Belgium Raises the Minimum Financial Requirement for Non‑EU Student Visa Applicants
Belgium has decided to increase the minimum amount that foreign students must prove they have in order to obtain a study visa. The measure directly affects Tunisian students and, more broadly, all applicants from countries outside the European Union.
Higher financial proof required
From the 2026‑2027 academic year onward, non‑European students will have to demonstrate that they have at least €1,062 per month to cover their living expenses during their studies in Belgium. Over a full year, this amounts to roughly €12,700, a figure that is significantly higher than the previous requirement.
Until now, non‑EU students needed to show around €835 per month to cover their costs in Belgium. The announced increase therefore represents a substantial rise intended to better reflect the actual cost of living in the country.
A rule for all students from outside the EU
The measure applies to all foreign students whose nationality is outside the European Union, including those from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and other nations worldwide. By contrast, students who are citizens of the EU or the European Economic Area are not subject to these financial‑proof requirements for visa issuance.
In practice, applicants must demonstrate that they possess sufficient resources to cover their living expenses for the entire duration of their studies. This financial proof can take several forms:
- A scholarship or grant
- A financial guarantor
- A blocked (sealed) bank account containing the required amount
According to Belgian authorities, the revision of the financial threshold is primarily aimed at taking into account the rising cost of living in the country. Expenses related to housing, food, and transport have increased in recent years, especially in university cities such as Brussels and Leuven.
The goal is also to ensure that foreign students have enough means to live in Belgium without encountering financial difficulties or relying on social assistance.
Potential impact on Tunisian and other non‑EU applicants
While Belgium remains an important gateway to European higher education, the higher financial threshold could force some candidates to re‑evaluate their plans or to seek additional funding, such as scholarships or stronger financial guarantees.
For many Tunisian students, studying abroad is fundamentally an investment in their academic and professional future. However, with these new requirements, access to Belgian higher education may become more financially selective, compelling applicants to prepare their dossiers and financing plans more thoroughly before submitting a visa request.
