Belgium - flemish 2013/14 - student fees and grants

National student fee

A fixed registration fee of EUR 66.50 is paid at the beginning of an academic year. In addition, students pay the flexible tuition fee according to a number of ECTS credits followed. Each credit point carries a fee of EUR 9.10.

The amount of fees varies with the income of the student and the type of study programme. If a student is eligible for a grant, the maximum payable fee amount is EUR 80.

Non-EU students may be requested to pay higher tuition fees.

Student grants

Student grants are allocated on the basis of economic need and academic merit. Eligibility is determined by the income of parents and/or the student and academic achievement in the past academic year. Amounts typically range from EUR 247.84 to EUR 3 835.53. However, a student is entitled to an extraordinary grant of up to EUR 5 164.02 on the basis of extremely low income and a lack of support from family members.

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.