Diploma recognition

I would like to get my qualifications recognized in Belgium. How should I proceed?

There are several procedures. The most suitable procedure in your situation will depend on various criteria, such as: the study level of your diploma, your professional goal and the language community of Belgium in which you would like to live or develop professionally. ;

Please note that there are special procedures for certain groups (i.e. refugees).

In order to get to the right procedure, click at each step on the box that corresponds to your situation.

Check the education system
mon diplome - pic by heylagostechie on Unsplash

1Select a level of education and a type of recognition

2Your procedure

Medical / paramedical diplomas – higher education

The specific recognition of a higher education diploma in the medical field, proves that you have acquired abroad the qualifications required to get the academic title of your profession in Belgium.

How to choose between the French-speaking and the Dutch-speaking procedure? We advise you to choose the linguistic community where you live and/or where you plan to develop professionally. If you are based in Brussels, you may have the choice between both procedures.

 

Select the following options if you are:

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you can provide proof of your refugee status or subsidiary protection status.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you can provide proof of your refugee, subsidiary protection or asylum seeker status.

There is an additional form and a special procedure for asylum seekers or refugees who do not have all the required documents.

I am registered in Actiris

The recognition procedure is free if you are registered at Actiris or VDAB as a full-time unemployed jobseeker, and receive counselling from Actiris/VDAB or one of its partners (including bon and CIRE), in order to find a job.

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A certified copy of the diploma
  • A certified copy of the transcripts (for each year fo study)
  • The request form
  • A copy of your Belgian ID and a birth certificate
  • A copy of your official and detailed study programme
  • The full schedule of your study programme
  • Records of internships (specifying content, number of hours, location, tasks)
  • A copy of the thesis
  • If possible, employment certificates in the field of study
  • Optionally, a diploma supplement
  • A covering letter
  • A CV
  • A job research certificate (Actiris, VDAB, Forem)
Certified copy Sworn translation
  • A simple copy of the diploma
  • A simple copy of the transcripts (for each year of study)
  • The basic request form
  • The specific form for healthcare professions
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or of your passport
  • A copy of your official and detailed study programme
  • The full schedule of the study programme
  • Records of internships (specifying content, number of hours, location, tasks)
  • A copy of the thesis (in case of a Master’s degree)
  • If possible, employment certificates in the field of study
  • Optionally, a diploma supplement
  • Your CV (compulsory for Medicine)
  • If possible, proof of exemption from payment
Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

€150: countries on the list of the OECD
€200: other countries

Free for recognized refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.

€180

Free for: jobseekers registered at Actiris or VDAB, beneficiaries of the CPAS, asylum seekers, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of increased interventions (BIM / VIPO) and participants in the integration program of bon.

Accepted languages

French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.

If the originals are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French of the diploma and the transcripts.

Dutch, French, English, German.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation of the diploma (in Dutch) and of the transcripts (in one of the four accepted languages).

The sworn translation of the diploma must be done in Dutch, by a sworn translator in Belgium.

Submitting the request

By registered mail.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’Enseignement supérieur
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1 (5 ième étage)
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.sup@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

By e-mail via bon or to naric.attesten@vlaanderen.be; by post (postage is not accepted during the COVID period).

NARIC-Vlaanderen
Koning Albert II laan 15
1210 Brussel

E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be
www.naricvlaanderen.be

Comments

Deadline

4 months

4 months

Uses of a recognition

If your diploma is not European (out of the EEA), a specific recognition is required for the exercise of your profession.

If your degree is from out of the EEA: once the diploma recognition has been obtained (as well as the approval which follows automatically), you have to apply for the so-called “visa” or permit to practice, to the FPS Public Health.

If your degree is European (EEA), a diploma recognition is in principle not necessary. We speak of “professional recognition” (DIR EU 2005/6): you can directly request an authorisation to the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. The authorisation to practice follows automatically, once the authorization has been obtained.

For more information, see Useful links: Exercising a regulated profession.

If your diploma is not European (from out of the EEA), the specific recognition of your diploma is necessary for the practice of your profession.

If your degree is from out of the EEA: once the diploma recognition has been obtained (as well as the approval which follows automatically), you have to apply for the so-called “visa” or authorisation to practice, to the FPS Public Health.

If your degree is European (EEA), a diploma recognition is in principle not necessary. We speak of “professional recognition” (DIR EU 2005/6): you can directly request an authorisation to the Agentschap Zorg & Gezondheid. The authorisation to practice follows automatically, once the authorization has been obtained.

For more information, see Useful links: Exercising a regulated profession.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration / revision of the decision (examination errors, new elements or disagreement with reasons): by registered mail to the FWB.

Externally: appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

Internally: to request reconsideration (examination errors) / revision (new elements) of the decision: by registered mail to Naric within 30 days of the decision / by email to the file manager within 6 months of the decision.

Externally: to appeal the decision (disagreement with reasons – higher education): Special Council for education in the Flemish Community

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you can provide proof of your refugee status or subsidiary protection status.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A certified copy of the diploma
  • A certified copy of the transcripts (for each year fo study)
  • The request form
  • A copy of your Belgian ID and a birth certificate
  • A copy of your official and detailed study programme
  • The full schedule of your study programme
  • Records of internships (specifying content, number of hours, location, tasks)
  • A copy of the thesis
  • If possible, employment certificates in the field of study
  • Optionally, a diploma supplement
  • A covering letter
  • A CV
  • A job research certificate (Actiris, VDAB, Forem)

Cost of the procedure

€150: countries on the list of the OECD
€200: other countries

Free for recognized refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.

Accepted languages

French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.

If the originals are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French of the diploma and the transcripts.

Submitting the request

By registered mail.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’Enseignement supérieur
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1 (5 ième étage)
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.sup@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

Comments

Deadline

4 months

Uses of a recognition

If your diploma is not European (out of the EEA), a specific recognition is required for the exercise of your profession.

If your degree is from out of the EEA: once the diploma recognition has been obtained (as well as the approval which follows automatically), you have to apply for the so-called “visa” or permit to practice, to the FPS Public Health.

If your degree is European (EEA), a diploma recognition is in principle not necessary. We speak of “professional recognition” (DIR EU 2005/6): you can directly request an authorisation to the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. The authorisation to practice follows automatically, once the authorization has been obtained.

For more information, see Useful links: Exercising a regulated profession.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration / revision of the decision (examination errors, new elements or disagreement with reasons): by registered mail to the FWB.

