Belgium Tightens Visa Rules for Non‑EU Students in Major Migration Crackdown
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Belgium is imposing stricter academic requirements on international students from outside the European Union, warning that those who fail to make sufficient progress risk losing their visas under new migration‑reduction measures introduced this week.
Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt said the rules are intended to curb “abuse of student status” while keeping the country open to qualified international talent. Under the changes, non‑EU students must show steady advancement in their studies to retain residency. Bachelor’s students will be required to earn at least 60 credits after two academic years and a minimum of 40 credits each year after that. New limits on the maximum duration of master’s, specialisation and doctoral programs have also been set, though details were not released.
Students who attempt to enroll in a third field of study within their first three years in Belgium — without completing the previous two — will be denied a visa extension. Those who switch unsuccessfully to a lower academic level after higher education will face tighter scrutiny.
“Studying in Belgium is not a revolving door,” Van Bossuyt said, arguing that repeated course changes and prolonged stays undermine the system. She said the measures are “harsh, but fair” to students who meet academic expectations.
Nearly 14,000 non‑EU nationals applied for a first student visa in 2025. Approval rates reached 82% for recognized higher‑education institutions but fell to 51% for non‑recognized schools such as private business, music or ballet academies, where authorities say quality standards are less certain.
The reforms align with Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s broader effort to reduce migration, including measures targeting international students. Since September, non‑EU students living in Brussels have lost access to child benefits, a change expected to save €17.8 million annually by 2030. Beginning next academic year, non‑EU students must also prove they can cover €1,050 in monthly expenses, up from €835.
Critics say the higher financial threshold and rising tuition fees at some Brussels institutions will disproportionately affect students from lower‑income backgrounds. Schools such as RITCS and the Royal Conservatory of Brussels have launched crowdfunding campaigns to retain international talent.
New administrative rules also require non‑EU students to renew residence permits online through the IRISbox platform before appearing at the Immigration Office. In 2025, authorities rejected 2,615 student visa applications, most from Cameroon and Morocco.
