Belgium – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Belgium?

Belgium’s education system is broadly of high quality, with enrolment rates among the highest in the world. The country has a long tradition of making education widely accessible, and both publicly run and government-subsidised privately run schools are generally held in high esteem. That said, recent performance data reveal a more complex picture, with some areas requiring attention.

In the most recent PISA assessment (2022), which evaluates 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics, and science, Belgian students averaged 479 points in reading against an OECD mean of 476, and 491 points in science against an OECD mean of 485. These results place Belgium roughly at or marginally above the OECD average, though they reflect a downward trend compared with earlier cycles. Over the full span of Belgium’s PISA participation, gains in mean mathematics performance have been among the slowest of any participating country or economy, and the proportion of students who have repeated at least one school year — across primary, lower secondary, or upper secondary — is among the highest internationally, standing at 26.5% as of 2022.

The share of 15-year-olds from both lower and higher socioeconomic backgrounds achieving strong results in at least one PISA domain has declined since 2015, although it remains marginally above the EU average. The attainment gap between advantaged and disadvantaged pupils is notably wide at 49.6 percentage points in 2022, exceeding the EU average of 42.7 percentage points. This persistent inequality has driven reform efforts, particularly within the Flemish Community. Flanders operates one of the most decentralised education systems in the OECD, but growing concerns about overall standards have led the Flemish government to launch a series of targeted improvements in recent years.

In terms of higher education attainment, Belgium performs well above the international norm. Some 22% of 25-to-34-year-olds hold a master’s degree or equivalent — considerably above the OECD average of 16%. For the most current assessments and comparative rankings, consult the OECD’s Education GPS profile for Belgium and the European Commission’s Education and Training Monitor.

At what age is education compulsory in Belgium, and how is schooling structured by age?

Compulsory schooling in Belgium begins on 1 September of the calendar year in which a child reaches the age of five and continues until the age of 18, or until the student obtains a secondary education diploma. Compulsory education covers both primary school (ages 6–12) and secondary school (ages 12–18). Although much of pre-primary education is voluntary, the final year of nursery school — at age five — is compulsory.

Pre-primary education (ages 2.5–6): Children in Belgium may begin nursery school from the age of 2.5. While the first two years are not obligatory, attendance is compulsory from the third year of nursery school, at age five. The purpose of this stage is to lay the groundwork for primary education rather than simply to provide supervised care. Participation rates are exceptionally high — approximately 98% of children between the ages of three and five attend early childhood education.

Primary education (ages 6–12): Primary school is both compulsory and free of charge. It runs for six years from age six to age twelve, with children admitted on 1 September of the year in which they turn six. The curriculum is divided into three two-year cycles and covers the language of instruction (Dutch or French), mathematics, science, physical education, a foreign language, music, and the arts. Assessment is ongoing throughout, and students sit an external examination at the end of sixth year — the CEB (Certificat d’Études de Base) — which is required for entry into secondary education.

Secondary education (ages 12–18): On completing primary school at around age twelve, students move into secondary education and select a pathway suited to their abilities and interests. Under a revised structure introduced in 2024, secondary school is now divided into two three-year stages: a first stage (ages 12–15) providing a broad common core designed to strengthen foundational knowledge, and a second stage (ages 15–18) in which students begin to specialise according to their interests and aptitudes. The first stage offers limited options — such as Latin, advanced mathematics, and technology — to help students identify the direction they wish to pursue in later years.

Pupils who successfully complete secondary education are awarded a certificate of secondary education recognised across all three communities. Students aged 15 or 16 who wish to leave full-time education have some flexibility, with options allowing them to combine part-time study with work experience.

What types of schools are available in Belgium?

Education in Belgium is regulated and funded by the three Communities — French, Flemish, and German-speaking — which do not necessarily align with the country’s regional boundaries. Within this framework, schools fall into four broad categories, though the terminology differs slightly between communities.