Externally: appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you can provide proof of your refugee, subsidiary protection or asylum seeker status.

There is an additional form and a special procedure for asylum seekers or refugees who do not have all the required documents.

I am registered in Actiris

The recognition procedure is free if you are registered at Actiris or VDAB as a full-time unemployed jobseeker, and receive counselling from Actiris/VDAB or one of its partners (including bon and CIRE), in order to find a job.

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A simple copy of the diploma
  • A simple copy of the transcripts (for each year of study)
  • The basic request form
  • The specific form for healthcare professions
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or of your passport
  • A copy of your official and detailed study programme
  • The full schedule of the study programme
  • Records of internships (specifying content, number of hours, location, tasks)
  • A copy of the thesis (in case of a Master’s degree)
  • If possible, employment certificates in the field of study
  • Optionally, a diploma supplement
  • Your CV (compulsory for Medicine)
  • If possible, proof of exemption from payment
Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

€180

Free for: jobseekers registered at Actiris or VDAB, beneficiaries of the CPAS, asylum seekers, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of increased interventions (BIM / VIPO) and participants in the integration program of bon.

Accepted languages

Dutch, French, English, German.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation of the diploma (in Dutch) and of the transcripts (in one of the four accepted languages).

The sworn translation of the diploma must be done in Dutch, by a sworn translator in Belgium.

Submitting the request

By e-mail via bon or to naric.attesten@vlaanderen.be; by post (postage is not accepted during the COVID period).

NARIC-Vlaanderen
Koning Albert II laan 15
1210 Brussel

E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be
www.naricvlaanderen.be

Comments

Deadline

4 months

Uses of a recognition

If your diploma is not European (from out of the EEA), the specific recognition of your diploma is necessary for the practice of your profession.

If your degree is from out of the EEA: once the diploma recognition has been obtained (as well as the approval which follows automatically), you have to apply for the so-called “visa” or authorisation to practice, to the FPS Public Health.

If your degree is European (EEA), a diploma recognition is in principle not necessary. We speak of “professional recognition” (DIR EU 2005/6): you can directly request an authorisation to the Agentschap Zorg & Gezondheid. The authorisation to practice follows automatically, once the authorization has been obtained.

For more information, see Useful links: Exercising a regulated profession.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration (examination errors) / revision (new elements) of the decision: by registered mail to Naric within 30 days of the decision / by email to the file manager within 6 months of the decision.

Externally: to appeal the decision (disagreement with reasons – higher education): Special Council for education in the Flemish Community

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

2Your procedure

Primary education

The recognition of the certificate of primary education proves that you have completed your primary studies abroad and obtained what corresponds in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles to the CBE (“Certificat d’Études de Base”) and in the Flemish Community to the “Getuigschrift Basisonderwijs”.

Select the following options if you are:

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

If you do not have all the required documents, you can report it to the administration, which may under certain conditions be able to accept your application on the basis of your refugee status or subsidiary protection.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee
I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A certified copy of the transcripts for the last three years
  • A certified copy of the diploma or of the certificate of schooling
  • The request form
  • A copy of the Belgian ID or a birth certificate
  • The original proof of payment
Certified copy Sworn translation

This procedure does not exist at Naric because a CEB recognition is not required by the Flemish Community, neither for employment nor for studies.

Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

MINORS (under 18 years old)
Free

ADULTS
€51: countries on the list of the OECD
€76: other countries

Accepted languages

French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French.

Submitting the request

Paper format, by registered mail or on site, by appointment only (appointments are not possible during the COVID period).

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’enseignement obligatoire
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.oblig@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

Comments

The original academic transcript is required for the following countries: Cameroon, DR Congo, Senegal, Guinea, Morocco, China, Poland, Romania, Rwanda and Bulgaria.

Minors who have not completed primary school do not have to request a diploma recognition to continue their studies.

Deadline

About 1 month

Uses of a recognition

The recognition of primary education in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles may be useful when applying for a job in the public sector or for professional training. It can also be useful for minors willing to pursue secondary studies.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: request of the reconsideration / revision of the decision (examination errors, new elements or disagreement with reasons): by registered letter to the FWB, within 30 days of the decision.

Externally: appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

If you do not have all the required documents, you can report it to the administration, which may under certain conditions be able to accept your application on the basis of your refugee status or subsidiary protection.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A certified copy of the transcripts for the last three years
  • A certified copy of the diploma or of the certificate of schooling
  • The request form
  • A copy of the Belgian ID or a birth certificate
  • The original proof of payment

Cost of the procedure

MINORS (under 18 years old)
Free

ADULTS
€51: countries on the list of the OECD
€76: other countries

Accepted languages

French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French.

Submitting the request

Paper format, by registered mail or on site, by appointment only (appointments are not possible during the COVID period).

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’enseignement obligatoire
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.oblig@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

Comments

The original academic transcript is required for the following countries: Cameroon, DR Congo, Senegal, Guinea, Morocco, China, Poland, Romania, Rwanda and Bulgaria.

Minors who have not completed primary school do not have to request a diploma recognition to continue their studies.

Deadline

About 1 month

Uses of a recognition

The recognition of primary education in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles may be useful when applying for a job in the public sector or for professional training. It can also be useful for minors willing to pursue secondary studies.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: request of the reconsideration / revision of the decision (examination errors, new elements or disagreement with reasons): by registered letter to the FWB, within 30 days of the decision.

Externally: appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee
I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

This procedure does not exist at Naric because a CEB recognition is not required by the Flemish Community, neither for employment nor for studies.

Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

Accepted languages

Submitting the request

Comments

Deadline

Uses of a recognition

Possibilities of appeal

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

2Your procedure

Incomplete Secondary Education

The recognition of incomplete secondary education proves that you have completed part of your secondary studies abroad, and have obtained what corresponds to:

  • in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, the first degree certificate (2nd secondary – CE1D), the second degree certificate (4th secondary – CE2D) or the Qualification Certificate (CQ6 or CE6P).
  • in the Flemish Community, the Getuigschrift Eerste Graad, Tweede Graad of Derde Graad (BSO) Secundair Onderwijs.

How to choose between the French-speaking and the Dutch-speaking procedure? We advise you to choose the linguistic community where you live and/or where you plan to develop professionally. If you are based in Brussels, you may have the choice between both procedures.

Select the following options if you are:

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

If you do not have all the required documents, you can report it to the administration, which may under certain conditions be able to accept your application on the basis of your refugee status or subsidiary protection.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you provide proof of your refugee, subsidiary protection or asylum seeker status.

