Child benefit for international students starting from the 2025–2026 academic year
What changes on 1 September 2025 for international students?
As of 1 September 2025, new students of foreign nationality who move to Brussels with a student visa to begin their studies will no longer be eligible for Brussels child benefit.
Does this change affect students who already receive child benefit?
No. International students who are already registered in Brussels and currently receive child benefits will retain their entitlement as long as they continue their studies and meet the applicable conditions. Nothing changes for them.
Why is this measure being introduced?
This decision aligns Brussels’ child benefit rules with those of the other regions in Belgium. It aims to ensure greater consistency across the national child benefit landscape.
Who will no longer be eligible for child benefits from 2025–2026 onwards?
The measure applies only to international students who come to Brussels to start their studies from the 2025–2026 academic year and who did not previously have a right to child benefits. For this group, no entitlement will be granted in the future.
Do you have further questions?
We’re happy to help.
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