Last Updated on December 15, 2022
Belgium is considered one of the best countries to work in. This holds true for nurses as well. The Belgian government takes vigilant measures to create better working conditions and environments for healthcare professionals. Here is a detailed post about the english medical schools in belgium. Suppose you are looking for medical school in belgium for international students. Then reading this article may help. It also includes belgium medical university fees.
It’s been a few months since I started my english medical schools in belgium. You will be surprised to know that most of them are excellent and well recognized by British hospitals. There is a lot of competition from other Europeans countries as you know but speaking to the schools was an eye opener! They don’t place themselves above any country but try being professional.
Even though there have been reports of nurse shortage in the country, the average number of practicing nurses in Belgium is well above the EU average. This may be due to nurses in Belgium having a lower workload; they may also enjoy higher social recognition and remuneration.
medical school in belgium for international students
english medical schools in belgium
There are two different levels of nursing education in Belgium – a diploma degree and a bachelor’s degree. You would find the latter more commonly at a university college.
To become a registered nurse in Belgium, you can study nursing in Belgium for four years. The program consists of 2,300 hours of practical training and corresponds to 240 ECTS credits. Upon completion, graduates will obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the institution and a license to practice from the Recognition Commission of the Federal Council of Nursing Practitioners and the Provincial Medical Commission.
Those with a bachelor’s degree in nursing may choose to further their studies or go into specialization by enrolling in a master’s or Ph.D. program. For students who had previously obtained a diploma in nursing, they will be able to obtain a professional bachelor’s degree by attending a bridging program or a shortened educational pathway at an institution that provides this program.
Cost of Studying Nursing
Depending on your nationality, the cost of your nursing education in a Belgian university will range between a few hundred to a few thousand euros annually. In general, citizens of the European Union or European Economic Area countries would need less than 1,000 euros a year to study in a public university in Belgium.
Besides the affordable tuition, the low cost of living is another factor that attracts countless students from across the world to study in Belgium. On average, you would need about 800 euros or less to cover your monthly living expenses in Belgium.
Requirements to Study Nursing in Belgium
As there are three Communities in Belgium – the Flemish, French, and German-speaking Communities, you will need to be able to communicate in either Dutch, French, or German based on the location of the school you wish to attend.
For example, the Howest University of Applied Sciences offers courses in English or Dutch because it is an institution that is based in West Flanders, a province of the Flemish Region. International students who wish to study nursing at Howest must, therefore, know the Dutch language and meet a minimum requirement of B2 level as it is the teaching language that is used in the program.
You will also need to hold a diploma or education qualification that is recognized by the institution you are applying to. The admission requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the type of diploma or qualification you have, and the institution of your choice.
Best Nursing Schools in Belgium
1. Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts (EhB)
- Nursing Program Link
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Nursing
Also known as Eramushogeschool Brussel (EhB), this higher education institution has about 7,000 students in its 11 campuses located throughout Brussels, Belgium. Working together with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), EhB provides a myriad of degree programs in Dutch and exchange programs in English for students across the world.
International students who wish to pursue their nursing education can apply to this nursing school in Belgium as it offers a professional bachelor’s degree program in nursing. The language of instruction is Dutch. Students can choose to study the program full-time at the Jette campus or follow the course through distance learning. Students with a diploma in nursing can also obtain a bachelor’s degree by undergoing a bridge training program at EhB.
2. Haute École Galilée (HEG)
- Nursing Program Link
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Nursing in General Care
The Haute École Galilée (HEG) is a French-speaking private higher education institution located in Brussels. The university college offers training in four distinct areas – Communication and Journalism, Office Management and Tourism, Healthcare, and Education. HEG is considered to have one of the best nursing schools in Belgium.
At the healthcare department, also known as Institut Supérieur de Soins Infirmiers Galilée (ISSIG), students can study a four-year program to become a nurse responsible in general care. The school also offers three specializations courses – Community Health, Diagnostic and Interventional Medical Imaging, and Radiotherapy. The duration of these specialization programs is one year.
3. Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and Arts (KdG)
- Nursing Program Link
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Nursing
Named after a European emperor (Charles the Great), the Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and Arts was officially opened in 1995. It is a non-profit private higher education institution formed from a merger of 13 catholic institutions in Antwerp. Each year, more than 13,000 students are enrolled in one of the six fields of study offered by the institution.
Aspiring nurses can study at KdG and obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Over the course of four years, students will learn about all the different fields of nursing in theory and in practice. Students will undergo 2,300 hours of internship in various healthcare settings such as primary care and home nursing, medicine and surgery, mental health care, geriatrics & chronic care, mother-child care, and pediatrics.
To apply for this program, international students are required to provide a Dutch language certificate (level B2) as proof of proficiency. You will also need a high school graduation certificate that is accepted by the school.
4. Howest University of Applied Sciences (Howest)
- Nursing Program Link
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Nursing
You can study nursing in Belgium at Howest University of Applied Sciences (also known as Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen), a public higher education institution that is located in the province of West Flanders. Besides offering courses in Dutch, the school also provides many programs in English to cater to international students who wish to study in Belgium.
The nursing program at Howest is a four-year bachelor program delivered in Dutch. Applicants who wish to enroll in this program should provide proof of proficiency in Dutch that meets the minimum requirement of the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Foreign Languages (CEFR).
