How much does it Cost for an MBBS in Belgium in 2025?

Longing to study to become a doctor overseas but concerned about the sky-high tuition fee rates in countries such as the US or UK? Fear not, some encouraging news in this regard: Belgium provides top-notch medical education at considerably lower expense in comparison to Western countries. Foreign students are required to pay an average annual tuition fee of €2,500 - €8,000 (INR 2.2 - 7.2 lakh), while living expenses considerably lower than those in the UK, US, or Australia. 

What is so unique about studying in Belgium is the intersection of quality, culture, and opportunity. The students enjoy world-class, research-driven courses, access to the new clinical practice, and the potential of practicing in Belgium or in the EU. And top it with Belgium's safe climate, rich cultural heritage, and EU-central European location, and you have an incredible study-abroad package.  

Why MBBS in Belgium? 

• Competitive cost of tuition compared to the US & UK 

• Internationally recognized medical degrees accepted throughout the EU & world  

• Instruction in Dutch, French, and increasingly English 

• Sophisticated healthcare system with robust research & clinical education 

• Safe, cosmopolitan setting with high standards of living 

Throughout this guide, all will be made clear to you: program structure, best universities, application procedure, fees, scholarships, career prospects, and whether MBBS in Belgium is worthwhile for international students in 2025.

What is the Structure and Duration of MBBS-Equivalent Programs in Belgium? 

Belgium does not have an official designation for their medical course as "MBBS" but does provide a Bachelor + Master of Medicine route, which is the equivalent of MBBS in India and most of the world. It is a longer course than in the UK or some EU nations but provides ample clinical exposure and EU-validated training. 

How long does it take to obtain a medical degree in Belgium? 

• The total time is 6-7 years.  

• They study a 3-year Bachelor of Medicine, then a 3-4 year Master of Medicine.  

• On graduation, further residency (specialisation) is needed, which is 3-6 years depending on what they are studying (General Practice, Surgery, Pediatrics, etc.). 

Program Stage	Duration	Notes
Bachelor of Medicine	3 years	Basic sciences, anatomy, physiology, pre-clinical training
Master of Medicine	3-4 years	Advanced medical subjects + clinical rotations
Residency / Specialization	3-6 years	Required for specialization (e.g., surgery, cardiology)

How is the program split between bachelor's and master's degrees? 

• Bachelor's Phase: Theory & lab work (anatomy, biology, chemistry, pathology). Students need to pass a comprehensive entrance test before admission. 

• Master's Phase: Practical experience is acquired through hospital internships, clinical rotations, and patient contacts. Research projects are usually obligatory. 

• Residency: Practicing under supervision in teaching hospitals prior to becoming a registered doctor. 

Key Point: The Belgian MBBS equivalent (Bachelor + Master of Medicine) is EU-wide accredited, thus the graduates are allowed to practice medicine in other European countries without re-qualification. 

Which Universities Offer MBBS (Medicine) Programs in Belgium? 

Belgium boasts some of the world's best medical universities that are ranked internationally. They are research-oriented, offer excellent hospital affiliations, and are renowned across the EU. 

What are the Top Medical Universities in Belgium? 

Here are some of the leading universities offering Medicine (MBBS-equivalent) in Belgium: 

University	QS World Ranking 2026
KU Leuven	#60
Ghent University	#162
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)	#191
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)	#227
University of Antwerp	#280
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)	#294
University of Liège	#379
Hasselt University	#597
Université de Mons	#781-790
University of Namur	#801-850

NOTE: There are no English MBBS-equivalent programs offered in Belgium. Most programs are taught in Dutch or French, but institutions like KU Leuven and Ghent University offer partial courses, research modules, or electives in English. 

Are there any English-taught medical programs available? 

• Clinical electives, research electives, and master's thesis projects can be offered to be instructed in English at universities such as KU Leuven and Ghent. 

• Foreign students need to study for language proficiency exams (Dutch/French) except for special international tracks (relatively few, competitive, limited). 

Note: Indian and international students initially complete a language preparatory course (6-12 months) before embarking on the Bachelor of Medicine. 

What are the Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process for MBBS in Belgium? 

Belgium offers its medical courses to international students, but the requirements for entry are competitive and slightly unique from other countries in Europe. The students will be required to fulfill academic, language, and entrance examination requirements before they can be admitted. Below is a step-by-step procedure. 

