Studying in Luxembourg

EU and non-EU students

EU, EEA and Swiss students do not need a visa or permit. Within three months of arrival you complete a registration certificate at the commune where you live, with proof of enrolment, a declaration of sufficient resources (an oral declaration is allowed) and proof of health insurance (Guichet.lu).

Non-EU students follow the process below.

What a year costs

Tuition at the University of Luxembourg is low. The university's cost of living page lists a registration fee of €400 a semester, so about €800 a year. Check the page for your programme, as fees can differ.

Living costs. The same page gives these figures:

• University housing rent: from €450 a month, with a deposit of two months' rent, and housing is not guaranteed
• Meals at university restaurants: €360 a month
• Mobile phone €40 and leisure €150 a month, study materials €400 a year
• Money on arrival for fees, insurance, first rent, deposit and meals: at least €2,700

Private rents are much higher than university housing. The university also quotes the immigration minimum (below) as the least you should plan to live on.

The visa and residence permit

Non-EU students need three things, in order (Guichet.lu):

1. A temporary authorisation to stay, applied for from your home country and approved before you enter. Applications made from inside Luxembourg are inadmissible. The Ministry of Home Affairs normally replies within 60 days. 2. A type D visa, if your nationality needs a visa to enter the Schengen area. Apply at the Luxembourg embassy or, where there is none, at the Belgian embassy or consulate. The fee is €50 (Embassy of Luxembourg in New Delhi). 3. A residence permit after you arrive: declare your arrival to the commune within 3 days, have a medical check-up, and apply for the permit within 3 months. The fee is €80, also on each renewal.

The money. Your monthly resources must be at least 80% of the social inclusion income (REVIS). From 1 June 2026 the REVIS for one adult is €1,944.40 a month (National Solidarity Fund), so 80% is about €1,556 a month, or about €18,666 for twelve months. These totals are our calculation; Guichet.lu does not publish them. For comparison, the University of Luxembourg gave €1,517 a month, €18,211 a year, for 2025. REVIS rises with wage indexation, so check the current figure when you apply.

You can prove resources with a scholarship certificate, bank statements showing your own or your parents' funds for 12 months plus the fare home, or a sponsor's financial support statement from a Luxembourg resident.

Insurance. Before arrival you need health insurance covering illness in Luxembourg. The permit is valid for one year, or for your course if it is shorter.

Working while you study

Up to an average of 15 hours a week over a month, outside study time. The limit does not apply in school holidays, to doctoral research, or to assistant contracts at the University of Luxembourg. Your employer must send a written declaration to the immigration department before you start (Guichet.lu). The university adds that holiday work is limited to two months a calendar year, up to 40 hours a week for students under 27 (Uni.lu).

The European Commission's summary says bachelor's students may not work in their first two semesters. Guichet.lu does not say this, so check with the immigration department before taking a job in your first year.

After you graduate

A 12-month residence permit to look for work or set up a business, but only if you complete a master's degree or defend a PhD in Luxembourg. Bachelor's graduates are not eligible. Apply at least 30 days before your student permit expires. The fee is €80. If you already have a job offer related to your studies, you can apply directly for a work permit under a simplified procedure (Guichet.lu).

The European Commission's summary still gives 9 months. Guichet.lu, the national government portal, gives 12 months, and we follow it.

Language

Luxembourg has three administrative languages: Luxembourgish, French and German. The University of Luxembourg teaches in English, French and German, and many master's programmes are fully in English. Check each programme's language and level requirement. French is the most useful language for everyday life and many jobs.

When to apply

Leave plenty of time: the temporary authorisation alone can take 60 days, then the visa, then travel. Apply to the university early in the year for a September start, and lodge the authorisation as soon as you have your admission letter.

What to watch out for

Housing is the hardest part. University housing is not guaranteed and private rents are high. Arrange accommodation before you travel.

Bachelor's students get no post-study permit. If staying on matters, plan for a master's.

The funds figure moves. It is linked to the REVIS, which rises with indexation, sometimes more than once a year.

Do not enter first. The temporary authorisation must be approved before you arrive; an application made from inside Luxembourg is inadmissible.

Where these numbers come from

Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Every figure above carries the date we checked it. Check the official source before you rely on it, especially the REVIS amount, which changes with indexation.