Some rules for switching programs mid-year

1) Are you in your 1st Bachelor year (BA1)?

You want to switch before 31 October ?

You can change your program without conditions up to 31 October. However, if you’ve already paid your full tuition fee (minerval), you’ll need to go to your faculty office/administrative services to inform them that you are “withdrawing from studies.” You will then receive the documents to complete in order to get a refund of your tuition fee (note: you may not get the full amount back) and to register at the institution of your choice.

You want to switch after 31 October It is possible to switch from 31 October up to 15 February without having to pay additional registration fees.

Be careful: this switching process requires several important steps you shouldn’t overlook.

When you are in BA1, it is essential and mandatory to attend all exams in the January session (or at least sign for them). If you do not sign for or attend all your exams, it is likely that you will no longer be able to take any exams in the following sessions (June and August) of the same academic year.

You must submit a switching request explaining why you want to change programs. This request will be subject to approval by the jury/board of the program you wish to enter.

The steps to follow:

1. Think carefully about what switching programs could bring you. Once you’ve made your choice, the first step is to contact the academic advisor in the faculty where you currently study.
2. Complete the switching request form thoroughly. Most of the time, this document becomes available after the January exam session.
3. Once completed, you must add certain signatures — for example, from the faculty (or institution) you want to join.
4. When the document is complete, you must submit it in person to the receiving faculty or institution.

Note: this rule may have changed, so don’t hesitate to check with the institution you want to join.

Once your request has been reviewed, you will be informed by email whether your request has been accepted or rejected.

2) Are you in your 2nd or 3rd Bachelor year (BA2/BA3)?

If you want to switch starting from BA2, you have until 31 October to submit a switching request. You will then need to follow the process described above in the section “BA1 student switching after 31 October.”

You can also wait until the end of the academic year so you don’t need to submit a switching request, and then register with another faculty or institution. However, be mindful of the funding eligibility (“finançabilité”) rules.

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3) Are you in a Bachelor’s program and want to stop your studies?

Do you want to simply stop your studies? You can make that decision whenever you want. However, depending on the time of year, you may be able to get part of your tuition fee refunded — or not.

Also read: Returning to studies through adult education (promotion sociale): how it works!

If you request deregistration before 1 December, you will have to pay €50 to the institution where you study, and the academic year will not be counted for funding eligibility purposes. If your deregistration request is submitted after 1 December, your full tuition fee will be due, the academic year will be counted, and no credits will be considered as earned.

A small piece of advice if you decide to stop your studies and start new ones the following academic year: don’t get discouraged! Use the time you’re no longer spending on studies to learn languages, do an internship, volunteer, or get involved in a civic project. If returning to studies isn’t in your short-term plans, don’t forget to register as a job seeker with Actiris (Brussels) and Le Forem (Wallonia).

FAQ

What’s the difference between “modifying my enrolment” and “switching programs”?

In BA1, some institutions distinguish: modifying enrolment (often in October) switching programs (often after October, with a motivated request + jury/board approval)

Until when can I switch programs in BA1 in Brussels (ULB / UCLouvain / etc.)?

Many sources indicate it’s possible until 15 February for first-year (BA1) students, with an application file and approval. ⚠️ Exact time windows depend on the university (some have specific periods).

Do I still have to go to the January exams if I want to switch?

Often, yes: institutions at least require you to be registered for / attend / report the January session; otherwise there may be internal administrative consequences. Since rules vary, check your institution’s official page.

If I deregister before 1 December, do I get my tuition fee (minerval) back?

In general, yes, partially: you’re refunded minus a flat fee (often €50), and the academic year may not count for funding eligibility if the deregistration is official and done on time.

Unenrolment after 1 December: what are the consequences?

Often: tuition fee due + academic year counted for funding eligibility (depending on your history and your cycle/program). I’m in Brussels and I’m stopping my studies: what do I do administratively? If you’re not resuming right away, also think about your status. The article recommends registering as a job seeker with:

• Actiris (Brussels)
• Le Forem (Wallonia)
• VDAB (Flanders)