There is an additional form for asylum seekers or refugees who do not have all the required documents.

I am registered in Actiris

The recognition procedure is free of charge if you are registered at Actiris or VDAB as a full-time unemployed jobseeker, and receive counselling from Actiris/VDAB or one of their partners (including bon and CIRÉ), in order to find a job.

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  •  A certified copy of the transcripts (original documents required for some countries)
  • The request form
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or a birth certificate
  • Optionally, a document proving that your application is aimed at finding a job or a vocational training (priority treatment)
  • The original proof of payment
Certified copy Sworn translation
  • A simple copy of the transcripts
  • The request form
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or of your passport
  • Possible exemption of payment
Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

MINORS (under 18 years old)
Free

ADULTS
€51: countries on the list of the OECD
€76: other countries

€90

Free for: jobseekers registered at Actiris or VDAB, beneficiaries of the CPAS, asylum seekers, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of increased interventions (BIM / VIPO) and participants in the integration program of bon.

Accepted languages

French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.

If the original documents (transcripts) are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French.

Dutch, French, English, German.

If the originals are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation of the diploma (in Dutch) and of the transcripts (in one of the four accepted languages).

The sworn translation of the diploma must be done in Dutch, by a sworn translator in Belgium.

Submitting the request

By registered mail.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’enseignement obligatoire
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.oblig@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

By e-mail via bon or to naric.attesten@vlaanderen.be; by post (postage is not accepted during the COVID period).

NARIC-Vlaanderen
Koning Albert II laan 15
1210 Brussel

E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be
www.naricvlaanderen.be

Comments

Original documents are required for the following countries: Cameroon, DR Congo, Senegal, Guinea, Morocco, China, Poland, Romania, Rwanda and Bulgaria.

There is a special procedure for minors who do not have the documents: request for recognition without documents (just ID).

The diploma recognition is not required for students who are eligible for Daspa (Program for Reception and Schooling of Newly Arrived Pupils).

Deadline

2 to 8 weeks

1 to 2 months

Uses of a recognition

The recognition of partial secondary studies in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles may be useful when applying for a job in the public sector or for professional training. It can also be useful for minors willing to pursue secondary studies.

The recognition of partial secondary studies in the Flemish Community can be useful when searching for a job (in particular in the public sector).

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request a review of the decision (examination errors, new elements): by registered mail to the FWB, within 30 days of the decision.

Externally: appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

Internally: to request reconsideration (examination errors) / revision (new elements) of the decision: by registered mail to Naric, within 30 days of the decision / by email to the file manager, within 6 months of the decision.

Externally: to appeal the decision (disagreement with reasons): Council of State

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

If you do not have all the required documents, you can report it to the administration, which may under certain conditions be able to accept your application on the basis of your refugee status or subsidiary protection.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  •  A certified copy of the transcripts (original documents required for some countries)
  • The request form
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or a birth certificate
  • Optionally, a document proving that your application is aimed at finding a job or a vocational training (priority treatment)
  • The original proof of payment

Cost of the procedure

MINORS (under 18 years old)
Free

ADULTS
€51: countries on the list of the OECD
€76: other countries

Accepted languages

French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.

If the original documents (transcripts) are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French.

Submitting the request

By registered mail.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’enseignement obligatoire
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.oblig@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

Comments

Original documents are required for the following countries: Cameroon, DR Congo, Senegal, Guinea, Morocco, China, Poland, Romania, Rwanda and Bulgaria.

There is a special procedure for minors who do not have the documents: request for recognition without documents (just ID).

The diploma recognition is not required for students who are eligible for Daspa (Program for Reception and Schooling of Newly Arrived Pupils).

Deadline

2 to 8 weeks

Uses of a recognition

The recognition of partial secondary studies in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles may be useful when applying for a job in the public sector or for professional training. It can also be useful for minors willing to pursue secondary studies.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request a review of the decision (examination errors, new elements): by registered mail to the FWB, within 30 days of the decision.

Externally: appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you provide proof of your refugee, subsidiary protection or asylum seeker status.

There is an additional form for asylum seekers or refugees who do not have all the required documents.

I am registered in Actiris

The recognition procedure is free of charge if you are registered at Actiris or VDAB as a full-time unemployed jobseeker, and receive counselling from Actiris/VDAB or one of their partners (including bon and CIRÉ), in order to find a job.

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A simple copy of the transcripts
  • The request form
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or of your passport
  • Possible exemption of payment
Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

€90

Free for: jobseekers registered at Actiris or VDAB, beneficiaries of the CPAS, asylum seekers, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of increased interventions (BIM / VIPO) and participants in the integration program of bon.

Accepted languages

Dutch, French, English, German.

If the originals are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation of the diploma (in Dutch) and of the transcripts (in one of the four accepted languages).

The sworn translation of the diploma must be done in Dutch, by a sworn translator in Belgium.

Submitting the request

By e-mail via bon or to naric.attesten@vlaanderen.be; by post (postage is not accepted during the COVID period).

NARIC-Vlaanderen
Koning Albert II laan 15
1210 Brussel

E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be
www.naricvlaanderen.be

Comments

Deadline

1 to 2 months

Uses of a recognition

The recognition of partial secondary studies in the Flemish Community can be useful when searching for a job (in particular in the public sector).

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration (examination errors) / revision (new elements) of the decision: by registered mail to Naric, within 30 days of the decision / by email to the file manager, within 6 months of the decision.

Externally: to appeal the decision (disagreement with reasons): Council of State

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

2Your procedure

Complete Secondary Education

The recognition of a diploma of completed secondary education proves that you have completed your secondary studies abroad and have obtained what corresponds in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles to the upper secondary education certificate (CESS) or in the Flemish Community to the Diploma Secundair Onderwijs (Diploma SO).

How to choose between the French-speaking and the Dutch-speaking procedure? We advise you to choose the linguistic community where you live and/or where you plan to develop professionally. If you are based in Brussels, you may have the choice between both procedures.

Please note: if your goal is to start / pursue studies, it is advisable in the first place to find out about the admission requirements, in order to know if a diploma recognition is required and if so, of which diploma and which type.

Select the following options if you are:

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

If you do not have all the required documents, you can report it to the administration, which may under certain conditions be able to accept your application on the basis of your refugee status or subsidiary protection.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you provide proof of your refugee, subsidiary protection or asylum seeker status.

