Publication date: 06 May 2011

Report of the Universities UG (Ghent) and ULB (Brussels) on behalf of the Belgian government
Main theme: Study § Training
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: student migration, third-country nationals

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According to Belgian Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt, the minimum proof of sufficient means of subsistance for non-EU students wishing to study in Belgium has been increased. She said the measure aims to strengthen study migration as a gateway for international talent while preventing financial abuse and protecting students from precarious situations.

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The documents set out key elements of the European Commission’s approach to managing international mobility to the EU. The EU Visa Strategy aims to strengthen the Union’s security and integrity through enhanced visa procedures, modernise the processing and management of visas, and support the EU’s economy and competitiveness by facilitating legitimate travel. Complementing this, the Recommendation on Attracting Talent for Innovation provides guidance to Member States on attracting, admitting, and retaining international students, researchers, highly skilled workers, and innovative entrepreneurs.

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Myria, the Federal Migration Centre, has published a thematic report on economic migration, free movement and students as part of its annual report "Migration in figures and rights 2025". The publication explains trends in labour migration and study-related mobility. It shows that labour migration from outside the EU has slightly decreased, the share of third-country nationals among temporary postings has continued to grow, and student numbers are increasing.

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On 19 June 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union delivered a judgment in response to a request from the Brussels Court of First Instance (French-speaking) regarding appeal procedures following the refusal of student visas. The referral followed concerns raised by Belgian lawyers and the NGO CIRÉ, highlighting that late notification of refusals often prevents students from exercising an effective remedy. The Court clarified that, while no urgent procedure is required, national systems must ensure that visa decisions and related appeals are issued in time for a meaningful judicial review.

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Students, who were originally from Syria and Congo before becoming refugees in Egypt and Uganda, have the opportunity to start this new academic year in Belgian universities thanks to the legal and sustainable migration pathway offered by the university corridors. 

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In a judgement from 29 July 2024, the Court of Justice of the EU states that a Member State may reject an abusive application for an authorisation to reside on its territory for the purpose of study, even if it has not correctly transposed the directive that provides for that option.

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The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the substantial measures taken by EU and OECD countries to prevent the spread of the virus are having direct and indirect impacts on international students coming to those countries. While the long-term consequences are difficult to predict, the immediate impacts are already visible, for example, the processing of new applications or renewing of residence permits has in many cases been hindered or suspended, with consequences for international students already present in the host country. In addition, the abrupt downturn in economic activity has had a significant impact across many sectors, with international students facing the loss of their part time jobs or reduced or lost incomes, which could have an impact on their ability to continue their studies or find a job or start a business following their graduation.

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The Royal Decree of 23 April 2018 introduced changes with regards to extending or ending the stay of international students. It details – inter alia – in which cases an order to leave the territory can be issued to a student when he/she extends his/her studies in an excessive manner considering the results.
Main theme: Study § Training
Keywords: student

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In 2018, the European Migration Network (EMN) celebrates its 10 year anniversary. On this occasion, the EMN organized a conference on 15 May in Brussels.
Main theme: Asylum, Migration
Keywords: anniversary, EMN conference

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On the 26th of October 2017 the general policy note on asylum and migration of the State Secretary for Asylum and Migration was published. The policy note provides an overview of the main achievements and priorities in the field of asylum and migration.

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The European Commission has launched a public consultation to collect evidence, experiences, data and opinions to support the evaluation of the existing EU legal framework for the legal entry and stay of nationals of non-EU countries to the EU Member States. The deadline is 18 September 2017. 

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A decree of the government of the French-speaking Community – which entered into force today – introduces changes regarding the procedure of recognition of the equivalence of higher education diplomas and certificates obtained abroad.

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On 6 and 7 July, the Slovakian National Contact Point of the EMN - in connection with its Member State's Presidency of the Council of the EU - organized the annual EMN conference. This time the conference focused on sustainable returns and cooperation with countries of origin.

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An EU directive to harmonise EU entry and residence rules to make it easier and more attractive for people from third countries to study or do research at EU universities.

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Eurostat published data on first residence permits issued to non-EU nationals. A residence permit represents an authorization issued by the competent authorities of a country allowing third-country national (non-EU citizens) to stay legally on its territory.

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This website aims to inform persons who wish to find a salaried job, follow a professional training, become self-employed or study in Belgium about the recognition of foreign diploma.
Main theme: Study § Training
Keywords: diploma, recognition

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The joint European Commission-OECD report on Matching Economic Migration with Labour Market Needs shows that migration and mobility have a key role to play to address demographic decline and skills shortages in the EU.

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This request for a preliminary ruling concerns the interpretation of Article 12 of Council Directive 2004/114/EC of 13 December 2004 on the conditions of admission of third-country nationals for the purposes of studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated training or voluntary service.

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The Immigration Office noticed the minimum monthly amount of livelihoods which is required from a student who wish to study in Belgium during the school or academic year 2014-2015.
Main theme: Study § Training
Keywords: livelihood, student

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The school results of students in Belgium are still very much determined by their socio-economic and migration background. This is the key conclusion of the new analysis of the PISA figures on the educational performance of young people in Belgium.

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Today the Commission proposed to make it easier and more attractive for non-EU national students, researchers and other groups to enter and stay in the EU for periods exceeding three months.

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This conference will close the ARCKA project « Assessing, recognizing competences and certifying knowledge acquisition valuing human capital of children of foreign origin in education and training in Europe » that is cofinanced by the European Commission.

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This Conference, organised by the EMN CY NCP within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, will support the policymaking process in the field of immigration and international students, notably in the development of the planned review of Council Directive 2004/114/EC.

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From 1 June to 23 August 2012, the consultation collects opinions on future rules on the entry and residence of non-EU national researchers, students, school pupils, unremunerated trainees and volunteers in the EU, with a view to the revision of the students and researchers Directives.