Belgium - flemish 2015/16 - student fees and grants

National student fee

The student fee has two components: a fixed amount of EUR 230 and a flexible part that differs with the number of ECTS credits followed. Each credit point carries a fee of EUR 11. This means that for a full time student (60 ECTS points) the total fee is EUR 890. The amount of fees varies with the income of (the parents of) the student. If a student is eligible for a grant, (s)he pays only EUR 105 per academic year. An intermediate tariff of EUR 470 applies for students who are almost on a grant (i.e. almost meet the income criteria linked to a need-based grant).

Fees for non-EU students are determined by the governing board of higher education institutions, and may be higher than for EU students.

Student grants

Student grants are allocated on the basis of economic need. Eligibility is determined by the income of parents and/or the student. Amounts typically range from EUR 256.33 to EUR 3 966.88. However, a student is entitled to an extraordinary grant of up to EUR 5 340.86 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 1 500 for one, v3 870 for two, EUR 8 670 for three, EUR 14 020 for four and + EUR 5 350 for each subsequent child.

Family allowances

Family allowances from EUR 90.28/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. The student should have no professional activity other than a student job and work no more than 50 days during the year. However in case the student is not living with or supported by her/his mother, the family allowance is paid to the parent, relative or legal guardian who actually supports the child. Responsibility for family allowances was transferred from the federal level to the regional level (to the Flemish Community, the German-spekaing Community, the Walloon Region and Common Community Commission for the Brussels-Capital Region) in 2014.