Non-EU students in Belgium must demonstrate that they have sufficient means of subsistence to cover tuition, living expenses, and accommodation. Currently, this can be shown through a scholarship certificate, a blocked bank account, or a third-party financial guarantor. The previous reference amount of €835 per month was considered insufficient to cover real costs, prompting the government to revise the threshold. From the 2026–2027 academic year, the minimum proof of sufficient means of subsistence for non-EU students will be raised to €1.062 per month and indexed annually.

In line with the coalition agreement, further reforms to the study migration framework are planned. For example, the rules on financial guarantors will be strengthened: a dedicated guarantor database will be created, and a blacklist of unreliable or insolvent guarantors will also be established. According to Minister Van Bossuyt, "it is essential that study migration continues to serve its original purpose as a temporary exchange of knowledge, with a limited stay and return thereafter, and is not used as a way to enter Belgium and remain longer than intended".

For further information, please read this press release (in Dutch).