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Belgium is updating its residency rules for foreign students from non-EU countries. The new requirements are aimed at ensuring that student visas are used specifically for obtaining an education, and not as a way to extend residence in the country without meaningful academic progress. At the same time, the authorities emphasize: Belgium remains interested in talented international students and continues to welcome those who genuinely come to study.
The main change concerns academic performance. Starting from the 2026/27 academic year, students from countries outside the EU enrolled in Associate Degree and Bachelor's Degree programs will need to demonstrate sufficient academic progress in order to renew their residence permit. After the first two academic years, they must earn at least 60 academic credits, and then each subsequent renewal will require obtaining at least 40 credits per year. For master's programs, Advanced Master's programs, certificate courses, and doctoral programs, maximum study durations are planned to be established (meaning a degree cannot be pursued for 10 years).
The new rules will also affect those who plan to change their field of study multiple times. If a student decides to enroll in a third educational program within the first three years of residence in the country, they will no longer be able to renew their residence permit. A stricter approach will also be applied to those who, after unsuccessful studies at a university, wish to transfer to a lower-level program.
Additional changes will affect students enrolling in educational institutions that do not hold official accreditation (these may include, for example, certain music schools or business schools). When submitting documents, applicants will need to confirm not only the fact of enrollment, but also full payment of tuition, a sufficient level of language proficiency, and the availability of financial means for the entire academic year.
According to the Belgian government, in 2025 nearly 14,000 applicants from countries outside the EU applied for a first student visa; among those applying to officially recognized educational institutions, 82% of applicants received a positive decision. For students of non-accredited institutions, this figure was significantly lower — 51%. This is precisely why the authorities decided to strengthen control over the use of student visas, while simultaneously preserving favorable conditions for those who genuinely come to Belgium for quality education.
