A controllable EU landing route through study before work.
Route overview
Higher education admission
Typical timeline / duration: 2-5 months
Important notes
Admission or enrolment in full-time higher education at a recognised Belgian institution, or the qualifying preparatory year.
Proof of sufficient means: €1,062 net per month for the 2026-2027 academic year, shown through a blocked account, scholarship, or accepted formal obligation.
Health insurance covering Belgium, medical certificate, and for applicants over 18 an eligible criminal-record extract.
Passport, admission/enrolment evidence, visa D or residence application documents, and sworn translations where documents are not in an accepted language.
The student A card is generally valid for one year and may be renewed if enrolment, funds, insurance, and study progress are shown.
After arrival on a visa D, the student must report to the municipality within eight days; the card has limited labour-market access.