5. Ghent University (UGent)
- Nursing Program Link
- Degrees Offered: Master of Science in Nursing and Midwifery
The final top nursing school in Belgium is Ghent University, one of the major universities in Belgium that are located in Ghent, a city in the Flemish Region. Established in 1817 by King William I of the Netherlands, this public research university has 11 faculties and offers over 200 courses to 46,000 students annually. As most programs in UGent are taught in Dutch (with the exception of some master programs and exchange programs), students are advised to learn Dutch before or during their time in the university.
Exchange students can apply to the university’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences to obtain a qualification in Master of Science in Nursing and Midwifery. It is a two-year, 120-ECTS credit master’s degree program that aims to equip students with precise and in-depth knowledge in either nursing, midwifery, or mental health nursing. Graduates of this program will be able to pursue a career in various fields such as advanced practice roles, research, education, and management.
To apply for this program, applicants must be enrolled in a university that has a bilateral agreement with UGent and possesses a professional bachelor’s degree in nursing or midwifery or a bachelor’s degree in nursing that is approved by UGent. Applicants are also required to have at least a level B2 in English proficiency upon enrolment. For more information, please refer to the admission requirements on the website.
belgium medical university fees
Best Countries to Study Abroad
Studying abroad is a great way to develop additional social, academic and language skills, whilst adding an unparalleled depth to your university experience. Study overseas can enhance your university years, and will also ultimately give you a competitive advantage when it comes to finding employment, as recruiters seek out those who have proactively pursued different ways to broaden their experience. If you are considering completing all or some of your university studies overseas, check out this summary of the best countries to study abroad.
France
Romantic Paris consistently tops lists of the best cities for students. Although the vibrant night life, thriving cultural scene, and the prospect of long walks along the left bank of the Seine are surely partly the reason, the almost non-existent tuition fees also help. Whilst much undergraduate teaching is carried out in French, graduate education is often available in English. Or take the opportunity to brush up your French and attend a course given in the ‘language of love’.
United States
The choice of Universities in the US is quite mind-boggling. From internationally renowned ivy league institutions to hubs of innovation and cutting edge thought, whatever you study here you will have opportunities to add to your life experience. Over 750000 international students attend university in the US every year, and despite the high costs of fees, students love living in both Boston and San Fransisco enough for both cities to rank among top student cities. But if you sign up to study and decide that you would like a change of scenery, switching between universities in the US is not unusual.
Germany
As one of the economic powerhouses of Europe, Germany has more going for it than just Oktoberfest. It is also one of the best known European destinations for free (or almost free) university tuition fees, which might explain why outside of anglophone nations (the UK, US and Australia) it is the country with the highest number of international students. Head to Munich to attend an internationally rated university without breaking the bank, or Berlin to join the thriving tech hub and immerse yourself in the German take on hipster culture.
Canada
Toronto ranked recently as the most desirable city for students, among an impressive three Canadian cities in total to make the top 15. With cities this attractive it is no wonder that 6.5% of students in post secondary education in Canada come from abroad. With a vibrant culture, stunning natural environment and massive regional variations, Canada offers lots to explore for visiting students, in addition to several internationally ranked universities.
Taiwan
Taipei was recently ranked as the most affordable city for students around the globe. Tuition fees are low, and the high quality of education can make this a great choice. Learn more about the local history and politics, as well as experiencing life in a new culture, where old and new come together in a vibrant symphony.
Argentina
Argentinian students enjoy free university tuition, and although international students must pay a nominal enrolment fee, the costs are still low outside of the private institutions. The University of Belgrano gets a special mention, as a modern and well equipped facility just outside of downtown Buenos Aires, with great global connections. Take the time in Argentina to perfect your Spanish and maybe even learn to tango.
Australia
Australia is one of the world’s most popular places for international students – and with sandy beaches, year round sunshine and a relaxed outdoors lifestyle, it is no surprise. Australian universities welcome international students and are well prepared to support newcomers. Considering its relatively small population, Australia has an unusually high number of institutions making the top hundred for university academic rankings, making it the perfect destination for sun, sand and academic success.
South Korea
Who didn’t love Gangnam style? Get to the heart of K-Pop by studying in Seoul. And if you’re not a catchy-pop-tune kind of person, then you will be delighted to hear that the capital – as well as being a seriously fast paced fun place – is home to 14 internationally rated universities. Get outside your comfort zone and learn about an amazing culture whilst improving both your academic record and your CV.
United Kingdom
The UK has a wide variety of high quality universities, and although fees vary across institutions and can be fairly high, it is worth seeking out scholarship opportunities. Students often work to support their studies, and flexible opportunities to fit around university schedules are not unusual. With a melting pot of cultures, a mix of location from cutting edge urban to sleepy rural idyll, students in the UK never need to be bored.
Denmark
If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland then you may be eligible for free university tuition in Denmark. And if you are intending to pursue a PhD, there are even opportunities to study whilst earning a salary as this higher level study comes fully funded. The costs of living are undeniably high, but Denmark provides a fascinating base to explore Europe and experience nordic culture at its best.
Wherever you go, studying overseas is about more than the academic qualifications you may gain. Showing the curiosity, organisational skills and ambition to arrange a period of study overseas is a great selling point. Whether you are heading off for your entire university program, for a semester or two, or even to study during the summer holidays, you are gathering armfuls of skills and experiences that will stand you head and shoulders above competitors when it comes to looking for graduate jobs. Take the opportunity to combine study and travel, and immerse yourself in a new culture to broaden your horizons. You won’t regret it.