Do Indian Students Need to Clear NEET for MBBS in Belgium? 

Yes, Indian students seeking MBBS in Belgium need to clear NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) to be considered for admission overseas. NEET is compulsory according to Medical Council of India (MCI/NMC) regulations in case the student intends to return to India and practice. 

• Minimum Score: The student needs to score the cut-off qualifying mark in NEET (general category: ~50th percentile, reserved category: ~40th percentile). 

• Why NEET is Important? NEET is required because, without it, Indian students would not be permitted to take the FMGE/NEXT exam in India after they return from Belgium. 

• NOTE: The scores of NEET are never actually used by Belgian universities but passing NEET makes Indian students legally eligible to study medicine abroad. 

What Language Proficiency is Required for MBBS in Belgium? 

Belgium is a multilingual nation, and official languages are Dutch, French, and German. For MBBS courses: 

•  Dutch universities (Flemish region): e.g., KU Leuven, Ghent University. 

• French-language universities (Wallonia & Brussels): e.g., UCLouvain, ULB, University of Liège. 

• English-taught programs: Restricted to a few modules/electives at KU Leuven, Ghent, and VUB. 

Language Test Requirements: 

•  For French courses: DELF/DALF (minimum B2 level). 

• For Dutch courses: NT2 (Nederlands als Tweede Taal) certificate is mandatory. 

• For English modules: IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL (90+) may be needed. 

NOTE: It is ideal that the students begin with a foundation/preparatory year to enhance their language skills prior to the medical program. 

What Entrance Exams or Selection Tests Should Be Cleared? 

In addition to fulfilling language and NEET requirements, there are also entrance or aptitude tests at Belgian medical schools for EU and non-EU students.  

• Belgian Medical Entrance Exam (Examen d'admission en Médecine): Compulsory for French-speaking universities. It covers biology, chemistry, physics, maths, and logical reasoning. 

• Aptitude & Motivation Tests: Certain Flemish universities such as KU Leuven do have their own tests (scientific aptitude + interview). 

• Academic Record Check: High School PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) grades should be good. Minimum of 70%+ in most cases. 

Step-by-Step MBBS Application Process in Belgium: 

• Shortlist the university (Dutch or French-speaking). 

• Clear NEET (for Indian students). 

• Pass a language test (Dutch/French/English depending on the university). 

• Apply online with transcripts, SOP, LORs, and proof of funds. 

• Appear for university-specific entrance/aptitude exams. 

• Retrieve admission letter and request a Belgian student visa (Type D).

How Much Does It Cost to Study MBBS in Belgium (Tuition & Living Expenses)? 

Belgium is among the most affordable countries in Europe to pursue a medical degree. To spend INR 50-70 lakhs per year in nations such as the UK or USA, which offer equivalent quality MBBS courses, is not the case with Belgium, where you receive premium-quality MBBS courses at very affordable rates.  

Even then, the total spend is fluctuating depending on whether you join a public or private university, what city you reside in, and your way of life. 

What is the Fee of Annual Tuition Fees for Non-EU Students? 

For foreign students (like Indians), tuition fees are more than the Belgian or EU citizens. The average cost of MBBS in Belgium varies between: 

• €2,500 - €6,000 annually (INR 2.2L - 5.5L) at government universities 

• €10,000 - €15,000 annually (INR 9.2L - 13.8L) at private universities 

As MBBS is a long-duration course (6-7 years), students must prepare for a total fee of around €20,000 - €40,000 (INR 18.5L - 37L) for the whole course. 

What Are the Estimated Living Costs in Belgium? 

Living expenses in Belgium are pretty moderate when compared to Western Europe, but they fluctuate based on the city. Brussels, Antwerp, and Leuven are costlier than small cities like Ghent or Liège. 

Internationally trained medical students pay approximately €850 - €1,100 a month (INR 78,000 - 1.02L), which includes accommodation, food, transport, electricity and water bills, and personal expenses. 