There is an additional form for asylum seekers or refugees who do not have all the required documents.

I am registered in Actiris

The recognition procedure is free of charge if you are registered at Actiris or VDAB as a full-time unemployed jobseeker, and receive counselling from Actiris / VDAB or one of their partners (including bon and CIRÉ), in order to find a job.

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A certified copy of the diploma
  • A certified copy of the transcript that goes with the diploma
  • The request form
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or a birth certificate
  • If possible, proof of access to higher education (if the diploma is from outside the EU)
  • Optionally, a document proving that your application is aimed at finding a job or a vocational training (priority treatment)
  • The original proof of payment
Certified copy Sworn translation
  • A simple copy of the diploma
  • A simple copy of transcripts
  • The request form
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or of your passport
  • Possible exemption of payment
Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

€150: countries on the list of the OECD
€200: other countries

€90 (level recognition) / €180 (specific recognition, i.e. professional qualification)

Free for: jobseekers registered at Actiris / VDAB, beneficiaries of the CPAS, asylum seekers, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of increased interventions (BIM / VIPO) and participants in the integration program of bon.

Accepted languages

French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French of the diploma and the transcripts.

Dutch, French, English, German.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation of the diploma (in Dutch) and of the transcripts (in one of the 4 accepted languages).

The sworn translation of the diploma must be done in Dutch, by a sworn translator in Belgium.

Submitting the request

By registered mail.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’enseignement obligatoire
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.oblig@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

By e-mail via bon or to naric.attesten@vlaanderen.be; by post (postage is not accepted during the COVID period).

NARIC-Vlaanderen
Koning Albert II laan 15
1210 Brussel

E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be
www.naricvlaanderen.be

Comments

Original documents are required for: Cameroon, DR Congo, Senegal, Guinea, Morocco, China, Poland, Romania, Rwanda and Bulgaria.

An additional form is requested for: Cameroon, DR Congo and France.

Deadline

1 to 2 months (except in July-August: the procedure may take longer)

1 to 2 months

Uses of a recognition

The recognition of the CESS in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB) is usually required to pursue higher studies. It may also be useful when applying for a job or for professional training.

Please note that if your goal is to continue your studies in the French-speaking community, your request for recognition should be submitted to the FWB.

The recognition of the Diploma SO in the Flemish-speaking community can be useful when searching for a job or for professional training.

This diploma recognition is not required to pursue higher studies in the Flemish Community.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration / revision of the decision (examination errors, new elements or disagreement with reasons): by registered mail to the FWB, within 30 days of the decision.

Externally: appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

Internally: to request reconsideration (examination errors) / revision (new elements) of the decision: by registered mail to Naric, within 30 days of the decision / by email to the file manager, within 6 months of the decision.

Externally: to appeal the decision (disagreement with reasons): Council of State, with a copy to Naric.

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

If you do not have all the required documents, you can report it to the administration, which may under certain conditions be able to accept your application on the basis of your refugee status or subsidiary protection.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A certified copy of the diploma
  • A certified copy of the transcript that goes with the diploma
  • The request form
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or a birth certificate
  • If possible, proof of access to higher education (if the diploma is from outside the EU)
  • Optionally, a document proving that your application is aimed at finding a job or a vocational training (priority treatment)
  • The original proof of payment

Cost of the procedure

€150: countries on the list of the OECD
€200: other countries

Accepted languages

French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French of the diploma and the transcripts.

Submitting the request

By registered mail.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’enseignement obligatoire
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.oblig@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

Comments

Original documents are required for: Cameroon, DR Congo, Senegal, Guinea, Morocco, China, Poland, Romania, Rwanda and Bulgaria.

An additional form is requested for: Cameroon, DR Congo and France.

Deadline

1 to 2 months (except in July-August: the procedure may take longer)

Uses of a recognition

The recognition of the CESS in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB) is usually required to pursue higher studies. It may also be useful when applying for a job or for professional training.

Please note that if your goal is to continue your studies in the French-speaking community, your request for recognition should be submitted to the FWB.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration / revision of the decision (examination errors, new elements or disagreement with reasons): by registered mail to the FWB, within 30 days of the decision.

Externally: appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you provide proof of your refugee, subsidiary protection or asylum seeker status.

There is an additional form for asylum seekers or refugees who do not have all the required documents.

I am registered in Actiris

The recognition procedure is free of charge if you are registered at Actiris or VDAB as a full-time unemployed jobseeker, and receive counselling from Actiris / VDAB or one of their partners (including bon and CIRÉ), in order to find a job.

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A simple copy of the diploma
  • A simple copy of transcripts
  • The request form
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or of your passport
  • Possible exemption of payment
Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

€90 (level recognition) / €180 (specific recognition, i.e. professional qualification)

Free for: jobseekers registered at Actiris / VDAB, beneficiaries of the CPAS, asylum seekers, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of increased interventions (BIM / VIPO) and participants in the integration program of bon.

Accepted languages

Dutch, French, English, German.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation of the diploma (in Dutch) and of the transcripts (in one of the 4 accepted languages).

The sworn translation of the diploma must be done in Dutch, by a sworn translator in Belgium.

Submitting the request

By e-mail via bon or to naric.attesten@vlaanderen.be; by post (postage is not accepted during the COVID period).

NARIC-Vlaanderen
Koning Albert II laan 15
1210 Brussel

E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be
www.naricvlaanderen.be

Comments

Deadline

1 to 2 months

Uses of a recognition

The recognition of the Diploma SO in the Flemish-speaking community can be useful when searching for a job or for professional training.

This diploma recognition is not required to pursue higher studies in the Flemish Community.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration (examination errors) / revision (new elements) of the decision: by registered mail to Naric, within 30 days of the decision / by email to the file manager, within 6 months of the decision.

Externally: to appeal the decision (disagreement with reasons): Council of State, with a copy to Naric.

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

2Your procedure

Certified nurse or nursing assistant – Secondary

The recognition of a diploma of completed paramedical secondary studies, proves that you have completed your secondary studies abroad and acquired the qualifications required to have the academic title of nursing assistant or certified nurse in Belgium.

How to choose between the French-speaking and the Dutch-speaking procedure? We advise you to choose the linguistic community where you live and/or where you plan to develop professionally. If you are based in Brussels, you may have the choice between both procedures.

