Study in Belgium Without IELTS: Top Universities, Scholarships
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
Talk to ExpertUniversities abroad require international students to provide proof of their English language proficiency skills to avoid any lag in a foreign environment. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and DET are popular English language tests that are recognized by universities worldwide. It is highly recommended that students check the English language score requirements of the university before starting their application process.
Is it possible to study in Belgium without IELTS? Yes, the universities in Belgium accept scores of TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo English tests at the time of admission. These English proficiency exams are the popular alternatives to the IELTS exam. The International English Language Testing System – IELTS exam is one of the most sought-after English language proficiency exams in the world.
Studying in Belgium is an exciting opportunity for many international students, and the good news is that you can do it without taking the IELTS exam. Several universities in Belgium do not require an IELTS score for admission. Instead, they accept other forms of proof of English proficiency, making it easier for students from around the world to pursue their education.
In Belgium, more than 13 universities allow students to apply without IELTS. For example, well-known institutions like Ghent University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and the University of Antwerp are among those that offer programs without this requirement. If you have completed a year of schooling where English was the main language of instruction, you may not need to take the IELTS at all.
Additionally, some universities accept alternative tests like the Duolingo English Language Test, which is often seen as less difficult and more affordable than IELTS. This flexibility opens doors for many students who might find traditional language tests challenging. Some institutions offer English-taught programs that do not require a separate language test. In this blog, we are going to discuss how to study in Belgium without IELTS score.
Education System in Belgium
Belgium is primarily made up of three communities and three regions. The education in the country is the responsibility of the Flemish, French and German-speaking communities. So even though the country has three national languages, Dutch, French and German, universities in Belgium use and accept English as their method of communication. Be it undergraduate studies, post-graduate degrees or a PhD – English is an accepted form of communication outside and inside of classrooms. However, candidates would need to establish their English language proficiency.
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Study in Belgium without IELTS
At times, candidates might not be entirely comfortable in appearing for the IELTS exam as part of their English language proficiency test. Hence, universities in Belgium have allowed international students to appear for alternative English language tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as part of the admission process. Mentioned below are the top universities in Belgium along with their IELTS score requirements and their TOEFL score requirements. Candidates are advised to verify the English score requirements during the time of admission.
Universities in Belgium without IELTS
| Universities in Belgium |
QS World University Rankings 2025: Top Global Universities |
Score Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Leuven, Belgium Shiksha Grade: A++ |
63 |
IELTS: 6.5-7.0 |
| Ghent, Belgium Shiksha Grade: A |
169 |
IELTS: 6.0 & Above |
| Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium Shiksha Grade: B+ |
203 |
IELTS: Accepted TOEFL: Accepted |
| Universite libre de Bruxelles Brussels, Belgium |
230 |
IELTS: Accepted TOEFL: Accepted |
| Antwerp, Belgium Shiksha Grade: C |
267 |
IELTS: Accepted TOEFL: Accepted |
| Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Brussels, Belgium Shiksha Grade: C++ |
278 |
IELTS: 6.5 & Above |
| Liège, Belgium Shiksha Grade: C+ |
396 |
IELTS: 5.5 & Above |
| Diepenbeek, Belgium Shiksha Grade: C+ |
554 |
IELTS: 6.0 & Above |
| University of Mons Mons, Belgium |
781-790 |
IELTS: Accepted TOEFL: Accepted |
Eligibility For Studying in Belgium
International students looking to study in Belgium must take the admission process seriously. The admission process across Belgium universities is a time-consuming process. Students must be careful with timelines, documents, test scores, etc. Given below is a step-by-step guide to the admission process of applying for and getting admission to Belgium universities:
- Candidates should start by selecting the course that they want to pursue
- Shortlist a few universities. Candidates can get in touch with our in-house counsellors for assistance on the same
- Know the eligibility criteria for your targeted course
- Make a list of exams that you need to appear for
- Prepare a study plan and be ready with your test scores well in advance
- While you are preparing for your exams, make sure to work on your resume, SOP, essays, LOR, and other related documents
- Prepare all the documents (including visa documents) well in advance to avoid last-minute rush
- Start your university application process
- Appear for the interview
- Track the application
- Accept the university offer letter or letter of admission
- Begin your Belgium Study Visa application process
- Make sure that you arrange for your accommodation beforehand. Contact your university if required
Documents Required for Admission to Belgium Universities
International students looking to study in Belgium must take their documentation process very seriously. Any laxity might lead to rejection of your application. Different universities have different eligibility criteria and documentation processes. However, we have provided a list of documents that are required for admission to Belgium universities:
- Filled application form
- Academic documents
- Degree certificates/ officially certified copies
- Academic Transcripts awarded by the main university
- Test scores of SAT/ GRE/ GMAT (as per the requirement)
- Proof of English-language proficiency TOEFL/ Cambridge/ ITACE/ Duolingo
- Academic Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Admission Essays or Motivation Letters (as per the university requirements)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Financial documents
- Other relevant documents such as research proposals, work experience letters, etc. (as per the requirement of the university)
- Medical tests
Scholarships in Belgium without IELTS
In this section, we are going to be talking about scholarships in Belgium without IELTS. One of the few drawbacks of studying abroad is the cost of studying in a foreign country. However, with scholarships and financial aid from various organizations - studying abroad has become an increasingly achievable dream for Indian students. Candidates can check out a comprehensive list of scholarships applicable across Belgium universities on our website.