• Community schools (officieel gemeenschapsonderwijs / GO!): These are state schools organised directly by the relevant community — referred to as gemeenschapsonderwijs or GO! in Dutch, and réseau de la Communauté française in French. They are non-denominational and ideologically neutral.
• Subsidised public schools: Managed by local or provincial authorities such as municipalities — including athenaeums and academies — these schools receive state funding but are administered independently of the community government.
• Subsidised private schools (vrij gesubsidieerd onderwijs / réseau libre subventionné): Privately organised but substantially state-funded, the majority of these schools are affiliated with the Catholic Church. Despite their religious roots, they are widely attended and are generally regarded as academically equivalent to community schools.
• Fee-paying private schools: These schools satisfy compulsory education requirements but receive no government funding, meaning families must pay tuition fees. This category encompasses international schools, Montessori schools, and other institutions following alternative educational philosophies.

Belgium has one of the lowest proportions of students in wholly government-run schools among PISA-participating countries, while the share attending government-dependent private schools is among the highest — around 48% as of 2022. This reflects the enduring prominence of the Catholic subsidised network. Belgian schools do not operate on a catchment-area basis, allowing families to apply to any school of their choosing — though in practice, the most sought-after schools can fill up quickly.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Belgium follow?

The Belgian education system is characterised by a clearly defined progression from early childhood through to higher education, three separate linguistic networks, and considerable pedagogical freedom for schools. Rather than imposing a single national curriculum as is the case in England, Belgium grants substantial autonomy to school networks and communities to develop their own curricula within minimum attainment targets set by the government.

At the conclusion of primary school, students receive the CEB (Certificat d’Études de Base / Getuigschrift van Lager Onderwijs) — the primary school leaving certificate. Awarded after an assessment in sixth grade within the French-speaking system, this qualification confirms that a pupil has completed primary education rather than ranking them in competition with peers. By international standards, it is a relatively low-stakes credential.

On completing secondary school, students obtain a Certificate of Secondary Education (CESS — Certificat d’Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur in French; Diploma Secundair Onderwijs in Dutch). This is Belgium’s principal school-leaving qualification, functionally comparable to A-levels in England or the French Baccalauréat in that it grants access to higher education. The precise form of the diploma reflects the pathway followed by the student — general, technical, artistic, or vocational.

Belgium significantly exceeds the EU average in vocational education and training (VET) enrolment. In 2023, 57.3% of pupils in medium-level education were enrolled in a programme with a vocational orientation — approximately five percentage points above the EU average. This means a substantial majority of secondary students complete their education through technical or vocational routes rather than academic ones.

For families seeking internationally portable qualifications, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is offered at a number of international schools across Belgium, with the greatest concentration in Brussels. These schools operate outside the Belgian national curriculum framework. Families may also choose from British, American, European, or other national curricula at international schools. It is important to verify that any school considered is accredited by a recognised body before enrolling a child.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Belgium?

The Belgian school day typically begins at around 8:30 in the morning and concludes between 3:30 and 4:00 in the afternoon, although precise timings vary by school and year group. Lessons are scheduled across both morning and afternoon sessions. Wednesday afternoons are frequently free, particularly in primary schools — a long-established feature of Belgian school life that mirrors the traditional midweek half-day found in France and Luxembourg.

Instruction time in Belgium exceeds the OECD average. In the Flemish Community, students receive 821 hours of compulsory instruction per year in primary education and 949 hours in lower secondary education, both above the respective OECD averages of 804 and 909 hours. In the French Community, the corresponding figures are 826 hours in primary and 885 hours in lower secondary education.

The academic year runs from September through to June. School holiday entitlements in primary education amount to 15 weeks per year in both the Flemish Community and the French Community — somewhat above the OECD average of 13.5 weeks — meaning Belgian pupils generally enjoy longer total holiday time than their counterparts in many other countries. Breaks are distributed across a summer recess (July–August), an autumn break (late October), Christmas and New Year, a winter break (February or March), and an Easter break. The precise dates are announced annually by the community governments and may differ slightly between communities.

How do you enrol a child in school in Belgium?

Each community administers its own enrolment regulations, and while the overall process follows a similar pattern across communities, there are meaningful differences in how school places are allocated and what documentation schools require. Starting the process early is strongly recommended, as popular schools can become full well in advance.

