Category: Student Life

THE ESSENTIALS

In Brussels, if you’re between 16 and 25 and not feeling your best, know that help is available, and often for free. You can talk to a pro without breaking the bank, thanks to specialized services for young people and reimbursements. The important thing is to know where to look and how it works to get support.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Since April 1, 2024, and at least until December 31, 2026, consultations with a contracted first-line psychologist are completely free for you if you are under 24. You are entitled to a maximum of 10 individual sessions per year and an unlimited number of group sessions reimbursed within this framework. The first individual session is always free, even if you are 24 or older.

The Mental Health Services (SSM) offer multidisciplinary support (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers) at rates adapted to your income, with possible reimbursements via your health insurance. The Maisons de l’Adolescence (MADO) are free reception, listening, and orientation centers for young people aged 11 to 22, sometimes up to 25. They can offer you free interviews with a psychologist.

There are also “Points d’écoute jeunes” in Brussels, free, confidential, and without appointment, for 15-25 or 16-26 year olds, spread across several communes. If you are a student, your university or college often offers free or very low-cost psychological services (information from February 2026).

The Bru-Stars network is the Brussels mental health network for children, adolescents, and their families (up to 23 years old), and it notably offers mobile teams that can travel to your home. The ZELIG Center at Hôpital Erasme is an outpatient facility for young people aged 1

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Verified sources

• psybru.be
• partenamut.be
• ijbxl.be
• bornin.brussels
• lbsm.be
• vivalis.brussels

Information verified on 27/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official organization.

THE ESSENTIALS

In Belgium, being covered by a health insurance fund (mutuelle) is mandatory for everyone, including you as a student. It’s your safety net to get your medical expenses reimbursed, whether it’s a simple consultation or a hospitalization. You can be “dependent” on your parents, which is often the case until you’re 25, or become the “primary policyholder” of your own health insurance. In both cases, mandatory insurance covers you for basic care, but the additional benefits vary depending on the health insurance fund you choose.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

When you’re “dependent” on your parents

Until you’re 25, you’re generally covered by your parents’ health insurance as a “dependent person.” This means you don’t pay contributions for mandatory insurance and you benefit from their reimbursements.

However, pay attention to your income! To remain dependent, your net resources must not exceed a certain ceiling. For the income year 2026 (tax year 2027), this ceiling is 12,300 euros. If you have a student job, you can remain dependent as long as you don’t exceed a certain number of hours or a certain amount of income. If you exceed these limits, you’ll have to register as a primary policyholder.

When you become the “primary policyholder” of your health insurance

You must register as a primary policyholder as soon as your situation changes:

• As soon as you turn 25, even if you’re still a student or unemployed.
• If you start working full-time (employee or self-employed).
• If you receive benefits (unemployment, integration, incapacity for work).
• If your student job income exceeds the authorized ceilings for being dependent.

As a primary policyholder, you pay your own contributions. For non-European students with “student status,” the legal contribution is 78.93 euros per quarter in 2026. If you have an official residence in Belgium and a residence permit, you can register under “resident” status, which can be more financially advantageous if you don’t have official income (no mandatory contribution).

In addition to the legal contribution (for mandatory insurance), most health insurance funds require an additional contribution for their extra services. These amounts vary in 2026: for example, Mutualité Chrétienne (MC) is 15 euros per month, Partenamut is 14.75 euros per month, and Solidaris Wallonie is 16 euros per month. CAAMI, on the other hand, doesn’t require any additional contributions but doesn’t offer any extra benefits.

What’s reimbursed

The Belgian healthcare system has two pillars: mandatory insurance and supplementary insurance.

• Mandatory insurance (managed by INAMI): This reimburses you for part of the costs for basic healthcare. This includes consultations with a general practitioner or specialist, certain medications, hospitalization costs, physiotherapy, or dental care. You always pay a portion of the costs, which is the “patient’s contribution” (ticket modérateur). If you have a Global Medical File (DMG) with your general practitioner, your patient’s contribution

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Verified sources

• mc.be
• cfwb.be
• studyinbelgium.be
• student.be
• bruxelles-j.be
• ijbxl.be

Information verified on 27/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official body.

