What is the high school diploma average to study in Belgium as a foreign student?

Are you wondering what high school average do you need to study in Belgium? Are you wondering what high school average do you need to study in Belgium? This article explains the current thresholds, how to check the recognition of your diploma and obtain an equivalence, and offers you 6 concrete solutions if your average is too low to continue in Belgium.

1. The general conditions for admission to Belgium

Every year, Belgium welcomes a large number of foreign students, especially French-speaking students.
To be admitted to a Belgian higher education institution, you must Have obtained the baccalaureate or an equivalent degree recognized by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
In general, there is no national minimum average required to enroll in university.
However, each establishment or Sector can set its own selection criteria according to the number of places available and the level of academic requirement.

2. What high school average should you aim for?

Even if no official average is imposed, here are the trends observed by type of study:
Type of studyRecommended BAC average DetailsPublic universities (UCLouvain, ULiège, ULB, UNamur...)12/20 minimumA correct overall average, with good grades in subjects related to the sector (math, science, languages, etc.).Higher schools (e.g. HeLHA, HEPL, HEAJ)10 to 11/20 minimumAccess is more flexible, but school records are analyzed individually.Art or design schools 10/20 minimum + competitionsThe selection is based mainly on the Portfolio And the Admission tests.Health studies (medicine, physiotherapy, dentistry...)14 to 16/20 minimumVery strict selection with Compulsory entrance exam.
In summary: a Average of 12/20 is often sufficient to apply for most programs, but some courses require more excellence.

3. Courses with limited access

Some courses are said to be “with regulated access” for non-resident students (foreigners), because Belgium wants to guarantee a balance between Belgian and international students.
In particular, this concerns:

• Medicine and dentistry
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• Veterinary sciences
• Engineering sciences

For these sectors, The number of seats is limited and admission is often through Draw or entrance exam.
Even with an excellent average, access is therefore not not guaranteed.

4. The importance of the academic record

Above average, Belgian universities study:
• The high school transcripts,
• The consistency between the baccalaureate obtained and the course chosen,
• The personal motivation (cover letter, study project),
• and sometimes the language level (proof of proficiency in French, Dutch or English).
A good, complete and coherent file can compensate for an average slightly lower than 12/20.

5. Tips to strengthen your case

• Put forward your results in key subjects related to your future training.
• Write a clear and personalized cover letter.
• If you made extracurricular activities (internships, volunteering, competitions), mention them.
• Check them registration deadlines and prepare your pre-registration form.

Conclusion

There is no fixed average required at the bac to study in Belgium, but a Overall note around of 12/20 is often sufficient to be admitted to the majority of courses.
On the other hand, some selective courses such as the medicine Or the kinesitherapy Ask for a excellent level and the success of an entrance examination.
The most important thing is still a solid, coherent and well-prepared file.