This is a breakdown: 

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (€)	Average Monthly Cost (INR)
Rent (shared accommodation)	€350 - €500	INR 32,000 - 46,000
Food & Groceries	€250 - €350	INR 23,000 - 32,000
Transport (student pass)	€50 - €65	INR 4,600 - 6,000
Utilities & Internet	€100 - €150	INR 9,200 - 13,800
Leisure & Miscellaneous	€100 - €150	INR 9,200 - 13,800

• Total Monthly Estimate: €850 - €1,100 (INR 78,000 - 1.02L) 
• Total Annual Estimate: €10,200 - €13,200 (INR 9.4L - 12.2L) 

Are Scholarships or Financial Aid Available for International Students? 

In fact, most Belgian colleges' scholarships as well as state scholarships waive fees and, in some instances, pay living expenses. The VLIR-UOS, ARES, and Erasmus+ are the most coveted, paying full or partial fee waiver along with monthly scholarships. 

Even without scholarship, the cost of living + tuition in Belgium is much lower than other countries like the UK, USA, or Australia. This makes Belgium an extremely cost-effective option for Indian students looking for value-for-money yet global-class medical education. 

Scholarship / Aid	Coverage	Eligibility
VLIR-UOS Scholarship	Full tuition, living allowance, travel costs	Students from 29 eligible countries (including India) applying to health/medicine-related programs
ARES Scholarships	Tuition waiver, monthly stipend, travel, and insurance	International students from Global South countries
Erasmus+ Program	Tuition support, travel grant, living allowance	Exchange students enrolled through Belgian partner universities
KU Leuven Excellence Scholarship	Partial tuition fee waiver + stipend	High-achieving international students applying to KU Leuven
University of Liège Scholarships	Tuition support (partial/full)	Merit and need-based international students
Government of Flanders Master Mind Scholarship	Tuition fee reduction + €8,000 stipend	International students with strong academic performance

What Career Opportunities and Salaries Follow MBBS in Belgium? 

Graduation from an MBBS-equivalent Belgian degree provides good career prospects in Belgium as well as throughout the European Union. Medical qualifications in Belgium are recognized worldwide, particularly in the EU, due to which graduates find it easy to appear for residency, postgraduate training, or specialist registration courses overseas. 

Belgian doctors are highly regarded, highly compensated, and receive one of the best European salary grades, although compensation varies with area of specialty, years of experience, and employer type (private or public hospitals). 

What Are the Typical Salaries for Residents, GPs, and Specialists? 

Belgian salaries rise progressively with experience. Resident doctors receive a modest stipend while training, but general practitioners and specialists can earn significantly more. 

Medical Role	Average Annual Salary (€)	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Medical Resident	€25,000 - €35,000	INR 23L - 32L
General Practitioner (GP)	€60,000 - €100,000	INR 55L - 92L
Specialist Doctor (e.g., Cardiology, Surgery)	€120,000 - €180,000	INR 1.1Cr - 1.6Cr

Professionals like surgeons, anesthesiologists, and cardiologists are the highest-paid, while general practitioners have stable salaries with a negotiable work-life balance.  

Can You Practice Medicine in Belgium or Other EU Countries After Graduation? 

Yes. Belgium is part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), and therefore medical diplomas can be transported within the EU. Graduates can practice in other EU countries like France, Germany, or the Netherlands after undergoing residency or specialization. 

Although knowledge of the host nation's language (Dutch, French, or German depending on the nation) is required for licensure and communication with patients, many students utilize Belgium as a stepping stone for pursuing a career throughout Europe. 

What Is the Process for Returning to Practice Medicine in India? 

For Indian students, readmission to practice in India involves: 

•  Passing the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NEXT (National Exit Test) by the National Medical Commission (NMC). 

• Being provisionally and permanently registered by the NMC. 

• Clearing the one-year internship (in case not cleared in Belgium). 

Excellent academic performance of Belgium guarantees a student preference for clearing licensing exams, but early preparation for NEXT/FMGE is strongly advised. 

Conclusion 

MBBS in Belgium can be a career-defining course of study for foreign students, particularly Indian students who want to study medicine in Europe. Due to internationally accredited top universities, lower tuition fees in comparison to the US or UK, and the ability to practice in EU countries, Belgium is a high return on investment. 

Students will be better equipped to meet the challenges of language requirements and competitive admissions, but the benefits are access to world-class health care systems, research opportunities, and professional opportunities in Europe and back home in India. 

To put it simply, MBBS in Belgium is a choice for students who want to experience quality education, exposure to the world, and long-term professional development in the medical field.