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Recognised Higher Education Student Residence

BelgiumStudy

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Get your free results Read the five questions ↓

What education or training is this pathway designed for?

This route is for non-EU nationals wishing to undertake full-time higher studies, or a preparatory year, who need authorisation to stay for more than 90 days.

See recorded sources
  • chars 1389-1866
    Non-EU nationals who wish to undertake full-time higher studies at a higher education institution in Belgium, or a preparatory year for this education, must submit an application for authorisation to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days. The general rule is that this request will be submitted to the Belgian diplomatic or consular post competent for the place where they usually reside abroad, in the form of an application for a national long-stay visa (more than 90 days).

What type of institution/course must accept or enrol the applicant?

The applicant must produce a certificate from a higher education institution proving enrolment for full-time higher studies or a preparatory year, or admission to the studies, or registration for an entrance examination or test.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • For undergraduate studies, equivalence of the foreign degree giving access to higher education is required.
  • Applicants are normally asked to apply in person, give fingerprints and answer a questionnaire assessing the coherence of their academic background and study plans.
  • chars 3504-3996
    - a certificate drawn up \[in accordance [with the model of the standard form](https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/default/files/2022-06/Model%20van%20het%20standaardformulier.pdf) established per the ministerial decree of 28 March 2022\] by a higher education institution, proving that they are enrolled at that institution to pursue full-time higher studies or to take a preparatory year, or that they have been admitted for the studies, or that they are enrolled for an entrance examination or test;

What are the most important financial or study-related conditions: tuition, funds, insurance, full-time study, attendance or equivalent?

The applicant must prove sufficient means of subsistence for the stay so as not to become a burden on the Belgian social assistance system, and health insurance covering all risks in Belgium for the stay.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The page gives no euro amount for the means of subsistence; it links to a separate page for that figure.
  • Proof of payment of the fee is also required, if the obligation applies, and its amount is not given here.
  • chars 4134-4508
    - proof that, during their stay, they will have [sufficient means of subsistence](https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/ressortissants-dun-pays-tiers/etudes/favoris/sufficient-means-subsistence) to avoid becoming a burden on the Belgian social assistance system during their stay; - proof that they have or will have health insurance covering all risks in Belgium during their stay;

Can the student work? Under what major restrictions? What is the family position where clearly stated?

The student's A card is marked 'Student' and 'Labour market: limited'. The official source does not state the permitted working hours, the conditions for working or the family position.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The page does not state how many hours a student may work, nor under what conditions.
  • It says nothing about family members joining the student, nor about travel rights.

How long does the status last, how is it renewed, and what officially documented post-study work or residence possibilities exist?

The student A card is valid for one year and may be renewed under certain conditions. The official source does not state what status may follow the studies.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Where only proof of admission or of registration for an entrance examination was presented, or where no health insurance was proved, the authorisation is limited to four months and covered by a certificate of immatriculation.
  • The page does not state what status may follow the studies.
  • chars 13026-13126
    This card is valid for one year and may be renewed under certain conditions. (See Extension of Stay)

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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