public universities in belgium without application fee

 

Belgian Public Universities with No Application Fees (2026-2027)

​When planning to study abroad, the "hidden costs"—application fees, document legalization, and courier charges—can stack up before you even receive an admission letter. Fortunately, the Belgian higher education system remains one of the most student-friendly in Europe regarding upfront costs.

​While major institutions in other countries might charge $100–$150 just to review your file, several top-tier Belgian universities allow you to apply for free. This allows international students to distribute their budget toward more critical areas, such as visa processing and initial rent.

​Top Institutions with Zero Application Fees

​Applying to these institutions means you can submit your academic portfolio through their online portals without a credit card payment at the end of the process.

​1. Ghent University (UGent)

​Ghent University is a global leader in research and consistently ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide.

• ​The Policy: UGent does not charge an application fee for international students.
• ​The Caveat: While the application itself is free, UGent is strict about document legalization. Depending on your home country, you may need to spend money on "Apostille" stamps or embassy legalizations for your diplomas and transcripts.

​2. Thomas More University of Applied Sciences

​As the largest university of applied sciences in Flanders, Thomas More is a go-to for professional Bachelor’s degrees.

• ​The Policy: They generally do not charge an application fee for their English-taught programs.
• ​Why Apply Here? They offer highly practical degrees in Media, Business, and Tech, making it an ideal choice for students looking for direct entry into the European labor market.

​3. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

​VUB is known for its "free inquiry" philosophy and its urban campus in Brussels.

• ​The Policy: VUB often waives application fees for a vast majority of its international Master’s and Bachelor’s programs.
• ​Benefit: This allows you to apply to multiple programs within the university to increase your chances of admission without financial penalty.

​4. Specialized Colleges & Applied Science Institutions

​Many smaller "Hogescholen" (University Colleges) do not charge application fees to remain competitive and attract a diverse international student body. This includes various programs at institutions focused on Arts, Nursing, or Applied Engineering.

​Comparison: Application Fees vs. Tuition Deposits

​It is vital to distinguish between an application fee (to review your files) and a tuition deposit (to secure your seat after being accepted).

Institution	Application Fee	Tuition Deposit (Approx.)	Type
Ghent University	€0	Not usually required	Research University
Thomas More	€0	Part of first-year tuition	Applied Sciences
VUB (Brussels)	€0	Varies by program	Research University
KU Leuven	€90	Not usually required	Research University
UAntwerp	€0 - €50*	Program dependent	Research University

*Note: Some universities may introduce a small administrative fee for specific high-demand programs; always verify on the 'Admission' page.

​Important Financial Considerations for 2026

​1. The "Hidden" Costs of a Free Application

​Even if the university doesn't take your money, the process isn't entirely "free." You should budget for:

• ​Translation Services: If your documents are not in English, Dutch, French, or German.
• ​Legalization/Apostille: Costs vary by country but can range from $20 to $100 per document.
• ​Standardized Tests: If you don't qualify for an IELTS waiver, or if your program requires a GRE/GMAT (common for Business Economics).

​2. The "Blocked Account" for Visa (Proof of Solvency)

​While you save on application fees, the Belgian government requires proof that you can support yourself. For 2026, the "Blocked Account" amount is expected to be approximately €850–€1,000 per month.

​How it works: You transfer roughly €12,000 into a university or bank account, and they pay it back to you in monthly installments once you arrive in Belgium.

​Educational Prompts to Guide Your Application

​If you are communicating with admissions offices or using AI to help your search, use these specific prompts:

• ​For Legalization Info: "What are the specific legalization requirements for a [Your Country] diploma for an application to Ghent University?"
• ​For Fee Verification: "Does [University Name] require a non-refundable application fee for the 2026 intake of the [Name of Course]?"
• ​For Deadlines: "List the application deadlines for non-EU students for free-application universities in Belgium."

​Summary Checklist for International Applicants

• ​Target "Free" Universities first: Start your application cycle with Ghent, VUB, and Thomas More to save on costs.
• ​Check KU Leuven specifically: If you apply here, remember the €90 fee must be paid before they even look at your documents.
• ​Prepare your "MOI" Certificate: As discussed previously, this can save you another €200–€300 on IELTS/TOEFL fees.
• ​Watch the Calendar: Most free applications for Non-EU students close between March 1st and April 1st for the September intake.