Since 1 June 2026, Belgium has introduced stricter rules for non-EU students.

Admission to a university alone will no longer be sufficient. Students will also need to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress throughout their studies.

Under the new rules:
Students must obtain at least 60 credits during their first two years.
After that, they must complete at least 40 credits per academic year.
Repeated programme changes or continuous academic failure may affect the renewal of a residence permit.
Requirements to prove sufficient financial resources have also been strengthened.

The government argues that student visas should be used strictly for educational purposes and that abuse of the system must be prevented.

However, some educational institutions and observers believe that these measures could also create difficulties for genuine and talented international students, particularly young people with limited financial means who wish to pursue higher education in Belgium. Maintaining a balanced approach between oversight and opportunity remains important for preserving Belgium’s international reputation and academic attractiveness.