Brussels College Night

The Only U.S.-focused College Fair in Belgium

Thinking about studying in the USA? For the past forty years, Brussels College Night has introduced secondary school students and their families in Belgium to higher education opportunities in the United States. Organized by EducationUSA Belgium, this annual fair allows students to meet representatives from colleges and universities across the United States and to receive guidance in their college application journey.

FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

Brussels College Night is the only U.S.-focused college fair in Belgium. The event provides high school students from across Belgium with unparalleled access to representatives from U.S. universities and American-accredited universities in Europe in order to help secondary school students and families learn about higher education opportunities in the United States.

Who will I meet?

By attending Brussels College Night, you will have the chance to meet one-on-one with representatives from colleges and universities in the USA and American-accredited universities in Europe. You can learn about their institutions and ask them any questions you have about the university admissions process!

Who should attend?

We welcome students of all ages as well as their parents, siblings, teachers, and counselors! Our primary audience is secondary school students, including those in their last year of studies (“seniors”) who are preparing to submit applications to U.S. universities as well as younger students who are beginning to consider their post-secondary school options. Most of the representatives represent undergraduate programs, but can also answer basic questions about graduate enrollment at their institutions.

How do I sign up?

Attendance at Brussels College Night is FREE for students, parents, and counselors but prior registration is strongly recommended. You will get a reminder the week before Brussels College Night with helpful hints to help you prepare for the event, as well as any important last-minute reminders.

FOR REPRESENTATIVES

Organized by EducationUSA Belgium, the one and only U.S.-focused college fair in Belgium is a one-stop shop for your recruitment needs. For nearly forty years, Brussels College Night has provided American university representatives with unparalleled access to high school students from across Belgium. The fair is also supported by a number of international schools in the region of Brussels, whose students come from around the world and reflect the multicultural and multilingual character of Europe’s capital city.

Who will I meet?

Brussels College Night attracts a mix of secondary school students and parents from across the country, including from the many international schools in and around Brussels. Recruiting in some an international and multicultural hub allows you to reach students from all over Europe and the world: in fact, a quarter of attendees at Brussels College Night 2019 were from another EU Member State and another 35% were from outside of the European Union. Students in Belgium who are interested in pursuing undergraduate studies in an English-speaking country are familiar with the United States and the high quality education available at American colleges and universities. Over 300 attendees join us each year for this unique event!

How do I register?

In 2024, Brussels College Night will be part of the EducationUSA Benelux College Tour, a series of in-person fairs in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. While it’s possible to register just for Brussels College Night, university representatives registering to attend the entire tour benefit from a special reduced price. Registration will open in spring 2024 at EducationUSAFairs.org. Click the button below and send us an email to be notified when registration opens!

For questions about registration or for the registration of a military academy, please contact brussels@educationusa.org.

Practical information

Date

25 September 2024

Location

International School of Brussels

Logistics

The school is easily accessible via car and public transportation. For security purposes, all participants are asked to bring a photo ID and to consider leaving large bags at home

6 PM - 6:20 PM

Studying in the USA

Just beginning your EducationUSA journey? Join us for a short discussion to learn all about finding the right fit, completing your application, and financing your studies.

6:20 PM - 8:00 PM

College Fair

The main attraction — come meet with representatives of U.S. colleges and universities during our college fair!

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT

Do Your Research

Before coming to Brussels College Night, look at the list of universities attending and highlight those you find interesting. Do some research and review information available on the university websites. Ideally, you should come into the college fair knowing what is important to you when it comes to things like student activities, university housing, study abroad and academic programs, support offered to international students, employment opportunities after graduation, etc.

Keep an Open Mind

Did you know that the Ivy League is by definition a sports league in the Northeast? Do not get hung up on the so-called “brand name” universities. With over 4,000 universities in the U.S., it is likely that you will apply to at least one school that you and your parents have never heard of! Remember that some of the well-known universities are extremely selective. To avoid disappointment when you receive your admissions decisions next spring, apply to a range of universities. If you have time, visit other booths when you are done with colleges on your primary list. Even if you think that you have already found your dream school, try not to get hung up on one particular university. You don’t want to miss out on a university that could be perfect for you by being focused on just one.

