Décret Paysage: The 60 Credits in 2 Years Rule Explained

You’re starting a bachelor’s degree in Belgium and you keep hearing about a new 60 credits in 2 years rule? With the Décret Paysage, the idea is simple: Block 1 (BA1) becomes a mandatory checkpoint you must validate within a strict timeframe. Otherwise, you can quickly end up in a complicated situation (funding eligibility, re-enrollment, tuition fees, etc.).

“In the Wallonia-Brussels Federation , the reform of the Décret Paysage, voted at the end of 2021 and adjusted by Parliament on 25 April 2024, effectively requires bachelor’s students to earn the 60 credits of Block 1 within two years, with some flexibility and transitional arrangements depending on the student’s pathway. This rule is now integrated into the consolidated text of the decree and applies from 2025.”

What is the Décret Paysage reform?

The Décret Paysage is basically the “official instruction manual” for higher education in the Wallonia -Brussels Federation. Not the most fun thing to read (let’s be honest), but it sets the rules of the game: how your studies are organized, how you progress, what you can include in your PAE, and what happens if you fall behind, repeat a year, or change direction.

Originally, the decree mainly structured studies around a simple logic: everything runs on ECTS credits. One course = a certain number of credits, and 60 credits = one full academic year. It also clarified the structure into blocks (Block 1, Block 2, etc.) and teaching units (UE): basically, your courses grouped into “packages” you need to pass. And it frames your PAE (annual study program), meaning your personal course plan for the year: what you take, how many credits, and in what order with rules set by the institution and, sometimes, jury decisions.

But if people are talking so much about the Décret Paysage today, it’s mainly because of the reform. This isn’t just about “how it works,” but about “okay, now there are stricter boundaries.” The key word everywhere is: financeability ('finançabilité'). In short: you are “fundable” if the government finances your enrollment through your institution. If you no longer meet certain conditions (linked to your pathway and results), you can become non-fundable and that can affect your re-enrollment (possible refusal in some cases) or cost more.

Why the stricter approach? Officially, the idea is to avoid “endless” pathways where students drag their first year (Block 1) over 4 years and to push students to validate the basics earlier. That’s why the focus is on the first Block : it’s seen as the foundation, and if you don’t secure it, your pathway can get complicated (more constraints on your PAE, limited progression, etc.). Several universities also summarize the key points of the reform and its impact on progression.

Bottom line: the "Décret Paysage" is not just a random administrative text. It’s the framework that organizes your entire pathway: credits, PAE, teaching units, progression, success rules, and funding eligibility. And that’s exactly why the “60 Block 1 credits” rule became such a central topic from your first enrollment.

To better understand visually how higher education is evolving (credits, study duration, academic support), you can also watch the ARES explanatory video: “L’organisation des études supérieures évolue”. = > ' you can add subtitles ' 😊

Why does the Décret Paysage exist? (the logic behind it) 🤝

The goal of the Décret Paysage (and its reform) is to provide a common framework to:

• organize studies into blocks and ECTS credits
• clarify pathway rules (success, PAE, progression)
• avoid “infinite mode” pathways without validating the basics
• ensure consistent public funding (funding eligibility)

What is the “60 credits in 2 years” rule?

Basically, the reform puts a strong spotlight on Block 1 (BA1):

• Block 1 = 60 credits (one full-time year). You can check this on the " Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles website. "
• You have a maximum of 2 years to obtain these 60 Block 1 credits.
• If you don’t reach the 60 credits within the timeframe, you may become non-fundable in that bachelor’s program: re-enrollment becomes complicated, reorientation may be recommended, or fees may be higher depending on the situation.

Simple example: “Am I still fundable or not?”

You start in 2025–2026 :

1. Year 1: you pass 40 credits
2. Year 2: you pass the remaining 20 credits

➡️ You reach 60 credits in 2 years,: you remain fundable and continue your bachelor’s normally.

What is a credit, really?

An ECTS credit is a unit representing the workload of a course (lectures, assignments, labs, studying).

👉 60 credits = one full-time academic year.

Why has Block 1 (BA1) become a “checkpoint”?

