Education in Belgium for Russians. The procedure for issuing a student visa. Advantages of a Belgian education

Belgium is a country with many young people seeking higher education. Its location is the eastern coast of the North Sea of ​​Western Europe. with countries such as Luxembourg, Germany, France and the Netherlands. The territory of this country is quite large, and the conditions for studying at universities are very good.

After graduating from higher educational institutions, former students are given the opportunity to undergo internships in large international organizations. That is why Belgium is attractive not only for, but also for foreign students who want to study abroad. In order to have an idea about the education system in a given country, it is advisable to approach these issues with all responsibility.

It is worth noting that candidates must be no more than 36 years old, in addition, they must have a bachelor's degree.

The provision of research grants is carried out regardless of the type of research being carried out. The age category of candidates is up to 36 years. They must have a master's or specialist's degree in their hands. Candidates are nominated for grants by the Academy of Sciences of Russia.

The main feature of Belgian education is the structure of the system, which is formed on the basis of three national language communities - Flemish, French, German-speaking. However, despite this diversity, the Belgian educational system is not fragmented. Occasionally, only some of the hallmarks of learning in favor of a particular community appear.

Features of Belgian education

National language communities play the role of the main source of funding for education. The government of the country, if it allocates any funds, it is only a small part compared to funding from the communes. For this reason, the management of the educational system is concentrated in the hands of the authorities of the communities. And all the functions of the government are setting the age bar for compulsory education and conferring academic degrees.

Compulsory education in Belgium covers a period of 12 years. Children start school at the age of 6 and complete the compulsory school course at the age of 18. At the stage of compulsory education, it is possible to enroll in one of three types of schools:

1. Schools of language communities.
2. provincial public schools.
3. Budget schools from the Catholic Church.

Free Catholic schools prevail. They are chosen by most Belgian families. There are also private schools. As a rule, these institutions offer highly specialized education, as well as special education for children with disabilities. Regardless of the type of institution, the school academic year begins on September 1 and ends at the end of May.

Preschool education system

The period of pre-school education in Belgium should most likely be called pre-school education. This is due to the fact that the vast majority of educational institutions are part of primary schools. The upbringing of children, accordingly, is carried out with a bias towards preparation for primary school. Meanwhile, pre-school education is not included in the period of compulsory education.

As soon as the child turns 2.5 years old, he is sent to a preschool. 90% of parents do just that. Only 10% of Belgian children are sent to private kindergartens or stay at home.

The recruitment of children's groups is carried out upon reaching the required age limit. As soon as the child turns 2.5 years old, the educational institution is ready to accept him, regardless of the season. True, in those regions where the administration is carried out by the Flemish community, the number of enrollments in preschool groups is limited to six during the year.

Belgian preschools work on the informal principle of education. There are no approved and established programs here, just as there is no practice of checking the level of knowledge. The main goal of the educational process is to develop mental and creative abilities in children. Preschool education in Belgium teaches proper communication, independence, self-expression.

... My daughter has been studying at such a school since she was 2.5 years old. I am very pleased. Great material and technique. She is still in the Clayter class, but I hope that she will also be in the main school at this school. Everything depends on the child. Many children are not suitable for teaching in this way ...

https://www.russian-belgium.be/node/39016

Primary education in Belgium

From 6 to 12 years old, children go through elementary school. The six-year period of primary education is divided into three stages, each of which covers 2 years of study. Students are taught counting, reading and writing skills. In addition, knowledge is given in the field of biology, history, religion. They also teach music lessons and labor lessons.

Classes in elementary school usually start in the morning and end in the afternoon. The standard schedule is from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, including an hour and a half for lunch. On Wednesday, the school day lasts until lunch (until 12:00). Days off - Saturday, Sunday.

Schools in Brussels and the municipalities of the Flemish community begin to teach French from the first year of study (rarely from the second). Other Flemish schools begin to give French lessons only at the third stage of education (5-6 years of study). True, students, if they wish, can take such lessons already at the second stage (3-4 years).

Schools in the French community are also mandated to teach English or Dutch on a mandatory basis. The specific choice of language depends on the type of school. In turn, the schools of the German-speaking community must ensure the teaching of French as a compulsory subject of the educational process.

... Language courses in a simple school are divided into 10 parts. The first 6 parts are free. But you need to go through only the first 2 parts. It happens "intensive" - ​​one course is completed in 2 months. Super "intensive" - ​​for 1 month. And it happens that they study only on weekends and take this course for a very long time ...

http://pora-valit.livejournal.com/3026254.html?thread=389991246#t389991246

Secondary education in Belgium

After six years of elementary school, the next cycle of compulsory education begins - secondary school. The standard age for students entering secondary school is 12 years old. Here, too, the learning process is divided into three stages, each lasting 2 years. The structure of the Belgian high school is built from four main types of education:

• base average,
• technical average,
• vocational,
• artistic.

Basic secondary education

The priority of basic secondary education is to prepare students for the transition to higher education. For 6 years of study, the basic secondary school prepares for admission to any Belgian university (college) and, accordingly, to similar educational institutions in other countries. Here the main disciplines are:

• Latin language,
• ancient Greek,
• French, Dutch, German, English, Spanish (optional),
• physics,
• chemistry,
• geography,
• biology,
• mathematics,
• economy,
• psychology,
• sociology.

Technical secondary education

Technical secondary education is divided into groups of transitional and qualification education. Each is aimed at studying technical aspects or gaining practical skills. Regardless of the specific group of education, students are taught the following disciplines:

• math,
• several foreign languages
• history,
• geography,
• applied Science.

The level of bringing general knowledge to the audience is somewhat lower than in the case of basic education. However, technical schools compensate for the lack of theory with enhanced practical training. After 6 years of study, a graduate of a technical school has a specialty and can enter the labor market without problems. Meanwhile, the majority of students in such schools prefer to go through one more year - the seventh year of study, improving their qualifications to a higher level.

Technical schools train specialists in the field of tourism and trade, health and teaching, as well as engineers and technicians. Studying at a technical school, in addition to special education, can be considered as a preparatory stage for higher education.

Vocational secondary education

Vocational secondary education resembles a technical school. However, there are some differences. For example, PTSO is the training of highly specialized workers. Within the framework of vocational education, directions are used where the learning process lasts more than 6 years. Widespread PTSD training programs:

• auto mechanic,
• jewelry business,
• woodworking,
• architectural construction,
• Medical equipment.