Government of Belgium Scholarships
Every year, the Government of Belgium offers scholarships to students from developing countries to pursue a one-year specialized master’s degree programme or a 4-to-6-month advanced training course in any Belgium higher institution. International students can apply for the Government of Belgium Scholarship without IELTS and be offered a fully funded study place in a Belgian university.
Master Mind Scholarship
Funded by the Government of Flanders, a regional government of Belgium, the Master Mind Scholarship is offered to about 30 international students from all countries every year to study master’s programs in Flanders and Brussels. The scholarship covers the cost of accommodation, medical insurance, and tuition fee waiver and includes a grant of €8200.
Erasmus Mundus Masters Scholarship
One of the most prestigious scholarships in Europe, the Erasmus Mundus Masters Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship administered by the European Union for various master’s and doctoral study programs in Europe. You can apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship without IELTS to study in Belgium. The scholarship covers the living costs (€1100-€1200 per month), tuition fees, visa fees, travelling, and insurance costs of the students.
VLIR-UOS Scholarship Program
One of the most sought-after scholarship programs by international students, the VLIR-UOS scholarship is a fully funded scholarship offered to take care of the entire tuition charge, living expenses, airline tickets, and monthly grants of 31 overseas students every year to study at a Flemish university or college.
Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships
An initiative of KU Leuven The Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships is to encourage collaborative research with experts from developing countries. PhD candidates from developing countries are offered the opportunity to do research at KU Leuven with all expenses paid. The scholarship generally covers a full tuition fee, a monthly stipend (€ 2,199 per month), medical insurance, airfare tickets and a research allowance (€ 310 per month).
Note: The Details of these scholarships may change. It's better to cross verify the information from the official website at the time of application.
Candidates can get in touch with us in the comments below. Students looking to study abroad can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university admissions on our website.
Q: Do I need IELTS to study in Belgium?
No, you do not necessarily need IELTS to study in Belgium. Many universities accept alternative forms of proof of English proficiency, such as the TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo English Test. Some institutions may also waive the IELTS requirement if you have completed your previous education in English.
Q: Is it easy to study in Belgium?
Yes, studying in Belgium can be considered easy for international students, especially due to the wide range of programs offered in English. The country has a supportive environment for students, with many universities providing resources and assistance for newcomers.
Q: How much does IELTS cost in Belgium?
The cost of taking the IELTS exam in Belgium typically ranges from €200 to €250, depending on the test center and location. It is advisable to check with specific test centers for the exact fees, as they may vary.
Q: What is the band score for IELTS in Belgium?
For admission to undergraduate programs in Belgium, the minimum IELTS band score usually required is between 5.5 and 6.0. For postgraduate programs, the required score is generally higher, around 6.5 to 7.0. However, specific requirements can vary by university and program, so it's essential to check with the institution you are applying to for their exact requirements.
Q: Which countries require IELTS score for admission?
In order to be eligible to study abroad, IELTS ecam scores will be required in majority of the English speaking countries. In total there are 140 countries which accept IELTS scores for admissions from international students. Some of these top countries are as follows:
Q: How many IELTS test centres are there in India?
Spread across 75+ Indian cities, there are approximately 78 IELTS test centres. Indian applicants planning to take IELTS exam, can choose from any 78 test centres and appear for the exam. Applicants should ideally choose the nearest IELTS exam centre for taking the exam.
Q: Which is better: an MSc in Artificial Intelligence at KU Leuven (Belgium) or a MSc in Data Science at Ludwig Maximilian University?
KU Leuven is a popular university in Belgium and Ludwig Maximilians University Munich is a popular university in Germany. Mentioned below is the comparision between these two university for MSc in Artificial Intelligence at KU Leuven (Belgium) and MSc in Data Science program at LMU Munich:
- MSc in Artificial Intelligence at KU Leuven (Belgium) costs INR 5.93 L
- There is no tuition fees for MSc in Data Science at Ludwig Maximilian University
Therefore, it is better to study MSc in Data Science at Ludwig Maximilian University than MSc in Artificial Intelligence at KU Leuven.
Q: In which US Universities is IELTS accepted for admissions?
IELTS Band Scores are widely accepted across universities in USA, Canada and other English speaking countries. Check: IELTS Scores at the Best Universities in US IELTS scores across popular universities in the US:
| S.no. | Universities | Required IELTS score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University | 6.0 |
| 2 | Washington University in State Louis | 6.5 |
| 3 | University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign | 6.5 |
| 4 | Colorado State University | 6.0 |
| 5 | Saint Louis University | 6.5 |
| 6 | The University of Texas at Arlington | 6.5 |
| 7 | Pace University | 7.0 |
| 8 | University of New Haven | 7.5 |
| 9 | Iowa State University | 6.0 |
| 10 | Northeastern University | 7.0 |
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- Universities in Belgium8 Universities
- Universities in USA1038 Universities
- Universities in Canada174 Universities
- Universities in Australia372 Universities
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in Ireland32 Universities
Statement of Purpose
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Student Visa Application
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