Student Life

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. But certain categories of foreign students can also 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. But 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.

THE ESSENTIALS

The rental guarantee in Brussels is a sum of money your landlord can ask for at the start of your lease. It’s there to protect them if you don’t pay your rent or if you cause damage. Since November 1, 2024, it can’t exceed two months’ rent (excluding charges), and you have several ways to block it. You normally get it back at the end of your lease, if everything is in order.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

In Brussels, the rules for rental guarantees are clear and valid in 2026.

• How much? For leases signed or renewed from November 1, 2024, the rental guarantee cannot exceed the equivalent of two months’ rent, not including charges. This amount is based on the basic rent in your contract and doesn’t change if your rent is indexed annually.
• Where to block it? You choose how to block your guarantee from five possible options for recent leases (since November 1, 2024):
  • A blocked bank account in your name, where the money earns interest for you.
  • A bank guarantee via a special contract between a CPAS and a bank.
  • A bank guarantee that allows you to repay the sum in constant monthly installments over a maximum of three years.
  • A real security (a pledge or a mortgage) with a financial institution.
  • A personal guarantee, where someone acts as a guarantor for you.

  The guarantee can no longer be paid in cash; it must be deposited into a bank account.

HOW TO DO IT

• To block your guarantee:
  1. Choose one of the five forms of rental guarantee that suits you best.
  2. If you opt for a blocked account or a bank guarantee, contact your bank. Most banks have standard forms for you and your landlord to sign.
  3. If you have financial difficulties, you can inquire with the Fonds du Logement de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale. They can help you with an interest-free loan or via the BRU-GAL fund, under certain income conditions, in 2026.
  4. Make sure the guarantee is properly blocked in your name and that your landlord cannot access it without your agreement or a court decision.
• To recover your guarantee:
  1. At the end of your lease, conduct a detailed exit inventory with your landlord. This is super important to prove the condition of the dwelling.
  2. Make sure you have paid all your rent and charges until the very end.
  3. If everything is in order, you and your landlord must sign a written agreement to release the guarantee. Often, this is a form your bank provides.
  4. The bank will return the guarantee and interest within two months after your departure and the return of the keys, if the agreement is signed.
  5. If your landlord refuses to sign or doesn’t respond, you can
     

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     Verified sources

     • be.brussels
     • etat-des-lieux-bruxelles.be
     • bruxelles-j.be
     • ijbxl.be
     • victoire.be
     • immobiliervision.be

     Information verified on 10/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official body.

THE FACTS

Are you going on Erasmus soon and the housing search is stressing you out? That’s normal! Every year, thousands of students face tempting offers that sometimes hide well-orchestrated scams. Fake landlords, misleading photos, requests for transfers before visits… The traps are numerous, especially when you’re searching remotely.

Scammers take advantage of urgency and distance to extort money from you. They often ask for a deposit or security via bank transfer or unsecured money transfer services (Western Union, MoneyGram) even before you’ve seen the apartment or signed a contract. Once the money is sent, they disappear. It’s a classic, and it happens more often than you think, even in Europe. Platforms like Agence Erasmus+ France have also warned about fraudulent practices affecting the Erasmus+ program, particularly concerning requests for transfers under the pretext of pre-financing.

WHY IT CONCERNS YOU

Because your Erasmus budget isn’t unlimited, and losing 500 or 1000 euros due to a scam can ruin your stay before it even begins. As a young Bruxellois, you might have already struggled to find a kot here, but abroad, it’s even more complex. You don’t know the local market prices, administrative procedures, or the good addresses. That’s where scammers strike. Don’t let yourself be fooled! Your Erasmus experience should be a positive adventure, not a source of financial stress. Avoid finding yourself homeless upon arrival or having to fight to get a never-returned deposit back. A good housing plan is the foundation of a successful Erasmus. We’ll give you the tips to avoid traps and start your adventure with peace of mind.

THE BELGIAN CONTEXT

Even if you’re going abroad, the Belgian context is important. In Belgium, student lease legislation is quite protective, but it’s regionalized, meaning the rules vary between Wallonia, Brussels, and Flanders. Since March 2024 in Brussels, the maximum rental guarantee is two months’ rent (excluding charges). In Wallonia, it’s two months (in a blocked account) or three months (progressive bank guarantee) since June 1, 2023.

