Universities in Belgium. Belgian education system. There are three types of local schools

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,
• maths,
• 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 involves 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,
• the 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 a public one 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. On the territory of university campuses there were very good student canteens, 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 humanitarian and natural science disciplines, 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.

Although seemingly traditional, 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

At 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.

When you change your place of residence, the question often arises of obtaining a quality education, both preschool and later. In this article we will consider a country like Belgium. Her view of the education system in general and in particular. . There are three main language groups in the country:

• Flemish;
• francophone;
• German.

In Belgium, all types of education are given sufficient attention.

Paying attention to the education of preschool children, one can see a system that consists of two main types of institutions

• a nursery where small children are sent from birth to 2.5 years of age;
• Toddler schools are institutions for children aged 2.5 to 6.

For the most part education of pre-school children is free. Only entertainment events that are organized outside the walls of the relevant institutions are subject to payment. Such activities include:

• visits to sports complexes (pools, gyms);
• visiting cultural centers (museums, theaters);
• other cultural events.

The cost of entertainment events is strictly controlled by the state and regulated by the charter of the preschool institution. The cost part does not exceed 20-30 euros per child.

Of course, in Belgium there are also paid institutions that provide their services for a modest financial reward. The price of these services can fluctuate around 4000-9000 euros per year. It all depends on the depth of the wallet.

As soon as the child reaches the age of 2.5 years, the doors of the toddler school open for him. Moreover, the presence of citizenship of another country does not affect the provision of this service.

It is very interesting that if the country has the necessary data about your family, then a corresponding notification of such an opportunity comes in the form of a postcard. The notice may also be in the form of a home visit. During such a visit, you will be familiarized with the documents that are required when accepting a child and will be informed about the date of the introductory meeting.

When visiting a school for kids, you are introduced to the internal regulations and rules of this institution. You can register your child in advance.

Interestingly, the advantage in enrollment is given primarily to siblings and brothers who are already studying.

The total number of children is limited to 15-20 people. This number is supervised by about two employees. The room is conditionally divided into play areas in which children play in groups of 3-5 people.

Kindergarten in Belgium

As in any similar institution, children go out for a walk in the fresh air, where they are left to their own devices. Playgrounds are usually equipped with sports equipment. With all this, a large number of children sometimes creates inconvenience for games, since the playground is limited in size, which leads to a general crush.

Also do not make any special adjustments in the walk. In other words, if the routine establishes access to fresh air, then neither rain nor snow affects this. Such treatment has repeatedly caused controversy on the part of parents. During the breaks, both older and younger children are taken out, which is why a “crush” is obtained, which often leads to small incidents. Supervises a large number of children, usually no more than one employee. With this approach to education, it is believed that older children develop a respectful attitude towards younger children.

As in schools, the bell system develops a sense of discipline and order in children. Having a big break in the lunch area provides parents with the opportunity to take the child home. Those children who stay usually gather in canteens and snack on food prepared at home. For children whose parents have the opportunity to pay for food, hot first and second courses are provided respectively. The presence in the local dining room of the kitchen allows you to cook fresh food. It's not uncommon for food to be ordered. The price of such a service varies from the cost of products and menus.

The education of preschool children is approached individually. Often this system of education takes into account the pace of development of the child himself, his psychological and mental abilities. However, there are five directions:

• physical education;
• cultural education;
• language;
• mathematics, basic knowledge;
• ecology.

A special document is created for each child, which contains a training plan, events, lists of material to be learned. Once a quarter, meetings of parents and teachers take place, at which the overall development of children is discussed and the wishes of the parents that arise in this are taken into account. Pre-school education is given special attention and is considered mandatory for attendance.

After completing the last year of education, children are prepared to enter the first grade of the school. There is a support center here. It is he who decides whether the child is ready to continue education or stay for additional education, whether it is homeschooling or a school for kids.

Often schools for toddlers are located in buildings for first-graders of an elementary school, which does not allow the child to experience transition stress.

Starting from the first grade, the child is enrolled in a program that is integrated into the general education system. As elsewhere, this education system can be divided into:

• initial;
• average;
• higher.

