Studying in Belgium
Everything to understand before you start: how Belgian higher education works, diploma equivalence, funding eligibility, visa, fees and the calendar.
How does it work?
Two main communities
In the south and in Brussels, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (teaching in French). In the north, Flanders (teaching in Dutch, with many master's programmes in English). Enrolment rules differ between the two.
Universities, university colleges, art schools
Universities offer long programmes and research. University colleges (hautes écoles) offer more professional programmes. Art schools often hold an entrance exam.
The credit system (ECTS)
A full year is worth 60 credits. You progress by earning credits course by course, not by "passing" a whole year.
Study cycles
- 1
Bachelor's
180 credits
About 3 years. Entry with a secondary school diploma (equivalence required for a foreign diploma).
- 2
Master's
60 or 120 credits
1 or 2 years. Entry after a bachelor's or licence degree; the university reviews your application.
- 3
Specialised master's
60 credits or more
Open after a first master's degree.
- 4
Doctorate
180 credits
Research, with doctoral training.