Requirements and application
On this page you'll find information on requirements needed for the orientation year, which documents you need to submit, and how to start your application procedure.
Do you qualify for the orientation year?
The requirement for an orientation year is based on your student registration status in Belgium. You are eligible if you are a non-EU national and in one of these situations:
- You reside in Belgium and are registered at a Belgian higher education institution;
- You have stayed in Belgium for your studies as part of a mobility programme.
You can apply for an orientation year with a Belgian degree or with a foreign degree. You can use the following Belgian degrees: an associate programme degree, a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, a post-graduate degree, or a doctoral student programme degree. You can also use a foreign degree of any of the aforementioned type if you have followed a mobility programme in Belgium (such as Erasmus Mundus).
Application documents when applying with a Belgian diploma
- A valid passport;
- Proof that you have obtained a recognized diploma of at least qualification level 5 (associate degree) at a higher education institution in Belgium;
- A Belgian residence permit based on studies;
- Proof of health insurance;
- Proof of solvency. This document proves that you have enough financial means to live in Belgium. You can also find more information about this topic on the websites of your higher education institution:
Application documents when applying with a foreign diploma
- A valid passport;
- Proof that you have obtained a recognized diploma of at least qualification level 5 (associate degree) at a higher education institution in the EU;
- Proof that you stayed in Belgium for your studies as part of a mobility programme;
- Proof of health insurance;
- Proof of solvency. This document proves that you have enough financial means to live in Belgium. You can also find more information about this topic on the websites of your higher education institution:
how to apply
If you have obtained your diploma in Belgium, you have to submit your application at the municipality where you live. Submitting this application must be done at the latest 15 days before the expiry of your residence permit. Some higher education institutions have student services who can assist you with this; please reach out to them for more information on how to do so.
If you have obtained your diploma in a foreign country with a mobility period in Belgium, you have to submit your application at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence within 3 months after obtaining your diploma.
Official information
Information concerning requirements and application documents can be found on the website of the Belgian immigration office. We urge you to always check this page for the latest information.
Looking for inspiration?
Watch the videos of our international alumni and check what they say about their career in one of the strong sectors of the Flemish economy.