Select the following options if you are:

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

If you do not have all the required documents, you can report it to the administration, which may under certain conditions be able to accept your application on the basis of your refugee status or subsidiary protection.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you provide proof of your refugee, subsidiary protection or asylum seeker status.

There is an additional form for asylum seekers or refugees who do not have all the required documents.

I am registered in Actiris

The recognition procedure is free of charge if you are registered at Actiris or VDAB as a full-time unemployed jobseeker and receive counselling from Actiris / VDAB or one of their partners (including bon and CIRÉ), in order to find a job.

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A certified copy of the paramedical diploma
  • A certified copy of the transcripts
  • If possible, a certified copy of the secondary studies diploma
  • The basic request form
  • The specific form for paramedical professions
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or a birth certificate
  • A copy of the official and detailed study programme
  • Records of internships (specifying content, number of hours, location, tasks)
  • If possible, employment certificates
  • A job search certificate (from Actiris, Forem, VDAB)
  • The original proof of payment
Certified copy Sworn translation
  • A simple copy of the diploma
  • A simple copy of transcripts
  • The basic request form
  • The specific form for healthcare professions
  • A copy of a Belgian ID or of your passport
  • A copy of the official and detailed study programme
  • The full schedule of the program
  • Records of internships (specifying content, number of hours, location, tasks)
  • If possible, employment certificates
  • Possible exemption of payment
Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

€150: countries on the list of the OECD
€200: other countries

€180

Free for: jobseekers registered at Actiris or VDAB, beneficiaries of the CPAS, asylum seekers, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of increased interventions (BIM / VIPO) and participants in the integration program of bon.

Accepted languages

French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French of the diploma and the transcripts.

Dutch, French, English, German.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation of the diploma (in Dutch) and of the transcripts (in one of the four accepted languages).

The sworn translation of the diploma must be done in Dutch, by a sworn translator in Belgium.

Submitting the request

By registered mail.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’enseignement obligatoire
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.oblig@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

By e-mail via bon or to naric.attesten@vlaanderen.be; by post (postage is not accepted during the COVID period).

NARIC-Vlaanderen
Koning Albert II laan 15
1210 Brussel

E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be
www.naricvlaanderen.be

Comments

Original documents are required for: Cameroon, DR Congo, Senegal, Guinea, Morocco, China, Poland, Romania, Rwanda and Bulgaria.

Deadline

4 months

4 months

Uses of a recognition

The recognition of your nursing assistant diploma or certified nurse diploma is a prerequisite for the exercise of your profession in Belgium, if the diploma is not European (EEA).

If your degree is from out of the EEA: once recognition has been obtained (as well as the accreditation that follows automatically), the next step is to apply for the “visa” or authorisation to practice, to the FPS Public Health.

If your degree is European (EEA), diploma recognition is in theory not necessary. We speak of “professional recognition” (DIR EU 2005/6): you can directly request an accreditation to the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. The authorisation to practice follows automatically, once the accreditation has been obtained.

For more information, see Useful links: Exercising a regulated profession.

The recognition of your nursing assistant diploma or your certified nurse diploma is a prerequisite for the exercise of your profession in Belgium, if it is not European (EEA).

If your degree is from out the EEA: once recognition has been obtained (as well as the accreditation that follows automatically), the next step is to apply for the “visa” or authorisation to practice, to the FPS Public Health.

If your degree is European (EEA), diploma recognition is in principle not necessary. We speak of “professional recognition” (DIR EU 2005/6): you can directly request the accreditation to the Agentschap Zorg en Gezondheid. The authorisation to practice follows automatically, once the accreditation has been obtained.

For more information, see Useful links: Exercising a regulated profession.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration / revision of the decision (examination errors, new elements or disagreement with reasons): by registered mail to the FWB, within 30 days of the decision.

Externally: appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

Internally: to request reconsideration (examination errors) / revision (new elements) of the decision: by registered mail to Naric, within 30 days of the decision / by email to the file manager, within 6 months of the decision.

Externally: to appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons): Council of State, with copy to Naric.

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

If you do not have all the required documents, you can report it to the administration, which may under certain conditions be able to accept your application on the basis of your refugee status or subsidiary protection.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A certified copy of the paramedical diploma
  • A certified copy of the transcripts
  • If possible, a certified copy of the secondary studies diploma
  • The basic request form
  • The specific form for paramedical professions
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or a birth certificate
  • A copy of the official and detailed study programme
  • Records of internships (specifying content, number of hours, location, tasks)
  • If possible, employment certificates
  • A job search certificate (from Actiris, Forem, VDAB)
  • The original proof of payment

Cost of the procedure

€150: countries on the list of the OECD
€200: other countries

Accepted languages

French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French of the diploma and the transcripts.

Submitting the request

By registered mail.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’enseignement obligatoire
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.oblig@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

Comments

Original documents are required for: Cameroon, DR Congo, Senegal, Guinea, Morocco, China, Poland, Romania, Rwanda and Bulgaria.

Deadline

4 months

Uses of a recognition

The recognition of your nursing assistant diploma or certified nurse diploma is a prerequisite for the exercise of your profession in Belgium, if the diploma is not European (EEA).

If your degree is from out of the EEA: once recognition has been obtained (as well as the accreditation that follows automatically), the next step is to apply for the “visa” or authorisation to practice, to the FPS Public Health.

If your degree is European (EEA), diploma recognition is in theory not necessary. We speak of “professional recognition” (DIR EU 2005/6): you can directly request an accreditation to the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. The authorisation to practice follows automatically, once the accreditation has been obtained.

For more information, see Useful links: Exercising a regulated profession.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration / revision of the decision (examination errors, new elements or disagreement with reasons): by registered mail to the FWB, within 30 days of the decision.

Externally: appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you provide proof of your refugee, subsidiary protection or asylum seeker status.

There is an additional form for asylum seekers or refugees who do not have all the required documents.

I am registered in Actiris

The recognition procedure is free of charge if you are registered at Actiris or VDAB as a full-time unemployed jobseeker and receive counselling from Actiris / VDAB or one of their partners (including bon and CIRÉ), in order to find a job.

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A simple copy of the diploma
  • A simple copy of transcripts
  • The basic request form
  • The specific form for healthcare professions
  • A copy of a Belgian ID or of your passport
  • A copy of the official and detailed study programme
  • The full schedule of the program
  • Records of internships (specifying content, number of hours, location, tasks)
  • If possible, employment certificates
  • Possible exemption of payment
Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

€180

Free for: jobseekers registered at Actiris or VDAB, beneficiaries of the CPAS, asylum seekers, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of increased interventions (BIM / VIPO) and participants in the integration program of bon.