This type of secondary education is the only one that does not provide for the preparation of students for admission to colleges and universities. However, upon completion of a 7-8 year course, students receive a technical diploma, which in terms of qualification is actually comparable to a bachelor's degree.

Art secondary education

Schools of art education combine basic secondary education and the practice of theatrical and visual arts in their activities. Several areas of study are also used here, including exclusively theoretical ones (preparation for higher education):

• ballet Art,
• acting activity,
• art of dance,
• graphic and artistic art.

Art high school, as a rule, becomes a start before studying at conservatories, institutes and colleges of acting, fine arts and other higher educational institutions.

Higher education

The Belgian higher education system is built on the basis of only the Flemish and French language communities.. This approach somewhat limits the possibilities of German-speaking applicants. They have no choice but to go to study in Germany or to enter the colleges and universities of the French community. The academic year of higher education begins in Belgium in mid-September. Beginning of the first semester 14-19 September. End of the first semester December 19-20. The beginning of the 2nd semester is February 8–13. Completion of the second semester in the second half of May.

Holders of a Belgian diploma of secondary education have a free road (without entrance exams) for admission to almost any university in the country. Entrance exams must be taken only in those universities where there are the following areas of study:

• medicine and dentistry,
• engineering activity,
• administrative management,
• artistic and artistic arts.

However, depending on the Flemish and French communities, the requirements are often different. For example, in the field of engineering, exams are organized by the universities of the French commune, while within the borders of Flanders, higher education institutions have canceled the examinations at engineering faculties.

... The exam consists of 4 parts (respectively: a test for understanding, reading, writing and speaking.) Yes, understanding is necessary to understand (news as a rule) and answer the questions in detail, consider the letter too. Conversation: evaluate tables, graphs, summarize the result and make an opinion reading-see; understanding, only the written text, in short, a lot of writing ...

http://www.rus-bel.org/node/3318#comment-37524

The Belgian higher education system supports the Bologna process of learning. At the first stage, after 3 years of study, graduates are awarded a professional bachelor's degree or an academic bachelor's degree. In the first case, education is considered complete, in the second, completeness is considered conditional. Typically, academic bachelors continue their studies at the magistracy. A master's degree is another one or two years of study.

The award of a master's degree opens the way to a doctoral degree. Doctoral studies are entirely based on research work. As a rule, access to doctoral studies is opened to gifted students who have shown good results at previous levels of education. The PhD degree can only be awarded at universities.

…Most of my Belgian acquaintances have only graduated from the Hogeschool, which is, in principle, a higher education, but lower in rank than a university. When I ask why they didn’t go further to study, almost no one can answer. The husband honestly says that he did not pull. Getting into most universities is quite easy - but studying is difficult ...

http://pora-valit.livejournal.com/3026254.html

… Hogeschool is the same as our institutes, after graduation you get a bachelor's degree, if you want a master's degree, you can study further. Unlike Hogeschool, universities are multidisciplinary and at the end of the 4-year cycle you also get a bachelor's degree, with the exception of medical and law degrees. Regarding your diploma, be prepared to take an exam in Dutch. Surely you will be asked to write a summary of your thesis ...

laryda24

http://pora-valit.livejournal.com/3026254.html?thread=389840462#t389840462

The cost of studying in Belgium

For native Belgians, the cost of studying at colleges and universities is relatively low. Flanders full-time students pay no more than €600 for one year of study. The cost of studying in the evening departments is even less - €340. Education fees for students in the French community are higher: for full-time students, the maximum amount is €835 per year.

Other conditions apply for foreign citizens. Immigrants also pay the basic amount, but additional fees are charged for foreign applicants. As a result, the amount of tuition fees for foreign students varies between €1900–4135 per year. The exact cost is determined by the specific university and its conditions.

Tuition fees and all kinds of fees are set by the Flemish and French communities for each new academic year. Also, issues of financial assistance (scholarships) to low-income students are resolved annually. Every student with low financial resources can count on a scholarship. There are three options for determining the financial capabilities of students:

1. Budget.
2. Semi-budget.
3. Non-budget.

The first option provides for the payment of financial assistance, thanks to which the student pays only € 80-100 per year for education. The second option also allows you to get a discount on the amount of payment if the student's family income is less than €1286 per month. In this case, the tuition fee is €330-380 per year. The third option, where the student's family income is above €1286 per month, does not qualify for assistance. The standard tariff approved by the communities applies here.

Is free education in Belgium possible for Russians, Ukrainians, Kazakhs

There is no completely free education in the higher education system in Belgium. Especially for foreigners. Nevertheless, there are decisions taken at the level of education management that make it possible to reduce the cost of education. These decisions concern developing countries and low-income territories. There is a special list of such states. True, Russia and Kazakhstan are not on the list, which is quite logical. But Ukraine is in this list.

The list is compiled depending on the value of the country's GDP per capita. If the indicator is in the range of $1000-3975, the state is considered underdeveloped and the cost of education is reduced for students. Usually under the same conditions as for budget and semi-budget groups.

Video about Belgian education

The most popular educational institutions

Five universities in Belgium that are popular:

1. The University of Antwerp (Universiteit Antwerpen) traditionally occupies high positions in the rankings of the world's best universities according to Times Higher Education. For students there are 33 educational programs within the framework of the bachelor's degree, 69 master's programs, 23 postgraduate programs.
2. University College Brussels (Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel) is a young educational institution founded in 2007. The university appeared as a result of the merger of several colleges of the European University and the Catholic University in Brussels. The educational process is conducted in Dutch and English.
3. Brussels Free University (Université Libre de Bruxelles) - In fact, the university was founded in 1834 as an educational institution that is completely free from the state and the church. However, the modern university was formed in 1970 as a result of the division of the old university.
4. Hasselt University (Universiteit Hasselt) - officially established in 1971 as the Central University of Limburg. The name to Hasselt University was changed in 2005. The educational institution has a good base of student campuses, which are located not only in Hasselt, but also in Diepenbeek.
5. The Catholic University of Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) is one of the oldest universities in Belgium. Founded in 1425. During the reign of Napoleon (in 1797), the university was destroyed. However, in 1834 the Belgians restored their first university. In 1986, the educational structure of the university was divided, two separate institutions were formed - Flemish and French-speaking.

