Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we offer the Brussels College Global Inclusion Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to support international students by offering reduced tuition fees. Eligibility is automatically considered during the admission process based on your profile and background.

Note regarding countries: The Global Inclusion Scholarship is primarily targeted at applicants from specific developing countries as outlined in our guidelines (e.g., UBI country list). Please check with the admissions office for the specific list of eligible countries.

Important: While the scholarship reduces your tuition fees, if you require a student visa, you will still need to prove you have sufficient means of subsistence (solvency) for your living expenses in Belgium, as per government regulations.

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will generally need a Type D student visa. To obtain this, you must prove you have sufficient financial means.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the minimum amount set by the Belgian government is €835 net per month. You can prove this via:

• Blocked Account: Deposit 12 months' worth of living expenses (12 x €835) into a blocked account managed by Brussels College.
• Bank Guarantee: Arrange a guarantee for the same amount through a specialized financial institution.

You will also need to pay your tuition fees before applying for the visa.

Yes. Our programmes follow an Integrated Model. You begin with Higher National Diplomas (HND) at Level 4 and 5, which are equivalent to the first two years of a university degree. Upon successful completion, you progress to a Level 6 "Top-up" year.

This final year is awarded directly by our UK university partners (e.g., University of Greater Manchester or other partners), ensuring you graduate with a fully recognised Bachelor's degree.

Typically, you will need to submit:

• A completed application form
• Copy of your passport/ID
• Certified copies of your high school diplomas and transcripts (or Bachelor's for Master's applicants)
• Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS)
• A CV and motivation letter

For Undergraduate programmes, we typically require IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent). For Postgraduate, IELTS 6.0-6.5.

We accept various tests. Valid equivalents for IELTS 5.5 include:

• PTE: 42-49
• TOEFL iBT: 46-59
• Cambridge: 162-168 (B2)
• Duolingo: 85-90

If you do not meet these requirements, we offer a Foundation Year or an Intensive English Module on campus.

Yes! Belgium allows international students to work.

• During term time: Up to 20 hours per week.
• During official holidays: Unlimited hours.
• Wages: Typically €13-€18 per hour.

We also provide career services to help you find internships and jobs.

We have two main intakes: January and September.

• January 2026 Intake: International deadline is 30 Nov 2025.
• September 2026 Intake: International deadline is 27 June 2026.

We recommend applying early to allow sufficient time for visa processing.

Assessment methods vary by module but generally include a mix of assignments, projects, presentations, and examinations. Our goal is to assess not just your theoretical knowledge, but your ability to apply it in practical scenarios. You will receive detailed criteria for each assessment.

Brussels is very affordable compared to other major European capitals. You can live comfortably for approx. €835 - €1000 per month (including rent, food, transport).

Healthcare is also excellent and affordable. Student health insurance typically costs around €25 per month, covering most medical expenses.

The Integrated Model allows you to complete your entire academic journey on our Brussels campus. You start with HNDs (Levels 4 & 5) which offer practical, career-focused learning, and then seamlessly progress to the final Top-up year (Level 6) to earn your full Bachelor's degree from our UK university partners. This pathway combines practical skills with academic rigour.

Studying in Brussels offers significant advantages:

• Cost: Living costs and tuition are often 50% lower than in major UK cities.
• Location: As the EU capital, Brussels lists major institutions and international companies.
• Travel: You are 2 hours by train from London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
• Post-Brexit: You gain a UK degree while retaining access to the European job market and travel area.

The Foundation Year is a preparatory programme for students who:

• Do not meet the standard academic entry requirements (e.g., specific A-Level grades).
• Have an IELTS score between 4.5 and 5.5.

The tuition fee for the Foundation Year is €11,000, which is the same as the annual fee for our undergraduate degree programmes. This investment ensures you are fully prepared for success in your subsequent studies.

If your IELTS score is below 5.5, you may be eligible for our Foundation Year (requires IELTS 4.5). We also offer an on-campus Intensive English Module designed to boost your language skills up to the required level before you begin your main degree content.

Our HND qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK's largest awarding body. The final Top-up year Bachelor's and Master's degrees are awarded directly by our UK university partners (e.g., University of Greater Manchester), ensuring your qualification is internationally recognised and respected.

An Offer Letter (or Admission Letter) confirms you meet the academic requirements. The Enrolment Certificate (Registration Letter) is the official document required for the visa. It is issued only after you have paid the first semester fees in full. Without this payment, the certificate cannot be released.

Yes, though it is often more complex than a blocked account. You can use a specific "Annex 32" form where a sponsor (family member) guarantees to cover your costs. The sponsor must meet strict solvency requirements set by the Belgian government. The blocked account method is generally recommended for a faster visa process.

This is a secure way to prove your financial means. You transfer the living expense amount for one year (approx. €10,020 total) to a dedicated account managed by Brussels College. Upon arrival in Belgium, this money is released to you in monthly installments to cover your rent and living costs.

Yes. Renewal is generally a formality as long as you are progressing in your studies (passing your courses). You will need to register at your local commune and prove you still have sufficient financial means and a valid lease contract. You do not need to return to your home country for this process.

The process can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks depending on your country of origin and the time of year. We strongly advise applying at least 3 months before your intended start date.

Yes. After the official deadlines passed, late applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If you missed a deadline, please contact our admissions office immediately to see if we can still accommodate you.

We offer comprehensive career services including one-on-one coaching, CV workshops, and internship placement assistance. We connect students with our network of industry partners in Brussels for real-world experience.

Students in Brussels under the age of 24 can get a STIB/MIVB season ticket for just €12 per year. This allows unlimited travel on trams, buses, and metro across the city. Regular student rates are also available for train travel across Belgium.

We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and better interaction with faculty. This approach fosters a supportive learning environment.

There is no strict upper age limit. However, the minimum age for our undergraduate programmes is generally 17/18 years old. We welcome mature students who bring professional experience to the classroom, especially for our MBA programme.

Most essential learning materials are available through our digital library and learning management system. Students may choose to purchase personal copies of core textbooks, but this is not mandatory. Budget around €50-€100 per year for additional materials.

Family reunification visas exist but are subject to strict conditions regarding accommodation and financial means. As a student, bringing family members immediately can be challenging. We advise consulting with a visa expert or the embassy for family reunification specifics.

The MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a broader strategic qualification ideal for aspiring managers and leaders across any industry. It values professional experience. The **MSc** (e.g., in Data Analytics or Network Security) is a more specialized technical degree focused on deep expertise in a specific field.

Our Student Services team provides assistance with finding suitable accommodation. We can refer you to student residences and trusted landlords in Brussels. We recommend starting your search early, as demand in Brussels can be high.

Students often find the following platforms useful (independent providers):

• HousingAnywhere
• Brukot (Student Residences)
• Spotahome

Yes. However, please note that tuition fees are generally non-refundable once the semester has officially started or if you have attended classes. Refunds are typically only considered in specific cases such as visa refusal before the start of the programme (minus administrative fees). Please consult the full terms and conditions in your offer letter.