How much does a child aged 6 to 24 cost?
5 min
A child costs on average €543 per month for the 6–11 age group, €658 per month for those aged 12–17, and €793 per month for those aged 18–24. These figures, from the Gezinsbond on 1 March 2026, reflect a reality all parents know: the older a child gets, the higher the cost.
This guide is for parents and future parents who want to plan their family budget in Belgium. Understanding how much a child costs at each stage of life will help you anticipate expenses related to education, housing and higher education. Financial planning is not a luxury but a necessity to support your child at every stage of life.
Key points
- The average monthly cost is €543 for children aged 6 to 11, €658 for teenagers aged 12 to 17 and €793 for young adults aged 18 to 24.
- The annual budget for higher education in Belgium ranges from €8,000 to €12,000.
- The main funding solutions are student grants, personal loans and savings.
- To manage these expenses, it is essential to plan your budget from the outset.
Understanding the cost of a child by age
A child’s needs change significantly as they grow, and expenses follow this progression. A primary school pupil does not have the same needs as a teenager in secondary education or a university student. Data from Gezinsbond, updated on 1 March 2026, provides a detailed breakdown of these costs by age group.
The minimum average monthly cost of a child aged 6 to 11 is €543*. This amount does not include specific costs such as childcare, education, medical expenses or extracurricular activities.
Children aged 6 to 11: primary school
The average cost of a child aged 6 to 11 is €543 per month. This amount reflects minimum expenses and excludes specific costs such as childcare, medical expenses or holiday camps.
In Belgium, primary education is free. School attendance is compulsory from the age of 5, and no tuition fees may be charged. However, several additional costs remain the responsibility of parents:
| Expense item | Average amount |
| Before-school care | €1.20 per week |
| After-school care (16:45–18:00) | €0.75 per half hour |
| Soup | €0.66 |
| Full meal | €3.33 |
| Supervision during meals | €0.25 per week |
The different communities ensure these amounts remain affordable for all families. For school trips and excursions, schools often work with parents facing financial difficulties to find suitable solutions.
Teenagers aged 12 to 17: secondary education
For a teenager aged 12 to 17, the average monthly cost reaches €658. This amount varies by age: expect a minimum of €605 for a 12-year-old and up to €710 for a 17-year-old.
Secondary education remains free in Belgium, and compulsory schooling continues until the age of 18. However, the budget varies considerably depending on the chosen study track. Expenses to consider include:
- School textbooks
- Photocopies and supplies
- Extracurricular activities (theatre, excursions, end-of-year trips)
- Transport costs (metro, bus, train)
- Specialised equipment depending on the course
Technical and artistic pathways involve higher costs due to the required materials. Students in these tracks often need to invest in equipment not provided by the school.
Young adults aged 18 to 24: towards independence
The cost of a child aged 18 to 24 averages €793 per month. More specifically, an 18-year-old represents a monthly budget of €731, while a 24-year-old costs around €715. These amounts do not include medical expenses or higher education.
With or without higher education?
Higher education is not compulsory but represents a major investment for future career prospects. According to IWEP statistics from 1 March 2026, 50.7% of Belgians aged 25–34 hold a higher education degree. This rate varies by region:
- Brussels: 59.7%
- Flanders: 52.4%
- Wallonia: 43.3%
These figures highlight the growing importance of higher education for entering the workforce, which leads us to examine the associated costs in more detail.
Higher education: a significant investment
A year of higher education in Belgium costs between €8,000 and €12,000. This budget includes tuition fees, study materials, accommodation and transport. Here’s a breakdown:
| Item | Amount |
| Tuition fees | €175 - €835 |
| Study materials | Varies by course |
| Student accommodation | €350 - €600/month |
| Public transport (discounts up to age 25 inclusive) |
€0–€20/year for bus/metro, €200–€300/year for train |
| TOTAL per year | €8,000€ - €12,000 |
The minimum average monthly cost of an 18-year-old is €731*, and €715* for a 24-year-old. For ages 18 to 24, the average is €793* per month. This excludes certain costs such as medical expenses and higher education.
Tuition and enrolment fees
Enrolment fees range from €175 to €455 for colleges, and €835 for universities, according to the Wallonia-Brussels Federation education website. The amount depends on the type of institution and level of study.
Note: students from outside the European Union must pay higher enrolment fees of €4,175 in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
These amounts are regularly updated. Check the official websites of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation or the Flemish Region for current fees.
Study costs and materials
In addition to tuition fees, students must pay for goods and services provided: library access, course materials, and specialised equipment. These costs vary by field and are generally higher in art, architecture or fashion schools.
Students benefit from reduced public transport fares up to age 25 (a student certificate is required for those over 18). Do not forget to include mobile phone plans, Wi-Fi, food, pocket money and leisure.
Student accommodation
Student accommodation is often the largest expense. Rent ranges from €350 to €600 per month, depending on:
- The city: Brussels and Antwerp are more expensive than Tournai
- Proximity to the institution
- Comfort and size
- Transport availability
Funding solutions for higher education
Several options are available to families. Combining them allows you to build a budget suited to your situation.
Student grants and allowances
Student grants are financial support provided by the communities for students from lower-income households. To qualify, several conditions must be met: enrolment in a recognised institution, regular attendance and income criteria.
Grant amounts:
- Secondary education: €90 to €4,000
- Higher education: €400 to €5,000
These grants do not need to be repaid, except in specific cases such as dropping out. Applications can be renewed each year.
Saving for your child’s education
Planning ahead by saving early gives valuable financial flexibility. A dedicated savings account allows you to build up the necessary budget gradually and avoid pressure from unexpected costs.
Personal loans and banking solutions
A personal instalment loan is an alternative for families who do not meet grant criteria. Unlike grants, this loan must be repaid with interest.
This solution is available to parents or to adult students themselves. BNP Paribas Fortis offers financing solutions tailored to education costs, allowing expenses to be spread over time.
Discover the personal instalment loan
Do you have a question about this article? Would you like to discuss our savings and financing solutions for your child’s education? We are available remotely by phone or video call, or in person at a BNP Paribas Fortis branch or post office.
*Source : Gezinbond
Personal loan – Credit type: personal instalment loan. The provisions relating to consumer credit in Chapter 1, Title 4, Book VII of the Code of Economic Law apply. Subject to acceptance of your application by Alpha Credit SA, lender, Montagne du Parc 8 Bte 3, 1000 Brussels – Brussels Companies Register – VAT BE 0445 781 316, branch of BNP Paribas Fortis SA. Tied agent: BNP Paribas Fortis SA, Montagne du Parc 3, 1000 Brussels – Brussels Companies Register – VAT BE 0403 199 702.