Student visa and proof of solvency for international students at KdG

Do I need a student visa?

• Non-EEA students (full degree): A long-term 'D' visa is mandatory to study in Belgium.
• Non-EEA students (exchange, 1 semester or less): A long-term visa is usually not required. Depending on your nationality, a short-stay visa (Schengen) may be needed. Check with the Belgian embassy in your country.
• EEA students: No visa is needed, but you may need to register with local authorities.
• Already in Belgium: If you already hold a student residence permit (e.g., transferring from another Flemish university), renew it at least one month before it expires.

Tip: Start your visa application as soon as you receive your enrolment letter. Delays can affect your arrival and your studies.

1. Visa application deadline: 24 June 2026
   • Visa processing can take 3–5 months. Embassies usually need a couple of weeks for interviews and initial checks before sending your application to the Belgian Immigration Office. The Immigration Office then has 90 days to process your application under Belgian law.
   • We strongly recommend starting your application as soon as you receive your letter of enrolment rather than waiting until the deadline, to avoid delays, last-minute issues, or missed documents.
   • Missing this deadline can prevent you from joining the 2026–2027 intake.
2. Proof of solvency payment: 24 June 2026
3. Arrival deadline: all students must be present for the Welcoming Days on 17–18 September 2026
4. Term start date: 21 September 2026
5. Latest possible visa approval: 10 October 2026, the Belgian Immigration Office will not approve any applications after this date. Students arriving after this date cannot join the intake.

Belgium requires that you prove you have enough funds to cover your stay.

We strongly recommend using our proof of solvency procedure (also known as a ‘blocked account’), as students who have relied on sponsors have sometimes had their visa applications denied.

Required amount

• 835 euros per month (set by the Belgian government), which is very likely to be increased to 1050 euros for academic year 26-27.
• Proof of solvency is required each academic year to extend your residence permit.
• Recommended for comfortable living: 1200-1400 euros per month, excluding tuition fees.
• Note: Working as a student is only possible after the first semester

Read more about the cost of living in Antwerp

KdG procedure (recommended) 

Deadline proof of solvency payment via KdG procedure: 24 June 2026

This solvency procedure is also known as a “blocked account”.

1. After enrolment, you'll receive all information to safely transfer your funds via Flywire:
   • Full year: 10.020 euros (12 × 835 euros)
   • One semester: 5010 euros (6 × 835 euros)
2. The proof of solvency is very likely to be increased to 12.600 euros (12 x 1050 euros) for academic year 26-27.
3. Once we receive the payment, we’ll email you a solvency certificate for your visa application.
4. After arrival, open a local or European IBAN account and send us your bank account details. KdG will refund your money in 12 monthly instalments, minus any transfer fees.
5. If your visa is denied, KdG refunds the full amount to the original account used for payment.

Other ways to prove solvency

1. Sponsor (guarantor/formal obligation)
   You may use a sponsor who agrees to cover your expenses in Belgium. However, many students have had their visa denied using this method.
   • Find details on the Belgian Immigration Office website.
   • Contact your local Belgian embassy for the required form and legalisation process.
2. Blocked account via Studely
   If you missed KdG’s proof of solvency deadline, you can use Studely as an alternative.
   • The service fee is about 350 euros in addition to the solvency amount.
   • Funds are refunded to you monthly after arrival.
3. Scholarship or study grant
   If your grant or sponsorship covers more than 835 euros per month, you can use it as proof of solvency.
   • If it covers less, combine it with a blocked account.
   • Contact studentservices@kdg.be for guidance.