How to Apply for a Belgium Student Visa from Pakistan in 2026
Complete Guide, Eligibility, Documents, Checklist, and Timeline
Studying in Belgium offers international students high-quality education, global recognition, and access to Europe’s academic and research network. Pakistani students who plan to study in Belgium for more than 90 days must apply for a Long-Stay Student Visa (Type D).
This guide explains the complete application process for Pakistani students in 2026, including eligibility, required documents, legalisation, timelines, and common mistakes.
1. Which Visa Do Pakistani Students Need?
Students from Pakistan must apply for:
Type D (Long-Stay Student Visa)
This visa is required if:
- Your study program is longer than 90 days
- You are enrolled in a full-time degree or research program
After arrival, this visa is converted into a residence permit (A Card) in Belgium.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Belgium Student Visa (2026)
You are eligible to apply if you meet all of the following conditions:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission | Confirmed offer from a recognized Belgian institution |
| Study Mode | Full-time academic program |
| Education | Relevant previous qualification |
| Financial Proof | Ability to cover tuition and living costs |
| Health | Medical clearance |
| Character | Clean police record |
| Language | Documents in English, French, Dutch, or German |
Minimum Eligibility Summary
- Accepted by a Belgian university
- Genuine academic purpose
- No immigration violations
- Sufficient funds
- Complete legalized documents
3. Step 1: Get Admission from a Belgian Institution
Before starting your visa process, you must:
- Apply to a recognized university or college
- Receive an unconditional acceptance letter
- Confirm enrollment and fee details
Your admission letter must include:
- Course name
- Duration
- Start date
- Institution details
Without this letter, your visa application will not be accepted.
4. Step 2: Start Your Online Visa Application
Belgium uses an official digital system called Visa on Web.
You must:
- Complete the online visa form
- Upload basic information
- Print and sign the form
- Prepare your submission file
After this, you submit your documents through VFS Global in Pakistan.
5. Required Documents for Belgium Student Visa (2026)
A. Personal Documents
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for at least 12 months |
| Photos | Biometric standard |
| Application Form | Signed and dated |
| CNIC/B-Form | Copy |
| Family Registration | If required |
B. Academic Documents
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Admission Letter | Original + Copy |
| Degrees | Attested and apostilled |
| Transcripts | Attested and apostilled |
| Certificates | HEC/IBCC verified |
C. Financial Documents
| Proof Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Bank Statement | Last 6 months |
| Scholarship | Award letter |
| Sponsor | Affidavit + income proof |
| Blocked Account | If applicable |
Minimum living cost proof is set by Belgian authorities and changes annually.
D. Medical and Legal Documents
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Medical Certificate | Embassy-approved doctor |
| Police Clearance | Valid and recent |
| Health Insurance | Coverage in Belgium |
| Accommodation | Rental or hostel proof |
6. Document Translation and Legalisation
All Pakistani documents must be legally valid for use in Belgium.
Required Steps
- HEC / IBCC attestation (education)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille
- Certified translation (if in Urdu)
Accepted languages:
- English
- French
- Dutch
- German
Incomplete legalisation is a major cause of rejection.
7. Step 3: Book Appointment and Submit Application
You must apply in person through VFS.
Submission Process
- Book appointment
- Visit VFS center
- Submit file
- Give biometrics
- Pay fee
- Receive tracking number
Main decision authority is Belgian Immigration Office via the Embassy of Belgium in Islamabad.
8. Visa Fees and Estimated Costs (2026)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | €180 to €210 |
| VFS Charges | PKR equivalent |
| Translations | PKR 10,000 to 25,000 |
| Attestation | PKR 5,000 to 15,000 |
| Insurance | €300 to €600/year |
Note: Fees may change annually.
9. Processing Time and Application Timeline
Average Processing Time
- 4 to 8 weeks (normal)
- Up to 12 weeks (peak season)
Recommended Timeline
| Stage | Ideal Time |
|---|---|
| University Application | Oct to Jan |
| Admission Letter | Jan to Mar |
| Document Preparation | Feb to Apr |
| Visa Submission | Apr to Jun |
| Decision | Jun to Jul |
| Travel | Aug to Sep |
Apply at least 3 to 4 months before your course starts.
10. After Visa Approval: What to Do Next
Once your visa is approved:
In Pakistan
- Book flight
- Arrange accommodation
- Carry original documents
In Belgium (Within 8 Days)
- Register at municipality
- Apply for residence card
- Open bank account
- Finalize university enrollment
Failure to register can affect your legal status.
11. Residence Permit Renewal
If your program continues:
- Apply for renewal before expiry
- Provide:
- Enrollment proof
- Academic progress
- Financial evidence
- Valid insurance
Late renewal may lead to fines or refusal.
12. Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Weak Finances | Insufficient funds |
| Fake Documents | Any forgery |
| Poor Study Plan | No clear academic goals |
| Incomplete File | Missing documents |
| Doubtful Intent | Immigration risk |
Always submit genuine and well-organized documents.
13. Final Application Checklist (2026)
Use this checklist before submission:
Admission
Unconditional offer letter
Fee confirmation
Documents
Passport (valid)
Photos
Application form
CNIC copy
Academic
Degrees attested
Transcripts verified
Translations
Financial
Bank statements
Sponsor proof
Scholarship letter
Medical and Legal
Medical certificate
Police clearance
Insurance
Accommodation proof
Submission
VFS appointment
Biometric done
Fee paid
Tracking received
14. Important Advice for Applicants
- Apply early
- Use only official sources
- Avoid unregistered agents
- Keep digital backups
- Prepare a clear study plan
- Be honest in interviews
A strong, transparent application greatly improves approval chances.
Official Sources (For Verification)
- Embassy of Belgium in Islamabad
- Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Visa on Web (Belgium)
- Belgian Immigration Office
- VFS Global Belgium Pakistan
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