The inventory of fixtures is mandatory and must be registered, and the entry inventory must be carried out no later than one month after you move in. Regarding notice, a student lease generally has a duration of 12 months, but can be shorter, often 10 months to match the academic year. In Brussels, you can generally terminate the lease early with two months’ notice, but compensation (up to three months’ rent) may be due, with exceptions (refusal of registration, abandonment of studies, or if you find a replacement with the landlord’s agreement). Never pay anything before you’ve visited the accommodation and signed an official lease. Belgian universities, like ULB or VUB, have dedicated services for Erasmus students (incoming and outgoing) who can give you advice or reliable contacts in your host country.

WHAT’S DEBATED

The main debate concerning student housing, especially for stays abroad, revolves around students’ vulnerability to scams. The difficulty in finding accommodation, urgency, unfamiliarity with local laws, and geographical distance are all factors that place young people in a delicate position, exploited by fraudsters. The issue of protecting foreign students is also raised, notably by organizations like the FEF, which has warned about scam practices related to fake guarantors for non-EU students in Belgium, following the increase in income requirements for guarantors in 2022-2023.

TO GO FURTHER

To avoid traps, prioritize recognized housing search platforms and the housing services of your host university or Belgian institution. Don’t hesitate to verify the landlord’s identity and the existence of the property using tools like Google Maps and “Search by image.” Never transfer money (deposit, security, first rent) before you’ve visited the accommodation, signed a contract, and ensured the legitimacy of the landlord. If the offer seems too good to be true, be wary. If in doubt, contact youth information services like Infor Jeunes or the Federal Police, who offer advice and practical guides on student housing scams.

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Verified sources

• police.be
• bruxelles-j.be
• youtube.com
• valma-study.com
• reddit.com
• erasmusplus.fr

THE FACTS

Sundays in Brussels are often pretty quiet when it comes to transport. STIB bus, tram, and metro frequencies are reduced compared to weekdays, and even compared to Saturdays. For example, where a tram might pass every 6 minutes during peak hours on a weekday, you could wait between 15 and 20 minutes on a Sunday for certain lines or time slots. Shops open later, some are even closed, which also affects crowds and therefore transport availability. In short, if you have plans on a Sunday, it’s better to plan ahead.

The Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company (STIB) is the main urban public transport operator in Brussels. But you also have De Lijn (Flemish) and TEC (Walloon) buses that cross the Brussels-Capital Region for peripheral and regional journeys. They also generally apply reduced schedules on Sundays. Ride-sharing platforms like Uber are active, but prices can surge during high demand. And shared scooter/bike services like Dott, Lime, or Velo are always there, too!

WHY IT MATTERS TO YOU

Whether you want to go for brunch in Saint-Gilles, hunt for bargains in Les Marolles, meet up with friends in Flagey, or enjoy an event at Tour & Taxis, you need to be able to get around without a headache. If you don’t check the schedules, you risk wasting a lot of time waiting or having to blow your savings on a taxi. A well-organized Sunday is a successful Sunday, and that starts with knowing how to get around. Imagine: you need to be at a concert at Ancienne Belgique at 2 PM. If you’re counting on a tram that passes every 20 minutes and you just miss it, it’s guaranteed hassle. Knowing your options allows you to be independent and fully enjoy your weekend without transport-related stress. Especially since Brussels is great to explore, but it requires a bit of preparation.

THE BELGIAN CONTEXT

Reduced frequencies on Sundays are not unique to Brussels; it’s a general trend in Belgium and even in many European cities. Public transport companies adapt their services to demand, which is statistically lower on Sundays. In Flanders, De Lijn also applies reduced schedules. The same goes for TEC in Wallonia. The observation is the same for SNCB: fewer trains, sometimes longer journeys because there are fewer direct routes.

Efforts are being made to improve this, though. Initiatives like “car-free Sundays,” including the one on September 21, 2025, for Mobility Week, show a desire to promote soft mobility. During these days, the STIB network is generally free and reinforced, even running at Saturday frequencies on some lines. STIB itself regularly communicates about its special schedules during major events to encourage the use of public transport and often offers line reinforcements or dedicated shuttles.

WHAT’S DEBATED

The debate around public transport on Sundays is a delicate balance between supply and demand. On one hand, operators like STIB reduce frequencies because the number of passengers is objectively lower on Sundays than on other days of the week. Maintaining a full service would incur significant costs for a low occupancy rate.

On the other hand, this reduced service directly impacts the quality of life for those who work on weekends, who want to enjoy cultural or leisure activities, or simply get around without a car. A less frequent service can make Brussels less accessible and discourage the use of public transport for Sunday activities. Initiatives like “Car-Free Sunday,” where the network is reinforced, show that there is demand for a denser service, even if it’s only occasional. The question remains how to reconcile the economic viability of the network with users’ expectations for a quality service seven days a week.

