In 2023, the count of international students at the doctoral level in Belgium was recorded at 24.22 persons. The forecasted data from 2024 to 2028 shows a consistent and notable decline. Specifically, there is a year-on-year reduction of approximately -6.93% in 2025, -7.45% in 2026, -8.00% in 2027, and -8.67% in 2028. This marks a steady decrease in international doctoral students, with the overall Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of -8.88% over the five-year period from 2024 to 2028.
Future trends to closely monitor include potential changes in immigration policies, global economic conditions, and new initiatives by Belgian universities to attract international talent. Additionally, the effects of the international political climate and competition from other global education hubs could significantly impact these numbers. Understanding these drivers will be essential for proactive strategy development.”
