3 methods to prove your solvency

1. A document certifying that you have been granted a scholarship, sufficient to cover the above-mentioned expense

2. An ‘agreement for acceptance of financial responsibility’ (Annex 32 in Dutch). This agreement is a declaration by a sponsor to ensure financial solvency of the student during his/her stay in Belgium. This procedure includes validation of the guarantor by the Belgian diplomatic post which is rigorous and very time consuming.

2.1 If the sponsor lives in Belgium, the paperwork can be obtained at the municipality. Once submitted, the municipality sends it on to the Ministry of Interior Affairs to determine if the sponsor is financially capable of supporting you

2.2 If the sponsor lives abroad, the Belgian Consulate or Embassy can provide the forms needed. Once submitted at the embassy, the decisions are taken by the Ministry of Interior Affairs

3. Blocked account procedure (proof of your own financial means).

This method is highly recommended for smooth treatment of the application.

In case you would like to use the last option, Ghent University can provide a certificate of financial solvability.

Blocked account with Ghent University

You will need to transfer a specified amount to the bank account of Ghent University, where the funds will be blocked on a personal account. During the period for which you require a proof of solvency, these funds will be released in monthly payments to your Belgian bank account.

Conditions for a blocked account at Ghent University

A.  If you are still in your home country:

• You are accepted as a student at Ghent University (Ba/Ma/PhD)
• You will stay for minimum 3 months in Belgium and intend to apply for a D-visa
• The period for which you request a proof of solvency falls within one academic year and for a maximum of 13 months in total.

B. If you are already in Belgium:

• You are enrolled/registered as a student at Ghent University (Ba/Ma/PhD)
• You have entered Belgium with a student visa type D
• You will (re-)apply for a residence permit for a minimum of 3 months
• You ‘re almost graduating and will apply for an Orientation year (12 months)
• The period for which you request a proof of solvency falls within one academic year (start date academic year/PhD research or exchange mobility period maximum 31st of October) and for a maximum of 13 months in total.

How much do I need to transfer?

The minimum amount required by Ghent University is the monthly minimum amount multiplied by the number of months.

A handling fee of 100 EUR is required. 

Monthly minimum amount:

A.  Single student and PhD candidate:

• First application of new students (for visa application): 950,00 EUR/month.
• Application of already enrolled students (for the prolongation of the residence permit) – valid until the end of academic year 2022-2023: 750,00 EUR/month

B.  Family (spouse and/or children):

The amount is 2050,00 EUR/month, disregarding the number of children

C.   Orientation year:

The amount is the same as for new students (950,00 EUR/month).
Keep in mind that the duration is always 12 months.

In case your visa or residence permit application is refused, you can contact us and we will reimburse the amount you transferred.

This procedure can also be used if you want to top-up your own scholarship if this does not meet the legal minimum for visa approval. You ‘ll have to present the proof of blocked account together with your scholarship letter to the authorities for either your visa application or the prolongation of your residence permit.

The payment regarding the proof of solvency is independent of the required tuition fee or bench fee (if applicable)

Please note that the amounts mentioned are not sufficient to cover all your living expenses in Belgium.

The given amounts are a minimum and non-negotiable.

What is the procedure?

A. If you apply for a student visa in your home country:

We strongly advise you to start up the procedure at least 3 months before the start of your studies.

1. When you are a PhD student or an exchange PhD , complete this questionnaire. All other students (bachelor, master, exchange, Dutch Preparatory year) should complete this form.

2. When these documents are received and validated, we will send you a payment request by email.
3. Once the payment has been received on the account of Ghent University, we will send you a confirmation email. Take into consideration that it can take up to two weeks before the money has arrived. Make sure to add the 100€ handling fee as well. If the handling fee is not paid, the certificate will not be issued.
4. Within 5 working days (following the confirmation email), the certificate proving the financial solvency will be sent to you
5. You have to submit the certificate to the embassy/consulate where you apply for a student visa, along with other documents (to be verified with the embassy/consulate).

B. You apply for the extension of your student residence permit:

Please note: on top of your proof of solvability, the city administration will ask for a proof of your study progress.