Plan Your Journey

Have a look at the floor plan (available when you enter the event) and circle the exhibitors you want to visit. Do not forget to visit the EducationUSA stand for answers to your general questions about undergraduate study! When approaching a university stand, be prepared to introduce yourself to the university representative. Try practicing a three sentence introduction that includes your name, the year you intend to enroll, your anticipated major and what you are looking for in a university. You should also make a list of questions to ask, preferably beyond what you could read on the university website. Ideas include:

How would you describe campus life at your university? Ask about extracurricular activities, athletic teams, and clubs and community organizations.
What can you tell me about the student population (size, diversity, etc.)?
What support services are available for international students on your campus?
What characteristics does the admissions office look for in a successful applicant?
Does your university offer financial aid for international students? If so, how do I apply for this funding?
Parents – we know it’s hard, but let your child do the talking! This is a unique time for students to speak directly with university staff or alumni who are likely to be involved in the selection process.

Participating institutions

We are excited to welcome the following institutions to Brussels College Night 2024:

The American University of Paris

Bucknell University

College of William and Mary

Colorado State University

Columbia College Chicago

Contra Costa Community College

Digital Animation & Visual Effects (DAVE) School

Denison University

Fordham University

Gettysburg College

Green River Community College

Hult International Business School

Lees-McRae College

Loyola Marymount University

Minerva University

Northeastern University

Purdue University

Rensselaer Polytechnic University

Saint Louis University

Santa Barbara City College

Syracuse University

University of South Dakota

U.S. Air Force Academy

U.S. Military Academy

Webster University

British Council

ETS Global

National College Athletic Association

FAQ

What is Brussels College Night?

Brussels College Night is the only U.S.-focused college fair in Belgium. Now in its thirty-seventh year, it attracts universities from across the United States and around Europe.

Who should attend Brussels College Night?

The primary targets of college fairs like Brussels College Night are secondary school students, including those in their last year of studies (“seniors”) who are preparing to submit applications to U.S. universities as well as younger students who are beginning to consider their post-secondary school options. We welcome students of all ages as well as their parents, siblings, teachers, and counselors!

Do I need to register to attend Brussels College Night?

All attendees, including students and parents, should register online. While registration is not required for students, families, or teachers/counselors who are interested in just attending the college fair, we think it’s a great idea! You will receive an email reminder the week before Brussels College Night with helpful hints to help you prepare for the event, as well as any important last-minute reminders. You’ll also receive a digital copy of the event brochure, delivered directly to your inbox. After the event, you’ll have the opportunity to provide feedback and ask follow-up questions to a Brussels-based EducationUSA adviser.

How should I prepare for Brussels College Night?

Before coming to Brussels College Night, download the event brochure and highlight the universities you find interesting. Do some research and review information available on the university websites so that you are be prepared to ask substantive questions. It is a good idea to bring a paper and pen in order to take notes.

Which schools will be attending Brussels College Night this year?

An up-to-date list of participating institutions can be found above. Check back, as it will be updated frequently.

The university that I am interested in is not attending Brussels College Night. What should I do?

Even if you are not familiar with the universities attending this year’s event, Brussels College Night is still a great opportunity to learn more about U.S. higher education and interact with real admissions officers, faculty, and alumni. When at the fair, keep an open mind and visit a variety of tables — you just might discover your dream school!

I am interested in graduate study in the United States, not a bachelor’s degree. What should I do?

While you may find it interesting to learn more about the variety of universities and the general structure of higher education in the United States, Brussels College Night is primarily geared toward undergraduate study opportunities for secondary school students in Belgium. For more information about graduate study in the U.S., visit www.educationusa.be/graduate-studies.

I cannot attend the event, but want to learn more about studying in the United States. What should I do?

If you think that you might be interested in pursuing a degree in the U.S., visit www.educationusa.be/undergraduate-studies to learn more about the U.S. higher education system and the U.S. university application process. If you have questions, you can send an email to brussels@educationusa.org. Our EducationUSA Advisers will respond to your questions, provide additional information about study opportunities, and can even schedule a personal advising appointment in our Brussels-based office.

What can I bring to Brussels College Night?

For security reasons, all visitors must have a photo ID. Bags and backpacks will be checked. To accelerate access to the site, we recommend that you do not take a bag with you unless you really need one.