Using a blocked account
If you require a visa to come and study in Belgium or you have to renew your residence permit, you need to provide proof of solvency. In other words, you need to prove that you have sufficient means of subsistence for your study period in Belgium. There are a few options to do so: you have a study grant, you can make use of a sponsor or you can use the blocked account procedure which is an official procedure that has been agreed upon with the Immigration office and is highly recommended.
Deadline to open a blocked account:
- 16 June 2025: non-EEA nationals who have to apply for a visum
- 15 September 2025: non-EEA nationals who have to renew their residence permit
Please note that presenting proof of sufficient funds in your own bank account will not be accepted. Only a blocked account, sponsor or attestation of a grant is acceptable.
How does the blocked account procedure work?
Opening a blocked account for the 2025-2026 academic year
- You fill out the online agreement form provided by Odisee.
- You can directly transfer the funds by making use of the payment method of Flywire.
- Once the payment has been confirmed you will receive your proof of solvency. Bear in mind that this process can take up to 10 working days.
- Odisee will immediately reserve these funds in a blocked account in your name for the duration of your studies. (10.300 EUR = 12 months x 850/ month + 100 EUR administrative costs).
- Attach your proof of solvency to your visa/residence permit application.
Upon arrival in Belgium
- Set up a current bank account in an EEA country (preferably Belgium) into which an amount of EUR 850 will be refunded each month. The first installment will be transferred to you in October.
- Send a bank identity certificate (official document with your name and IBAN) to admissions@odisee.be
Renewal of residence permit
- All the previous steps are required even if you had a blocked account at Odisee in previous academic years.
FAQ
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The administration fee amounts to 100 EUR (already included in the EUR 10.300 transfer). This fee is an all-in lump sum and covers all administration costs and services of Odisee with regard to this procedure. The administration fee applies again if you extend an existing blocked account.
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No, Odisee does not have the option to open a blocked account for six months or half an academic year. You will have to open a blocked account for the whole academic year.
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You will receive the first payment of 850 EUR in October. If you arrive in Belgium already in August or September, please make sure you have sufficient pocket money at your disposal to bridge this period.
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The monthly installments are always transferred on the 25th of every month for next month's payment. On holidays and during weekends transfers do not go through. If the 25th falls on a holiday or weekend you will receive the payment a couple days later.
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No, as the blocked account funds are reserved in your name, no interest is foreseen for the university nor will the funds be used to pay your tuition fee.
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In case you fail to arrive on time to start your studies at Odisee, the money will be refunded to the bank account you originally used to transfer them to us. In case of a refund please email admissions@odisee.be with the following information:
- Visa refusal letter
- Bank identity certificate
- Bank account number:
- Name of the beneficiary:
- Date of birth and place of birth of the beneficiary:
- Address of the beneficiary:
- Name of the bank:
- Bank address:
- Swift code:
Kindly note that the administrative fee of 100 EUR is not refundable.
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Opening a blocked account is an official procedure that has been agreed upon with the Immigration Office of Belgium. They aim to ensure financial means throughout your stay, preventing dependence on the Belgian State. It is expected that each year the amount required by law will be increased. This is the minimum amount. Odisee requires a higher amount to open a blocked account. We publish the right amount for the next academic year on February on our website.
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Please send an e-mail to admissions@odisee.Be if you require a Bank request (invoice) for the blocked account funds. We will provide you with a bank request by e-mail. This bank request is not mandatory at every bank. Please only send us an e-mail if this is required from your bank.