Education for children
In Belgium, there is compulsory education for children who reside on the territory (regularly or irregularly) from 6 to 18 years old.
Children can be enrolled in a preparatory ‘reception class’ according to his or her language ability and educational level, if the school has one. Once sufficient language and general skills have been acquired, they should be oriented into the regular education system.
As a parent, you must ensure that your child attends school. The reception centre where you are staying during the time of your international protection procedure can provide suitable support. There are reception centres where the staff organizes ‘homework classes’ to help your children with their school tasks. More information on education for children can be found here.
Education for adults
As an applicant of international protection, you can enroll for a Dutch or French language course with some institutions, such as Huis van het Nederlands, Enseignement Promotion et Formation Continue (EPFC) and organizations involved in Integration.
Recognized refugees are also allowed to study at universities and colleges and can sometimes benefit from scholarships. More information can be found here:
- UGent (Universiteit Gent) – visit website
- UA (Universiteit Antwerpen) – visit website
- VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) – visit website
- KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) – visit website
- ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) – visit website
- Université Saint-Louis Bruxelles – visit website
- UCLouvain (Université Catholique Louvain) – visit website
- ULiège (Université de Liège) – visit website
- Université de Namur – visit website
- UMons (Université de Mons) – visit website
- IHECS (Institut des Hautes Études des Communications Sociales) – visit website
If you started studies in another country before arriving in Belgium, you can enrol at a university or college in Belgium without asking for recognition of your previous studies, except in certain circumstances. More information can be found on the website of the university or college you want to apply to.