Photo Gallery: Top Universities in Belgium

The Catholic University of Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) is one of the oldest universities in Belgium The University of Antwerp (Universiteit Antwerpen) is included in the list of the best educational institutions in Belgium lawyer Pierre-Theodor Warhagen University of Hasselt (Universiteit Hasselt) was officially established in 1971 as the Central University of Limburg

Five colleges in Belgium included in the list of popular universities:

1. The Leonardo Da Vinci High School (Haute École Léonard de Vinci) is a group of educational institutions in the status of a college. The year of formation is 1995. The school was formed by the merger of several educational institutions that are part of the ECAM structure - the central schools of arts and crafts. Today it consists of engineering, pedagogical, sports, technological colleges.
2. Practical Higher Commercial School (L'école pratique des hautes études commerciales) is a university college. The school has three student campuses. Teaching is conducted in French. College graduates receive a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields.
3. The Higher School of the Province of Liege (Haute École de la Province de Liège) unites three colleges. On the basis of the school, a high-level educational process is carried out. Graduates are awarded bachelor's and master's degrees. The scope of specializations is very rich. The lion's share with a technical focus.
4. The National Institute of Cinematic Arts (Institut National Supérieur des Arts du Spectacle) is a unique Belgian university. The institution is something like a film academy. The Institute was founded in 1962 by three famous personalities - Raymond Ravart, André Delvaux, Paul Henri.
5. The Royal Conservatory of Liège is one of the four conservatories of the French Community of Belgium. Students are offered higher education courses in the field of music and theater arts. The conservatory was founded in 1826 by William I.

Photo Gallery: Popular Belgian Colleges

The Liege Conservatory was founded back in 1826 by William the First The Leonardo Da Vinci High School (Haute École Léonard de Vinci) consists of engineering, pedagogical, sports, technological colleges Graduates of the Practical Higher Commercial School (L'école pratique des hautes études commerciales) receive a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields of activity High-level educational process is carried out on the basis of the Higher School of Liege (Haute École de la Province de Liège)

Scholarship and grants for international students

French-speaking students, in some cases, may be granted grants and scholarships with the direct participation of the Service des Allocations d'Etudes - the service for allocating grants for education.

Students studying in Dutch are encouraged to visit the Flemish Community's education portal. It provides complete information on grants and scholarships for the Flemish community.

Various scholarships and grants (Erasmus, Tempus, Leonardo da Vinci, etc.) are also available through European education programs. However, they mainly provide student exchange programs within the EU. Thus, Russia is not included in the list of countries available for scholarships and grants.

Video about scholarships and grants in Belgium

Conditions for obtaining a visa and requirements for applicants

The requirements for applicants actually repeat the list of requirements for obtaining a visa. The Belgian authorities issue a student visa if the following documents are submitted:

• application from a prospective student;
• international passport (valid for at least 12 months);
• travel documents;
• certificate of sufficient funding for the period of study;
• medical examination;
• police confirmation of the absence of a criminal record;
• certificate of the equivalent of a diploma of foreign education (for the French community);
• copies of a high school diploma, a diploma from a vocational school, a technical school, a university;
• certificate of knowledge of the language in which the training is supposed to take place.

All documents must be submitted additionally with copies-translations in Dutch, French, German, English.

Jobs while studying and job prospects

Students of Belgian universities are open to opportunities for part-time work in their free time. However, at the same time, young people must comply with some requirements:

• The student must be at least 15 years of age
• Full-time form of education,
• have a student employment contract,
• work no more than 20 hours per week,
• students from outside the EU have a residence permit,
• I have a work permit category "C".

If a student plans to work outside the campus, a category "C" permit must be issued. The document is issued for a period of 12 months and is relevant only during the study session. During vacations and holidays, students can work freely, without presenting a permit. It is forbidden to work during the compulsory training course.

At the end of 2017, there were 487 thousand officially registered unemployed in Belgium. However, until 2022, the authorities plan to create 46,000 jobs annually in order to reduce the unemployment rate. Among the unemployed are young people with a high level of qualification, but without work experience. Nevertheless, there are job prospects in Belgium. For example, vacancies remain in demand:

• lawyers and bankers,
• journalists and travel agents,
• chemical engineers,
• automotive engineers,
• textile and glass production specialists.

Student Accommodation

Student life (in terms of accommodation and life) is organized in Belgium in almost the same way as in other EU countries. Some students use "peds" - buildings similar to campuses. Some live in public dormitories, where several rooms share common household premises. Some of the students rent apartments.

Video about a student place in a hostel

The most economical and disciplined life is considered to be inside closed campuses.. However, the living conditions there are set by the administration and these conditions are quite strict. The time of arrival and departure of students is recorded, access is limited at night. On a monthly basis, the administration sends a report to parents on the behavior of students during the period of residence.

Public hostels are more liberal in this regard, but at the same time they set a fee for services. The cost of living in a public hostel reaches 150–350 euros per month. The exact price depends on the location of the hostel and the area of ​​the rented room.. Finally, the option of renting housing in an urban area is used. In the case of a successful offer, you can get a profitable living space.

Pros and cons of studying in Belgium (final table)

The opportunities that Belgium gives to foreign students attract a huge number of people who want to study in this country. Belgian education is not as expensive as in other Western European countries. At the same time, the quality of knowledge acquired at Belgian universities will provide a direct path to a serious career.

The culture of the Kingdom of Belgium (this is the official name of the country), its formation was left its mark by the centuries-old struggle for independence, a heterogeneous national composition, and the multilingualism of the state. The existence of three official languages ​​(Dutch, German) is complicated by the many Flemish dialects of the Dutch language, the Walloon dialects of French.

Therefore, there is no single cultural field in the country. Education, culture are formed (including funding) by the efforts of the Flemish, French, German communities, with minimal participation of state bodies. As a result, in Belgium there are no national newspapers, TV, there are no bilingual universities (except for the higher military school).

Preschool education

Preparation for school becomes the foundation of primary school education. Free pre-school education is available for all children from two and a half years old. It is not mandatory, but 90% of parents send their children to preschool institutions, and - immediately upon reaching the desired age.

There is no general program of preschool education across the country, each of the communities. The development of children is carried out in a playful manner, in an informal setting. Teachers independently build classes, focusing on the individual qualities of children, the degree of mental development.

Great importance is attached to the development of creative skills, strengths, and the ability to communicate with peers. Many kindergartens are attached to elementary schools and are located in the same building. Therefore, the transition to primary school is painless.

Primary, secondary school

School education issues have long been the cause of political conflicts between national communities. The dispute over public, Catholic education systems was resolved by the 1958 School Pact. They laid down: independent choice of education by a schoolchild (independent of parents), free education in any schools.

