Study in Belgium vs South Korea: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Belgium and South Korea— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | Belgium | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 12,744 EUR | 20,000,000 KRW |
| Living cost (per month) | 1,062 EUR | 1,200,000 KRW |
| Visa fee | 215 EUR | 80,000 KRW |
| Typical processing time | ~8 weeks | ~4 weeks |
| Main intakes | Feb, Sep | Mar, Sep |
| Required documents | 5 | 5 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: Belgium vs South Korea
- Belgium needs less money up front — about €12,744/year versus €13,333 for South Korea (≈ €589 less).
- South Korea is typically faster to process (~4 weeks vs ~8 for Belgium).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to Belgium
- Enrolment at a recognised institution
- Means of subsistence
- Health insurance
- Medical certificate
Unique to South Korea
- Certificate of Admission
- Financial requirement
- National Health Insurance (NHIS)
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Belgium or South Korea?
By proof of funds, Belgium is cheaper — €12,744/year versus €13,333 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, Belgium or South Korea?
South Korea typically processes faster (~4 weeks vs ~8). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Belgium or South Korea?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Belgium needs less money up front — about €12,744/year versus €13,333 for South Korea (≈ €589 less). South Korea is typically faster to process (~4 weeks vs ~8 for Belgium). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.