For non-European Union students planning to pursue higher education in Belgium, the 2026–2027 academic year is expected to bring greater financial requirements. The minimum amount of financial resources required to obtain or renew a student residence permit has recently been revised, in line with the annual indexation mechanism established by Belgian regulations.
Under the new provisions, the monthly threshold is now set at €1,062, which corresponds to €12,744 per year, compared to €10,020 previously. This increase is far from insignificant for thousands of international students, particularly those from Africa, where funding a study-abroad project often relies on already stretched family resources.
A legal requirement aimed at preventing financial vulnerability
Belgian legislation clearly states the purpose of this measure.
A foreign student must demonstrate that they have sufficient means “so as not to become a burden on the Belgian social assistance system during their stay.”
In other words, the authorities seek to ensure that students are able to cover their living expenses — including accommodation, food, transportation and other daily costs — throughout their academic stay.
This minimum amount is determined by royal decree and adjusted annually. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the official text specifies that “the minimum amount is set at €1,062 net per month.”
Strictly regulated financial proof
To meet this requirement, several mechanisms are available. Students may, for instance, provide “proof of the deposit of an amount equivalent to twelve times the minimum monthly amount” in a blocked account opened in their name.
This financial guarantee may be managed either by a higher education institution or by a financial services company specializing in blocked accounts for international students. In this regard, the administration states that “the Immigration Office only accepts irrevocable transfer certificates (AVI) issued by the companies Studely and Ready Study Go International,” while also emphasizing that it “is not contractually bound to these companies.”
An additional challenge for African students
In practice, the increase in the financial threshold represents an additional hurdle for many applicants seeking to study in Belgium. Moving from €10,020 to €12,744 means mobilizing nearly €2,700 more, a significant amount in several African countries.
While this measure aims to secure students’ academic journeys, it also highlights an unavoidable reality: for international students, the success of a study project in Europe now depends not only on academic motivation but also on the financial strength of the application.