1. Register at your local municipality (commune/gemeente): Every child arriving in Belgium to attend school must be registered at the local municipality within the first 60 days of arrival. This step establishes official residency and is a prerequisite for enrolment at almost all schools.
2. Gather required documents: Families should prepare documents including proof of identity, a residence visa or permit, vaccination records, confirmation of address, and previous school reports. A birth certificate may also be requested. Children who do not hold official residency documentation nonetheless retain the legal right to register at school.
3. Choose a school network and language: Decide whether your child will attend a Dutch-language, French-language, or German-language school, and determine your preference between a community school, a subsidised public or private school, or a fee-paying private institution. Consulting the education authority of the relevant community is a useful first step.
4. Apply through the local enrolment system: Several larger cities in Flanders operate a centralised enrolment process for the following school year, which is typically open between February and May. Brussels and Wallonia operate comparable systems — contact your local commune or the relevant community education authority to find out the current procedures.
5. Meet any language requirements: Children enrolling in a local school may be expected to have completed a minimum number of half-days at a Dutch- or French-language nursery school. Where this condition has not been met, a basic language assessment may be required before enrolment in primary school is confirmed.
6. Confirm the place and complete school-specific paperwork: Once a place has been offered, the school will issue its own registration forms. Families are advised to begin making enquiries well in advance — in some cases years ahead — to give themselves the widest possible range of options.

Because Belgian schools do not assign places on the basis of catchment areas, families may in principle apply to any school in the country. However, the most sought-after schools — particularly in Brussels and other major cities — are often heavily oversubscribed, and early action is essential. Always verify the most up-to-date procedures directly with the school and the relevant community education authority. Official guidance is available at onderwijs.vlaanderen.be (Flemish Community), federation-wallonie-bruxelles.be (French Community), or ostbelgienbildung.be (German-speaking Community).

What international schools are available in Belgium?

Belgium is home to a considerable number of international schools, and these are the first choice for a great many expat families. The majority offer instruction primarily in English, though schools teaching in other languages are also available. Brussels, with its large and diverse expatriate population, offers an especially wide selection — whether families are seeking a curriculum linked to a specific country, an internationally recognised qualification, or a particular educational philosophy.

Brussels alone has more than 25 international schools, and Belgium as a whole hosts institutions following an extensive variety of foreign curricula, each free to deliver teaching in the language of their choice. Options include schools following British, American, IB (International Baccalaureate), European, and various other national curricula. European Schools also operate in Belgium — primarily, though not exclusively, for children of parents employed by the European institutions.

International schools typically offer a multicultural setting, smaller class sizes, and a broad programme of extracurricular activities. While these qualities are attractive to many expat families, they generally come at a significant financial cost and may involve competitive entry procedures. As a broad indication, annual tuition fees at international schools in Belgium range from approximately €10,000 to well over €30,000 depending on the school, year group, and any supplementary charges — though there is considerable variation. At the International School of Belgium in Antwerp, for example, the first year of enrolment for a three-year-old costs approximately €14,700 based on 2025/2026 fees, though these figures are illustrative and subject to change. Always request the current fee schedule directly from the school.

To locate accredited international schools in Belgium, the following resources provide a reliable starting point:

• Council of International Schools (CIS) — an accreditation and membership body for international schools globally
• International Schools Consultancy (ISC Research) — a global database and research organisation covering international schools
• International Schools Search — a country-by-country directory of international schools
• Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations – Brussels — practical guidance tailored to expat families in Brussels

Before enrolling a child, always confirm that the school holds accreditation from a recognised body such as the Council of International Schools (CIS).

What higher education options are available in Belgium?

In Flanders, higher education is divided between universities (five institutions, known as universiteiten) and university colleges (hogescholen). The French Community organises higher education across six universities and draws a distinction between Hautes Écoles and Écoles Supérieures des Arts — a small number of arts institutions that are permitted to select their students. Higher education overall is administered by the two principal communities, Flemish and French; German-speaking students typically enrol in French Community institutions or in universities in Germany.

Belgium is home to several internationally recognised universities. KU Leuven, ranked joint 63rd globally, is Belgium’s oldest and most highly ranked university, founded in 1425 and noted for its research output and appeal to international students. Ghent University, ranked 169th globally, is another leading institution with particular strengths in engineering, technology, and life sciences; established in 1817, it was the first Dutch-language university in Belgium. Other well-regarded institutions include the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), and the Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain).

