Certificate for a grant, scholarship or loan
Formal obligation (Annex 32 document)
Blocked account
When applying for a student visa type D or a residence permit, students need to prove that they have sufficient financial means to cover their living expenses and healthcare during their stay in Belgium. This proof can be provided by one of the following methods:
1. Certificate for a grant, scholarship or loan
This document should be issued by an international or national organization (such as a university)
2. Formal obligation (Annex 32 document)
This formal obligation is a declaration by a sponsor that they are financially capable of supporting the student. If you choose this option, provide enough time to complete the process.
- If the sponsor lives in Belgium, the paperwork can be obtained at the municipality where the sponsor is residing. See procedure and conditions.
- If the sponsor lives abroad, the Belgian Consulate or Embassy can provide the forms needed. See procedure and conditions.
3. Blocked account
This procedure involves the payment of a sum of money by the student in a blocked account. The student will then obtain a blocked account certificate, which can be used for the visa or residence permit application. Upon their arrival in Belgium, the funds are transferred in instalments into the student's local bank account.
The preferred method is through ‘Studely’ and ‘Ready study go international’, which are both approved by the Belgian government.
Blocked account at ‘Studely' or ‘Ready study go international’: A deposit of an amount equivalent to twelve (12) times the minimum monthly amount required for a student (€1,062 per month for the 2026–2027 academic year) into a bank account opened in the student’s name.
Alternatively, exchange students and IOB students can make use of the blocked account procedure through the university. The payment is then made into the university's bank account. Do not transfer money to the university’s account before you have contacted the relevant office.
Exchange students: students can opt to open a blocked account as part of their application procedure. More information will be sent by email.
IOB students who have received their letter of acceptance and would like to use this option can request a proof of solvency through the IOB Admission office: greet.annaert@uantwerp.be
Degree students always have to use the formal obligation or blocked account at ‘Studely’ or ‘Ready Study Go International’. Only when 'Studely’ or ‘Ready Study Go International’ reject your request for a blocked account in writing, a request to open a blocked account through the university can be done via the helpdesk.
Important:
- Please note that the amounts mentioned are not in all cases sufficient to cover all your living expenses in Belgium.
- The blocked account cannot be used to pay invoices directly. It cannot be used to pay for your tuition fee at the time of enrolment.
- In case you are not able to come to Belgium, the money on the blocked account of the university will only be transferred back to the account where it was originally transferred from.