What changed, and what is about to

Every change below is taken from an official source cited in the country guide. A rule that changed after you started planning is one of the most common reasons a visa is refused.

Coming up

January 2027 · other · Belgium

Ghent introduces a city student housing tax of EUR 5.50 to EUR 11.80 a month.

Already in force

12 January 2026 · proof of funds · Belgium

Proof of funds rose from EUR 835 to EUR 1,062 a month for new applications from 2026-2027, indexed every 15 February.
1 January 2026 · fees · Belgium

Immigration Office contribution fee indexed to EUR 251; students with a Belgian grant and under-18s are exempt.
2025 · tuition · Belgium

In French-speaking Belgium most non-EU students now pay an extra EUR 4,175 on top of EUR 835, EUR 5,010 a year in total.