At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
Flemish and French-speaking universities, many with English master's. Strong in life sciences, AI and policy.
The true cost
Moderate fees and living costs; Brussels offers internships with EU institutions and multinationals.
Safety & visa
Check the latest MEA advisory before you travel. A 12-month 'search year' permit follows graduation.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
After graduation, you can apply for a 12-month search year (orientation year) to look for work or start a business. Once you are employed, you can move to a work or residence permit.
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- 12 months to look for work or start a business
- Also called the orientation year
- Move to a work or residence permit once employed
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Visa & permit fees
The long-stay student visa (Visa D) costs €250 from 1 July 2026, plus any applicable administrative contribution.
Work while studying
You can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year, with a work permit or single permit as required, and more during official holiday periods.
Family & dependants
Family reunification is available if you hold a qualifying residence permit and meet the income, accommodation and insurance requirements.
Proof of funds
You must show monthly means of €1,062 for the academic year 2026/27. This is a visa requirement, separate from actual living costs.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
Belgium — Master's ROI
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
Check the latest MEA advisory
Check the latest guidance from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Brussels before you travel and during your stay, and register on MADAD (madad.gov.in). Central location for travel; Dutch or French helps locally.
Emergency contacts
Dial 112. MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Indian groceries in Brussels, Antwerp and Leuven. English works well in academic settings.
The Maharashtra community
Indian student groups in Leuven and Brussels; festival meetups.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare Belgium with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.