Professional internship in Belgium

The benefits of interning abroad

Citizens of EU member states can live and work freely in any other member state without needing a visa. In this context, Belgium welcomes many foreign students who choose to intern abroad.

Different types of internships in Belgium

There are several different types of internships in Belgium. Some are dedicated to students from academic or professional backgrounds, while others are for students in work-study programs. Students from prestigious schools and universities, as well as job seekers and volunteers, can also apply to intern in Belgium.

These internships are not all subject to the same rules, as they often depend on the intern's status (student, job seeker, volunteer, etc.):

Academic internship

This is the internship integrated into the university or school curriculum. It is often mandatory to earn a degree (bachelor's, master's, etc.). These internships generally last between 1 and 6 months and are governed by an agreement between the institution, the company, and the student.

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Professional or entry-level internship

This type of internship is mainly aimed at recent graduates or people changing careers. It aims to gain work experience and ease entry into the job market. It may take the form of a Professional Immersion Agreement (CIP), which is supervised and compensated, depending on the intern's age and status.

Work-study internship (Alternance)

Work-study combines theoretical courses with practical immersion in a company. It is supervised by organizations such as IFAPME (Wallonia), CEFA, or SYNTRA (Flanders). The work-study participant signs a contract and receives a monthly salary, which varies according to the training and age.

Professional transition internship (for Job Seekers)

This format is aimed at people registered as job seekers with Forem, Actiris, or VDAB. These internships generally last between 3 and 6 weeks and provide an initial work experience, with a modest monthly allowance paid by the regional service.

Internship in a public or international organization

European institutions (European Parliament, Commission, Council of the EU, etc.) and certain international organizations offer supervised internships each year, lasting 5 to 6 months. The selection process is rigorous, and most of these internships are paid.

Volunteer/unpaid internship for social or humanitarian purposes

Some organizations accept volunteers or interns to support their social or environmental projects. These experiences do not always result in a traditional employment contract but can be very rewarding.

This type of internship can only be conducted in non-profit organizations: non-profit associations, informal organizations (e.g., neighborhood committees), or public bodies (e.g., CPAS). Volunteering in a private company is not allowed.

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Available support for finding an internship in Belgium

If you are an international student in Belgium, most universities and schools offer a dedicated internship service. You can also find plenty of information about various internship opportunities available online.

The following institutions are also helpful. They usually have a list of companies and partners that hire interns throughout the year:

• Belgian professional federations and associations;
• The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
• Regional administrations (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels);
• European institutions (European Parliament, Council of the EU, European Commission, Economic and Social Committee, Committee of the Regions);
• Youth centers (there are 15 across the country).

Newspapers are also excellent for keeping up with job and internship offers available in Belgium. Don't forget to check the employment sections of La Libre Belgique, Le Soir, Knack, and Le Vif.

If you are applying in one of the non-French-speaking regions, it is highly recommended to speak German or Dutch.

For non-EU nationals

Nationals from third countries (outside the EU) must apply for a "B" work permit to undertake an internship in Belgium if it lasts more than 3 months. Otherwise, they will be required to obtain a long-term work permit. The related formalities are detailed in our article on work permits in Belgium.

Only advanced training organized by academic programs is accessible to foreign students. Other exemptions include:

• Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA);
• Foreign students undertaking mandatory internships during their studies in Belgium;
• Interns hired by Belgian public institutions or international public law organizations established in Belgium.

Read alsoVisas for Belgium

Internship agreements in Belgium

Some foreign candidates will need to prove that their internship in Belgium is intended for their academic training. They will need to provide an internship agreement from their university, the company, or the concerned organization. Such a contract outlines the intern's working conditions, their tasks, and the way they are supervised during the internship.

For nationals from non-EU/EEA countries, some additional formalities may be required:

• Provide a guarantor in Belgium (a person or entity capable of providing financial support during your stay);
• Present proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation;
• Provide a clean criminal record (less than 6 months old);
• Present a recent medical certificate (less than 6 months old).

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Legal duration of internships in Belgium

There is no legal duration for internships. They can last a minimum of one week and extend up to four months, or even three years. Generally, foreign interns are hired for a period ranging from three months to one year.

Internship remuneration in Belgium

Unlike other countries, there is no regulation on intern salaries in Belgium. Companies are not obliged to pay or compensate interns. Some programs, particularly those under "Work-Study Education", compensate interns monthly.

For so-called "classic" internships (governed by a university agreement), remuneration remains optional, but some companies offer a stipend, meal vouchers, or reimbursement of transportation costs.

Job seekers can apply for transition internships lasting 3 to 6 weeks. They receive a monthly allowance of €200.

In some other cases, if the intern must be paid, a legal document signed by both parties is issued, clearly stating the salary amount.

What about social protection for foreign interns in Belgium?

Any foreign student undertaking a internship in Belgium must be covered by a health insurance originally issued in their home country. In other words, no Belgian institution can cover them during the internship. If interns are not covered by any social or supplementary insurance in their home country, they will need to ask a third-party institution to cover them during the internship.

In the case of a non-student intern, they must be supported by their Belgian guarantor. This person must prove their Belgian nationality or residence, as well as provide 3 recent pay slips or bank statements proving they can support the intern in case of emergency.