Belgium - german 2013/14 - student fees and grants

National student fee

Higher education provision exists only at ISCED 5B level. All students have to pay fees at registration. Amounts range in theory from EUR 100 to 600. In practice nearly all students pay the same amount of EUR 425.

Student grants

Student grants are need-based. Parental income determines eligibility. They are provided through the national social security system for students who return to higher education. Annual grant amounts are between EUR 362 and 2 469.

Loans

The possibility exists to take out loans of EUR 1 000 for the first cycle and EUR 1 500 for the second cycle. Interest is between 0 and 3 %, depending on the income of the student, and the loan needs to be repaid at the latest three years after graduation. The Management Committee of student loans can decide about an additional loan of EUR 1 000 on a case-by-case basis.

Tax benefit for student's parents

Heads of family receive tax benefits which depend on the number of dependent children and other relatives (including students enrolled at higher education institutions having no income). The tax-free minimum earnings threshold is increased by EUR 1 400 for one, 3 590 for two, 8 050 for three, 13 020 for four and + 4 970 for each subsequent child.

Family allowances

Family allowances from EUR 88.51/month depend on the number of children. They are in principle received by the mother of the child while the student is in education or training, until the age of 25 and has no professional activity other than a student job during the summer holidays (July, August, September) and if, during the other quarters of the year, the student works no more than 240 hours per quarter. However in case the child is not living with or supported by mother, the family allowance is paid to the natural person (parent, relative, legal guardian) who actually supports the child.