Nominated! What's next for non-EEA students?
NON-EEA Students: How to Prepare for Your Exchange to Belgium
Studying abroad is exciting, but it comes with its share of preparations. This page provides an overview of the essential steps to ensure a smooth transition for your exchange in Belgium.
After you have been officially nominated by the international relations officer at your home institution, we will contact you with all the necessary details. Here, you'll find the most important steps to take before your departure and upon your arrival in Belgium.
We recommend saving this page for quick access whenever needed.
On this website you can find a checklist:
- Before coming to Belgium
- Upon arrival in Belgium
Coming to Odisee as a NON-EEA student
Once you have been nominated by your home institution, you will receive an email with instructions to complete your registration at Odisee as an exchange student.
Before coming to Belgium as a NON-EEA student, make sure you have all your preparations in order:
-
Coming to Odisee to study or do a traineeship?
You will need to create your study plan by selecting courses from the course catalogue of the programme of your exchange. The ECTS sheets can be consulted on the website or in the course catalogue.
After your Learning Agreement is composed, it needs to be signed by yourself, and your coordinators at the home and host institution.
-
The final step in your application process is to upload all required documents such as your Learning Agreement, Transcript of Records, proof of health insurance, using our online tool. Please follow the instructions provided in the enclosed manual sent to you by email.
Remember, the deadline to complete your online application is November 15th for exchanges in the first semester and June 15th for exchanges in the second semester.
-
We expect you to start up the visa application as soon as possible, as this procedure can easily take longer than 4 months.
To enter Belgium, you will need a visa. For stays longer than 90 days you need to apply for a Long Stay Visa (Type D), also called Authorisation for Provisional Sojourn. The visa application is submitted to the Belgian diplomatic representation in your home country. You will need to present the following documents to the embassy:
- A valid passport
- Standaardformulier / Standard form (provided by Odisee),
- Your signed Learning Agreement
- A certificate of good conduct
- A copy of the birth certificate
- Medical clearance delivered by a physician appointed by the Belgian diplomatic representation
- Acceptance letter from Odisee (provided by Odisee, after you have been officially nominated)
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- in case of a grant: provided by Odisee
- in case of a blocked account, find more info here: https://www.odisee.be/en/using-blocked-account
As a rule, students must apply for this visa at the Belgian consulate or Embassy in their own country or in the country where they legally reside, and not at the public authorities in Belgium itself. If there is no Belgium Consulate or Embassy in their home country, they may submit their application at the Belgian Consulate or Embassy in one of the neighboring countries.
-
It is advisable to budget approximately €1,000 per month to cover your basic costs. For more details, you can check and compare the cost of living in Belgium via this tool.
-
Start your search for accommodation early, ideally before arriving in Belgium. Avoid signing any contracts until you are physically in Belgium. Once you arrive, visit your chosen accommodation as soon as possible to finalize your move-in.
Please note that Odisee has limited student rooms available on some campuses. For a detailed overview of your accommodation options per campus, consult our housing webpage.
Studying at our campus in Brussels? Secure a room via our partner Brik.
Upon arriving in Belgium as a non-EEA student, you'll need to complete some important formalities and administrative tasks.
To help you stay organized, we've outlined the key steps below so you won't lose track.
-
The following webpages give you clear instructions how to reach your Odisee campus:
-
You'll get an email invitation just before the new semester starts. Make sure to RSVP in time so you don't miss out!
-
Staying for longer than 90 days in Belgium?
Non-EEA nationals must register at the town hall within 8 days of arriving in Belgium. It is best to register as soon as possible if you have a permanent place to stay by making an appointment at the town hall of your municipality.
Make sure you register at the commune where you will reside. Brussels has 19 different municipalities, each with its own town hall, so check where you need to go.
Bring the following to your appointment:
- Rental contract
- Passport with type D visa
- Standard form
- Proof of registration at Odisee
- Proof of solvability (grant or blocked account)
- Sometimes needed: birth certificate, civil status certificate, or certificate of good conduct
If all goes well, you will receive the "annex 15" document at your appointment which you can use to open a bank account.
After your visit, the police will verify your address, so ensure your name is on the postbox and doorbell.
After the police has confirmed your address, you'll get an invite to pick up your ID card. The invite will tell you what to bring.
-
If you receive a grant from Odisee or if you have a blocked account at Odisee we require your Belgian/European bank account number to be able to provide you with your installments.
To open a bank account, you'll typically need:
- A valid passport
- Residency address in Belgium (annex 15)
- Proof of registration in your local commune
- Proof of enrollment at Odisee
The required documents may vary depending on the bank, your nationality, and the type of account.
N26, Wise and Revolut are some online banks that are frequently used by international students.
-
At Odisee, non-EEA students need to sign up with a Belgian health insurance company to cover their medical expenses while studying in Belgium. This is a must-do step to ensure you're protected. It's advisable to compare different health insurance companies for the best rates and benefits. Odisee has good relations with 'CM' (Christelijke Mutualiteit) and Helan/Partenamut, which offer online registration and support.
More information on health insurance for international students can be found here.
EEA students can make use of their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
-
Staying in Brussels?
Public transport in Brussels is managed by STIB/MIVB, offering an efficient network of trams, metros, and buses. Students under 24 can apply for a school pass, valid for the entire network, costing around €12 per academic year. Make sure to bring your Odisee registration certificate and a passport sized picture when applying for the card at one of the BOOTIKs.
Staying in Ghent?
Cycling is a popular and eco-friendly way to get around Ghent. Bike rental options include:
Public transport in Ghent is operated by De Lijn and includes buses and trams. You can either opt for:
-
Your Individual Study Programme entails all the courses you will take up during your exchange. At the start of the semester, you will have to submit your ISP. You will get all instructions via email when and how to create and submit your ISP.
Experiencing issues while creating your ISP? have a look at the How to register your ISP webpage for clear instructions.