Because that’s where the Décret Paysage puts pressure: you have 2 years to validate this block (the full 60 credits).

If you let Block 1 teaching units drag on too long, it can block your pathway (PAE, jury decisions, re-enrollment, etc.).

How to maximize your chances within 2 years?

How to build a realistic action plan?

• Year 1: aim for as many credits as possible, but keep a manageable workload.
• Year 2: prioritize failed Block 1 units → goal: 60 Block 1 credits within the timefram*.

Why partial failure shouldn’t be taken lightly

Because an incomplete Block 1 can affect your program: refocus, limited access to certain courses, jury decisions… in short: it needs active management.

How to manage your PAE smartly

Your PAE must match your reality (pace, student job, health, etc.). Avoid an overly heavy PAE just to “go faster.”

When should I ask for help if I’m failing courses?

As soon as you see early warning signs:

• academic support / tutoring
• methodology workshops
• psychological support
• social service / guidance

Because waiting “until after the second session” often means losing time…

What if I can see I won’t reach 60 credits in time?

The worst move: going silent.

• check your situation (administration / jury / guidance)
• adjust your PAE
• consider reorientation if the program isn’t a match

Real-life cases: mini storytelling (to recognize yourself fast)

1) “I thought I had it… until the first exam period”

Léa starts her bachelor strongly. First week: “this is easy.” Then the first assignments, readings, and piling lectures hit. In January, she realizes a simple thing: 60 credits is a full year .

She ends Year 1 with 42 credits. Not perfect, but not dramatic. In summer, she makes a plan: in Year 2, she retakes the failed Block 1 units immediately without overloading. Result: she completes the missing 18 credits and reaches 60 credits in 2 years. She stays fundable and continues.

➡️ Takeaway: the Décret Paysage doesn’t require “everything passed on the first try,” but it requires validating Block 1 on time.

2) “The trap: ‘I’ll take 70 credits so I advance faster’”

Yanis wants to “save time.” He adds higher-block courses while still in Block 1. On paper, ambitious. In real life: too many subjects, weak foundations, and he ends exhausted with 28 credits.

In Year 2, he can’t “test” anymore: he must rebuild a PAE focused on what he truly needs to reach the **60 Block 1 credits**.

➡️ Takeaway: under the Décret Paysage, the most profitable strategy is often the simplest: secure Block 1, don’t stack.

3) “The ‘final boss’ course”

Sarah loves her program… except one unit that blocks her (math/stats/anatomy/law — pick your boss). She fails it in June, then again in September. She starts panicking: “if I drag this, I’ll never validate Block 1.”

This time she changes strategy: tutoring, weekly exercises, remediation, and she puts that unit as a top priority in her Year 2 PAE. She passes it in the second semester.

➡️ Takeaway: a Block 1 blockage must be treated like an urgent issue (not “I’ll deal with it later”).

4) “I work on the side, so I have to be strategic”

Mehdi has a student job 2–3 evenings a week. He knows his weeks aren’t the same as someone who doesn’t work.

Year 1: he chooses a sustainable pace and ends with **36 credits**.

In Year 2, he makes a smart choice: he keeps his job, but builds a PAE that lets him earn the missing credits without burning out. He validates Block 1 within two years.

➡️ Takeaway: working doesn’t doom you — but it forces you to play smart because the decree timeline is real.

A lire aussi: Meeting Marie: A Student Benefiting from CPAS Aid

5) “When life gets in the way”

Inès has a difficult start: stress, fatigue, personal issues. She starts missing classes and disconnecting. She tells herself: “I’ll fix it after the session.” But weeks go fast.

One day she breaks down and goes to the academic support service. They offer a plan, method workshops, and—most importantly—they help her adjust her PAE to stay on a realistic track.

➡️ Takeaway: asking early isn’t “weak.” It’s the most strategic move if you want to stay within the rules.

6) “The moment you think: I might be non-fundable…”

Thomas finishes his second year and realizes he won’t reach the 60 Block 1 credits. Panic. He imagines the worst: “they’ll kick me out,” “I’ll have to pay too much,” “it’s over.”

The first real step is not staying alone: administration, jury, guidance. They explain what “non-fundable” means in his case and what options exist (reorientation, conditions, alternative pathway…).

