Education in Belgium
Belgium's education system is managed by language communities (Flemish, French, German-speaking), each with its own curriculum, standards, and institutions. Quality is generally high across all communities.
K-12 Education Structure
| Level | Ages | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kleuterschool/Maternelle (Pre-primary) | 2.5-6 | Free, nearly universal |
| Lager onderwijs/Primaire (Primary) | 6-12 | 6 years |
| Secundair/Secondaire (Secondary) | 12-18 | 6 years, multiple tracks |
Secondary education tracks:
- ASO/Général: Academic, preparing for university
- TSO/Technique: Technical education
- KSO/Artistique: Artistic education
- BSO/Professionnel: Vocational education
For Expat Families
Options:
- Local public schools: Free, high quality, in Dutch or French depending on region
- International schools: English/multilingual curriculum, fee-based
- European Schools: For children of EU institution staff (some open seats for others)
International Schools in Brussels:
- International School of Brussels (ISB)
- British School of Brussels (BSB)
- St John's International School
- The American School of Brussels (ASB)
- Brussels International School
European Schools:
- 4 European Schools in Brussels
- Primarily for children of EU officials
- Some open enrollment available
Costs: International schools: €15,000-30,000/year. European Schools: significantly less for EU staff families.
Higher Education
Belgium has world-class universities:
Flemish Community:
- KU Leuven (#45 globally, Times Higher Ed)
- Ghent University (UGent)
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
- University of Antwerp
French Community:
- Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
- Université de Liège
- Université de Namur
Tuition Fees (2025-2026)
| Category | Amount/Year |
|---|---|
| EU students (Flemish community) | ~€1,000-1,100 |
| EU students (French community) | ~€835 |
| Non-EU (Flemish universities) | €2,000-8,000 |
| Non-EU (French universities) | ~€5,010 (from 2025-2026) |
| MBA/specialized programs | €15,000-40,000+ |
For Adult Expats
Language learning:
- Huis van het Nederlands (Dutch courses in Flanders/Brussels)
- Alliance Française / Bruxelles Formation (French courses)
- CVO adult education centers
- Integration programs (mandatory in Flanders)
Professional development:
- Part-time master's programs at Belgian universities
- Solvay Brussels School (executive education)
- Vlerick Business School
- ICHEC Brussels Management School
Credential recognition:
- NARIC Flanders or French Community for foreign degree equivalence
- Some professions require Belgian registration (medicine, law, engineering)
Childcare
| Type | Age | Cost/Month |
|---|---|---|
| Crèche/Kinderdagverblijf | 0-3 | €400-1,200 (income-based) |
| After-school care | 3-12 | €100-300 |
| Au pair | All ages | Room/board + pocket money |
Childcare subsidies: In Flanders, Kind en Gezin manages subsidized childcare with income-based pricing. In Brussels/Wallonia, ONE (Office de la Naissance et de l'Enfance) provides similar services. Subsidized spots have long waitlists.
Pro Tips
- •Children adapt to local schools quickly — consider before committing to international school
- •International school waitlists can be long — apply 6-12 months ahead
- •European Schools are available for EU institution families at lower cost
- •Subsidized childcare is income-based — apply early as waitlists are long
- •Belgian universities are among Europe's best value for quality
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