Studying in Belgium: The Belgian education system

Are you consideringStudying in Belgium ? Great idea! This country in the heart of Europe offers a quality, accessible, multilingual and internationally oriented education system. Here's everything you need to know before you start your journey.

A system based on the European LMD model

The Belgian education system is distinguished by its federal structure: each region — Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels — organizes its own curricula and school calendar.

En flanders, the teaching takes place in dutch. The course includes 6 years of primary school, then 6 years of high school (with general, technical or professional courses). Higher education is provided there at universities (universiteiten) and higher schools (hogescholen), with degrees recognized throughout Europe.

En wallonia, teaching is in frenchmen. We find the same division: 6 years of primary school, 6 years of high school (with general, technical or qualifying courses), then higher education at a university or university, with a system of bachelors (bac+3) and masters (bac + 5) aligned with the European model.

TO brussels, bilingual region, you can study in frenchmen Or in dutch according to your working language. It is also a unique cultural hub, ideal for an enriching international experience.

In short, teaching in belgium combines academic excellence, linguistic diversity and regional flexibility — a structured framework for successful studies and peaceful preparation for enrolment.

Three types of institutions according to your study project

In Belgium, higher education is divided into three types of institutions, to be chosen according to your orientation:

• The universities offer academic courses focused on theory and research. They deliver Bachelor (bachelor), Master and Doctorate degrees, in a wide range of disciplines, and are ideal if you aim for an academic, scientific or managerial career.
• The higher schools focus on vocational training. They cover various sectors such as social, health, management or engineering. Their asset: a concrete approach, numerous internships and a strong integration into the world of work.
• The higher schools of the arts are aimed at students wishing to train in artistic professions. Music, theater, cinema, visual arts... These schools offer specialized, creative and often very selective education.

Degrees recognized throughout Europe

In Belgium, higher education degrees follow the European model in three cycles, in accordance with the Bologna process.
• The Bachelor (first cycle) extends over three years. It allows you to acquire the fundamentals of a discipline. Two types of baccalaureate holders exist: vocational baccalaureates, oriented towards rapid integration into the labor market, and transitional bachelors, designed to access a Master's degree.
• The Master (second cycle) is prepared in one or two years, depending on the chosen course. It allows you to deepen your knowledge, to specialize and generally includes an internship or a final thesis.
• The Doctorate (postgraduate) is a high level course focused on scientific research. It is aimed at students who wish to pursue an academic career or hold positions of responsibility in companies.

This system makes Belgian diplomas perfectly compatible and recognized throughout the European area.

How is the rating system distributed in Belgium?

In French-speaking and Flemish Belgium, the notes range from 0 to 20, but their interpretation may vary from university to university. Here is the most common scale:

• 0—9.9 : Insufficient — the student did not meet the minimum proficiency threshold.
  

• 10—11.9: Fair/Sufficient — basic mastery of the course, but gaps remain.
  

• 12—13.9: Quite good — good knowledge, some depth needed.
  

• 14—15.9: Good — solid understanding and correct application of concepts.
  

• 16—17.9: Very good/Distinction — quality work, critical thinking and rigor.
  

• 18—20 : Great distinction/excellence — exceptional level, creativity and in-depth mastery.

In the French community, a note from 16/20 is already perceived as an excellent result. En flanders, the mention “distinction” is often awarded as soon as 14/20, but the ratings higher than 18 remain rare. Some institutions also add honorary mentions, such as “with congratulations”, to recognize an exemplary academic career.

What you need to anticipate before you leave

Before flying to Belgium, several steps should be taken to ensure that your arrival takes place in the best conditions.

Diploma recognition : if you come from a country outside the European Union, an equivalence procedure may be necessary to validate your high school or university diploma.

Justification of financial resources : you must prove that you have the means to support yourself during your stay. This can be done via a guarantor, more simply, through a Account blocked, like the one proposed by Studely, which secures and accelerates the recognition of your financial capacity by the Belgian authorities.

Visa and health insurance : remember to take out medical insurance covering the entire duration of your stay, and to apply for a student visa as soon as possible to avoid any delay.

In summary

Studying in Belgium means accessing an efficient education system, recognized at the European level, in a multicultural and accessible country. Whether you are attracted to studies in engineering, management, health, health, social sciences or arts, you will find an education adapted to your profile. If you prepare your application well, choose the right institution and anticipate the administrative procedures, your study project in Belgium can be carried out in the best conditions.

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