Primary, secondary education in Belgium for international students

Educational institutions with primary and secondary education (3-17) in Belgium. We ask you to familiarize yourself with the educational institutions proven by our specialists, offering unsurpassed quality in the field of education and upbringing of character, discipline of students. This section offers comprehensive information about schools, international training programs, prices and reviews. If you have any questions, you can always consult our specialists. FREE services for enrollment in partner institutions, the number of places is limited. Assistance in the selection of institutions, advice on what documents need to be collected, what are the requirements for submission and the timing of enrollment.

The educational system of Belgium complies with pan-European standards and includes three stages of education: basic, secondary and higher. Tuition on the first two is compulsory and free.

Structure of education in Belgium:

• Basic education:
  • pre-school education (2.5-6 years);
  • primary education (6-12 years);
• secondary education (12-18 years);
• higher education.

Education in Belgium is built in accordance with the Bologna process, and graduates of the country's universities receive prestigious European diplomas. Education received in the universities of the country is in the top 20 of the world educational ranking.

Belgium offers students the opportunity to get acquainted with a unique multicultural environment: there is no unity of linguistic, religious, national field in the country. Such diversity opens up the opportunity to master the skills of everyday communication in German, Dutch, French, communication with representatives of different language communities. At the same time, the cultural atmosphere of Belgium is very rich: here students will get acquainted with the paintings of the Flemish, the surreal works of Magritte, the traditional European architecture of Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp.

Secondary school education in Belgium is provided for students from 6 years old. For students of pre-school age (2.5-6 years) there are educational programs for early learning and kindergarten. Municipal institutions offer citizens free programs, but private schools in Belgium provide paid education. All preschool programs are built taking into account modern developing techniques, the desire for careful and comprehensive development of the personality (regio approach, elements of the technique of Maria Montessori, etc.), bilingual education is used. Children learn basic speech skills, learn the basics of reading, writing, counting, get acquainted with the device of the natural world. Qualified teachers work in kindergartens, a friendly atmosphere is created. Belgian pre-schools are well-equipped: playgrounds, a garden (garden) for exploring the world of plants and the specifics of their growth, libraries, music rooms, gyms, rooms for creativity.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

What would you say is the most important when choosing a school?

This is the quality of support and work of the management, the opportunity to study at IB, the prestige of the school and the percentage of successful completion of the diploma stage of IB, recommendations for further universities. It is worth considering the national "recruitment" of campus students, opportunities for extracurricular development and activities, the availability of medical services and consultations, opportunities for language immersion. Is education at the chosen school based on the values you share? Is the school a close-knit community? Is academic support good?

Secondary school education in Belgium for primary schoolchildren (6-12 years old) was allows students to master basic academic knowledge in a wide range of disciplines, to develop skills in working with information, project activities, and communication skills. The curriculum in primary school contributes to the holistic development of the child - social, physical, emotional and cultural. In elementary school, students work under the guidance of an experienced mentor, there is a group of psychologists for timely assistance to students. Much attention is paid to the development of creative abilities and talents of children, a large number of circles are available (dramatic, musical, drawing, needlework, robotics, modeling). Schools in Belgium are equipped with computer classes, gyms, swimming pools, games rooms.

Secondary school education in Belgium for schoolchildren and students accepts students aged 12-18 for various programs: in addition to basic academic knowledge, students master specialized subjects. Municipal schools offer programs aimed at obtaining a profession. Certificate of complete secondary education gives a right to enter the university. In addition to standard programs, Belgian schools offer foreign students secondary education in English in accordance with the International Baccalaureate Standard “Middle Years Program” (MYP).

The educational system takes into account requirements of national education authorities and local standards, develops creative, critical, analytical abilities. The program pays attention to understanding the practical significance of academic knowledge, the development of research skills, and the ability to interact in a team with representatives of different cultures. The MYP program provides students with a high level of academic preparation, forms an idea of social responsibility, and allows you to determine the profile of future professional activities.

Secondary school education in Belgium for foreign students, which gives the right to enter universities in Belgium and Europe, lasts for f 13 years. International students can enter higher education institutions after additional studies in high schools of the Belgian school, which offer a range of programs for students aged 16-19:

• The high school diploma

To obtain a diploma, you must complete a full course of study for grades 9-12. Students study general and specialized disciplines, attend creative classes, play sports.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP)

Belgian schools offer International Baccalaureate studies at all levels: from preschool to the Diploma Program. The program (2 years) includes several modules:

• subject (3 advanced + 3 standard, 4 advanced + 2 standard);
• research (the student performs independent scientific work);
• practical, includes creative, sports, social projects;
• special course "Theory of Knowledge".

• Advanced Placement (AP)

The high school curriculum adopted by the educational systems of the USA and Canada. This challenging two-year course includes studying the following disciplines:

• English language and English literature;
• French;
• Deutsch;
• Spanish;
• Calculations;
• Microeconomics;
• Music theory.

Successful work on the AR program provides great advantages to foreign students when entering colleges and universities abroad.

• 13 year offering

Students attend classes in grade 12 + some additional courses and disciplines, creative classes and sports. The program helps participants to increase knowledge and implement planned educational tasks.

The cost of programs in high school of the Belgian school starts from 11400 € / year.

Students themselves choose their preferred curriculum and specialized subjects - each of the proposed options provides students with a high level of education and possession of all the necessary skills to continue their studies.