What is an Orientation Year (Residence Permit)?
With this permit, non-EEA citizens are allowed to stay 12 months in Belgium to search for jobs or start their own businesses after graduation. It gives young graduates a breathing space for adjusting and exploring.
Am I qualified for it?
You are eligible if you are non-EEA and one of these options below is your situation.
- You reside in Belgium and are registered at a Belgian high education institution.
- You have completed your studies in Belgium.
- You have stayed in Belgium for study reasons as a part of a mobility/exchange program (such as Erasmus Mundus).
This means that the application can be done with both a Belgian degree and a foreign degree of........
- Associate
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Post-graduate
- Doctoral
- or simply a prove of completion of mobility program
Required Documents
- A valid passport
- Proof that you have obtained a recognized diploma of at least qualification level 5 (Associate Degree) in Belgium or EU
- A Belgian Residence Permit based on studies or a Proof that you stayed in Belgium for studies as part of the mobility program
- Proof of Health Insurance
- Proof of Solvency / Subsistence
For more detailed information, we recommend you to visit THIS PAGE.
Application Process
The type of diploma and where you have obtained it can create slight differences when it comes to application, see demonstration below...
More information
Apply for Orientation Year
Check the Study in Flanders website to find out what an orientation year is and how you can apply for it. The site also contains plenty of inspiring testimonials from fellow graduates.
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Working & studying in West Flanders
Practical information for a smooth transition and a great career take-off in West Flanders.