THE ESSENTIALS

After your studies, if you’re looking for a job in Brussels, you need to register with Actiris. This starts your 6-month “professional integration internship,” a period where you actively look for a job without receiving benefits. Once this internship is validated with 2 positive evaluations and if you meet other conditions (like being under 25), you can apply for integration benefits, paid for a maximum of 12 months starting from March 1, 2026.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The professional integration internship lasts 156 days, or about 6 months, and all days are counted except Sundays. During this period, you don’t receive benefits. To be eligible for integration benefits after your internship, you must be under 25 at the time of your first benefit application. You must also have a higher secondary education diploma, or have successfully completed an alternating training program, or a diploma/certificate on a specific list. Integration benefits

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Verified sources

• onem.be
• jeminforme.be
• bruxelles-j.be
• inforjeunes.eu
• droitsquotidiens.be
• synova.be

Information verified on 24/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official body.

THE ESSENTIALS

Finding student housing in Brussels can feel like a quest for the Holy Grail for many students, but don’t panic, it’s totally doable if you go about it the right way! For the year 2026, plan for a median budget of around €640 per month, charges included, for a classic student room. Neighborhoods like Ixelles, Etterbeek, or Saint-Gilles are super popular. The secret is to start your search early, ideally between March and June, to have the most choices before the September academic year starts.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Your budget for student housing is a super important point. In 2026, the median rent excluding charges for a student room in Brussels is €550 per person, with half of the accommodations falling between €475 and €650. If you include charges, the median rent goes up to €640 per month, and half of the student rooms are between €550 and €750. Studios are generally more expensive; expect to pay between €700 and €1,100 per month in Brussels in 2026. These prices vary quite a bit depending on the type of accommodation (student room, studio, flatshare), the size, and especially the neighborhood you’re looking in.

Charges are what’s added to the rent. They can be “fixed” (a set amount each month) or correspond to your actual consumption (a “provision for charges” that will be adjusted at the end of the year). Always ask what’s included in the rent to avoid surprises.

The rental guarantee is an amount the landlord asks for to cover any potential damages. In Brussels, for a student lease, it’s capped

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Verified sources

• brukot.be
• kotetudiantsixelles.be
• bnb.brussels
• studix.brussels
• student.be
• bruxelles-j.be

Information verified on 23/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official organization.

THE ESSENTIALS

Finding a flatshare in Brussels in 2026 often means going through specialized websites and online groups. The official flatshare lease in Brussels is a single contract for all flatmates, and it must always be accompanied by a flatshare agreement that organizes your life together. Watch out for pitfalls like the solidarity clause and make sure everything is clear to avoid financial headaches.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

In Brussels, flatsharing is governed by specific rules for leases signed or renewed after January 1, 2018. The flatshare lease is a single contract signed by all flatmates and the landlord. This contract must be supplemented by a “flatshare agreement.” This agreement is your internal rulebook; it details the distribution of rent, charges, inventory of furniture, and rules for a flatmate’s arrival or departure. It doesn’t concern the landlord, but it’s super important between you.

The rental guarantee cannot exceed 2 months’ rent in the Brussels-Capital Region in 2026. It is usually placed in a blocked account in the flatmates’ names. If you leave the flatshare, you cannot recover your share directly from the bank; you need to arrange it with your flatmates or your replacement. The Housing Fund of the Brussels-Capital Region can help you set up this guarantee as a 0% interest loan or via the BRU-GAL fund, without the landlord knowing.

An inventory of fixtures is mandatory upon entry and must be annexed to the lease. It must be detailed, dated, signed by all parties, and include meter readings. In Brussels, it is not mandatory to redo an inventory of fixtures with each departure or arrival of a flatmate, but it is highly recommended to avoid disputes.

The solidarity clause is very common in flatshare leases. With this clause, the landlord can claim the entire rent or damages from any flatmate, even if another is responsible. A formal notice sent to one flatmate is valid for all.

If a flatmate wants to leave before the end of the lease, they must give 2 months’ notice to the landlord and other flatmates in the Brussels-Capital Region. To be released from their obligations, they must find a replacement accepted by the landlord and flatmates, or prove that they have actively searched. If they don’t find anyone, they remain jointly liable for 6 months after the effective date of their notice.

