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Education in Belgium

You all did very well on the games

Thank you for your contributions! The systems are different, but I do see some similarities too.

Some of your thoughts on lifelong learning

"It is a great way to meet new people and improve ones social skills and networking. Social skills and networking itself is a great tool to be of relevance especially in the job market."

"I think lifelong learning is something extremely important for our mental health, but not necessary on an school or something like that, we can learn with our students, with our kids, with our grannies. Doesn't matter which one you choose, the important it's to be open for new things and experiences."

Every year in March/April parents have the possibility to apply for a Dutch-speaking school in Brussels for the next school year through a central system. This is the same for non-Dutch speaking parents.
The education department of the Flemish Community (VGC) (so not the commune where you live) collects all the applications and one month later they will distribute the available spots. In this distribution they look at the distance house-school and other criteria.
The biggest issue is that there are far more applications than there are available spots. If you don't get a spot, your child will be on a waiting list.

Question about applying for a Dutch-Speaking School

On this website you’ll find more information on how to apply

In this video the director of the community schools, gives you more information about the shortage of places (you can add English subtitles)

Private schools are not funded by the government, that is why they are so expensive.
An example: The tuition fee for one school year at The British school in Brussels, where they follow the curriculum of the UK, is € 28,400: https://www.britishschool.be/admissions/fees/

Question about funding of private schools

A school or study allowance is a form of financial support from the Flemish Government to help cover school or study costs.
School allowances have been designed for infants or pupils attending elementary or secondary education. The school allowance will be paid automatically if you are entitled to it.
A study allowance is aimed at students attending a university college or university.

To qualify the pupil or student in question must attend an institution accredited by the Flemish Community.

More information and applying (in Dutch): https://studietoelagen.be/

Question about financial support