FAQ Degree Students

Everything you always wanted to know about English degrees at Thomas More.

First days in Belgium

At Thomas More, your first academic year starts with Welcome Days: one with your fellow students of your study programme and one with all international students.  Discover it here.

More information? Contact international.support@thomasmore.be

Are there any scholarships or grants for international students?

As an international student you can get a discount on the variable cost of your tuition fee based on your Thomas More study results.

The grant will be awarded automatically if you meet all these conditions:

• non-EEA citizen registered as a full-time student in an English Bachelor’s programme
• started at Thomas More in September 2018 or later
• residence in Belgium based on a student visa (type D)
• achieved a study efficiency of at least 50% in the first exam opportunity

Your study efficiency is a percentage reflecting the ratio between the number of credits you have passed and the number of credits you have taken within a semester module. The waiver will be booked as a credit note and only relates to the variable part of the tuition fee. The maximum waiver amounts to € 1,800 per academic year. It consists of a € 60 reduction per credit taken in the semester following the first exam opportunity, retakes are not included. Your scholarship can be extended if you maintain the same level of performance during each semester of your three-year Bachelor programme.

When is the application deadline?

Candidates can apply as long as the online form is available on the application webpage. We advise candidates to apply as soon as possible. It is possible to apply before you have obtained all required certificates; if so, you will receive a link to complete your file.

The assessment process may take a couple of days or several weeks, depending on the case file. Non-EEA-candidates without a valid residence permit for Belgium need to be aware that international payments may slow down the assessment and registration process and that obtaining a student visa can take several months.

Can I get exemptions based on my previous education?

It may be possible to reduce your study time through exemptions based on previously acquired qualifications in another study programme. When applying, please indicate that you wish to be considered for an exemption. After approval of your application file, you will be able to contact the study counsellor of your programme about how to request exemptions for specific course units. You will receive contact details as soon as your application has been approved by admissions.

How can I look for housing in Belgium?

You can begin to look for temporary housing from the moment you receive a positive outcome on your application. Please consult our database: indicate the campus of your choice and change the search date. You will receive an overview of the available student rooms as of that date and the information and contact details of the landlord. You need to contact the landlord and arrange the contract yourself. You can find more details about housing on this page.

Where can I find an estimate of the cost of living in Belgium?

Click here for an estimation of the study and living costs.

Combining work and studies

Foreign nationals who wish to come to Belgium to study must follow a complete curriculum (at least 54 credits) unless it concerns a preparation or supplement to higher education and the student concerned can demonstrate that the studies are still the main activity.  Students can work for a maximum of 20 hours a week during school weeks, and for an unlimited time during the school holidays.

Payments by non-EEA applicants (application/tuition fee, blocked account)

Thomas More only accepts payments by bank transfer (no credit card, PayPal etc.). You will receive an individual application code by mail (check your spam folder!) as soon as you have filled out the application form. The financial department needs this code to trace your payments. When in doubt, contact admissions@thomasmore.be.

ECTS

What is it?

ECTS is short for European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. It is a standard way to compare the "volume of learning based on the defined learning outcomes and their associated workload" in higher education across the European Union.

Work load

ECTS is a credit system based on student workload. The credits are a value given to course units to describe the student's workload needed to complete them successfully. 1 ECTS corresponds to 25 to 30 hours of workload per semester (including time spent in class, meetings for group work, reading assignments, revision for exams…).
ECTS credits express a relative value. Study hours are estimates because you may spend more time on a course you are not so familiar with and maybe less on another course that is exactly in your area of interest and expertise. That means that one of your 3ECTS-courses may involve more work than a 6ECTS-course.

A Bachelor's Degree consists of 180 credits. One year’s study is 60 credits, which is normally equivalent to 1500–1800 hours of total workload. 

ECTS grading scale

ECTS also includes a standard grading scale, shown in addition to Flemish standard grades.