Flemish higher education system explained

Flanders – the northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium – has a strong international reputation for high-quality, student-centred higher education. Degrees are recognised across Europe, and all institutions follow the same quality standards under the European Higher Education Area.

Flemish higher education offers several degree types. The main ones are:

  • Associate degree - Graduaat: a 1.5–2 year, practice-based programme preparing you for a specific profession or a bachelor’s degree.
  • Professional bachelor’s degree: a 3-year (or 4-year for Nursing) programme that blends theory with practice and includes internships.
  • Academic bachelor’s and master’s degrees: research-focused degrees offered by universities, often leading to a master’s.

At KdG, we focus on associate and professional bachelor’s degrees, giving you both the theory and the skills to start your career or continue studying later.

Read more about the difference between a University and a University of Applied Sciences

Flemish Higher Education System Explained

From a KdG Bachelor to a Master’s Degree

At KdG, you obtain a professional bachelor’s degree. This degree focuses on practical skills and prepares you for the job market.

If you wish to continue studying towards a master’s degree, your options depend on where you want to study:

  • In Flanders (Belgium): You must first complete a bridging programme (“schakelprogramma”), which usually takes one to two years depending on your field and the university. After this, you can start a master’s degree at a Flemish university.
  • In other countries: KdG degrees are officially recognised within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This means that your professional bachelor’s degree can be accepted abroad, but admission to a master’s programme depends on the university’s own requirements. Some may accept you directly, while others may ask for additional coursework or professional experience.

Language of instruction

Most programmes in Flanders are taught in Dutch, but you’ll find an increasing number of English-taught programmes, especially at the master’s level.

At KdG, we offer several English-taught bachelor’s degrees designed for international students, no Dutch required.

Explore our English-taught programmes

European context and recognition

All Flemish institutions operate within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This means:

  • Degrees are internationally recognised across Europe.
  • Study load is measured in ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer System).
  • You can easily transfer or continue your studies in other European countries.

In Belgium, every study programme follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), the standard system used across Europe to measure study progress.

What are ECTS credits?

ECTS credits show how much work a course or programme requires. They don’t measure grades or scores, they measure study effort and time.

  • 1 ECTS credit = 25–30 hours of total study time. This includes lectures, group work, assignments, exams, and self-study.
  • A full-time academic year equals 60 ECTS credits, or about 1,500–1,800 hours of study, that is around 40 hours a week.
  • Each course is worth a certain number of credits. For example, 3, 6, or 9 ECTS, depending on how intensive it is.

Think of ECTS credits as a way to compare your study load internationally: whether you study in Belgium, Germany, or Spain, 60 ECTS equals one year of full-time study.

Read more about the education and examination regulations at KdG

Your progress and the statutory threshold

In Flanders, earning credits also means making steady progress through your studies. To support this, the Flemish government introduced a measure called the statutory threshold (“decretale drempel”).

Here’s what it means for you:

  • It applies when you enrol for the first time in a specific bachelor’s programme in Flanders.
  • By the end of your second academic year, you must have passed all the courses you took in your first year (normally 60 ECTS).
  • If not, you cannot re-enrol in the same bachelor’s programme at KdG or any other Flemish higher education institution for the next six years.

Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of support. Your study career counsellor helps you plan your study load and stay on track to meet this requirement.

Read more about guidance and support at KdG

Our academic year is divided into four periods, so you get regular feedback, manageable workloads, and several chances to show what you’ve learned. Each period with:

  • 6 weeks of classes
  • 1 week of exam preparation
  • 1 to 3 weeks of exams

So instead of having all your exams at the end of the year, you’ll take them in smaller blocks throughout the year.

Breaks during the year

Throughout the year, you’ll enjoy several breaks to recharge and have some extra study time:

  • Autumn break: 1 week
  • Christmas break: 2 weeks
  • Spring break: 1 week (February)
  • Easter break: 2 weeks
  • Summer break: about 2 months (July to August)

During these weeks, most classes pause. Giving you time to rest, travel, or catch up with friends and studies.

All professional bachelor’s programmes at KdG include an internship component. This is an essential part of your studies, designed to help you apply theoretical knowledge in a professional setting and gain hands-on experience in your field.

  • The duration and timing of internships vary depending on your programme. In most cases, you will spend several weeks working within a company, organisation or institution, either in Belgium or abroad.
  • KdG maintains a broad network of partner organisations in a wide range of sectors. Internship coordinators and lecturers will support you in finding a suitable placement that matches your interests, skills and study goals.

In addition, KdG offers career guidance and employability support through workshops, individual coaching and networking events. These services can help you explore your options and prepare for a career in Belgium or internationally.