TO GO FURTHER

To avoid being caught off guard and to best organize your Sunday trips in Brussels, the reflex is always to consult real-time information!

* Websites and apps: STIB provides its official website (stib-mivb.be) and its mobile app to check live schedules and itineraries. Route planning apps like Moovit or Google Maps also integrate data from STIB, De Lijn, and TEC.
* Special events: During festivals, concerts, or major events (like “Car-Free Sunday” or “Couleur Café”), STIB often offers line reinforcements or specific shuttles, sometimes even free or included with the entry ticket (Event Pass). Check the event’s website or STIB’s.
* Noctis: If your Sunday plans extend late into the night (more like Saturday to Sunday), don’t forget STIB’s Noctis bus network, which operates on Friday and Saturday nights from midnight to 3 AM on 11 lines to get you home safely.

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Verified sources

• prezly.com
• moovitapp.com
• transitapp.com
• bruxelles.be

THE FACTS

We know, Brussels is cool but it can be a bit of a mess if you don’t know the good spots. Whether you’re here for your studies, an internship, or just to explore, your smartphone can become your best friend. We’ve listed the apps that will save your life daily, from your STIB commutes to your nights out with friends. No more bus hassles, full restaurants, or missed events. With the right apps, you save time, money, and fully enjoy everything the capital has to offer. We’re talking about mobility, food, culture, and even a little help for your budget.

WHY IT CONCERNS YOU

Imagine: you have to go to an interview on the other side of the city. With Flow (STIB), you know exactly which tram to take, how long it will take, and where to buy your ticket if you don’t have your MoBIB card. Or are you a little hungry after classes at ULB? Too Good To Go allows you to pick up super good unsold items at low prices from shops near you. This saves you a few euros, and we know that’s important when you’re a student or young professional in Brussels. The cost of living is generally higher than in Liège, especially for housing. And if you’re looking for a student job or a first job, platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn are essential. Knowing the rules for student jobs is crucial for managing your budget and maximizing your income. Don’t underestimate the impact of apps like CityMapper for complex journeys, or even social media to find good event deals in the FWB.

THE BELGIAN CONTEXT

In Belgium, and particularly in Brussels, digital technology is highly developed. STIB, for example, has gone all out with its apps to make your life easier. Most public services (CPAS, communes) also have mobile versions of their sites, even if they are not always dedicated apps. Mobile payment is also very widespread with Payconiq by Bancontact, used by millions of Belgians to pay for their groceries or reimburse a friend. The meal delivery sector is also booming. Deliveroo and Uber Eats share a large part of the market, with hundreds of partner restaurants in Brussels alone. It’s convenient for lazy evenings, but watch your wallet!

Regarding student jobs in Belgium for 2025-2026, you can work up to 650 hours per calendar year while benefiting from reduced social security contributions. These solidarity contributions amount to 2.71% of your gross salary for the student, and 5.42% for the employer. If you exceed these 650 hours, you can continue to work, but ordinary social security contributions will apply from the 651st hour.

In Brussels, an important particularity concerns your family allowances: to keep them, you must not work more than 240 hours per quarter during the school year (excluding summer holidays). If you exceed this limit, your allowances will be suspended for the quarter in question.

For salary, it is generally set by the joint committee of the company where you work. If you are 21 or older and no specific scale is defined, you are entitled to the Guaranteed Average Minimum Monthly Income (RMMMG), which was €2,189.81 gross per month (approximately €13.29 gross per hour for a full-time 38h/week) as of April 1, 2026. For those under 21, a percentage of this RMMMG applies, with decreasing amounts depending on age. On average, a student worker earned €14.21 gross per hour in 2026. To remain fiscally dependent on your parents in 2025 (2026 declaration), your net income must not exceed a certain ceiling, which varies according to their family situation (for example, approximately €12,298 gross if you are dependent on a couple taxed jointly).

You can start working as a student from the age of 15 if you have completed the first two years of secondary education, or from the age of 16 in all cases. Since May 2026, young people aged 15 who are still in full-time compulsory education can also do light work. Don’t forget to always sign a written contract before starting your job. To track your hours and check your quota, the Student@work application is your best ally.

WHAT’S DEBATABLE

While these apps are super practical, they also raise questions. The protection of your personal data, for example. When you use Google Maps or CityMapper, you share your location. Do you really read the terms and conditions? Another debate

TO GO FURTHER

To stay up to date on student job legislation in Belgium and Brussels for the years 2025-2026, don’t hesitate to regularly consult official platforms like Student@work or youth information sites like Infor Jeunes.

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Verified sources

• ulb.be
• bruxelles-j.be
• ijbxl.be
• cessoc.be