The flatshare lease must be registered free of charge within 2 months of its signature.

HOW TO DO IT

• Where to look for your flatshare:
  • Check specialized platforms like Brukot, La Carte des Colocs, Student.be or Roomlala.
  • Facebook groups dedicated to flatsharing in Brussels are also a good lead.
  • Some companies offer “coliving” with included services, like Colonies.
  • When you find your flatshare:
  • Read the flatshare lease agreement and the flatshare pact carefully before signing. Make sure all common living rules and financial responsibilities are clear.
  • Do a detailed inventory of fixtures with the landlord or an expert before moving in. It’s mandatory and it protects you.
  • Verify that the lease is properly registered by the landlord within 2 months after signing. It’s free and it’s the landlord’s responsibility.
  • If a new flatmate arrives:
  • An addendum to the lease agreement and the flatshare pact must be signed by the landlord, the remaining flatmates, and the new flatmate. This addendum must specify who is replacing whom.
  • Even if it’s not mandatory in Brussels, it’s highly recommended to do an intermediate inventory of fixtures.
  • If you want to leave:
  • Give 2 months’ notice to the landlord and other flatmates.
  • Actively look for a replacement to release yourself from your obligations.

THE PITFALLS

• No flatshare agreement: Without this document, common living rules and expense distribution are unclear, which can create tension and conflicts between flatmates.
• The solidarity clause: This is the most common pitfall! If a solidarity clause is included in your lease, you can be held responsible for paying the rent or charges of a defaulting flatmate. You remain jointly liable even after your departure if you haven’t found a replacement or if the 6-month period has not elapsed.
• No addendum for a new flatmate: If a new flatmate arrives without signing an addendum to the lease, they are not officially recognized. The departing flatmate remains bound by the contract and can be held responsible for paying the rent in case of a problem.
• Impact on social benefits: Flatsharing can affect
  

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  Verified sources

  • droitsquotidiens.be
  • gestiplus.be
  • pacte-coloc.be
  • bruxelles-j.be
  • coolok.be
  • fonds.brussels

  Information verified on 16/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official organization.

THE ESSENTIALS

Looking for a financial boost for your higher education in Belgium? The study grants, or scholarships, from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (FWB) are there for that. They help you cover your costs if your family’s income is modest. In addition to direct financial aid, being a grant recipient can allow you to pay nothing or less for your tuition fees.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Who can benefit?

You can apply for a grant if you are enrolled in full-time higher education in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (universities, higher education institutions, art schools).

Be careful, you won’t be eligible if you already have a diploma of the same level, if you are doing a doctorate, a specialized bachelor’s or master’s degree, or social promotion studies (adult education).

Income conditions (academic year 2026-2027)

The income taken into account is from 2024 (your 2025 tax assessment notice). The income of all people living at the same address as you at the time of the application is analyzed. Your own student income is not taken into account, nor is that of your siblings, flatmates, or kot owners.

Here are the income ceilings for higher education for the academic year 2025-2026, which serve as a reference for 2026-2027 (the 2026-2027 figures will be officially updated in spring 2026, but the difference is usually minimal):

• 0 dependent person: €27,339.85
• 1 dependent person: €35,750.49
• 2 dependent persons: €43,638.39
• 3 dependent persons: €50,995.02
• 4 dependent persons: €57,828.91
• 5 dependent persons: €64,662.80
• For each additional person, add €6,833.89.

There is also a ceiling for cadastral income and gross rents from real estate (other than your main residence). For higher education in 2025-2026, this threshold is €1,223.17.

Amounts (academic year 2026-2027)

The amount of the grant varies from €400 to €6,000 for higher education, depending on your income, the number of dependents in your household, and whether or not you live in a kot. The amount is paid in a single installment, generally between December and March.

Tuition fees (registration fees) in 2026-2027

If you are a grant recipient, your tuition fees will be €0. If you have a “modest condition,” it will be €374. For an “intermediate condition,” it will be €835. The full rate is €1,194.

Special cases: the lump-sum allowance

If your financial situation has recently changed (parent’s job loss, divorce, long-term unemployment, etc.), you might be entitled to a lump-sum allowance. Its amount is fixed and does not depend on your declared income.

