University of Namur: Tuition, English Masters & How to Apply (2027/28)

The University of Namur (UNamur) is a public French-speaking university in the city of Namur. For 2026/27 it charges non-EU students €5,369 per year, or only €1,194 if you are a national of a country in the ARES annexes, such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan or Nigeria. Its English-taught offer is small but distinctive: a one-year master's in development economics (SMIDE) and an inter-university master's in cybersecurity.

SMIDE also comes with Belgian development-cooperation scholarships for some applicants, so check whether you qualify before you apply.

Why UNamur is good value

• Regulated public fees: the same French Community rules as UCLouvain, ULB and ULiège, including the ARES nationality exemption.
• A one-year English master: SMIDE is 60 ECTS, so you pay one year of fees and one year of living costs.
• Funding linked to the program: SMIDE has 10 ARES-CCD scholarships for candidates from ARES partner countries.
• Simple recognition: no diploma equivalence is needed for master's admission.

UNamur tuition fees for non-EU students

UNamur lists its 2026/27 fees as subject to publication of the decree on progressive tuition fees:

The ARES annexes list UN least developed countries (for example Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ethiopia), countries low on the Human Development Index (for example Pakistan, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya) and Lebanon. India, Egypt, Iran and Morocco are not listed. Read the full list in ARES Circular 2026-001.

Every non-EU application costs a flat €200 processing fee, and the admissions committee only reviews your file after payment. UNamur's International Student Commission may also grant full or partial fee assistance based on its own criteria.

English-taught programs

Almost all UNamur programs are taught in French and need French B2. The two English-taught options are:

Specialized Master in International and Development Economics (SMIDE)

• Length: 1 year (60 ECTS), entirely in English, co-organised with UCLouvain.
• Who it is for: holders of a 5-year university degree, or a 4-year degree plus 2 years of work experience, with a solid economics background.
• Selection: the jury may interview candidates, and the interview can be in English.
• Deadline for 2026/27: 28 February 2026 for non-EU candidates needing a visa; the 2027/28 date is not published yet.

Master in Cybersecurity

A 2-year inter-university master's run together with ULB, ERM, UCLouvain, HE2B and HELB. Because it is shared, check which institution handles your application. ULB also lists a Master in Cybersecurity among its English-taught programs.

For more choice, see English-taught programs in Belgium.

Admission requirements

• Master's admission is on file, with criteria set per program; many French-taught masters ask non-EU degree holders for at least 14/20 each year.
• No equivalence needed: you do not need a diploma equivalence for master's admission with a non-Belgian degree.
• English: a TOEFL or IELTS-type certificate at CEFR B2 where English is required.
• Documents: online application, degree certificates and transcripts, proof of the €200 payment, and the documents on UNamur's checklist.
• One application only: UNamur accepts one application per person.

Deadlines

UNamur states a recurring rule for master's applicants from outside the EU who need a visa: 31 March. Without a visa requirement, the deadline is 31 August. SMIDE has its own, earlier date (28 February 2026 for the 2026/27 intake). Confirm the dates for the 2027/28 intake on the official international master's page.

Scholarships

• SMIDE ARES-CCD scholarships: 10 Belgian-government scholarships for residents of ARES partner countries with 2 years of professional experience, applied for via the GIRAF platform. UNamur said the 2027/28 call would be announced around August 2026.
• ARES nationality exemption: saves €4,175 a year if your nationality is listed.
• WBI MASTER IN grant: €10,020 over 12 months for masters at French Community institutions, after admission; the 2026/27 deadline was 31 March 2026.

See scholarships in Belgium for details.

Living in Namur

Study in Belgium estimates living costs in French-speaking Belgium at €1,000 to €1,300 per month, including rent around €575. For the visa you must prove €1,062 net per month for 2026/27 (€12,744 a year) plus your fees. You may work up to 20 hours per week during term. See cost of studying in Belgium.

Is UNamur right for you?

UNamur is a good choice if you are an economist, planner or public-sector professional who wants a short, funded master's in development economics, or a computing graduate interested in cybersecurity. It is not the right place if you want a large choice of English-taught programs or an English-taught bachelor's; in that case, look at UCLouvain, ULB or ULiège, which apply the same fee rules.

Honest downsides

How to apply step by step

1. 1

   Check you fit SMIDE or Cybersecurity

   Compare your degree length and background with the program rules.

2. 2

   Look at ARES scholarships first

   If you live in an ARES partner country, prepare the GIRAF application as soon as the call opens.

3. 3

   Prepare documents

   Transcripts, diplomas, English certificate. See our documents and legalization guide.

4. 4

   Apply online and pay €200

   Use the UNamur registration portal before the deadline.

5. 5

   Apply for the visa after admission

   Follow our Belgium student visa guide.

Don't miss the early SMIDE date: track deadlines for free on FindUniPath. Compare universities in the Belgium hub.