Belgium - French Community 2023/24 - student fees and grants

National student fee

In the French Community of Belgium almost every student pays a registration fee, in every study cycle. There is no minimum fee, and according to Eurydice data the standard annual fee for home full-time students in 2023/24 was up to EUR 835 in the first cycle, with EUR 835 also the usual amount in the second cycle. What you pay depends on the type of institution (university, university college, art school or Social Advancement Education) rather than on your subject, apart from a few fields at hautes écoles: image technologies, applied communication, and press and information.

You pay nothing if you receive a need-based study grant, or if you are an international student funded through a development cooperation grant. In short-cycle programmes, unemployed people and staff of subsidised institutions are exempt as well. Other waivers and reductions depend on your socio-economic situation.

Higher fees apply on places not subsidised by the state (second and short cycle), in some specific disciplines, and for international students who do not qualify for an exemption. EU students follow the same rules as home students, but may be charged more if they do not meet the French Community's funding conditions.

Student grants

Grants here are need-based only: there are no merit-based or universal grants. Home and international full-time students in the short, first and second cycle can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria, and there is no age limit.

The grant is paid in monthly instalments over 12 months. According to Eurydice data, in 2023/24 grants ranged from EUR 852 to EUR 6,034 a year, with EUR 943 being the most common amount. In the reference year 50,443 students received a grant, and grant holders are also freed from the registration fee.

Loans

There are no publicly subsidised student loans.

Tax benefit for student's parents

Tax benefits exist both for students' parents and for students who have their own income.

Family allowances

Parents can receive family allowances for their student child until the student turns 25. Students also get other discounts, for example on transport and tickets for cultural events.