Are Belgian state schools good enough for expat children?

For families staying long-term, Belgian state schools (especially in the Flemish community) are excellent — PISA scores rank in the top 15 globally. The challenge is language: all teaching is in Dutch or French. Schools offer integration classes for non-native speakers, but adjustment takes 6–12 months. For short-term stays (under 3 years), international schools offering IB or English-language curricula are usually more appropriate.

What are the European Schools and who can attend?

The European Schools are EU-funded multilingual schools with a unique European Baccalaureate qualification. Priority enrolment goes to children of EU institution employees (free of charge). Other students may attend if places are available, paying approximately €6,000–€7,000/year. Brussels has 4 European Schools with instruction in multiple EU languages. They are academically rigorous and produce genuinely multilingual graduates.

How much does university cost in Belgium?

Belgian university tuition is remarkably low. EU students pay approximately €900–€1,000/year. Non-EU students pay €900–€5,000/year for most programmes — dramatically cheaper than the UK (£9,250+) or Netherlands (€8,000–€20,000). KU Leuven, UGent, ULB, and VUB are all world-ranked and offer an increasing number of English-taught Master's programmes.

How early should I register for childcare in Brussels?

As early as possible — ideally during pregnancy. Brussels crèche waiting lists can be 6–18 months. Contact Kind & Gezin (Dutch-speaking crèches) or ONE (French-speaking crèches) immediately. Many parents register at multiple crèches simultaneously. Income-based subsidised crèches charge €5–€30/day, making them excellent value if you can secure a spot.

Can expat children attend school in Belgium for free?

Yes. Belgian state schools are free for all children residing in Belgium, regardless of nationality or parents' visa status. A small voluntary contribution (€50–€200/year) may be requested for activities and materials. Pre-school from age 2.5 is also free. International schools and European Schools (for non-EU staff) charge fees.

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🇧🇪 Belgium

Education

Free

State School Cost

Belgian public education; small voluntary contribution

€8,000–€30,000/yr

International School Fees

Varies by school and level

Free

European School Fees

For children of EU institution employees

€900–€5,000/yr

University Tuition (Non-EU)

Significantly lower than UK/NL for most programmes

Top 50 globally

KU Leuven World Rank

QS World University Rankings 2025

Top 20 globally

PISA Education Ranking

OECD; Flemish community top 15

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏛️Brussels 💎Antwerp 🏰Ghent

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Overview

Belgium has an excellent education system with high PISA scores and a strong network of international schools, particularly in Brussels. Education is managed by the three linguistic communities (Flemish, French, German-speaking), each with its own curriculum, standards, and administration. For expat families, Brussels offers over 30 international schools including the prestigious European Schools (free for children of EU institution employees), IB programmes, and British and American curricula. Belgian universities — KU Leuven, ULB, UGent, and VUB — are world-ranked and offer numerous English-taught programmes.

Key Takeaways

Flemish community schools: Dutch-language; high PISA scores (top 15 globally); strong emphasis on STEM and multilingualism
European Schools: 4 in Brussels (Berkendael, Ixelles, Woluwe, Laeken); free for EU staff children; European Baccalaureate qualification
KU Leuven: top 50 globally; Belgium's largest university; extensive English-taught Master's programmes; campus spread across Flanders
Crèche (0–3 years): income-based fees in subsidised crèches (€5–€30/day); private crèches €25–€50/day
Flemish integration programme (inburgering): free Dutch language and civic orientation courses for newcomers to Flanders; managed by Atlas (Antwerp) and BON/IN-Gent (Ghent)

The Belgian School System — Three Communities

Belgium's education is divided among three linguistic communities: the Flemish Community (Dutch-language), the French Community (Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles), and the small German-speaking Community. Each sets its own curriculum and standards. In Brussels, both Flemish and French community schools operate side by side. Compulsory education runs from age 5 to 18. Belgian state schools are free and generally high quality.