Nationality

Grants are primarily intended for Belgian students. However, certain categories of foreign students may be eligible under specific conditions (EU nationals, refugees, people residing in Belgium for at least 5 years and having studied there, etc.).

HOW TO DO IT

• Prepare your application: The period to submit your application for the academic year 2026-2027 runs from July 1st to October 31st, 2026. It is advisable to do it from September to avoid delays.
• Gather your documents:
  • Your 2025 tax assessment notice (AER) (2024 income).
  • An official household composition from your commune (valid for 3 months).
  • Your definitive registration certificate for the academic year 2026-2027.
  • A copy of your identity card or that of your parents.
  • A copy of your bank card.
  • If you live in a kot, a copy of your lease for a minimum of 3 consecutive months.
  • If you are doing an internship or an Erasmus stay, the internship/Erasmus agreement.
• Submit your application:
  • Online: This is the simplest and fastest way. Go to the official study grants website (allocations-etudes.cfwb.be) and use your eID (with reader) or the Itsme application. You will receive an immediate acknowledgment of receipt.
  • By mail: You can download the paper form from the official website, complete it, and send it by registered mail.
• Complete your file: If you don’t have all the documents at the time of application, you can still submit it. Your file manager will recontact you to ask you to complete it.

THE PITFALLS

• Exceeding income ceilings: Even a small exceeding of income ceilings can lead to a refusal of the grant. Carefully check your 2024 income (2025 AER) before applying.
• Forgetting the deadline: The deadline is October 31st, 2026. If your application arrives after this date, it will not be processed for the current year, except in exceptional circumstances (hospitalization, death, job loss, late registration).
• Not providing all documents: Even if you can submit your application without everything, an incomplete file delays processing. Make sure to provide all requested documents quickly.
• Confusing aids: FWB grants are different from ARES (Académie de recherche et d’enseignement supérieur) grants, which are for international cooperation and have other conditions and deadlines.

WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION

• Wallonia-Brussels Federation Study Grants Service:
• Official website: www.allocations-etudes.cfwb.be
• Toll-free number: 0800 11 869 (Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 12 pm for general questions)
• For tracking your file: 02 413 37 37 (24/7)
• Infor Jeunes Bruxelles: They can help and advise you on the procedures.

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Verified sources

• ligue-enseignement.be
• bruxelles-j.be
• ijbxl.be
• infoj.be
• parentia.be
• service-public.gouv.fr

Information verified on 15/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official body.

THE ESSENTIALS

The CPAS in Brussels is your safety net if you’re between 16 and 25 and struggling financially or socially. It’s there to help you live with dignity by giving you a boost, whether it’s for your rent, food, studies, or even finding a job. It’s a right, not a favour, and each Brussels commune has its own CPAS to support you.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

To be eligible for CPAS assistance, you need to meet several conditions:

• Your age: In principle, you must be 18 or older. But there are exceptions if you are a pregnant minor, if you have dependent children, or if you are emancipated by marriage.
• Your residence: You must live habitually and legally in Belgium. If you don’t have a fixed address, you can contact the CPAS of the commune where you are most often.
• Your nationality: You must be Belgian, a citizen of a European Union country, a foreigner registered in the population register, stateless, or a recognized refugee. If you are a foreigner with legal residence but not registered in the population register, you are not entitled to the Social Integration Income (RIS), but the CPAS must still grant you social assistance.
• Your resources: Your income must not be
  

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  Verified sources

  • cpasevere.brussels
  • inforjeunes.be
  • cpasbxl.brussels
  • ijbxl.be
  • bruxelles-j.be
  • cpas1160.be

  Information verified on 14/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official organization.