Accepted languages

Dutch, French, English, German.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation of the diploma (in Dutch) and of the transcripts (in one of the four accepted languages).

The sworn translation of the diploma must be done in Dutch, by a sworn translator in Belgium.

Submitting the request

By e-mail via bon or to naric.attesten@vlaanderen.be; by post (postage is not accepted during the COVID period).

NARIC-Vlaanderen
Koning Albert II laan 15
1210 Brussel

E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be
www.naricvlaanderen.be

Comments

Deadline

4 months

Uses of a recognition

The recognition of your nursing assistant diploma or your certified nurse diploma is a prerequisite for the exercise of your profession in Belgium, if it is not European (EEA).

If your degree is from out the EEA: once recognition has been obtained (as well as the accreditation that follows automatically), the next step is to apply for the “visa” or authorisation to practice, to the FPS Public Health.

If your degree is European (EEA), diploma recognition is in principle not necessary. We speak of “professional recognition” (DIR EU 2005/6): you can directly request the accreditation to the Agentschap Zorg en Gezondheid. The authorisation to practice follows automatically, once the accreditation has been obtained.

For more information, see Useful links: Exercising a regulated profession.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration (examination errors) / revision (new elements) of the decision: by registered mail to Naric, within 30 days of the decision / by email to the file manager, within 6 months of the decision.

Externally: to appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons): Council of State, with copy to Naric.

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

2Your procedure

Level recognition – Higher education

The level recognition proves the level of study to which corresponds your higher education diploma (eg. Graduate, Bachelor, Master or PhD), but does not recognize your field of study (eg. Biology, History, Journalism,…).

How to choose between the French-speaking and the Dutch-speaking procedure? We advise you to choose the linguistic community where you live and/or where you plan to develop professionally. If you are based in Brussels, you may have the choice between both procedures.

Select the following options if you are:

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you can provide proof of your refugee status or subsidiary protection.

There is an additional form for refugees who do not have all the required documents. Please note that only a level recognition can be obtained with this procedure.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you can provide proof of your refugee, subsidiary protection or asylum seeker status.

There is an additional form for refugees or asylum seekers who do not have all the required documents.

I am registered in Actiris

The recognition procedure is free of charge if you are registered at Actiris or VDAB as a full-time unemployed jobseeker, and receive counselling from Actiris / VDAB or one of their partners (including bon and CIRÉ), in order to find a job.

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A certified copy of the diploma
  • A certified copy of the transcripts (for each year of study)
  • The request form
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or a birth certificate
  • If possible, diploma supplement
  • A covering letter
  • Your CV
  • The original proof of payment
Certified copy Sworn translation
  • A simple copy of the diploma
  • A simple copy of the transcripts
  • The request form
  • A copy of a Belgian ID or of your passport
  • A copy of the thesis (for Master’s degree)
  • If possible, the diploma supplement
  • Optionally, your CV
  • Possible exemption from payment
Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

€150: countries on the list of the OECD
€200: other countries
€65: post-Bologna European diplomas and diplomas that are subject of case-law (both EU and non-EU)

Free for: recognized refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

€ 90

Free for: jobseekers registered at Actiris or VDAB, beneficiaries of the CPAS, asylum seekers, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of increased interventions (BIM / VIPO) and participants in the integration program of bon.

Accepted languages

French, English.

If the originals are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French of the diploma and the transcripts.

Dutch, French, English, German.

If the originals are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation of the diploma (in Dutch) and of the transcripts (in one of the four accepted languages).

The sworn translation of the diploma must be done in Dutch, by a sworn translator in Belgium.

Submitting the request

By registered mail.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’Enseignement supérieur
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1 (5 ième étage)
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.sup@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

By e-mail via bon or to naric.attesten@vlaanderen.be; by post (postage is not accepted during the COVID period).

NARIC-Vlaanderen
Koning Albert II laan 15
1210 Brussel

E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be
www.naricvlaanderen.be

Comments

The FWB also examines applications for PhD level recognition.

The thesis is only required for the recognition of a Master level, not for the Bachelor or BES (certificate of higher education).

Naric is responsible for the recognition of PhD, but only a specific recognition is possible.

Deadline

2 months

2 months

Uses of a recognition

A level recognition can be useful when looking for a job that is not specific to your field of study. It will be required to work in the public sector.

It may also be useful in order to pursue higher studies; or possibly replace the CESS for entering higher studies.

Note: if your goal is to resume / pursue studies, it is advisable to check the admission requirements for the chosen studies, in order to know whether a diploma recognition is necessary (and if so, of which degree and type).

Level recognition can be useful when looking for a job that is not specific to your field of study. It will be required to work in the public sector.

Note: if your goal is to resume / pursue studies, it is advisable to check the admission requirements for the chosen studies, in order to know whether a diploma recognition is necessary (and if so, of which diploma and type).

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration / revision of the decision (examination errors, new elements or disagreement with reasons): by registered mail to the FWB.

Externally: to appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

Internally: to request reconsideration (examination errors) / revision (new elements) of the decision: by registered mail to Naric within 30 days of the decision / by email to the file manager, within 6 months of the decision.

Externally: to appeal the decision (disagreement with reasons): Special advice for education in the Flemish Community.

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you can provide proof of your refugee status or subsidiary protection.

There is an additional form for refugees who do not have all the required documents. Please note that only a level recognition can be obtained with this procedure.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A certified copy of the diploma
  • A certified copy of the transcripts (for each year of study)
  • The request form
  • A copy of your Belgian ID or a birth certificate
  • If possible, diploma supplement
  • A covering letter
  • Your CV
  • The original proof of payment

Cost of the procedure

€150: countries on the list of the OECD
€200: other countries
€65: post-Bologna European diplomas and diplomas that are subject of case-law (both EU and non-EU)

Free for: recognized refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

Accepted languages

French, English.

If the originals are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French of the diploma and the transcripts.

Submitting the request

By registered mail.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’Enseignement supérieur
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1 (5 ième étage)
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.sup@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

Comments

The FWB also examines applications for PhD level recognition.

Deadline

2 months

Uses of a recognition

A level recognition can be useful when looking for a job that is not specific to your field of study. It will be required to work in the public sector.

It may also be useful in order to pursue higher studies; or possibly replace the CESS for entering higher studies.

