between 500,000 and 1,000,000 people). This organization also has branches in the following places: Middelheim, Groenenborger, Drie Eiken. An accredited university, and/or officially recognized by Vlaams Ministerie van Onderwijs in Vorming, Belgium (Flemish Ministry of Education and Training, Belgium).
The University of Antwerp (UAntwerpen) is a mixed institution of higher education (enrollment range in uniRank: 10,000 – 14,999) Students). The University of Antwerp (UAntwerpen) also offers courses and programs that lead to officially recognized degrees, such as undergraduate, masters and doctorate degrees in various fields of study. The University of Antwerp is also one of the best universities in Belgium for international students.
Research Areas
- Business & Management
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences
- Computer Science & IT
- Engineering & Technology
- Humanities
- Law
Accreditation
A (compulsory) educational review is carried out by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR). These external reviews are organized for all programs in Flanders and result in accreditation from the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). All study programs at the University of Antwerp received accreditation from NVAO.
3. Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL)
Established in 1425, Université Catholique de Louvain (Catholic University of Louvain) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium-sized town of Louvain-la-Neuve. This institution is one of the best universities in Belgium for international students and also has branch campuses in the following location(s): Brussels Woluwe, Mons, Tournai, Brussels Saint-Gilles, Charleroi. (Diazepam)
The institution’s commitment to extending the boundaries of human knowledge, transmitting this knowledge, and thereby increasing the humanity of the human race has kept it at the forefront of civilization in the 21st century. The Université Catholique de Louvain has played a part in this process with pride since 1425, making it a better choice for applicants.
Research Areas
- Engineering & Technology
- Social Sciences
- Computer Science & IT
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences
Accreditation
The Louvain School of Management of UCL has received several accreditations worldwide:
European Quality Improvement System is a quality assessment, improvement, and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration. Equis gather 90 institutions world-wide with about 60 of them from Europe.
2. Ghent University
Ghent University is a top 100 university founded in 1817. As one of the major universities in Belgium, our 11 faculties offer a wide range of courses and conduct in-depth research in both exact and social sciences.
Compared to other European universities, Ghent Alma Mater is relatively small. The foundation was opened on October 9, 1817, after King William, the first in the previous year, announced the establishment of three universities in southern Holland.
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All bachelor programs and most masters are instructed in Dutch. The language of instruction for each program is mentioned in the course catalog. The English version of the course is a translation of the course catalog in Dutch and does not mean that the program will be taught in English.
Research Areas
- Engineering & Technology
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Business & Management
- Applied Sciences & Professions
- Computer Science & IT
- Medicine & Health
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Education & Training
- Humanities
Accreditation
Ghent University Global Campus has been accredited by the Ministry of Education (Korea) and the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium).
1. KU Leuven
KU Leuven is one of the best universities in Belgium for international students. Today, KU Leuven is Belgium’s largest and highest-ranked university as well as one of the most renowned universities in Europe. As a leading European research university, KU Leuven offers a wide variety of programs in English.
The university is situated in Belgium, in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven has been a center of learning for nearly six centuries. The university offers degree programs at campuses in 11 Belgian cities, including Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp making it more interesting.
The University also offers a stimulating headquarters for all types of research, from basic projects to applied applications, and from individual research projects to large-scale international research consortia.
Research Areas
- Engineering & Technology
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Business & Management
- Applied Sciences & Professions
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences
- Medicine & Health
- Computer Science & IT
- Law
- Arts, Design & Architecture
- Hospitality, Leisure & Sports
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Education & Training
Accreditation
Flemish Ministry of Education and Training, Belgium.
FAQ For The Best Universities in Belgium 2023
Belgium hosts many top-ranking universities, so you can get excellent academic training. As the center of European politics and global business, Brussels is an ideal place to obtain international training or enroll in a business study program and many more.
Yes, you can work and study in Belgium if you rightly apply and get permission. Basically, international students in Belgium with a valid residence permit can work for up to 20 hours a week. However, you must be certain that your work time does not interfere with your studies.
Here is the list of the best Universities in Belgium for international students 2024:
KU Leuven
Ghent University
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL)
University of Antwerp
Institute for European Studies -Universite Libre de Bruxelles
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
University of Liège
Hasselt University
Université de Mons.
The popular study option in Belgium includes:
Masters in Economics in Belgium
Masters in Political Science in Belgium
The Masters in International Business in Belgium
Masters in Biology in Belgium
Masters in International Relations in Belgium.
Below is the list of the major cities in Belgium:
Antwerpen
Brussels
Gent
Leuven
Liege.
Conclusion
There are many reasons to study in Belgium: world-renowned universities, excellent opportunities for international networking, famously multicultural and multilingual cities, a host of regional cuisines and specialties, beautiful countryside, overall high quality of life, and, of course, those fantastic Belgian waffles.
Take your time to explore the best universities in Belgium, as listed above, to get the best out of it.
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