Education System in Belgium, French Community

Primary Education

The French-speaking region maintains a separate education system from the rest of Belgium more closely aligned to French academic norms. School is compulsory from age 6 to 18. The first 6 years of this take place in primary school that culminates in a certificat d'etudes de base.

Secondary Education

There are 4 kinds of secondary schools, namely general, technical, vocational and artistic. In all three cases the education programs unfold through 3, two-year phases called 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd degrees.

Vocational Education

Ongoing education opportunities are available at lifelong education centers, and most universities. These may lead to lower-level certificates and diplomas.

Tertiary Education

Higher education takes place on 2 levels. The lower of these two are called hautes ecoles, instituts supérieures, and ecoles supérieures. Universities offer the normal range of bachelor’s, masters and doctorate degrees.



Liége University was established in 1817 and continues to serve 20,000 French-speaking students through 4,300 employees at 9 faculties, 2 schools, 1 institute and 45 departments.