Number of Belgian University Students Without Scholarships Rises Sharply
Recent data shows a 50 percent jump in Belgian university undergraduates not receiving scholarships over the last two academic years, highlighting the impact of stricter success criteria.
Belgium has experienced a significant increase in the number of university undergraduates not receiving scholarships, with the figure rising by 50 percent over the last two academic years. By the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, 6,141 university students were identified as not holding scholarship status at the time of re-enrollment. Among those who reapplied for enrollment under this status, 76 percent were granted permission to continue their studies.
Officials attribute this rise primarily to tougher academic success requirements that have been particularly impactful at the undergraduate level. In contrast, the number of scholarship-less students in colleges and art schools has remained lower. At the close of the 2024-2025 academic year, roughly 14,000 students transitioned to non-scholarship status and sought re-enrollment.
According to the Ministry and universities, these changes are closely linked to the introduction of a new set of regulations called ‘Paysage,’ which has brought substantial transformation to the higher education sector. As a result of the recent application process, some students regained the right to re-enroll, while others had their applications rejected.