Two state education reforms completely transferred the solution of all issues to the governments of the communities, removing the federal level from them. As a result, bilingual schools appeared, previously unthinkable.

Belgian secondary schools are divided into:

• community schools;
• provincial (municipal) schools;
• schools of Catholic organizations (the largest group of educational institutions).

In terms of the quality of education, they practically do not differ. The six-year primary school education is formally divided into three two-year phases. In addition to counting, writing, reading, biology, religion, music, history, needlework are taught in elementary school.

There are significant differences in teaching a second language. Flemish schools in Brussels, some municipalities start teaching French from the first grade. In other Flemish schools, education begins in the fourth grade (it is possible to study optional from the third grade). Primary schools in the French Community consider Dutch, English, German as a second language. You can choose it yourself. Schools in the German-speaking community teach as a compulsory subject.

There are few private schools in Belgium, they are intended for the children of diplomats, sailors, wealthy people who do not have Belgian citizenship.

The transition to secondary school does not require examinations; already at the first stage of the six-year study, it presupposes the choice of further specialization. This is expressed in the choice of additional subjects to the basic program. So at the first of the three stages of secondary education, Latin, technology, additional mathematics are offered for choice.

The senior classes specialize more narrowly. Only the native language and physical education remain the basic disciplines. For the rest of the subjects, thematic sets of subjects are offered, which are necessary for obtaining a classical, technical, engineering education.

As a result, high school students are purposefully preparing for the four types of education.

Basic secondary education prepares for admission to the university, higher college. For this purpose, ancient languages ​​(ancient Greek, Latin), modern languages ​​(reinforced second language course, adding languages ​​of choice), exact sciences, economics, and the humanities are intensively studied.

Preparation for technical education concentrates on technical aspects or practical applications. In both groups, mathematics, languages, history, geography are studied at a basic level. Lots of practical lessons. After this specialization, the school student is ready to continue his studies at a technical university, to enter the labor market.

The beginning of secondary vocational education is laid by the specialization of the senior classes. A narrow specialization in the areas of carpentry, stoneworking, auto mechanics, construction specialties - allows admission to a working position immediately after school. For other specialties, additional 1, 2 years of study are provided, giving the student a secondary technical diploma. Only after it is it possible to enter a technical university.

Specialization in art education combines basic general education, active practice of visual, theatrical, musical, and photographic arts. Additional subjects include the basics of the theory of the chosen direction (dance, acting, painting, music). This specialization prepares for admission to higher ballet schools, conservatories, art academies, colleges of fine arts.

As a result of the school's efforts, the country's literacy rate has reached 98%. According to research by international organizations (UN, OECD), Belgian schoolchildren showed high results, putting the country in eighteenth place in the world.

Higher education

The main influence on higher education is provided by the Flemish, French community. Applicants of the German-speaking community prefer.

In Belgium, a strict division of universities into classical, polytechnic, vocational universities is declared, but the oldest universities in the country have faculties of engineering, physical culture, and agricultural sciences. Most of the Belgian universities are concentrated in the Flemish Diamond region (Brussels - Ghent - Antwerp - Leuven). Since 2005, the country has introduced an international system of education degrees (bachelor - master), universities are actively involved in the Bologna process.

The best universities in Belgium include the Catholic University of Louvain (Leuven) (the oldest of the Catholic universities, founded in 1425), the universities of Liege, Mons (French teaching), Ghent, Antwerp (teaching in Dutch).

An example of a typical Belgian university is the University of Liege, founded in 1817. It has about 14,000 students and over 3,000 teachers. In addition to the faculties of philosophy, law, natural sciences, medicine, veterinary medicine, psychology and pedagogy, management, social sciences, the university has such non-traditional faculties as the school of criminology. In scientific research, the university is authoritative in the fields of aeronautics, astronomy, neuralgia, and microbiology.

Admission to Belgian higher schools

For admission to Belgian universities, a document on secondary education is sufficient. The exception is a few specialties that require entrance exams. The faculties of medicine, dentistry enter after passing the state exam for professional suitability, the IQ test.

The faculties of arts themselves determine the practical nature of the entrance examination. To enter an engineering university for a master's course in the French Community, they pass an exam in mathematics, the specialty "business administration" requires interviews for personal motivation.

The tuition fee is called the registration fee, for Belgian students it depends on the financial situation of the family. Many Belgian students receive a scholarship (up to 5,000 euros per year), which can be withdrawn if they perform poorly.

For foreigners, non-budgetary Belgians, the fee ranges from 500 to 900 euros per month. For foreign students there is a quota - no more than 2% of the number of Belgian students. Those wishing to enter in excess of the quota pay an increased registration fee (about 150%). Therefore, a request for admission must be sent 10 months before the start of studies.

Belgium is one of the rare countries in Europe where you do not need a . The lack of a language test is a perceived advantage for Russian students. Ignorance of the language most often leads to leaving the student for the second year. French (Dutch) language courses have to be taken, combining with the main studies.

Belgium is known to the general public as a country of "beer and chocolate", as well as a "crossroads of European roads". But in this state you can get a quality education, which will serve as a further springboard in your career, including abroad. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Belgium is included in the list of 14 countries where the level of education is considered above the European average. The country is ready to provide excellent conditions for study and life for young people from different parts of the globe. Several languages ​​are spoken in Belgium, and the economy is geared towards international business and trade.

Belgian education system

The educational system in Belgium reflects the cultural and linguistic structure of society, in which there is a division into French-speaking Walloons, Flemings and a German-speaking minority. Each of these groups has autonomous systems for teaching schoolchildren and students. There are schools that belong to two communities at once, for example, Franco-Flemish or Franco-German. The Flemish, French and German communities are independent and each has its own minister of education. But all these three systems work according to a single structure and differ only in details. The influence of the central government on education is small, it only determines the minimum programs that a student must know, the duration of compulsory education and provides funding to communities.

Stages of education in Belgium

Belgian education is divided into preschool, primary, secondary and higher education. It is mandatory for children to study from the age of six to eighteen until they receive a high school diploma. The schools themselves are of three types, depending on who they belong to:

• community schools,
• provincial and municipal schools,
• Catholic schools. It has the largest number of students in the country.

State inspectors monitor the quality of education. Parents choose which school to send their child to.

