Belgium's Regions: Flanders or Wallonia—Which Attracts More International Students?

Belgium, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and strong academic institutions, is home to two major regions: Flanders in the northern part and Wallonia in the southern part, with Brussels as the capital city acting as a separate administrative region. Understanding the dynamics of international student mobility between these regions has become increasingly important as higher education becomes a global phenomenon. Let's dive into the preferences and trends of international students in both Flanders and Wallonia.

Overview of Belgian Regions

Belgium is uniquely structured into three administrative regions:

Brussels Capital Region (which includes the city of Brussels) Flanders (10 provinces) Wallonia (10 provinces)

Each region boasts a unique character and host a diverse array of universities, contributing significantly to the country's international student population. In this article, we will explore which of these regions attracts more international students and highlight their key institutions.

International Student Trends in Flanders

Flanders, with its 10 provinces, has seen a steady influx of international students over the years. The region is home to some of the most prestigious universities in Belgium, including KU Leuven, Gent University, and Hasselt University. According to various sources, KU Leuven, located in the Flemish Province of Flemish Brabant, attracts a substantial number of international students. In 2014-2015, KU Leuven had a record of attracting nearly 11,000 international students, which constitutes about 18.7% of its student body. UGent (Ghent University) and Universiteit Hasselt also drew around 5,000 and nearly 700 international students, respectively, in the same period.

International Student Trends in Wallonia

Wallonia, with its 10 provinces, also welcomes a significant number of international students. The region is less known for its international student population, but important institutions such as the Catholic University of Louvain (UC Louvain) play a crucial role. UC Louvain operates two campuses: Leuven in Flanders and Louvain-la-Neuve in Wallonia. The university's main campus in Leuven attracts close to 32,000 non-Belgian students, with one in five students being non-Belgian. Among these, 14% are EU citizens, and 5.4% are from outside the EU. Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) continues to be a preferred destination for international students due to its excellence in academic programs and research facilities.

Comparative Analysis

While the data for the exact number of international students in each region is not readily available for every year and is not standardized, the available data reveals interesting patterns:

KU Leuven (Flanders): With close to 11,000 international students in 2014-2015, KU Leuven has been at the forefront of attracting international talent. UCLouvain (Wallonia): The university's total of about 32,000 non-Belgian students, with a significant number from outside the EU, indicates the region's appeal to international students.

Despite Wallonia's lower international student numbers compared to Flanders, it offers a substantial number of international students. The capital city of Brussels, which combines French-speaking ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) and Dutch-speaking VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), also plays a significant role in hosting international students. The proportion of foreigners to locals at these universities in Brussels is notably high, enhancing the international student experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both Flanders and Wallonia attract a significant number of international students, Flanders tends to have a higher concentration of international students, particularly in institutions like KU Leuven. However, Wallonia also offers robust educational opportunities, especially through UCLouvain, which continues to draw international talent from across the world.