Following the adoption of the Bologna Process across most of Europe, Belgian higher education is structured around the Bachelor/Master model, with a Bachelor’s degree awarded after three years of study (180 ECTS credits). This means Belgian qualifications are directly comparable with those from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and other Bologna-aligned countries.

In Belgium, any student holding a qualifying secondary education diploma is entitled to apply to any higher education institution of their choice. Entry examinations are, however, generally required for faculties of civil engineering, architecture, medical and dental sciences, nautical sciences, and fine arts.

Tuition fees at Belgian universities are comparatively modest by international standards. In Dutch-speaking institutions, the standard annual fee is approximately €890 to €910; in French-speaking institutions, it is around €830 per year (as of 2025 — verify with individual institutions). Reduced fees are available for students in receipt of financial assistance. At universities in Wallonia, students from outside the EU/EEA pay fees set by ARES (the Academy of Research and Higher Education). In the Flemish region, non-EU/EEA students pay from approximately €900 per academic year (check current figures with the relevant institution). Some programmes, particularly at private institutions or in specialist fields, may carry higher fees. Always confirm the most current figures directly with the institution or through studyinbelgium.be.

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Belgium?

One of the defining features of Belgian education is its organisation into three separate linguistic networks — Dutch, French, and German — each regulated and funded by its own community. These communities do not map neatly onto Belgium’s regional boundaries. In Brussels, for instance, a family may choose between a school under the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (French Community) or a school within the Flemish network. Selecting the appropriate language of instruction is one of the most far-reaching decisions expat families will face.

In practical terms, this means that a child attending a local state school in Flanders will be taught in Dutch. In Wallonia (outside Brussels), the language of instruction is French. In the German-speaking Community in the east of Belgium, lessons are conducted in German. Brussels, which has official bilingual French-Dutch status, is served by schools from both the Flemish and French-speaking communities. Compulsory foreign language instruction begins in the third year of primary school, with pupils learning Dutch, French, or German depending on their region. Bilingual education options are available, particularly in the Brussels-Capital Region.

Children who arrive with little or no proficiency in the language of instruction are generally offered some form of language support in local schools, often through reception or integration classes. In Flanders, pupils who reach secondary school without having met Dutch language benchmarks are set to receive three additional weekly Dutch lessons as part of a broader initiative entitled “Every Child a Language Champion.” While younger children tend to acquire a new language of instruction more rapidly than older ones, the transition period can be challenging and requires active parental support.

Families who prefer teaching in another language — particularly those on short-term postings or whose children have already made progress within a different educational system — often turn to international schools. International schools in Brussels typically offer bilingual instruction, usually in English and French, across pre-school, primary, and secondary levels. Choosing a local school carries a significant long-term advantage — children frequently emerge genuinely bilingual or multilingual — but the early immersion phase demands patience and commitment from the whole family.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Belgium?

State education in Belgium is free at both primary and secondary level for all children residing in the country, regardless of nationality. While public primary education carries no tuition charge, families may encounter minor costs related to specific learning materials or school outings. Secondary education is similarly free and compulsory. All children living in Belgium — including those of expats and foreign workers — are entitled to enrol in the state system on the same terms as Belgian nationals.

In the subsidised private sector — including Catholic network schools and others — fees are also very limited in practice, given the substantial government funding these schools receive. Costs to families are generally minimal, though enrolment in the most popular schools can involve considerable competition. Small voluntary contributions toward activities or materials may occasionally be requested.

At university level, financial assistance awarded by the community governments is determined by the family’s income and other personal circumstances, but is capped at approximately €5,000 per year. In French-speaking institutions, students receiving financial support may have their tuition fee waived entirely; in Dutch-speaking institutions, eligible students pay a reduced annual fee of between €80 and €100. These figures reflect data available at time of writing — always confirm current thresholds and entitlements directly with the institution or the relevant community government.

No general government subsidy is available to individual families choosing private or international schooling. However, many multinational employers and EU institutions include education allowances within their relocation packages for staff. Scholarship opportunities for international students in higher education are offered by some universities, the Belgian government, ARES, and other agencies. Notable examples include Master Mind Scholarships provided by the Government of Flanders, ARES Scholarships aimed at students from developing countries, and Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programmes open to international students worldwide. Consult the official websites of the relevant community ministries and individual institutions for current eligibility criteria and application details.