Belgian education is divided into pre-school, primary, secondary and higher

Video: education in Belgium

Preschool education

Children attend preschool (école maternelle, kleuterschool) from 2.5 years to 6 years. Interestingly, pre-school education is free, but not compulsory. Nevertheless, up to 90% of Belgian kids study in preschool institutions. Children are sent to kindergartens at an early age, as many parents work. Sets of children in preschool institutions are held several times a year. Administratively and organizationally, kindergartens are assigned to elementary schools.

Belgian kids in kindergartens are under the strict control of educators

The learning process in kindergartens

In the lessons, kids play, learn independence and self-expression, develop their abilities, show creative skills. Lessons are held in a free interactive form, without a rigid program and control of learning. Children must learn to respect each other, to work in a group. The approach to each kid is individual, a permanent educator is assigned to the group. Kindergartens have computer classes, specially equipped gyms, swimming pools, and playrooms for the little ones. Clubs are very popular in preschools. They are different - from the acting club to needlework. A group of psychologists always works in kindergartens.

Video: pre-school education in Belgium

Elementary education

Primary school (école primaire, lagere school) lasts six years and is compulsory education. In all types of such schools, the number of subjects and the content of the programs are approximately the same. Education is divided into three cycles, each of which lasts for two years.

In schools, Belgian children comprehend the basics of basic subjects

• story,
• mathematics,
• music,
• religion,
• natural sciences,
• creativity lessons.

Classes last five hours with a long break for lunch. The morning usually begins with writing, math, languages, or other subjects that require concentration. And after lunch, time is devoted to creative disciplines. On Wednesdays - a shortened day, until lunch.

Language policy in elementary school

Classes are conducted in the languages ​​of the communities - depending on which of them the school belongs to. In Brussels and some other Flemish municipalities, a second language (usually French) is taught from the first cycle, but is mainly taught from the third stage of primary education. In French municipalities, Flemish or English is taught as a second language in primary schools. In German-speaking countries, French is necessarily taught. Work in Belgium and private primary schools: they are designed for children of foreigners. Education there is often conducted in English, such schools are open in major cities of the country.

Secondary education

School Options

Belgian children finish primary school at about 12 years of age. At this age, they enter secondary school, where they can decide on further specialization and show their skills and interests. A secondary school in Belgium (école secondaire, middelbare school) offers students a six-year course of study. For all students there is a basic program with compulsory subjects. Other disciplines are offered to students to choose from, and the type of secondary education depends on this. In Belgium, it is of two types:

• classic traditional,
• classic updated.

Classical traditional education consists of two program cycles, each lasting three years. It offers classical and humanitarian specializations of a general nature, prepares students for admission to universities. Classical updated education is divided into three two-year cycles. The first of them is general education, the second is orientation (where a choice of subjects for further study is provided), and the third is defining. In the last cycle, the program is limited to the study of selected disciplines and prepares the child for admission to a higher educational institution or to receive a vocational education. Specialization in this type of school focuses on two possibilities:

• obtaining basic, technical or artistic education for further study,
• obtaining a vocational education, after which the graduate immediately goes to work.

Basic secondary education is sufficient to enter a college or university. It requires knowledge of at least five modern languages, ancient Greek and Latin, biology, geography, physics, chemistry, mathematics, basic economics, communications, history and sociology. Art education can be theoretical and practical. The latter trains specialists in the field of music, dance, and acting. Theoretical art education helps graduates enter the conservatory, ballet school, theater institutes and colleges, and so on.

Secondary school is an important stage in which Belgian students decide their future

What is technical education?

The technical education program does not offer as high a level of knowledge of basic subjects as the basic one. It can be qualified (when a graduate goes to work after six years of study) and transitional (if a graduate wants to continue studying in his specialty). Many students who are going to continue their education choose an additional year, which is called a specialization.

The most popular directions in technical education:

• tourism and hotel business,
• medicine,
• commerce.

Vocational education offers highly specialized training in various areas: jewelry, woodwork, iron, stone. Immediately after it, they do not enter universities, but go to work.

Video: specialization in Belgian schools and its impact on further studies and job search

Other features of school education in Belgium

In secondary and primary schools in Belgium, such a subject as studying the history and culture of other countries is very popular. As part of this program, contracts are concluded between Belgian and foreign schools. Therefore, students often travel to different European countries, visit each other, live in "exchange" families. The academic year in Belgium starts in September and ends in June. Weekends in high school are Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Education in schools of any type for Belgian citizens is free, because the state pays large subsidies to private schools.

Education is compulsory in Belgium from 6 to 18 years of age.

Higher education in Belgium

Study Options

Higher education in Belgium was divided between two communities - French and Flemish. Applicants from the German minority go to Germany or enter universities where education is conducted in French. Most universities have programs that teach in English. By category, higher education in this country can be divided into:

• universities and high schools (categories ISCED 5A and ISCED 5B according to the International Classification of Education),
• colleges where you can get university-type higher professional education (ISCED category 4).

Graduate high school graduates can apply without entrance examinations to almost any university, high school or college. However, there are exceptions for higher education in medicine, art, engineering and management. Universities accept applicants in these areas only after state or entrance exams.

Video: Is it difficult to study in Belgium?

Bologna system in Belgium

Previously, Belgium had its own system of higher education, but since 2005 the country has fully adapted to the Bologna system. Now, as in many other countries, Belgian universities issue two types of diplomas - bachelor's and master's degrees. Getting education in higher schools and universities is as follows:

• after three years of study, students receive a bachelor's degree. A professional bachelor's degree gives you the opportunity to go to work. An academic bachelor's degree is a "pass" to further education;
• after the next two years (or one year) of study, students receive a master's degree.

Talented university graduates who are interested in research activities can continue their studies and apply for a doctoral degree. To do this, you need to study for at least three more years. The highest scientific degree in Belgium is called "agreje".

Non-university higher education

The country's colleges offer students a "long" or "short" course of vocational training. The short cycle consists of three or four years of study. At the same time, theoretical studies are supplemented by work in laboratories, practical exercises, etc. The long course combines three years of specialized vocational training with two years of university-type basic training.

Learning is very difficult, but very interesting! We have a lot of practice and creative tasks. But there is also a lot of theory, 5 subjects per semester. Believe me, they have neither time, nor desire, nor sufficient knowledge of the language. Everything is in Dutch. These are such subjects as philosophy, anthropology, the history of art from 1945 to the present, the history of ancient cultures, research methods, the theory of papermaking, literature, the history of graphic design, etc. There are very interesting moments in everything, but a colossal the success of learning the subject lies in the teacher. There are very, very few such true teachers as our teacher of the history of ancient cultures. From practical classes we have - graphic design, web, illustration, graphics and engraving, drawing from naked nature, photography, film photography and so on. There are a lot of subjects, as well as training hours. I study every day of the week (except weekends) from 8:30 to 18:00. Sometimes it is possible to leave early. Then I work at home… and I spend 2 hours a day on the train and I also work there.

http://www.lavitamia.ru/2011/08/normal-0-false-false-false.html

How is the academic year structured?