THE ESSENTIALS

If you’re between 12 and 24 years old and live in Brussels, your annual STIB subscription will only cost you €12 in 2026, whether you’re a student or not. If you’re a student and don’t live in Brussels, you can also benefit from this advantageous €12 per year fare, but you’ll need a school certificate. Don’t forget you’ll need a MOBIB card, which costs around €5 to €6.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

For the year 2026, here are the fares and conditions for young people in Brussels:

• Under 6 years old: You travel for free if you’re accompanied by an adult with a valid transport ticket.
• From 6 to 11 years old: Your annual subscription is free.
• From 12 to 24 years old (under 25) and domiciled in Brussels: Your annual STIB subscription costs only €12. No need to be a student to benefit from it!
• From 12 to 24 years old (under 25) and a student not domiciled in Brussels: Your annual STIB school subscription is also €12. However, you’ll need to provide a school attendance certificate. To be eligible, you must have at least 20 hours of daytime classes spread over 4 days per week, or 9 hours on a staggered schedule (evening/weekend) spread over 3 days per week, throughout the school year.
• MOBIB card: Essential for your subscription, it costs around €5 to €6 and is valid for 5 years.
• Brupass scolaire (for 18-24 year olds not domiciled in Brussels): If you need to combine STIB with SNCB trains, De Lijn buses or TEC in the Brupass zone, the Brupass scolaire subscription costs 5
  

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  Verified sources

  • aide-sociale.be
  • bruxelles-j.be
  • bx1.be
  • stib-activityreports.brussels
  • rudivervoort.brussels
  • belgiantrain.be

  Information verified on 13/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official body.

THE ESSENTIALS

In the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the cost of your higher education changes starting from the 2026-2027 academic year. No more single tuition fee, instead there’s a progressive system with four different amounts, adapted to your financial situation. Whether you’re at university, a ‘haute école’ (university college), or an ‘école supérieure des arts’ (art school), the rules are the same. The tuition fee covers access to courses and administrative services, but not your living expenses like accommodation or transport.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

For the 2026-2027 academic year, here are the tuition fee amounts in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation:

• €0 if you are a scholarship student (with a study grant).
• €374 if you are considered a student of “modest means”.
• €835 if you are considered a student of “intermediate means”.
• €1,194 if you are in the “full rate” category (without any particular condition).

These amounts will be indexed annually.

If you are a student from outside the European Union and are not assimilated to a Belgian student or exempt, you will have to pay the full tuition fee of €1,194 plus an additional contribution of €4,175 for the 2026-2027 academic year, making a total of €5,369.

What’s included: the tuition fee gives you access to courses

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Verified sources

• student.be
• helha.be
• umons.ac.be
• ulb.be
• lesengages.be
• bruxelles-j.be

Information verified on 12/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official body.

THE ESSENTIALS

Want to dive into the university adventure in Brussels for the 2026-2027 academic year? Now’s the time to get started! Deadlines vary depending on your nationality, the documents you need to provide are specific, and the cost of your studies, called minerval (tuition fees), has been reviewed to be fairer. Don’t panic, we’ll tell you everything you need to know so your enrollment goes smoothly.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The minerval is the registration fee you pay each year. For 2026-2027, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (FWB) has introduced new amounts, which depend on your income and that of your household.

• If you are a scholarship student (with a study grant from the FWB or ARES), your minerval is 0 €.
• If you are in a “modest financial situation,” you will pay 374 €.
• If you are in an “intermediate financial situation,” the amount will be 835 €.
• For all other Belgian or European students (and assimilated), the “full” minerval is 1,194 € for the 2026-2027 academic year.
• These amounts apply to universities, higher education institutions (hautes écoles), and art schools (écoles supérieures des arts) in the FWB and will be indexed annually.
• Good news: this minerval now includes essential services like registration, access to courses, exams, and certificates. No more “FABS” (additional fees for goods and services)!
• If you come from a country outside the European Union and are not assimilated to a Belgian or European student, you will have to pay the full minerval (1,194 €) plus an “additional contribution” of 4,175 €, for an indicative total of approximately 5,369 € for the 2026-2027 year. Exemptions exist for certain countries or situations, so make sure to check the ARES circulars.
• In addition to the minerval, some courses may have “actual costs” (materials, study trips, etc.) which vary depending on the section. These amounts must be paid before participating in activities.

HOW TO DO IT

• Check your registration dates:
  • If you are Belgian, European, or a non-European residing in Belgium and not needing a visa, you generally have until September 30, 2026 to register.
  • If you are a student from outside the European Union and you need a visa, the deadlines
    

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    Verified sources

    • cfwb.be
    • helha.be
    • bruxelles-j.be
    • umons.ac.be
    • henallux.be
    • ichec.be

    Information verified on 11/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official body.