Study visas in Belgium: obtaining equivalence for your diploma
Visa for foreign studies and diplomas
When you wish to obtain a visa to study in Belgium, one of the first steps is to check whether your foreign diploma is recognized by the Belgian authorities so that you can continue your studies at a Belgian higher education institution. This process is known asdiploma equivalence. Although it may seem technical and administrative, it is often an essential step in ensuring that you can be admitted to a Belgian higher education institution. In this article, we explain why equivalence is important, who it concerns, how to obtain it and how to avoid the pitfalls that can slow down or complicate your process.
What is diploma equivalence?
Diploma equivalence is the procedure whereby a foreign diploma is compared with the Belgian education system to check that it meets the required standards.. It determines whether your diploma entitles you to study in Belgium, or to enroll in a specific course of study, such as a university, college or university of applied sciences.
The diploma equivalence procedure can apply to different levels of study: from the baccalauréat - the diploma obtained at the end of secondary school - to the master's degree, including vocational diplomas. Depending on the level of your studies, the type of equivalence may differ.
Why is equivalence important?
Diploma equivalence is essential for access to higher education in Belgium. Without this recognition, you could encounter obstacles to admission to a Belgian training program, which could compromise your study project. What's more, certain regulated professions, such as healthcare, also require official recognition of your qualifications before you can practice in Belgium.
Who is concerned by diploma equivalence?
In principle, all foreign students with a degree that is not part of the Belgian education system must go through the equivalence procedure. This includes students from all over the world, whether for a high school diploma or a university degree (bachelor's, master's, etc.). However, there are distinctions depending on your country of origin, the region in which you wish to study in Belgium and the level of study of your last diploma.
The equivalence is compulsory for foreign students from outside the European Union who wish to enter Belgian higher education after having obtained a secondary school diploma in their country of origin. This equivalence enables Belgian educational institutions to verify that the program followed is comparable to Belgian secondary education, and thus to ensure the coherence of the course of study.
For students from outside the European Union who want to access a master's programequivalence is assessed on a evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Although there is no systematic obligation to have an equivalence for the masters, each higher education institution is responsible for evaluating the diploma. Thus, some universities or colleges may accept foreign diplomas without a formal equivalence procedure, if the program of your diploma is deemed comparable to the requirements of the Belgian master's degree.
The procedures may also vary depending on your country of origin, the nature of your diploma, your level of study and the region in Belgium. So it's important to find out as much as you can about your background.
How do I obtain diploma equivalence in Belgium?
If you wish to study in the French-speaking part of Belgium, or in Brussels, you must submit an official application to the equivalence service of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. The application is made online or by post, and must include several supporting documents (diploma, transcripts, translation, letter of motivation, etc.). An administrative fee of between €150.00 and 400,00 €unless otherwise agreed.
The deadline for applications is July 15 before the start of the academic year. A special procedure exists if your diploma is awarded late, but it's best to plan ahead.
The equivalence procedure can take several weeks, or even months in periods of high demand. However, it is essential if you are to enroll in a college or university in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Without recognized equivalence, your application may be rejected. That's why you need to start the application process as soon as you have your diploma in hand - or even anticipate with provisional documents if possible. The earlier you start, the less mental strain you'll have to deal with the tight deadlines.
In conclusion, obtaining diploma equivalence in Belgium is an extremely important step towards accessing higher education and fulfilling your study plans. It's a process that requires rigor and anticipation. If you're well prepared and informed, this step won't be too complicated. Remember that in this process, every detail counts and every document must be properly prepared.