Students study at universities for two semesters: from September to January and from February to June. Exams are taken at the end of each semester. Performance in each study program is measured by the number of points (or credits) a student receives after a year of study. In college, the passing score is 20-30 points, and in the university and high school - 60.

Belgian universities

There are eight universities in Belgium. Most of them are state-owned. Universities founded by private individuals are called Free Universities. There are also universities established by the Roman Catholic Church. There are state universities in Liege, Monse Hainaut, Ghent. There are two Free Universities in Brussels (Flemish and French), and in Leuven - two Catholic ones (also Flemish and French). The oldest universities in the country are Leuven and Ghent universities. And the University of Antwerp is the youngest: it was founded in 2003. The Royal Military School stands apart, education in which is equated to university. There are also 10 universities in Belgium that do not have the status of a university, but are equated to them. And in total in this small country there are 180 different higher educational institutions, where about 280 thousand students receive education.

Specialization of universities in Belgium

Public university students can look forward to a classical education in the liberal arts or sciences. The University of Antwerp is famous for the special quality of humanitarian programs. Ghent University trains specialists in the fields of medicine, technical sciences, economics and transport. It is included in the list of 96 best universities in the world. Free universities have a narrower specialization, while Catholic ones pay more attention to theological disciplines. In Brussels and Antwerp, departments of foreign universities are opened, where they teach in English. Belgium is also known for its high quality education in science, management and logistics. And in recent years, business schools, whose programs are among the top ten in Europe, have become increasingly popular, especially among foreigners.

Photo gallery: Belgian universities popular with Russian immigrants

The University of Antwerp is the newest in the country and is famous for its humanitarian programs The Catholic University of Leuven graduates theologians and social workers The University of Liege is public and provides classical education The University of Ghent trains specialists in the field of medicine, technical sciences, logistics communities

Cost of education

The government of the communities in charge of the universities themselves determines the cost of the registration fee and other payments for higher education. The final amount depends on whether the student is able to pay tuition according to his income level. Poor students (most often from large families or the unemployed) receive financial assistance from the government in the form of cash loans and benefits. Young people from families with an income of less than 1,286 euros per month pay an 800 euros registration fee and an annual tuition fee of 330-370 euros. All others must pay an enrollment fee from 500 (in Flemish universities) to 850 euros (in French) per year. Although the real amount that universities, higher schools and colleges spend on student education is about 4 thousand euros per year, universities receive this money from sponsors. Young people from European Union countries are not charged extra money. But students from non-EU countries, in addition to registration fees and annual education fees (350-850 euros depending on the university), must pay another 480 euros per year as social security tax.

Study prospects for Russians in Belgian universities

To get higher education in Belgium, you need to have a certificate that corresponds to that issued by local secondary schools. Therefore, immediately after graduating from a Russian school, it is very difficult to become an applicant for a Belgian university. You will need to pass special exams, so it’s easier to study for a year or two in your own state first. Before entering Belgian universities, a Russian student should think about the community in which he is going to study. In addition, according to the laws of the country, the number of foreigners in universities should not exceed 2% of Belgian applicants last year. If young people from other countries still want to study, although they did not get into the allocated number of places, they must pay an additional fee: about half the cost of the entire education. Its size can be from 2 thousand euros (humanities) to 6 thousand (medicine).

After the 11th grade, I went to study in Belgium. There were no problems with the admission - I submitted all the necessary papers, my candidacy was considered immediately. I am currently in 2nd grade. Teaching is different than ours. Here everything is according to the European standard, they give more knowledge.

Maria

http://vseobr.com/vyshee-education/free/

Obtaining a study visa

If a Russian student wants to study at a Belgian university or college for more than three months, he must apply to the consulate of this country to obtain a student visa. To do this, you need to provide:

• internal and foreign passport (the latter must still be valid 90 days after the expiration of the entry permit),
• two visa application forms completed in the language of the community in which you intend to study,
• two color photographs
• documents on the education received and, if necessary, on the completion of language courses,
• a document on admission to a university or on admission to exams,
• bank statement, scholarship award document (not less than 465 euros per month) or other proof of financial solvency (for example, a sponsorship letter from a Belgian citizen with a certificate of income and a copy of an identity card);
• a certificate stating that you have not been convicted (it is valid for six months),
• a medical health certificate issued by a center accredited by the Belgian consulate,
• proof of residence in Belgium.

Documents are submitted in original with two copies, and all papers in Russian must be translated into one of the Belgian languages ​​or into English and notarized. A package of necessary papers should be submitted no later than three to four weeks before the planned departure.

A package of documents for studying at a university

Belgian universities do not put forward special requirements for foreigners upon admission. But to find out all the necessary information, you should contact the university directly. When you submit a package of necessary documents to the place where you want to study, then enrollment will occur without exams. But it happens that the most prestigious universities and colleges introduce entrance tests. In addition, there is more competition for French-speaking universities and for English-language programs than for Dutch-language universities. You need to apply for admission to a university at least ten months before the expected admission, because then there is a chance that you will be one of the first and fall into the lucky 2% who do not pay additional fees. The standard package of documents includes the following papers:

• international passport,
• a document on foreign language proficiency at the level required for higher education (French, Dutch or English, if we are talking about the University of Antwerp). The Flemish and French communities of Belgium offer foreigners three-week summer language courses, after which they issue the necessary certificate;
• notarized translation of the certificate or diploma. The document on secondary education itself should be equivalent to the Belgian one. They also accept students who have completed 1-2 courses (a certificate with grades is needed) and graduates of Russian universities;
• a document on the recognition of Russian education (it is issued at the National Center, which deals with the confirmation of academic documents),
• confirmation of registration at the university where you are going to study.

There is a very interesting rating system here. Each subject is worth a certain number of points. The maximum number of points per year varies, but the average is 54. If a student fails any subject, then he can "take" it with him to the next year. Thus, no one, as a rule, expels anyone, just students in case of failure remain students until everyone passes or until they themselves give up. In order to start studying, I needed to confirm my diploma, since I did not want to do it all over again, from scratch.