➡️ Takeaway: it’s serious, but it’s managed with information, not assumptions.

Organization tips (without burning out) ✅

1) Make a “2-year plan” in September (even if you aim to pass everything in 1 year)

* Year 1 objective: maximize credits… while staying stable (pace + mental health).

* Year 2 objective: prioritize failed Block 1 units to secure the 60 credits.

👉 Keep in mind: under the Décret Paysage, Block 1 isn’t “just a year,” it’s a checkpoint.

2) Your best hack: study “a little but often”

30–45 min a day > 6 hours the night before an exam.

One course summary sheet every week (even small) = less stress during exam period.

3) Prioritize “blocking” courses

The units that take 80% of your time (stats, law, anatomy…).

➡️ Put them first in your schedule, and ask for help early (tutoring, remediation).

4) PAE = your GPS, not a TikTok challenge

A too-heavy PAE “to go faster” can slow you down.

➡️ If you feel you can’t keep up: adjust your PAE with your institution.

How to revise for exam period?

Exam period isn’t just locking yourself in with your syllabi until total exhaustion. To last, you need a real battle plan: a realistic schedule, breaks that boost memory, and a method to actually learn your courses instead of just rereading them. If you want a step-by-step guide to organize your days, test your knowledge effectively, and avoid common exam-period mistakes.

Funding eligibility help: how to know where you stand? 🔍

Quick checklist (do this now)

• How many Block 1 credits have you already passed?
• Are you in your 1st or 2nd enrollment in this bachelor’s program?
• Is your PAE focused on the missing Block 1 units?
• Have you already spoken to: administration / jury / guidance?

👉 For a practical guide:

• Student.be – calculate your funding eligibility
• Infor Jeunes – fundable student

What if I’m non-fundable? (5-step action plan) 🧭

1) Stop overthinking → you need your exact case

Non-fundability depends on your pathway (enrollments, credits, situation).

➡️ Get the official info: administration + guidance service.

2) Ask for a “no jargon” explanation

Ask these questions:

• “What makes me non-fundable in my case?”
• “What are my options: re-enrollment, conditions, reorientation, higher fees…?”
• *“What is possible right now?”

3) Explore reorientation (if needed) without shame

Reorienting isn’t “failure.” Sometimes it’s just correcting your trajectory.

👉 Student.be – reorient yourself

4) Check financial impact before signing anything

Some situations may involve higher enrollment fees.

➡️ Ask for a clear written confirmation by email + check your institution’s info page (e.g., HEL).

Reference: HEL – non-fundable students

5) Think “back to being fundable”

A commonly cited rule: becoming fundable again after **5 academic years without enrollment** in higher education (to be confirmed depending on your situation).

FAQ

When can you become fundable again in Belgium?

In FWB, you can become fundable again if you have not enrolled in higher education for **5 academic years** (starting from the year after non-fundability).

👉 Verify your case with your institution.

What are the hardest studies in Belgium?

There is no single official ranking: it depends on your profile. Some programs are often seen as very demanding (health/sciences, scientific/technical fields).

What are the key changes of the Décret Paysage reform in higher education?

More focus on Block 1 success, funding eligibility, and stricter pathway boundaries (including the “60 Block 1 credits within a set timeframe” logic).

What is the Décret Paysage in Belgium?

The legal framework for higher education in FWB (blocks, credits, pathway rules), recently reformed.

Does the “60 credits in 2 years” rule apply if I work (student job)?

Yes: a student job does not change the rule. If you’re enrolled in a bachelor’s program (FWB), you still must validate the 60 Block 1 credits within the required timeframe. However, your job impacts your strategy: a realistic PAE, prioritizing Block 1 units, and requesting an adjustment through your administration/jury if you see you can’t keep up.

I am (or will be) non-fundable: what do I do concretely right now?

Express plan in 3 steps:

1. verify your exact status with administration (don’t rely on rumors)
2. ask for official options: re-enrollment possible or not, conditions, cost, and whether reorientation is recommended
3. book an appointment with guidance/social services to build a plan (adjusted PAE, program switch, bridges)