The higher education system of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels is characterized by the co-existence of “short-type” or professionally-oriented education and of “long-type” or academic education. In spite of the binary character of the higher education system, no legal distinction is made between similar degrees, irrespective of the type of higher education institution awarding them. However, a distinction should be made regarding the organisation of the programme according to the type of education. The “short-type” or professionally-oriented higher education programmes are organised in a single cycle of studies of at least 180 credits (Bachelor in Midwifery requires 240 ECTS) and are sanctioned by a Bachelor’s degree (bachelier de l’enseignement supérieur de type court). These types of degree are awarded by University Colleges.

Bachelier de spécialisation - specialised degree awarded after one year of study (60 ECTS) following a professionally-oriented Bachelier. The title of the degree is followed by the name of the speciality (i.e. Bachelier de spécialisation en pédiatrie, en art thérapie, en accessoires de mode, etc.).

Rights Granted

Admission to Master

Recognition Status

http://www.enseignement.be

Other Information

http://www.enseignement.be

https://enic-naric.net/page-Belgium-French-Community

Second cycle of university and “long-type” or academic higher education. It includes 60 credits or 120 credits and is sanctioned by a Master’s degree.

Master de spécialisation - specialised degree awarded after at least one year of study (60 ECTS) following a Master degree. The title of the degree is followed by the name of the speciality. The Master de spécialisation (previously Master complémentaire) is delivered from the 2014-2015 academic year.

Rights Granted

Admission to Doctorat

Recognition Status

http://www.enseignement.be

Other Information

http://www.enseignement.be

https://enic-naric.net/page-Belgium-French-Community

The Doctorate’s degree is awarded upon completion of a third cycle programme; it is awarded by a university after the defence of a thesis based on original research. The third cycle programmes comprise doctoral studies and work related to the preparation of a doctoral thesis. It carries a fixed number of 180 credits. Only universities award the academic Doctorate degree.

Rights Granted

This is the highest academic qualification

Recognition Status

http://www.enseignement.be

Other Information

http://www.enseignement.be

https://enic-naric.net/page-Belgium-French-Community