The Belgian system
Belgium has two separate higher-education systems: the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (in French) and Flanders (in Dutch, with many programmes in English). Rules, fees and procedures are not the same.
Wallonia-Brussels Federation (Wallonia and French-speaking Brussels)
Five categories of institutions:
Universities
Long-type programmes (180-credit bachelor's, then master's), research and PhDs. Theoretical teaching requiring a lot of autonomy.
University colleges (hautes écoles)
Mainly professional bachelor's (short type, 3 years), but also long-type programmes (transition bachelor's + master's), e.g. industrial engineering.
Adult education (promotion sociale)
Programmes for adults, often in the evening or at weekends. They also award bachelor's degrees. Note: a student visa requires full-time studies; check with the institution before enrolling.
Art schools
Visual arts, music, theatre, film, design… Admission usually requires an entrance test.
Private institutions
Belgium may grant a visa for a private institution, but we ADVISE AGAINST it: degrees often not recognised by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, high fees, and stricter visa conditions since 2026.
Flanders (and Dutch-speaking Brussels)
Three categories of institutions:
Universities (universiteiten)
Academic bachelor's and master's, including many master's in English. Examples: KU Leuven, UGent, VUB, UAntwerpen, UHasselt.
University colleges (hogescholen)
Professional bachelor's, some master's (especially in the arts) and shorter "graduaat" programmes.
Training schools
Adult education centres and vocational training (often in Dutch). Check case by case for a student visa.
Long type or short type: what's the difference?
Long-type ("transition") bachelor's
- • Universities and some university-college programmes.
- • 180 credits (3 years), designed to continue to a master's.
- • More theoretical, focused on research and analysis.
- • On its own, it prepares little for a specific job: students usually continue to a master's.
Professional ("short-type") bachelor's
- • University colleges and adult education.
- • 180 credits (3 years); 240 credits (4 years) for nursing or midwifery.
- • Very practical, with internships: you can work right after graduating.
- • A master's is still possible afterwards, often through a "bridge" (additional credits).
In short
| Wallonia-Brussels | Flanders | |
|---|---|---|
| Main language | French | Dutch (many master's in English) |
| Institutions | Universities, university colleges, adult education, art schools, private | Universities, university colleges, training schools |
| Short bachelor's | Professional bachelor's | Professionele bachelor / graduaat |
| Long bachelor's | Transition bachelor's | Academische bachelor |
| Enrolment | Directly with each institution | Directly with each institution |