Frequently asked questions about education in Belgium for expats

Will my child need to speak Dutch or French before starting school in Belgium?

Not necessarily, though a working knowledge of the relevant language will be a significant advantage. Local state schools in Flanders teach exclusively in Dutch, while those in Wallonia teach in French, and initial language support is often limited. Children who have not previously attended a Dutch- or French-language nursery school may be required to take a basic language assessment before starting primary school. Younger children generally pick up a new language more quickly than older ones. If your child arrives with no knowledge of the local language, enrolling them temporarily in an international school while they build proficiency can be a practical interim solution.

Are there waiting lists for schools in Belgium?

Because Belgian schools do not allocate places on a catchment-area basis, families are theoretically free to apply to any school. In practice, however, the most popular schools — particularly well-regarded international and state schools in Brussels — can be heavily oversubscribed. Starting your research and making enquiries well in advance, sometimes years before enrolment, is strongly advisable if you want to keep your options open. In Flanders, a centralised system in larger cities typically opens for applications between February and May each year for the following school year.

Can my child attend a European School in Belgium?

European Schools in Belgium exist primarily — though not exclusively — to serve the children of parents employed by European institutions. Staff of international organisations and children of diplomatic personnel are given priority for places. Other families may apply for any remaining spaces, though availability is not guaranteed. European Schools follow the European Baccalaureate curriculum and deliver instruction across multiple official EU languages.

Will my foreign qualifications be recognised in Belgium for university entry?

In principle, any student who holds a qualifying secondary education diploma may apply to higher education institutions in Belgium. Foreign secondary school qualifications are typically assessed for equivalence to the Belgian Certificate of Secondary Education (CESS/Diploma Secundair Onderwijs). The recognition process differs between communities — for the most current and accurate guidance, contact NARIC Belgium (the national academic recognition information centre) or the admissions office of your intended institution. Full information is available at naric.be.

How much do international schools in Belgium typically cost?

Tuition fees vary considerably depending on the school, year group, and location. As a general indication, annual fees at international schools in Belgium range from approximately €10,000 to €30,000 or more (as of 2025), with additional enrolment and registration charges on top. Always request the current fee schedule directly from each school, as fees are updated annually. For families on international assignments, employer education allowances can offset a substantial portion of these costs.

What childcare options are available for children under 2.5 in Belgium?

Compulsory education does not begin until age 2.5. Before that point, parents may take parental leave to care for a child at home, or arrange for a daycare centre or registered childminder to provide care while parents are working. Formal childcare (crèches/kinderdagverblijf) is available from birth to approximately age three, though demand is high and costs vary. In April 2025, the new Flemish government announced a €200 million investment under the new Childcare Plan 2025, earmarking resources for 10,000 additional childcare places. For current information on availability and eligibility, visit the ONE website (French Community) or opgroeien.be (Flemish Community).

Can expat adults study at Belgian universities?

Yes. Any individual who holds a qualifying secondary education diploma is entitled to apply to Belgian higher education institutions. Expat residents who are EU/EEA citizens or who meet the relevant residency conditions generally pay the same tuition fees as Belgian nationals. Students from outside the EU/EEA may be subject to higher fee rates, set by ARES in the French Community and from approximately €900 per year in the Flemish region (check current figures with the relevant institution). A growing number of Belgian universities offer master’s programmes taught entirely in English, making them accessible to international students without requiring fluency in Dutch or French.

What is the Belgian school leaving qualification and how does it compare internationally?

The Belgian school leaving certificate — the CESS (Certificat d’Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur) in French-speaking communities, or the Diploma Secundair Onderwijs in Flemish schools — occupies a broadly equivalent position to the French Baccalauréat or the German Abitur, and is recognised for university admission across Europe under the Bologna framework. Since Belgium’s alignment with the Bologna Process, higher education follows the Bachelor/Master structure, with a Bachelor’s degree conferred after three years of study (180 ECTS credits). Students who complete the IB track at an international school receive a qualification that is recognised by universities worldwide.