Studying an LLM (Master of Laws) Program in Belgium

There are several reasons why international students may wish to consider studying in Belgium – here are our top five:

1. Central position in Europe

LLM in Belgium Belgium is often referred to as the heart or the “de facto” capital of Europe. Located in north-west Europe and sharing borders with France, Germany, Luxembourg and The Netherlands, Belgium is a dynamic and vibrant country. Its population of about 10.7 million people comprises of groups that speak French, German and Dutch as well as citizens from nearby EU countries.

Belgium is the centre of Europe and its capital city Brussels functions as the European seat for NATO. It is also the residence of the Council of Ministers which hosts meetings of the European Parliament.

As per the International Monetary Fund Belgium’s GDP is the 24th largest in the world and has a highly developed infrastructure. Therefore, for law students wishing to undertake an LLM in European or International Law, Belgium is a top choice.

2. Highly recognised universities, research and academic facilities

Universities in Belgium have international recognition and rank highly on a global scale. Belgian universities feature among the top 200 universities worldwide as Belgium fosters world-class research institutions. The academic strength and teaching experience of the Belgian universities are enhanced by its solid culture of research which enriches students’ learning experience.

3. Career opportunities

Due to the close proximity to the main European institutions and international organisations, there are excellent opportunities to gain work experience in the form of internships during a Master of Laws program, or indeed after graduation. There are EU competitions organised by the European Personnel Selection Office in Belgium in which students may participate. Also, many major corporations choose to base their European headquarters in Belgium, give the students many networking and career opportunities. For example, students may consider working in European head offices of multi-national companies, national government department, consultancies, NGOs, private law firms etc.

4. Diverse and multicultural society

Belgium is multilingual and has an international outlook. French, German, English and Dutch are widely spoken in the country. Belgium offers a rich culture of art (featuring names like Magritte and Delvaux), famous architecture, scenic beauty and excellent nightlife. Participating in cultural activities will allow you to interact with other students outside your educational institute and will enhance your learning experience. It also has a well-developed and systematic public transport system that makes travelling easy and convenient. Given its geographical location it is well connected to other European countries and interesting capital cities like Amsterdam, Paris and London are all easily accessible.

5. Great education and learning experience at an affordable price

Belgian LLM programs tend to bemore affordable when compared to its UK and US counterparts. Hence, it allows students to gain a masters qualification without incurring significant amounts of debt.

Belgium universities

There are various institutions that offer Master of Laws programs in Belgium on a full-time and part-time basis as well as via distance learning. There are general LLM programs offered as well as various specialisations for those who wish to focus on a particular area of law.

The universities offering LLMs in Belgium include:

Studying an LLM in Belgium

What LLM programs can you study?

There is a wide varoety of LLM programs to choose from at law schools in Belgium – this table show the Master of Laws courses available at six of the best universities for law in Belgium.

Belgium University	LLM Programs
KU Leuven	Master of Laws
Ghent University	LLM in European and International Law LLM in International Business Law LLM in European Law LLM in International and National Orders
Universite libre de Bruxelles	LLM in International Business Law
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)	LLM in International Law
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)	International and European Law
University of Antwerp	Master of Laws

Admission criteria for an LLM program in Belgium

In order to gain admission into LLM program students are required to have:

A bachelors degree in law or equivalent (entitling them to practice law in their country of origin). Students with degrees other than law may also be admitted subject to examination of their educational background and competencies.
Proficiency in English language demonstrated by TOEFL (590 for paper-based, 95 for internet-based for most universities) or IELTS scores (7 and above).

Tuition fees and living costs for an LLM in Belgium

The tuition fees vary depending on the choice of course as well as the institution but they are reasonable when compared to those in the UK and the United States. For example, the Master of Laws program at the highly ranked KU Leuven at Leuven in Belgium costs €7,099.10 for all students, while tuition fees at the renowned Ghent University are currently €6,540,10.

Please note that this does not include the cost of accommodation or any otherr associated costs such as text books, bills or transport. The cost of living in Belgium is dependent on the individual student’s lifestyle but it is advised that a student should set aside a monthly budget of around €1,000 per month for living costs.

Scholarships and bursaries are also available, check the university's scholarship/grants pages as well as consider their local government educational grants. Plus, while part-time work opportunities may be available, international students will be expected to demonstrate full proof of sufficient finances to be granted a study visa.

Visa requirements for an LLM in Belgium

Students from members of the EU will not need a study visa to study their LLM in Belgium.

All international students are likely to need a study visa and can obtain detailed information on visa procedures from the Belgian embassy/consulate in their own country of residence.

Students should also refer to the website of Belgian Ministry of Affairs for information regarding visa procedures.

PLEASE NOTE: As a result of Brexit, from Autumn 2021 postgraduate students from the European Union studying at a UK university will be charged the same tuition fees as international students. UK students studying their postgraduate course at a European university are also likely to incur higher tuition fees than their EU counterparts. It is advisable to check with the individual universities in the UK and Europe for up-to-date information on tuition fees for all postgraduate programs.

Find your PERFECT LLM PROGRAM

Master of Laws (LLM Programs) in Europe

LLM in European Law

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