Note: if your goal is to resume / pursue studies, it is advisable to check the admission requirements for the chosen studies, in order to know whether a diploma recognition is necessary (and if so, of which degree and type).

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration / revision of the decision (examination errors, new elements or disagreement with reasons): by registered mail to the FWB.

Externally: to appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you can provide proof of your refugee, subsidiary protection or asylum seeker status.

There is an additional form for refugees or asylum seekers who do not have all the required documents.

I am registered in Actiris

The recognition procedure is free of charge if you are registered at Actiris or VDAB as a full-time unemployed jobseeker, and receive counselling from Actiris / VDAB or one of their partners (including bon and CIRÉ), in order to find a job.

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A simple copy of the diploma
  • A simple copy of the transcripts
  • The request form
  • A copy of a Belgian ID or of your passport
  • A copy of the thesis (for Master’s degree)
  • If possible, the diploma supplement
  • Optionally, your CV
  • Possible exemption from payment
Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

€ 90

Free for: jobseekers registered at Actiris or VDAB, beneficiaries of the CPAS, asylum seekers, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of increased interventions (BIM / VIPO) and participants in the integration program of bon.

Accepted languages

Dutch, French, English, German.

If the originals are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation of the diploma (in Dutch) and of the transcripts (in one of the four accepted languages).

The sworn translation of the diploma must be done in Dutch, by a sworn translator in Belgium.

Submitting the request

By e-mail via bon or to naric.attesten@vlaanderen.be; by post (postage is not accepted during the COVID period).

NARIC-Vlaanderen
Koning Albert II laan 15
1210 Brussel

E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be
www.naricvlaanderen.be

Comments

The thesis is only required for the recognition of a Master level, not for the Bachelor or BES (certificate of higher education).

Naric is responsible for the recognition of PhD, but only a specific recognition is possible.

Deadline

2 months

Uses of a recognition

Level recognition can be useful when looking for a job that is not specific to your field of study. It will be required to work in the public sector.

Note: if your goal is to resume / pursue studies, it is advisable to check the admission requirements for the chosen studies, in order to know whether a diploma recognition is necessary (and if so, of which diploma and type).

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration (examination errors) / revision (new elements) of the decision: by registered mail to Naric within 30 days of the decision / by email to the file manager, within 6 months of the decision.

Externally: to appeal the decision (disagreement with reasons): Special advice for education in the Flemish Community.

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

2Your procedure

Specific recognition – Higher education

The specific recognition proves the level and the field of study to which corresponds your higher education diploma (eg: Bachelor in Accounting or Master in Biology).

How to choose between the French-speaking and the Dutch-speaking procedure? We advise you to choose the linguistic community where you live and/or where you plan to develop professionally. If you are based in Brussels, you may have the choice between both procedures.

 

 

Select the following options if you are:

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you can provide proof of your refugee or subsidiary protection status.

There is an additional form for refugees who do not have all the required documents. Please note that only a level recognition can be obtained with this procedure.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you can provide proof of your refugee, subsidiary protection or asylum seeker status.

There is an additional form and a special procedure for refugees who do not have all the required documents.

I am registered in Actiris

The recognition procedure is free of charge if you are registered at Actiris or VDAB as a full-time unemployed jobseeker, and get counselling from Actiris/VDAB or one of its partners (including bon and CIRÉ), in order to find a job.

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  •  A certified copy of the diploma
  • A certified copy of the transcripts (for each year of study)
  • The request form
  • A copy of a Belgian ID or a birth certificate
  • A copy of the official and detailed study programme
  • A copy of the thesis (+ a summary if the original is not written in French or English)
  • Copies of internship certificates
  • Optionally, diploma supplement
  • A covering letter
  • Your CV
  • The original proof of payment
Certified copy Sworn translation
  • A simple copy of the diploma
  • A simple copy of the transcripts
  • The request form
  • A copy of a Belgian identity document or your passport
  • A copy of the official and detailed study programme
  • A copy of the thesis in case of a Master’s degree (+ a summary if the original is not originally written in French or English)
  • Copies of internship certificates
  • Copies of employment certificates
  • Optionally, diploma supplement
  • Possible exemption from payment
Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

€150: countries on the list of the OECD
€200: other countries

Free for recognized refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

€180

Free for: jobseekers registered at Actiris or VDAB, beneficiaries of the CPAS, asylum seekers, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of increased interventions (BIM / VIPO) and participants in the bon integration program.

Accepted languages

French, English.

If the original documents are in different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French of the diploma and the transcripts.

Dutch, French, English, German.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation of the diploma (in Dutch) and of the transcripts (in one of the four accepted languages).

The sworn translation of the diploma must be done in Dutch, by a sworn translator in Belgium.

Submitting the request

By registered mail.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’Enseignement supérieur
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1 (5 ième étage)
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.sup@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

By e-mail via bon or to naric.attesten@vlaanderen.be; by post (postage is not accepted during the COVID period).

NARIC-Vlaanderen
Koning Albert II laan 15
1210 Brussel

E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be
www.naricvlaanderen.be

Comments

The summary of your dissertation should include: a translation of the introduction, the conclusion, tthe table of contents and the bibliography, as well as a summary of the development.

If you cannot provide internship certificates, you may attach employment certificates in the field of study in question.

A request for specific recognition for a PhD must be sent to a university in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles.

The thesis is only required for the recognition of a Master’s or PhD level, not for Bachelor or BES (Certificate of Higher Education).

The thesis must have been completed alone. The summary of the thesis must be 5 to 10 pages long and include: the research framework (topic), the method used, the conclusions and the bibliography.

The CV is required when applying for the recognition of medical degrees.

Naric is also responsible for the specific recognition of PhD in the Flemish Community.

Deadline

4 months (from the moment the file is considered complete)

4 months

Uses of a recognition

The specific recognition can be useful when looking for a job in your field of study. If your diploma is not European (except EEA), this recognition will be required for the exercise of a regulated profession involving a higher education level.

The specific recognition is also required to access the “Agrégation” (teaching qualification – upper secondary education) or a third cycle of studies.

If your plan is to exercise a regulated liberal profession in Belgium, in addition to the diploma recognition, you will have to apply for an authorisation to practice, to the authority responsible for your profession.

Please note that the diploma recognition is not necessary (in principle) if your diploma is European (EEA). You can then directly request an authorisation to practice, to the competent authority for your profession.

For more information, see Useful links: Exercising a regulated profession.

