Belgium offers English-taught degrees, with the widest choice generally at master’s and doctoral level, although English bachelor’s programmes also exist; Flemish official guidance describes that distribution (Study in Flanders). Start with the Univs programme catalogue and organise the shortlist through the Belgium country hub. Then use the official community directories to verify the course and institution. Do not choose from an English title alone: confirm whether every compulsory module, examination, placement, laboratory and thesis can be completed in English. Most English-taught programmes use B2 English as a common admission baseline, but accepted tests, scores and exemptions are institution-specific; check the current Flemish admission guidance and programme page. Compare degree type and ECTS too; professional bachelor’s, academic bachelor’s and master’s routes have different purposes. Univs remains the application-planning path, while the official programme page and admission office control any required institutional submission and final academic decision.
English-taught study at a glance
| Question | Useful starting point | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Where can I find programmes? | Official community programme finders | Current intake and institution page |
| Which levels offer most choice? | Master’s and doctoral study | Degree type, ECTS and subject fit |
| What English level is common? | CEFR B2 | Accepted test, score and waiver |
| Is all study in English? | Programme language label | Modules, exams, placements and thesis |
| Is local language needed? | Not always for admission | Housing, work, healthcare and placements |
Use the correct official programme finder
Study in Flanders states that its programme finder lists foreign-language programmes across Flemish higher-education institutions. It includes filters for degree type, institution, ECTS and language and links to the provider’s current page.
Wallonie-Bruxelles Campus provides the official discovery route for French-speaking higher education. Search both systems when location is flexible, but do not merge their fee or admissions rules.
Expect more English choice at master’s level
Official Flemish guidance says Dutch is the language of most programmes and that English options are available at bachelor’s level but more extensive at master’s and PhD level. French-speaking institutions also offer master’s programmes partly or fully in English.
A limited bachelor’s selection does not justify choosing the first English title. Compare curriculum, progression, recognition and city fit. A local-language programme may not be realistic without the required proficiency.
Check the degree type, not just the language
An English professional bachelor’s is practice-focused and designed for labour-market preparation. An academic bachelor’s normally prepares students for master’s study. A master’s expects prior academic fit and may be 60, 120 or more ECTS depending on the system and field.
Ask whether a professional bachelor’s graduate needs bridging study to enter the intended master’s. Language does not change the qualification’s academic purpose.
Confirm the complete language map
Request a module list showing the teaching and assessment language. Ask separately about compulsory placements, clinical activity, fieldwork, internships, electives, administration and thesis supervision.
A programme can be “English-taught” while local-language ability is needed to interact with patients, pupils, clients or placement teams. If a placement is essential, this can determine whether the programme is workable.
Read the current course catalogue, not only the programme landing page. A compulsory unit may rotate language or be offered only in one semester. Confirm how group work, oral examinations and resits operate, and whether enough English electives run in the year you will attend to complete the required credits.
Understand B2 and programme-specific proof
B2 is a common official baseline for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Institutions may accept IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge or other evidence and may specify component scores or a higher level.
A prior English-medium degree may qualify for an exemption in some programmes and not others. Ask which document proves the medium of instruction and whether the waiver decision is made before or after application.
Do not ignore Dutch or French
Local-language ability can make housing, healthcare, municipal registration, social life and student work easier. In French-speaking institutions, the academic environment remains French-speaking even where a particular master’s is in English.
Use institution language centres and plan realistic learning goals. Do not claim fluency on an application or CV if you cannot use the language at the stated level.
Compare academic fit and prerequisites
English availability does not remove subject requirements. A master’s committee may check previous credits in mathematics, methods, laboratories, design, business or another field. A bachelor’s may require an access declaration, entrance test or portfolio.
Map your transcript to the prerequisite list. If a programme expects knowledge you do not have, ask about preparatory or bridging routes and their extra time and fees.
Calculate the full cost of the English option
Non-EU tuition varies by community, institution and programme. An English-taught degree is not automatically priced at the local base fee. Add language tests, translations, visa proof of means, housing and insurance.
Compare written fee statements rather than a search snippet. A lower tuition amount can be outweighed by a longer bridging route or more expensive housing.
Check recognition and professional use
Verify the institution and programme through the responsible community. In Flanders, NVAO decisions are an important programme-quality source. Then ask the future professional regulator whether English-delivered study meets its curriculum and language rules.
Recognition concerns the qualification, not the prestige suggested by an English name. Keep the official award title and diploma supplement.
English-programme mistakes to avoid
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Assuming every course and placement is in English.
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Choosing an applied degree when the goal needs an academic route.
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Using a general B2 statement instead of the programme’s test rule.
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Ignoring local-language needs for work or clinical contact.
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Comparing tuition without bridging or living costs.
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Relying on an unofficial aggregator after the programme has changed.
What to verify before you decide
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The programme appears in an official community source and the institution page.
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The award type, ECTS, campus, duration and progression route.
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The language of every compulsory academic and placement component.
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The accepted English evidence and waiver decision.
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Local-language expectations for daily life and future work.
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The exact tuition, intake, deadline and recognition position.
Inspect the live Univs programme catalogue, review the Belgium country hub, learn how Univs works, and create an account when ready to continue. Return to the official programme page only to verify the teaching and submission requirements it controls.
Can I study a bachelor’s in English in Belgium?
Yes. English-taught bachelor’s programmes exist, particularly in Flanders, though the selection is smaller than at master’s level. Search the official programme catalogue and confirm that every required module is taught in English. Ask whether placements, assessments or student services add Dutch or French requirements for your course.
Are most Belgian master’s taught in English?
Many Belgian master’s programmes are available in English, but it is not true of every subject or institution. Search by field in the official programme finder, then verify the current course page and study plan. Confirm the language of compulsory modules, thesis supervision and any practical placement before applying.
Is IELTS 6.0 accepted everywhere?
No. IELTS 6.0 is a common reference in some Flemish guidance, but individual programmes set their accepted tests, component scores, validity periods and exemptions. Check the exact programme’s current admissions rules and ask whether prior English-medium study can qualify for a waiver.
Do I need French for an English master’s in Wallonia or Brussels?
Not always for admission. An English master’s may not require French, but French can matter for daily administration, placements or work in Wallonia and Brussels. Check each compulsory component and ask the programme whether clinical, laboratory or internship activity uses a local language.
Can I work in English while studying?
Some student jobs use English, but availability depends on location, employer and role. Dutch or French can widen options, while residence conditions may limit work hours. Ask the university career service about realistic language expectations and do not build your essential budget around an unconfirmed job.
Does an English degree have different recognition?
No. Teaching language alone does not decide whether a degree is recognised. The receiving university, employer or professional regulator checks the institution, exact programme and credential against its rules. Ask that authority about the documents and any professional requirements before relying on a future recognition outcome.
Primary sources
Editorial note
Requirements can change and may differ by institution, programme and applicant. Recheck current university and government guidance before paying or travelling.
For comparisons, we assess the stated student brief, current route availability, discovery breadth, application ownership, progress visibility, support, costs and duplicate-application risk. Univs publishes this page and may have commercial relationships with institutions; those relationships do not determine admission decisions. Read our editorial standards.
