Parents and students often grapple with the financial burden of higher education. The cost of a year of higher education in Belgium can range from €3,000 to €10,000, according to estimations provided by Le Soir.
This cost is influenced by a series of factors, including the current economic crises and a more long-term surge in student enrollments, which went up 63% since 2006-2007.
But how can we accurately gauge the expenses associated with pursuing higher education? Two contrasting perspectives emerge in this discussion: that of the Fédération des étudiants francophones (FEF), which highlights the increasing financial strain on students, and that of the government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, which contends that higher education budgets should not be responsible for students' cost of living. Each has delved into the components that constitute the cost of a year of higher education by examining five key areas.
Registration Fees and academic materials
To enrol in a Belgian or European university, higher education institution or higher school of arts (ESA), students must pay registration fees known as minerval. These fees have remained constant since 2010, with a full rate minerval of €835 for European students. Students from "modest conditions" benefit from a reduced minerval of €374, and scholarships can further offset these fees. Though institutions may charge "goods and services fees" the total registration, including minerval and additional costs, cannot exceed €837 euros.
Students are required to purchase academic equipment like stationery, course materials and textbooks. While syllabus course materials are provided for scholarship recipients, other students may have to budget between €350 and €720 for these materials. This expense varies depending on the study option and institution, but one can only assume that the overall cost has likely increased due to inflation.
Housing and living expenses
Living expenses vary depending on whether students live with their families or in a student accommodation. While family meals can be more economical, students often allocate an additional budget for social and cultural activities, estimating around €400 to €500 per year. On top of that, student housing (especially in major cities like Brussels) has become a financial concern as well. Housing prices fluctuate, though university-owned accommodations typically offer lower rental costs compared to privately owned buildings. At UCLouvain, rents for community rooms range from €300 to €450.
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Transportation costs also depend on the student's age and means of transport. Those under 25 can benefit from discounted annual subscriptions for public transportation, like the Stib and TEC, while older students face higher rates. Car usage is also an option to avoid long daily commutes, but not all students have the privilege of having one or being able to borrow their parents'.
From €3,000 to €10,000
The cost of a year of higher education in Belgium or the European Union hinges on various factors: the chosen course of study, the student's age, financial status and whether they live in student accommodation or with their family. For those students living at home, Le Soir's estimate stands at approximately €3,100 on average, while those in student accommodation should expect an average of €7,600. In especially expensive cities like Brussels, these expenses can soar beyond €10,000.
