Newbie_In_NamurStudying in Belgium will it be a wise decision?
thinking about doing mechanical engineering here instead of the uk because i got offers in both but i am torn because the uk has the placement years and social life seems better there even though costs are crazy, but i heard belgian unis are good and maybe cheaper so i am trying to decide if it is worth the move
Accepted answer
mister_bxl_77Usually a smart move if you want quality education without the massive price tag of the UK, especially since EU tuition is subsidized and you only pay between €835 and €1,300 per year depending on the region, though non-EU students see much higher fees between €1,000 and €6,000+ per year. You should look into the 12-month job-search visa for after graduation, but honestly 1100€ a month is probably not enough to live in Brussels once you include rent (which is getting very expensive lately).
wafflelover882Just make sure you find a good waffle spot near your campus... sugar is the only thing that gets you through exams...
brussels_engineerNot everyone finds it that simple though!! I know people who struggled to find even a tiny part-time job because they didnt speak French or Dutch. Staying here after uni can be a real headache for those not in a STEM field!!
expats_eyei have lived here a while and i think brussels is actually very diverse. i havent noticed any real issues with racism as a non-eu resident in my experience
belgium_vibeswhere you hang out makes the difference - i mean racism and discrimination definitely exist here but it is not the only thing you will experience. you will mostly just deal with the rain and the amazing street food - trust me on that one.
wait_and_see2The costs vary a lot more than you might think (especially if you are looking at private institutions). I know of some programs where tuition fees can be as low as 2000 euros per year outside the public system