The specific recognition can be useful when looking for a job in your field of study. If your diploma is not European (except EEA), this recognition will be required for the exercise of a regulated profession involving a higher education level.

The specific recognition is also required to access the “Verkorte Educational Bachelor” (teaching qualification).

If your plan is to exercise a regulated liberal profession in Belgium, in addition to the diploma recognition, you will have to apply for an authorisation to practice, to the authority responsible for your profession.

Please note that the diploma recognition is not necessary (in principle) if your diploma is European (EEA). You can then directly request an authorisation to practice, to the competent authority for your profession.

For more information, see Useful links: Exercising a regulated profession.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration / revision of the decision (examination errors, new elements or disagreement with reasons): by registered mail to the FWB.

Externally: to appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

Internally: to request reconsideration (examination errors) / revision (new elements) of the decision: by registered mail to Naric within 30 days of the decision / by email to the file manager within 6 months of the decision.

Externally: to appeal the decision (disagreement with reasons – higher education): Special Council for education in the Flemish Community.

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you can provide proof of your refugee or subsidiary protection status.

There is an additional form for refugees who do not have all the required documents. Please note that only a level recognition can be obtained with this procedure.

I am registered in Actiris

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  •  A certified copy of the diploma
  • A certified copy of the transcripts (for each year of study)
  • The request form
  • A copy of a Belgian ID or a birth certificate
  • A copy of the official and detailed study programme
  • A copy of the thesis (+ a summary if the original is not written in French or English)
  • Copies of internship certificates
  • Optionally, diploma supplement
  • A covering letter
  • Your CV
  • The original proof of payment

Cost of the procedure

€150: countries on the list of the OECD
€200: other countries

Free for recognized refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

Accepted languages

French, English.

If the original documents are in different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation in French of the diploma and the transcripts.

Submitting the request

By registered mail.

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB)
Service Equivalences pour l’Enseignement supérieur
Rue Adolphe Lavallée 1 (5 ième étage)
1080 Bruxelles

E-mail: equi.sup@cfwb.be
www.equivalences.cfwb.be

Comments

The summary of your dissertation should include: a translation of the introduction, the conclusion, tthe table of contents and the bibliography, as well as a summary of the development.

If you cannot provide internship certificates, you may attach employment certificates in the field of study in question.

A request for specific recognition for a PhD must be sent to a university in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles.

Deadline

4 months (from the moment the file is considered complete)

Uses of a recognition

The specific recognition can be useful when looking for a job in your field of study. If your diploma is not European (except EEA), this recognition will be required for the exercise of a regulated profession involving a higher education level.

The specific recognition is also required to access the “Agrégation” (teaching qualification – upper secondary education) or a third cycle of studies.

If your plan is to exercise a regulated liberal profession in Belgium, in addition to the diploma recognition, you will have to apply for an authorisation to practice, to the authority responsible for your profession.

Please note that the diploma recognition is not necessary (in principle) if your diploma is European (EEA). You can then directly request an authorisation to practice, to the competent authority for your profession.

For more information, see Useful links: Exercising a regulated profession.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration / revision of the decision (examination errors, new elements or disagreement with reasons): by registered mail to the FWB.

Externally: to appeal against the decision (disagreement with reasons):

NARIC-Vlaanderen

I am a refugee

The procedure is free of charge if you can provide proof of your refugee, subsidiary protection or asylum seeker status.

There is an additional form and a special procedure for refugees who do not have all the required documents.

I am registered in Actiris

The recognition procedure is free of charge if you are registered at Actiris or VDAB as a full-time unemployed jobseeker, and get counselling from Actiris/VDAB or one of its partners (including bon and CIRÉ), in order to find a job.

We organize information sessions for jobseekers registered at Actiris. See the dates of our next information sessions in our Agenda.

Required documents

  • A simple copy of the diploma
  • A simple copy of the transcripts
  • The request form
  • A copy of a Belgian identity document or your passport
  • A copy of the official and detailed study programme
  • A copy of the thesis in case of a Master’s degree (+ a summary if the original is not originally written in French or English)
  • Copies of internship certificates
  • Copies of employment certificates
  • Optionally, diploma supplement
  • Possible exemption from payment
Sworn translation

Cost of the procedure

€180

Free for: jobseekers registered at Actiris or VDAB, beneficiaries of the CPAS, asylum seekers, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of increased interventions (BIM / VIPO) and participants in the bon integration program.

Accepted languages

Dutch, French, English, German.

If the original documents are in a different language, you will have to provide a sworn translation of the diploma (in Dutch) and of the transcripts (in one of the four accepted languages).

The sworn translation of the diploma must be done in Dutch, by a sworn translator in Belgium.

Submitting the request

By e-mail via bon or to naric.attesten@vlaanderen.be; by post (postage is not accepted during the COVID period).

NARIC-Vlaanderen
Koning Albert II laan 15
1210 Brussel

E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be
www.naricvlaanderen.be

Comments

The thesis is only required for the recognition of a Master’s or PhD level, not for Bachelor or BES (Certificate of Higher Education).

The thesis must have been completed alone. The summary of the thesis must be 5 to 10 pages long and include: the research framework (topic), the method used, the conclusions and the bibliography.

The CV is required when applying for the recognition of medical degrees.

Naric is also responsible for the specific recognition of PhD in the Flemish Community.

Deadline

4 months

Uses of a recognition

The specific recognition can be useful when looking for a job in your field of study. If your diploma is not European (except EEA), this recognition will be required for the exercise of a regulated profession involving a higher education level.

The specific recognition is also required to access the “Verkorte Educational Bachelor” (teaching qualification).

If your plan is to exercise a regulated liberal profession in Belgium, in addition to the diploma recognition, you will have to apply for an authorisation to practice, to the authority responsible for your profession.

Please note that the diploma recognition is not necessary (in principle) if your diploma is European (EEA). You can then directly request an authorisation to practice, to the competent authority for your profession.

For more information, see Useful links: Exercising a regulated profession.

Possibilities of appeal

Internally: to request reconsideration (examination errors) / revision (new elements) of the decision: by registered mail to Naric within 30 days of the decision / by email to the file manager within 6 months of the decision.

Externally: to appeal the decision (disagreement with reasons – higher education): Special Council for education in the Flemish Community.

German-speaking community :

It is also possible to submit a recognition request to the German-speaking Community if you live or have a professional project in this region of Belgium.

For more information, visit the website of Ostbelgien.

A question?





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