• You are a bachelor or master student: the certificate is available in your My Oasis account. You can print it yourself and take a copy with you to the Migration Office.
• You are a PhD student: your approved annual progress report is sufficient as a proof of your study progress.

You need to start up the prolongation procedure and contact the Migration Office for an appointment at least 1 month before your current residence permit expires.

1. When you are a PhD student, complete this questionnaire. All other students (bachelor, master, exchange, Dutch Preparatory year) should complete this form (for extensions till max. 31 October 2023). Extensions for 2023-24 please use this form (not PhD)
2. When these documents are received and validated, we will send you a payment request by email

2. Once the payment has been received on the account of Ghent University, we will send you a confirmation email. Take into consideration that it can take up to two weeks before the money has arrived. Make sure to add the 100€ handling fee as well. If the handling fee is not paid, the certificate will not be issued.
3. Within five working days (following the confirmation email), the certificate proving the financial solvency will be sent to you by email.
4. You have to submit the certificate at the city hall to apply for/extend your residence permit, along with the other required documents. More information about the procedure for students residing in the city of Ghent (postal code 9000). 

C. You apply for a residence permit for an orientation year after graduation

1. When you are a PhD student, complete this questionnaire. All other students (bachelor, master, exchange, Dutch Preparatory year) should complete this form.
2. When the document is received and validated, we will send you a payment request by email.
3. Once the payment has been received on the account of Ghent University, we will send you a confirmation email. Make sure to add the 100€ handling fee as well. If the handling fee is not paid, the certificate will not be issued.
4. Within five working days (following the confirmation email), the certificate proving of financial solvency will be sent to you by email.
5. You have to submit the certificate at the Migration Office Ghent to apply for your residence permit, along with the other required documents.

To which bank account will the monthly payments take place?

1. Open a Belgian bank account upon your arrival in Belgium.
2. Send us a copy of your bank card illustrating your name and bank account number to us by email and add your bank details in your Oasis account. The name of the account holder on the bank card has to be your official name, only then the bank account will be validated by us.
3. Update your bank account detail in Oasis at all times. If your bank details have changed, adjust them in your My Oasis account and send a copy of your bank card illustrating your name and bank account number to us by email.
4. You will receive a reimbursement at the end of each month for the upcoming month, after your bank account details have been validated by us and for the period as mentioned on your solvency certificate.

It’s likely that the first payment will be made only one month after arrival, because it takes time for students to open a Belgian bank account. If applicable, the first payment will include the payments for the past month.

Therefore, you should bring enough money to pay for your accommodation and living costs for the first month(s) in Belgium. Often a deposit of 3 months is asked by landlords. Estimate the cost of student housing in Gent living in Belgium.

What to do in case of extension or earlier departure?

You can extend the period of your solvency for the duration of the current academic year and for 3 months minimum. Please keep in mind that within the current academic year you can maximum extend your residence permit until the 31st of October. For extensions exceeding the end of October, you need to provide proof of enrolment for the following academic year.

In case of earlier departure, please send a copy of your flight ticket along with the proof of departure delivered by the Migration Office to us by email in order to apply for a refund of the money that is left. We advise you to contact us at least two weeks before your actual departure.

Contact

• (Future) bachelor or master students ( including students of the Preparatory Year of Dutch) : international@ugent.be
• (Future) PhD students (including exchange PhD students): solvencyphd@ugent.be

More information on insurance

All international students are obliged to have a health insurance during their stay in Belgium. Please read this information carefully!

When applying for your visa as a non-EU national, you will have to prove that you have, or will have health insurance.
Some scholarships (e.g. . Erasmus Mundus) include a health insurance. Please check this yourself.
Having health insurance in Belgium is compulsory, and the responsibility of the student.
We would like to emphasize that medical costs in the event of an accident or illness can be very high. Without a health insurance, the student will have to pay all cost themselves. 

• Proof of health insurance for VISA application
• Visa residence permit

Financial means for PhD students

Find here the guideline concerning recommended financial means for PhD students to top-up their scholarship.