Belgium is a federated country divided into Flemish, French, and German-speaking communities. Each has its own education system and requirements. The German-speaking community is small and most young locals study elsewhere in Belgium or Germany.

Flemish Community - Flanders

Universities and university colleges (Hogescholen) offer higher education programmes. Tertiary education in Flanders follows the Bachelor's-Master's-Doctorate structure.

University level first stage: Bachelor's

There are two kinds of Bachelor's course, professional and academic, lasting for three years. An academic Bachelor's is a prerequisite for entry to a Master's course. Holders of a professionally-oriented Bachelor's degree can take a Master's course after completion of a bridging programme.

University level second stage: Master's

Master's courses are offered by universities and colleges of higher education. Largely academic, some Master's courses may be professionally-oriented and are worth at least 60 ECTS (one year of full-time study).

University level third stage: Doctorate

A doctoral programme focuses on the preparation of a doctoral thesis. Only universities are allowed to deliver doctorate degrees.

French Community

To enter any form of higher education, students should normally hold a Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS).

Universities and non-university higher education institutions (hautes écoles, écoles supérieures des arts, instituts supérieurs d'architecture) offer higher education programmes. Tertiary education in the French Community follows the Bachelor's-Master's-Doctorate structure.

University level first stage: Bachelor's

A Bachelor's degree is awarded after three years, or 180 ECTS, of studies. There are two kinds of Bachelor's course, professional and academic. An academic Bachelor's is a prerequisite for entry to a Master's course. Holders of a professionally-oriented Bachelor's degree can take a Master's course after completion of a bridging programme.

University level second stage: Master's

After an additional one or two years of study (60 or 160 ECTS), a Master's degree is awarded. For medicine one must study for four years, or 240 ECTS. For veterinary medicine three years of study, or 180 ECTS, are required.

Master's courses are offered by universities and non-university higher education institutions.

University level third stage: Doctorate

A doctorate is awarded after at least another three years.

A doctoral programme focuses on the preparation of a doctoral thesis. Only universities are allowed to deliver doctorate degrees.