Belgium - flemish 2016/17 - student fees and grants

National student fee

The student fee in the first and the second cycles 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 on average 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. Students who are eligible for a grant pay EUR 105 per academic year. An intermediate tariff of EUR 470 applies for students who almost meet the income criteria linked to a need-based grant. The amount of the tuition fees is fixed in the law (Codex Hoger Onderwijs). Students pay fees at the beginning of the academic year, when they register for the programme.

For short-cycle tertiary programmes, the maximum tuition fee of EUR 1.50 per teaching hour is determined by the Flemish Government. Payment is made at registration. Some students (for example unemployed or students with special needs) pay no fees, a fee of EUR 0.30 per teaching hour or a fee of EUR 0.60 per teaching hour. There are no tuition fees for the associate degree programme for nursing.

Fees for non-EU students which may be higher than for EU students are determined by higher education institutions.

Student grants

Student grants for first and second cycle programmes are allocated on the basis of economic need. Eligibility is determined by the income of parents and/or the student. Annual amounts typically range from EUR 256 to EUR 3 966. In 2014/15, the average grant amount was EUR 1 721.07. A student is also entitled to an extraordinary grant of up to EUR 5 340 on the basis of extremely low income and a lack of family support. There are no student grants for short-cycle tertiary programmes, except for the associate degree programme for nursing, with typical amounts ranging from EUR 693 to EUR 3 126

Tax benefit for student's parents

Heads of family receive tax benefits which depend on the number of dependent children and relatives (including students with no income enrolled in higher education). The tax-free minimum earnings threshold is increased by EUR 1 510 for one, 3 880 for two, 8 700 for three, 14 060 for four and + 5 370 for each subsequent child. The tax benefits are determined by the Federal Public Service of Finance.

Family allowances

Family allowances range from EUR 92.09/month to EUR 254.40/month per child, depending on the number of children in a family. The student should have no professional activity other than a student job for more than 50 days in a year. Usually the mother of the student receives the allowance, but they are paid to the parent, relative or legal guardian who actually supports the student. Responsibility is at the Flemish Community.