Belgium - german 2016/17 - student fees and grants

National student fee

Higher education provision exists only at the first cycle. All students have to pay fees at registration. Amounts range in theory from EUR 100 to 600. In practice, all students pay the same amount of EUR 450.

There is no short or second cycle programme in the German-speaking Community of Belgium.

Students from outside the European Union pay the same fees as Belgian and EU nationals.

Student grants

Student grants are need-based. Parental income determines eligibility, and students must be 35 years old or younger to be eligible. Annual grant amounts are between EUR 362 and 2 469, and are paid by the Ministry of the German-speaking Community.

Loans

Province guaranteed loans of EUR 1 000 are available for a full first cycle programme and EUR 1 500 for the second cycle. The loan can be used to cover studies in higher education institutions in the Province of Liège and for short-term credit mobility abroad (including the Flemish Community and other parts of the French Community of Belgium). Interest rates are 0-3 %, depending on the student's income. The loan needs to be repaid three years after graduation. The loans are managed by the Province of Liège. An additional loan of EUR 1 500 can be awarded on a case-by-case basis. No students took out a loan in 2015/16.

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.

Family allowances

Family allowances range from EUR 92.09 to 254.40/month per child depending on the number of children under 25. Usually the mother of the student receives the allowance. The student should have no professional activity other than a student job for more than 50 days in a year. Family allowances are paid to the parent, relative or legal guardian who actually supports the student. Responsibility for family allowances is at the German- speaking Community.