Best Schools and Education Options in Belgium
Belgium is renowned for its high-quality education system, which combines rigorous academic standards with a multicultural approach. Whether you’re an expatriate family looking for international schools, a student seeking higher education opportunities, or simply curious about the Belgian education landscape, this guide will provide an overview of the best schools and educational options available in the country.
1. Understanding the Belgian Education System
Before diving into specific institutions, it’s essential to understand how the Belgian education system works. The system is divided into three main communities—Flemish, French, and German-speaking—each with its own curriculum and regulations. Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 18 and consists of:
- Primary Education (ages 6–12): Focuses on foundational skills like reading, writing, and arithmetic.
- Secondary Education (ages 12–18): Includes general, technical, and vocational tracks.
- Higher Education: Comprises universities, university colleges (hogescholen/hautes écoles), and art academies.
Belgium also offers a wide range of international schools catering to expatriates and globally minded families.
2. Top International Schools in Belgium
For expatriates or families seeking English-language instruction, Belgium has several prestigious international schools that follow globally recognized curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British/American systems.
a. International School of Brussels (ISB)
- Location: Watermael-Boitsfort, near Brussels
- Curriculum: IB Diploma Programme, Middle Years Programme (MYP), Primary Years Programme (PYP)
- Highlights: Known for its diverse student body representing over 70 nationalities, ISB emphasizes holistic development through innovative teaching methods and state-of-the-art facilities. It also offers extensive extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service programs.
b. British School of Brussels (BSB)
- Location: Tervuren, near Brussels
- Curriculum: English National Curriculum, IGCSEs, A-Levels
- Highlights: BSB provides a well-rounded education with strong emphasis on STEM subjects and creative arts. Its campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and sports facilities. The school also fosters global citizenship through partnerships with organizations like UNICEF.
c. European School Brussels
- Locations: Multiple campuses across Brussels (e.g., Uccle, Woluwe)
- Curriculum: European Baccalaureate
- Highlights: Designed primarily for children of EU institution employees, these schools offer multilingual education pathways in up to 12 languages. They prepare students for careers in international diplomacy and business.
d. St. John’s International School
- Location: Waterloo, near Brussels
- Curriculum: IB Diploma Programme, American High School Diploma
- Highlights: This school blends American-style education with the IB framework, making it ideal for families who want flexibility in their child’s learning journey. St. John’s boasts excellent college placement rates and a supportive environment.
3. Leading Public and Private Schools
While international schools cater to non-Belgian families, local public and private schools are equally impressive, especially for those fluent in Dutch or French.
a. Athénée Royal de Bruxelles
- Location: Brussels
- Language: French
- Highlights: One of the oldest secondary schools in Belgium, offering a classical yet comprehensive education. Students can pursue humanities, sciences, or economics tracks.
b. Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege
- Location: Antwerp
- Language: Dutch
- Highlights: A top-tier Flemish school known for its academic excellence and emphasis on character development. Graduates often attend leading universities in Belgium and abroad.
c. Collège Saint-Michel
- Location: Brussels
- Language: French
- Highlights: Offers a rigorous curriculum with a focus on critical thinking and ethics. The school has a long tradition of producing successful alumni in various fields.
4. Higher Education Opportunities
Belgium is home to some of Europe’s finest universities and specialized institutions, attracting students from around the world.
a. KU Leuven
- Location: Leuven
- Language: Primarily Dutch, but many master’s programs are taught in English
- Highlights: Ranked among the top universities globally, KU Leuven excels in research and innovation. Popular fields include engineering, law, medicine, and social sciences.
b. Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)
- Location: Louvain-la-Neuve
- Language: French, with some courses in English
- Highlights: Known for its interdisciplinary approach, UCLouvain offers cutting-edge programs in areas like biotechnology, environmental studies, and political science.
c. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
- Location: Brussels
- Language: English for most master’s programs
- Highlights: As one of Belgium’s premier English-taught universities, VUB attracts a diverse international student body. It’s particularly strong in fields like artificial intelligence, health sciences, and communication.
d. Ghent University
- Location: Ghent
- Language: Dutch, with select English-taught programs
- Highlights: Renowned for its vibrant student life and academic rigor, Ghent University offers competitive programs in agriculture, veterinary sciences, and humanities.
5. Vocational and Technical Training
For students interested in practical skills, Belgium’s vocational and technical schools provide excellent pathways into specialized careers. Institutions like HELMO (Liège) and Erasmushogeschool Brussel (EhB) offer hands-on training in fields such as nursing, design, and IT.
6. Special Needs Education
Belgium prioritizes inclusive education, ensuring that students with disabilities receive appropriate support. Schools like Katholiek Onderwijs Vlaanderen and Enseignement.be collaborate closely with parents to tailor learning experiences for special needs students.
7. Scholarships and Financial Aid
Both domestic and international students can access scholarships based on merit or financial need. Examples include:
- Master Mind Scholarships: Offered by the Flemish government for talented international students.
- ARES Grants: Funded by Wallonia-Brussels International for students from developing countries.
8. Tips for Choosing the Right School
- Consider Language Proficiency: If your child isn’t fluent in Dutch or French, opt for bilingual or international schools.
- Visit Campuses: Schedule visits to shortlisted schools to assess facilities and meet faculty members.
- Check Accreditation: Ensure the school follows accredited curricula recognized worldwide.
- Evaluate Extracurriculars: Look for schools that balance academics with sports, arts, and leadership opportunities.
