University Colleges in French-Speaking Belgium 🏫

Thinking About Your Next Steps After High School? Have you just finished high school and are starting to think about your next steps? Before diving into student life, you’ll need to make an important decision about your field of study and the institution where you want to enroll. If you’re looking for a more practical approach to learning, why not consider a university college (haute école)? While theoretical courses are still part of the program, university colleges place a strong emphasis on internships and developing professional skills that are in high demand in the workplace. So, if enrolling in a haute école sounds like an option for you, you’ll find everything you need to know right here! 💡

Admission Requirements for a Haute École

Generally, to enroll in a haute école, students must have obtained a Certificate of Higher Secondary Education (CESS) from a recognized Belgian institution. Unlike in France, for example, there’s no need to submit an application file or a motivation letter. Your high school diploma (CESS) is enough to secure admission.

However, if you don’t have the CESS, you can still enroll in a haute école if you have one of the following:

• A diploma equivalent to the CESS obtained through adult education
• A higher education diploma from a recognized university or institution
• A higher education diploma from an adult education program
• A foreign diploma or certificate deemed equivalent to a Belgian qualification
• A passing certificate from a haute école entrance exam
• An official equivalence at the bachelor’s or master’s level

In other words, once you have your diploma, all that’s left to do is choose the right field of study and university college, which may be easier said than done! Keep reading for more guidance.

List of University Colleges in French-Speaking Belgium

There are 19 university colleges (hautes écoles) in French-speaking Belgium, spread across Wallonia and Brussels:

📍 Brussels:

• IHECS (Haute École Galilée - Institut des Hautes Études des Communications Sociales)
• HE2B (Haute École Bruxelles-Brabant)
• EPHEC (Haute École EPHEC)
• HEFF (Haute École Francisco Ferrer)
• ISFSC (Institut Supérieur de Formation Sociale et de Communication)
• HE Vinci (Haute École Léonard de Vinci)
• HELB (Haute École libre de Bruxelles - Ilya Prigogine)

📍 Wallonia:

• HEAJ (Haute École Albert Jacquard) – Namur
• HECH (Haute École Charlemagne) – Liège, Verviers, Luxembourg
• HEH (Haute École en Hainaut) – Mons, Tournai
• HELHa (Haute École Louvain en Hainaut) – Charleroi, Mons, Tournai
• HELDB (Haute École Lucia de Brouckère) – Brussels, Nivelles
• HENALLUX (Haute École de Namur-Liège-Luxembourg) – Namur, Liège, Arlon
• HE Condorcet (Haute École provinciale de Hainaut – Condorcet) – Charleroi, Mons, Tournai
• HEPL (Haute École de la Province de Liège) – Liège
• HEPN (Haute École de la Province de Namur) – Namur
• HERS (Haute École Robert Schuman) – Arlon, Libramont, Virton
• HEL (Haute École de la Ville de Liège) – Liège

University colleges offer a wide range of study programs, typically grouped into the following categories:

• Information & Communication
• Sciences
• Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy
• Physical Education & Motor Sciences
• Public Health
• Social & Political Sciences
• Law
• Economics & Business
• Education & Teaching
• Agronomy
• Engineering
• Fine Arts & Visual Arts

How Are Programs Organized?

Programs at hautes écoles are structured into two main types: short-cycle and long-cycle studies.

Short-Cycle Programs

Short-cycle programs consist of a single cycle leading to a professional bachelor's degree. Typically 180 to 240 ECTS credits. Most programs take 3 years, but some,such as midwifery or nursing, require 4 years.

Long-Cycle Programs

Long-cycle programs are structured in two cycles, similar to universities, allowing students to earn a bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS credits), followed by a master’s degree (60 or 120 ECTS credits). The bachelor’s degree provides general theoretical and scientific training, while the master’s degree includes practical projects and internships.

📢 New Update! Since the 2023-2024 academic year, teaching programs (preschool, primary, and lower secondary education) have been extended from 3 to 4 years and are now considered long-cycle studies.

Differences Between University Colleges and Universities

Still unsure whether to choose a university college (haute école) or a university? Both are valid choices! Despite common misconceptions, the quality of education at a haute école is just as strong as at a university. The key differences lie in the teaching approach and structure:

• University programs are generally longer
• Universities focus more on theoretical and abstract concepts
• University colleges emphasize practical skills and real-world applications
• Smaller class sizes and fewer lecture halls at university colleges
• Universities require a higher level of independence
• More personalized guidance at university colleges
• Lower tuition fees at university colleges compared to universities

Despite these differences, admission requirements are the same, if you have your CESS, you can freely choose the institution that best suits your learning style and career goals.