Flemish community schools: Dutch-language; high PISA scores (top 15 globally); strong emphasis on STEM and multilingualism
French community schools: French-language; slightly lower PISA scores than Flemish but still above EU average
Compulsory education: ages 5–18; pre-school from 2.5 years (not compulsory but almost universal)
Secondary education: divided into ASO (general), TSO (technical), KSO (arts), and BSO (vocational) streams in Flanders; similar structure in French community
Immersion education: some schools offer partial immersion in a second language (Dutch in French community schools and vice versa)
School fees: state schools are free; voluntary contribution for activities €50–€200/year; school lunch typically €3–€5/day

International Schools in Belgium

Brussels has one of Europe's densest concentrations of international schools, driven by the EU institutions, NATO, and the large diplomatic community. The European Schools — free for children of EU institution employees — offer a multilingual European curriculum leading to the European Baccalaureate. Private international schools offer IB, British, American, French, German, and other national curricula.

European Schools: 4 in Brussels (Berkendael, Ixelles, Woluwe, Laeken); free for EU staff children; European Baccalaureate qualification
International School of Brussels (ISB): IB curriculum; pre-K through Grade 12; fees €20,000–€30,000/year; highly regarded
British School of Brussels: British curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels); pre-school to Year 13; fees €15,000–€25,000/year
St John's International School (Waterloo): IB World School; strong American-influenced culture; fees €15,000–€28,000/year
Antwerp International School: IB curriculum; growing institution serving the Antwerp expat community; fees €10,000–€22,000/year
Waiting lists: European Schools and top Brussels international schools have significant waiting lists — apply 12–18 months in advance

Higher Education — Belgian Universities

Belgium has several world-ranked universities. KU Leuven (Flemish community) consistently ranks in the global top 50 and is one of Europe's oldest universities (founded 1425). ULB and VUB in Brussels, UGent, and UCLouvain are all internationally recognised. Belgian university tuition for EU students is remarkably low — often under €1,000/year. English-taught programmes are increasingly available, especially at Master's level.

KU Leuven: top 50 globally; Belgium's largest university; extensive English-taught Master's programmes; campus spread across Flanders
UGent (Ghent University): top 100; strong in biotech, engineering, and humanities; growing number of English programmes
ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles): French-language; strong in sciences, law, and economics; Nobel Prize heritage
VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel): Dutch-language Brussels university; excellent for engineering and social sciences
Tuition: EU students ~€900–€1,000/year; non-EU students €900–€5,000/year for most programmes — dramatically cheaper than UK or Netherlands
Erasmus Mundus and Marie Curie: Belgium hosts numerous EU-funded research programmes with full scholarships for international students

Childcare — Crèches and Pre-School

Childcare in Belgium is subsidised and relatively affordable compared to neighbouring countries. Crèches (daycare for ages 0–3) are regulated by the communities: Kind & Gezin in Flanders and ONE in the French community. Pre-school (école maternelle/kleuterschool) from age 2.5 is free and nearly universal. Demand for crèche places exceeds supply, particularly in Brussels — register during pregnancy if possible.

Crèche (0–3 years): income-based fees in subsidised crèches (€5–€30/day); private crèches €25–€50/day
Register early: Brussels crèches have long waiting lists — contact Kind & Gezin or ONE as soon as possible, ideally during pregnancy
Pre-school (kleuterschool/école maternelle): from age 2.5; free; not compulsory but ~97% attendance rate
After-school care (garderie/opvang): available at most schools; €1–€5/hour; until 5–6pm
Au pair: permitted in Belgium; regulations vary by region; typically room and board + €450/month pocket money
Childcare tax deduction: up to €15.70/day per child deductible from taxable income (2026)

Learning French, Dutch, or German

Learning at least one of Belgium's official languages is strongly recommended for long-term residents. Regional integration programmes offer free or subsidised language courses for newcomers. French is most useful in Brussels and Wallonia; Dutch in Flanders and parts of Brussels. Belgium's language landscape makes it an excellent place to become genuinely multilingual.

Flemish integration programme (inburgering): free Dutch language and civic orientation courses for newcomers to Flanders; managed by Atlas (Antwerp) and BON/IN-Gent (Ghent)
Brussels: BAPA offers free integration courses; Actiris provides language courses for job seekers; numerous private schools (CVO, Alliance Française)
French community: CISP and CRI centres offer French language integration in Wallonia
Alliance Française (Brussels, Antwerp): high-quality French courses for adults; various levels and schedules
Online platforms: Duolingo, Babbel, and Language Transfer for self-study; Italki for tutoring
Language practice: Belgians appreciate any effort to speak their language — even basic greetings open doors and build goodwill

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