Primary education - schools. A child gets here after completing preschool education and the positive conclusions of the survey commission about the possibility of continuing education. Here, an individual approach to students is preserved and attention is paid to the comprehensive creative development, which is presented in the form of a variety of theater circles, needlework and sewing courses. Psychologists work at every school institution.

Schools are represented by three levels of education. Of course, the training presented on its territory is given special attention. In schools, teaching French is introduced from the 1st or 2nd level. French-speaking schools offer a choice of teaching Dutch or English. Private schools are also common in Belgium, for the most part they provide their services to certain social groups of the population - for example, children of diplomats or sailors.

Secondary education

Secondary education, like primary school education, is represented by three levels. The duration of education is 4-6 years.

The first four years of study are compulsory, but only the completion of the full course grants the right to study at higher educational institutions.

During this period, students are given a choice of those subjects to which they tend to pay increased attention. Basic subjects like physical training, language and the like are not excluded from the general curriculum. Secondary schools in Belgium are represented by four schools:

• Middle schools. The students of this school continue to receive knowledge. Their ultimate goal is to enter a university;
• Schools of a technical nature - technical school. Upon graduation, students of this school receive technical knowledge, as well as a minimum professional work experience. This encourages students to enter the labor market.
• vocational schools. Students receive the necessary skills to work in jewelry, engineering, etc. This type of training does not provide for higher education.
• art schools. The direction of their education is to obtain the knowledge necessary for admission to universities, which have a bias towards the field of art. Choreography, acting, music - these areas are preferred in preparation.

Higher education institutions

Finally, higher education institutions. Since two cultures of education closely coexist here, modern education is also represented by two subsystems, each of which is controlled by the ministry of the French and Flemish communities. The education system is "bachelor-master" in accordance with international standards.

According to the Belgian education system, entrance examinations are excluded in most of the specialties. However, there are exceptions, for example:

• the medicine;
• art;
• Technical science;
• management and similar specialties

When obtaining a specialty in the field of arts, students are tested for practical skills. And when studying in the fields of technical sciences or management, in which it is possible to obtain a master's specialization, knowledge of mathematics or motivation and the presence of certain knowledge in certain issues are checked, respectively.

A more detailed program of study in higher educational institutions is represented by the following steps:

• Basic or Bachelor. The terms of study are 2-3 years, depending on the specialty.
• Basic or Master. The terms of study are 2-3 years after passing the basic level and writing the corresponding scientific article. Terms can be extended for certain specialties.
• Extra or Dr. The timing of receipt may vary, but not earlier than a year from the date of mastering the main stage. It is required to write a dissertation on a specific topic and defend it.
• The highest level. It is awarded 2 years after receiving the degree "Doctor".

It is worth mentioning that education in Belgium is represented by both public and private educational institutions. Some focus on more traditional conditions for obtaining education, others prefer to give knowledge of a professionally applied nature. Worthy of special mention are:

• University of Antwerp (specialization - humanitarian education);
• University of Ghent (specialization - technical education, economics, medicine);
• University of Vrie.

How to apply to a Belgian university

If you take a local student, then no tuition fees will be charged, if the student is from another country, you will have to pay for the corresponding courses. When enrolling a foreign student, Belgian universities are guided by the following rule: the total number of foreign students should not be more than 2% of the number of students admitted last year.

However, it is possible to enroll more than these percentages for an additional fee, which may be at least half of the official cost of the course of study. The expenses incurred may well be partially offset by scholarships.

Documents should be submitted 10-12 months before the date of the desired enrollment.

Required documents for admission for students from other countries:

• the passport;
• an extract on the possibility of enrollment as a student of a Belgian educational institution;
• financial statements;
• no criminal record;
• medical certificate.

For the possibility of training for a period exceeding 3 months, you must obtain, for which it is worth collecting a separate list of documents.

Russian schools in Belgium

Finally, it is worth noting the presence, and there are many of them. The main goals of this kind of schools is to provide children with an appropriate education. Integration into the Belgian community, which will contribute to the rapid assimilation of the language, traditions and culture, as well as the preservation and enhancement of the traditions and culture of Russia. The main documents of schools are:

• a copy of the parents' passport (one of them);
• a copy of the child's documents;
• Receipt of payment;
• statement;
• completed questionnaire data.

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 shaped (including by funding) through 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.