Tanya Bogacharova

http://www.lookatme.ru/mag/how-to/trenddrivers/119571-yazyk-do-belgii-dovedet

Scholarships for study for foreigners

Foreign students can apply for scholarships to study and obtain a bachelor's or master's degree. They are issued by both the Flemish and French communities. Grants for education and research programs are provided by the universities of Brussels and Wallonia. But the competition for these scholarships is very high, and often they are offered for a short period - up to a year. Among the requirements for scholarship holders are knowledge of the language of instruction, the topic of the thesis that will interest the grantor, and excellent grades in the certificate. The KU Leuven offers scholarships of up to 2,000 euros per month from the Hoover Foundation for those wishing to study social and economic ethics (even travel expenses are paid). Many grants are provided by international organizations headquartered in Brussels. These are NATO, UNESCO, the World Health Organization. Between Russia and Belgium, as well as the Flemish and French communities of the country, many agreements have been concluded in the field of education, science and culture. The list of activities includes grants and scholarships that are awarded every year. Therefore, it is advisable for future students to regularly check the website of the Belgian Embassy in the Russian Federation. Annually, grants for foreign applicants are also provided by the Belgian Development Cooperation Program as agreed. In Russia, the lists of applicants for such grants are coordinated by universities with the Federal Agency for Education.

Cost of Living for International Students in Belgium

Students from other countries live in Belgium in hostels, host families or rent apartments (on their own or with companions). It is cheaper to live in a family. A room in a hostel will cost from 150 to 300 euros per month, depending on the university. But this amount can also be shared with other fellow students. The most expensive housing option is renting an apartment. Prices for it range from 300 to 800 euros per month, and utilities are not included in this amount. In addition to housing costs, students pay about 100–150 euros per month for food, and about 50 more for mobile communications and the Internet. Educational materials are also not cheap. Only one textbook students of Belgian universities spend about 400 euros per year. Therefore, foreigners have to look for ways to reduce the cost of their stay in Belgium.

As for everyday life, for a month in Belgium you need an average of 800 euros. A room in a dormitory in Ghent cost 390 euros, a studio in Brussels could be rented for 400-500 euros. Very good student canteens worked on the territory of university campuses, which were only slightly inferior to Minsk Lido in terms of assortment. Lunch was inexpensive - 4 - 5 euros. The Belgians consider french fries one of their national dishes, so they were literally everywhere with a lot of sauces. Liege waffles were very tasty, which we ate with everything - from kiwi to cream with a banana.

Evgeniy Sachkov

http://www.kp.by/daily/26333.5/3215905/

Opportunity to earn extra money

If a foreign student wants to earn extra money while studying, he must obtain a special permit for this. They are of three types: A, B or C. Permits A and C allow you to get a job with any employer, but for different periods. You can work with type A without any limit, and with type C - no more than a year. Type B has the most restrictions: with it they get a job with a certain employer for a period of not more than a year, then it is extended. Students are usually given this particular type - B. It allows you to work 20 hours a week. It is also obligatory to sign an employment agreement with the employer. If students want to work only during holidays and weekends, then they can work full time and without any permission.

The prospect of staying in Belgium for international students is higher than in many other European countries. If, after graduation, a graduate receives a work permit, then he is issued a document on permanent residence. A graduate has the right to stay in the country for six months after he graduates from the university to look for work. If he officially finds a job, then in three years you can already apply for Belgian citizenship. Another option to stay in Belgium after graduation is an internship in international organizations with the prospect of employment.

Final table: the pros and cons of studying in Belgium

Getting to Belgium, foreign students note that this country is full of contrasts. It is original and cosmopolitan, tolerant of foreigners and intolerant of those who do not want to know its languages, culture and features. The country is located in the center of Europe, and students who study here can combine education with inexpensive travel and the study of several foreign languages. Adaptation to the Bologna system, although it leveled some features of Belgian education, equalized the degrees and diplomas of local universities with the rest of Europe. Therefore, it is much easier for a student who graduated from the University of Brussels or Leuven to continue their education and work not only in Belgium, but also in neighboring countries. Studying in the country will make it possible to master both the humanities and natural sciences, as well as practical professions related to modern technologies, business, and finance. All this gives young Russians who have overcome financial difficulties, bureaucratic delays and the most complex training system in terms of intensity, huge advantages compared to compatriots who did not dare to leave for a foreign country and stayed to study at home.

A small European country, Belgium is a state that is unique in its multinational composition and has several official languages. One of the advantages of this country is the level of education, which, as a result of research, received a high 14th place among 53 different countries of the world (among them Russia, which is in 33rd place). Consider what is interesting about the education system in Belgium, what is its structure and distinctive features.

Regulation of education

Due to its geographical position, sometimes the Belgian state (more precisely, the Kingdom) is called the "crossroads of Europe". Surrounded by France, the Netherlands, Germany and a bit of Luxembourg, Belgium is not only the capital of the European Union, but primarily home to such nationalities as the Flemings, Walloons and Germans, who speak Dutch, French and German respectively.

These folk communities, the largest in the country, created their own language communities (communes) - French-speaking, Flemish and German. For several decades, the state has hardly intervened in education, providing almost complete funding and regulation of education in Belgium to these communities. However, they do not have big disagreements about the system, there are only minor differences depending on their involvement in a particular community.

History of the education system

In Belgium, there have been disputes over funding between public and Catholic schools in the past. Until 1958, there was a fierce debate in the country about whether the state should fund education in Catholic schools. As a result of parliamentary elections in the same year, the Covenant of Schools was adopted, which concerned secondary and primary education. The main provisions of the Pact were:

• about the child's choice of education;
• free education;
• resolving disputes between groups of schools.

The next significant reform, transferring part of the responsibility and management of education in Belgium to the communities, was carried out in 1981. And by 1988, community governments were almost entirely concerned with education. As a result, the country has Ministries of Education located in every community.

Structure

The structure of education in Belgium is as follows: basic, which includes preschool and primary education; secondary and higher. This structure is the same for all communities.

Despite seeming traditionalism, the education system in Belgium has its own characteristics. School education consists of several stages, which make it possible already in secondary school to determine the direction of future professional activity. Consider all the stages in order: in Belgium, features of primary, secondary and higher.

Preschool education

Kindergarten in the country is provided absolutely free of charge and can be attended from 2.5 to 6 years. Interestingly, it is not mandatory to attend, but up to 90% of families send their children to preschool institutions in Belgium. Until the age of 2.5, working parents can send their child to a paid nursery.

