Living in Belgium - Educational system

The right to education

Since its creation in 1830, Belgium has viewed the right to education as a basic right which forms part of the Constitution. Education plays a vital role in a highly industrialised society. It is even claimed that grey matter is Belgium's only raw material. Post-war education policy was therefore explicitly aimed at raising the level of education of the population and at democratising education. The financial barriers to going to school were removed. Primary and secondary education became free of charge, and an extensive system of social subsidies and study grants was established. Today, Belgium's level of education is one of the highest in Europe.

The organisation of education

Through State reform, education became a Community responsibility on 1 January 1989. At the same time, schools were given greater autonomy. The initiative can come from both the government and private individuals. The government brings together municipalities, provinces and Communities.

There are three main education networks: Community education, free subsidised education – primarily Catholic – and official subsidised education – organised by the municipalities and provinces.

Compulsory education

Compulsory education lasts twelve years, from the age of six to eighteen. Prior to that, children can attend nursery. Primary education is spread over six years, as is secondary education. Secondary education comprises three levels and begins at the age of 12. Each level covers two academic years. The first year of the first level is the same for each pupil. From the second year the choices increase. There are four streams of secondary education: general, technical, arts and vocational.

Higher education offers both three-year 'graduat' courses (which are not degree courses in the normal sense) and university education.

The influence of Europe

Since the opening-up of the European Community's internal borders, European governments have also paid increasing attention to education. This is mainly evident in a number of cross‑border areas, such as the introduction of new technologies, appropriate consideration for children of migrants, equal opportunities for boys and girls, the equivalence of degrees and exchange programmes such as Erasmus, Comenius, Lingua and Leonardo.

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Text last edited on: 08/2006

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2007
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