Master of Oceanography (Environmental contamination and toxicology)

University of Liege
Oceanography
Masters
Life Sciences
Public University
Belgium

The Master of Oceanography (Environmental contamination and toxicology) at the University of Liège (ULiège) is a 2-year, 120-credit full-time master’s programme taught in English in Liège. It sits within Life Sciences and covers marine pollution, ecotoxicology and the effects of contaminants on ocean ecosystems. Students combine core courses with specialised electives, and the programme builds toward an independent master’s thesis or research project. ULiège is a major public university in the French-speaking part of Belgium, with a strong research profile and an international student community. The programme is aimed at students who want a rigorous grounding in this field in an international classroom. Check the programme page for current tuition and fees.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Liege
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	tbc,31-March,
Fee Per Year
Application Fee	public universities charging between €50 and €200 (or no fee at all), while private institutions and business schools generally charge higher fees ranging from €100 to €300+
Currency	euro
Intake Link	https://www.programmes.uliege.be/cocoon/20252026/en/formations/bref/S2ACEA03.html
Deadline Link	https://www.programmes.uliege.be/cocoon/20252026/en/formations/bref/S2ACEA03.html
Intakes	February
Program language requirement	IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~80–90 (B2–C1)

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following (or closely related field): Oceanography / Marine Science Biology / Marine Biology Chemistry / Environmental Chemistry Physics / Geophysics Geology / Earth Sciences Environmental Science / Ecology (with marine focus) Geography (physical geography, oceanography focus) Geomatics / Remote Sensing (with ocean focus)

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates of the Master of Oceanography (Environmental contamination and toxicology) can find work in environmental agencies, research and consultancies. Typical roles include ecotoxicologist, marine scientist, environmental consultant. Graduates can pursue doctoral research at ULiège or other institutions, or enter the job market directly. International graduates can explore both the Belgian and wider European job markets. The degree builds analytical thinking, subject expertise and the ability to work in international, interdisciplinary teams.
Program entry requirement
Required GPA	Master's: A recognized 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 or equivalent. Competitive universities generally prefer 3.0/4.0 or higher.
GRE Required	No
GMAT Required	No
Application Process	1. Apply to a Belgian university or higher education institution by submitting academic transcripts and certificates, a personal statement or motivation letter, and proof of language proficiency (English/French/Dutch, such as IELTS or institutional requirements). 2. Receive an official admission/acceptance letter from a recognized Belgian institution. 3. Pay the required tuition fee or enrollment fee (if requested by the institution). Proof of payment is often required before or during the visa application process. 4. Start your long-stay (Type D) student visa application through the Belgian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global in your country (Belgium does not use an online system like AVATS). 5. Prepare and submit all required supporting documents, including a passport valid for at least 12 months, an acceptance letter from a Belgian institution, proof of sufficient financial means (blocked account, sponsorship, or scholarship), proof of accommodation in Belgium, a medical certificate, a police clearance certificate (if required), health/medical insurance, a motivation letter / Statement of Purpose (SOP), and recent passport-sized photographs. 6. Pay the visa application fee as instructed by the Belgian Embassy or VFS Global. 7. Submit your application, documents, and biometrics at the nearest Belgian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global Visa Application Centre. 8. Track your application using the reference number provided after submission and wait for the visa decision.
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/scholarships/
Program accreditation	Recognised by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles; programme quality assessed by AEQES (the French Community's quality agency)
Living expenses	Cost of Living in Belgium The cost of living for international students in Belgium depends on the city and your lifestyle. On average, students spend between €700–€800, and in some cases over €1,000 per month. Accommodation  €300–€500 per month for student housing  Private apartments or studios cost more  Brussels is relatively affordable compared to cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin Food  Around €250–€300 per month  Cooking at home helps save money  Eating out regularly increases costs Transportation  Students get discounted public transport passes  Leuven: yearly bus pass costs about €25  Brussels: under-24 students can get a yearly pass for as low as €12 Overall Monthly Budget  Average: €700–€800  Higher end (private housing & lifestyle): €1,000
Visa Process Details	1. Passport: Valid passport with old ones if available (Mandatory). 2. CNIC / B-Form / FRC: ID and family relation documents (Mandatory). 3. Photographs: Biometric/passport-sized photo (Mandatory). 4. Offer Letter: Official unconditional admission letter (Mandatory). 5. Tuition Fee Receipt: Deposit, payment, or scholarship proof (Mandatory/Conditional). 6. Academic Documents: Transcripts and degrees with attestations (Mandatory). 7. Language Certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, or language proof (Conditional). 8. CV / Resume: Updated resume with gap details (Mandatory/Conditional). 9. SOP / Motivation Letter: Study plan and home ties explanation (Mandatory/Conditional). 10. Financial Documents: Bank statements, income, and funds proof (Mandatory). 11. Sponsor Documents: Sponsor ID, relation, affidavit, and income proof (Conditional). 12. Accommodation Proof: Housing booking or address (Mandatory/Conditional). 13. Insurance: Travel/health insurance (Mandatory/Conditional). 14. Police Certificate: Character certificate if required (Conditional). 15. Medical Certificate: Medical/TB/polio clear certificate (Conditional). 16. Translations / Legalization: Certified translations or attestations (Conditional). 17. Previous Refusals: Refusal letters with explanations (Mandatory if applicable). 18. Travel History: Visas, stamps, and travel proof (Conditional). 19. Family / Home Ties: Property, business, or family return proof (Recommended). 20. Country-Specific: Blocked account / Annex 32 / solvency proof (Country-specific). 21. Country-Specific: Medical and police clearance (Country-specific). 22. Country-Specific: Belgian institution enrolment evidence (Country-specific).
Part timework	Part-Time Job Options for International Students in Belgium International students in Belgium are allowed to work part-time while studying, subject to visa conditions. Common Part-Time Job Options Retail jobs: supermarkets, clothing stores, shopping centers Hospitality sector: cafés, restaurants, hotels, fast-food outlets Customer service: call centers, front desk assistants Campus jobs: library assistant, administrative support, student ambassador Delivery & logistics: food delivery, warehouse assistant (where legally permitted) Tutoring: academic tutoring or language support (subject-based skills) Working Hours  Up to 20 hours per week during term time •Full-time work allowed during official holidays (summer, winter, and Easter breaks) Wages  Minimum wage depends on age and experience  Average student earnings range from €11–€13 per hour Requirements  Valid Belgian residence permit (student status)  Student employment contract  Registration with the National Social Security Office (NSSO)  Belgian bank account (recommended)
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunities Belgium's post-study work situation improved significantly with 2018 immigration reforms, but it's still not as straightforward as Canada or Australia's graduate visa programs. Students can work 20 hours/week during their studies (outside class hours).

What are the entry requirements for the Master of Oceanography at ULiège?

Applicants must have a recognized 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0. Competitive universities generally prefer a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher.

What is the duration of the Master of Oceanography program?

The program is a 2-year, full-time Master's degree consisting of 120 credits.

What are the language requirements for the program?

Students must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically requiring an IELTS score of approximately 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of around 80–90.

Are there part-time work opportunities for international students while studying?

Yes, international students in Belgium are allowed to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holidays.

What are the living expenses for international students in Belgium?

The average cost of living for international students ranges between €700 and €800 per month, although it can exceed €1,000 depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.