The main distinguishing feature of kindergartens is the lack of a specific program. All classes are held in a playful way, taking into account the skills and abilities of children. In the process of classes, which teachers conduct at their own discretion, attention is paid to the development of creative abilities, independence, and communication with peers. The teacher in the kindergarten group works alone, but there are also psychologists. The younger groups are constantly replenished with children who have reached the age of 2.5. Almost all kindergartens are assigned to schools and are located on their territory.

Primary School

From the age of six, a child in Belgium is required to go depending on the location) may be:

• Subordinate to communities.
• Public budget schools subordinate to provinces and municipalities (this is a free education, Belgium provides such an opportunity to its citizens).
• Free schools are subordinate to organizations affiliated with the Catholic Church.

Primary school and high school are separated in Belgium, education in them is free for Belgian citizens.

Primary education lasts six years and consists of three levels (two years each). A child in elementary school studies until the age of 12, he is not so much focused on gaining knowledge as he learns to be independent, looking for self-expression in various circles. Lessons consist of reading, writing, mathematics. Much attention is paid to the study of the language of the territory where the school is located and other state languages, as well as English. almost all are computerized and equipped in the form of game rooms, there are also gyms and swimming pools.

Secondary school levels

From the age of twelve, a child begins the stage of secondary school. It also consists of three stages of two years. The first two are mandatory for students. The last stage is chosen at will and is highly specialized.

High school is divided into four types, each has basic subjects, as well as a certain bias. The child must choose which type of secondary school to go to.

1. General education with an in-depth study of the natural and human sciences, languages ​​and economics, which involves further education at the university.
2. The technical direction, where the study of basic subjects is similar to general education, but is divided into a transitional type and qualification. In transitional education is aimed at obtaining theoretical knowledge with subsequent admission to a university. The qualification type is focused more on practice, and its graduates can immediately start working after one more year of study.
3. Vocational direction, where students are trained in specific technical specialties. After completing this program, it is proposed to devote an additional one to two years of specialization and receive a diploma.
4. Direction in the arts, combining basic education with an emphasis on creative professions - theater, vocals, fine arts, choreography and others. Graduates will be able to get higher education in the same specialty.

Regardless of which direction is chosen, in addition to studying basic subjects, the student has the right to choose additional ones at will.

Inclusive education in Belgium

School attendance by persons with disabilities or disabilities is quite normal in Belgium. Despite the fact that the relevant law was adopted only three years ago, more than 95% of Belgian children with disabilities receive primary, secondary and higher education on an equal basis with other children, go to schools and universities.

For the normal “infusion” of children with special needs into the educational process, special classes have been created in ordinary schools in the country, where teachers teach small groups of inclusive children. As practice has shown, studying in the same school for both ordinary children and children with developmental disabilities is mutually beneficial for both, especially in the emotional sense. Children with developmental disabilities do not feel alienated, while the rest learn to show patience and kindness.

Hurray, there will be no holidays!

Belgian children can be sent for summer education. Moreover, the age of children can even be preschool and start from 3 years old, and end at 18 years old. Although it is difficult to call entertainment and educational programs with sightseeing as training. Children can also go in for sports, improve their knowledge of languages, and the smallest ones can stay with their mothers.

So that Belgian parents do not have a headache, how and where to spend the summer for their child, they contact their child's school in advance and enroll in the desired program. Over the summer, Belgian children have a great opportunity to continue their development, make new friends and go in for sports.

Higher education

Higher education in Belgium is represented mainly by the French and Flemish communities. German-speaking Belgians usually go to higher education in Germany or enter universities from the French community. For higher education in Belgium, most professions do not require entrance exams, the main thing is a diploma of secondary education. But for Belgians who decide to get the profession of an engineer, physician, dentist, manager or other specialty, they need to take entrance exams.

In higher education institutions in Belgium, you can study from two to twelve years. The higher education system in the country is divided into:

1. University. This includes universities and high schools.
2. Non-university is represented by institutions with short and long term of study.

Bachelor, Master or PhD

In universities and higher schools in Belgium, you can get a bachelor's degree in two years, a master's degree in two or three years, a doctorate in at least a year (with subsequent defense of a dissertation) and a higher scientific degree agrezhe - in at least two years. Non-university (college-type) institutions graduate bachelors in 2 years (short term) and 4 years (long term). The difference between university and non-university bachelors lies in the points earned during their studies. For the former, their number is 60 per year, for the latter - 20-30 points per year.

Bachelor's degree can be academic (has a generalized approach and requires further study) and professional (has a professional focus with deeper study).

Universities

Belgian universities can be either public or private. Education in the former is classical, traditional and academic, and in the latter it is narrower, with a visible professional bias.

Tuition fees at universities in this country can be called symbolic. It is the same for students from foreign countries (including those that are not members of the European Union).

The most famous Belgian universities are: the University of Antwerp, founded in 2003, where you can get a good liberal arts education; University in Ghent, where they study at four faculties: technical sciences, applied economics, medicine and transport sciences. Vrier University is located in Brussels - one of the oldest in the world, it deserves special attention.

Foreign students

Due to the fact that Belgians receive higher education from about 18 years old, citizens of this country have access to universities, higher schools, and colleges. In the latter, they receive university-type vocational education.

One of the advantages of studying in Belgium is the high quality of education at a relatively low price. Russian students, like other foreigners, will have to pay approximately eight hundred euros for enrollment and approximately five hundred euros in social security tax for each year of study. It is also important to know that all students will have to buy textbooks at their own expense (or at the expense of their parents). Higher education in Belgium for Russians available after graduating from 11 classes and one or two years of study at a technical school.

Documentation required for admission

After choosing a Belgian university, ten months before the start of classes in it, it is necessary to collect and send the following documents:

• a copy of the passport;
• permission to register as a student at the selected university;
• income statement;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• health certificate.

If studying in this country is expected to last longer than 3 months, the following documents will be required:

• international passport with a valid period of at least 3 months after the end of the visa;
• two visa application forms completed in English and two photographs;
• certificate of enrollment in a Belgian university;
• certificate of no criminal record (valid for 6 months);
• medical certificate (valid for 3 months) issued by a medical institution accredited by the Belgian embassy;
• confirmation of financial stability;
• certificate of approval of the scholarship by the Belgian university.

The entire list of Russian documents must be translated into at least three languages ​​(English, Dutch or German, French), all papers are certified by a notary.

Documents are submitted in original with two photocopies. The originals must be returned to the owner.