PedAgogy

Dutch education
Flexibility, variety and some confusion
Education in the Netherlands is characterized by variety and flexibility. The Dutch education is
structured in a way that the final degree can be reached by several different study routes. This
means that pupils and students always have the possibility to switch from one level to another.

W
ith a literacy rate of
around 99%, The Neth-
erlands has an educa-
tion system that has
a long tradition and a
trustworthy reputation. Education in the
Netherlands is characterized by variety
and flexibility. It is oriented toward the
needs and background of the pupil. The
Dutch education is structured in a way
that the final degree can be reached
by several different study routes. This
means that pupils and students always
have the possibility to switch from one
level to another. The Programme for
International Student Assessment, co-
ordinated by the OECD, currently ranks
the education in the Netherlands as the
9th best in the world, being significantly
This is for standard students. There are the last (8th) grade of primary school,
higher than the OECD average.
different types of education for children children take a national test (called the
The Dutch educational system consists with special needs or children with be- CITO-test) in school abilities. The score
of the following kinds of education: Pri- havioural problems. Let us focus on the on this test is an indication for the level of
mary education, Secondary education standard system. secondary education the child will be able
(VMBO, HAVO, VWO), Intermediate to manage after primary school. Besides
vocational education (MBO), Higher vo- Primary education
this score, the teacher gives an advice on
cational education (HBO) and Scientific In The Netherlands, education is com- which level is appropriate for child.
education (University). pulsory for children aged 5-16, although
parents can send their children to Secondary education
school, when the child is 4 years of age. Roughly speaking there are three lev-
The first steps into the system are made els of secondary education. They differ
in primary school. in length, amount of practical work and
The first two years can be compared to possibilities for further education. The
kindergarten. In the third grade, children levels in Dutch secondary education
start to learn how to read and write, as are: VMBO, pre-vocational secondary
well as start to learn the basics of math. education, HAVO higher general second-
After the third grade, five more years ary education and VWO pre-university
in primary school follow, in which the education.
children further expand, among others, A student can “hop” from one level in the
The Dutch educational system their reading, writing and math skills. In same year to a higher level, after he/she
10 ed matrix MAY 2008
 PedAgogy

has finished his/her exams. The con- Students who finished the HAVO level continue the secondary education at the
tent of the exams are different for each can continue their education in higher VWO level.
level, but the same for all schools within vocational education (HBO), but also Coming from the fifth year of HAVO, he
a level. Schools can consist of only one in intermediate vocational education had to cross-over to the fifth year of the
level (e.g. only VMBO), but there are (MBO). In case the student wants to go VWO level. This looked like a step back,
also many schools who teach all or most to university, the student first has to com- but at the VWO level, they start to pre-
of the levels. Let us take a closer look at plete the VWO, pre-university education. pare in the fifth year for their exams in
the various levels. the sixth year. So Bob was happy that
VWO, pre-university education
VMBO, pre-vocational secondary he had two more years to prepare him-
This level takes six years to complete.
education self for the VWO exam. The first time
The first three years consist of the “ba-
he went up for his VWO exam, unfor-
This level takes 4 years to complete. In sic curriculum” after which the “Second
tunately he failed in the exam. So, he
the first two years, all students follow the Phase” follows. This is the same as in
had to do the sixth year over again. The
same courses. This is called “basic cur- the HAVO level. Also, in VWO, the “stud-
second time he finished his VWO exam
riculum”. After these two years, the stu- iehuis” method is used. The VWO level
with good results, but still didnot know
dents are split into different levels within consists of two types: VWO Gymnasium,
what he wanted to become. He decided
the VMBO level. The highest level is the and VWO Atheneum.
to take some time off, do some small jobs
theoretical pathway, formerly known as In VWO Gymnasium, students are being and see what he wanted to do next. After
MAVO - lower general secondary educa- prepared for higher vocational education that year, he decided to study psychol-
tion. When students finish the theoretical or university and follow classes in Greek ogy. With his VWO level diploma, he was
pathway, they can continue their educa- and Latin. Students have to graduate in allowed to enter the university. This is
tion in intermediate and higher vocation- one of these languages to attain a VWO where he is now.
al education (MBO and HBO). The other Gymnasium diploma.
levels of VMBO connect only to the inter- Jenny
mediate vocational education (MBO). In VWO Atheneum students are also
Jenny started primary school when she
being prepared for higher vocational
In practice, when students come from was 4 years old. Her teacher and her
education or university, but they don’t
VMBO, they hardly ever go straight to CITO-test score showed she was ca-
follow Greek and Latin. There are some
higher vocational education (HBO). Of- pable for the VWO level of secondary
schools which offer “VWO Atheneum
ten they take the route via intermediate education. She finished secondary edu-
plus” classes in which the students can
vocational education (MBO), or via the cation after 6 years with good grades.
follow Greek or Latin voluntarily.
HAVO level. She knew she wanted to go to the uni-
Two examples versity to study Science and that is where
HAVO, higher general secondary she is now.
Let me introduce you to two students,
education
Bob ( 24) and Jenny ( 20). Both are cur- With the two examples I hope to have
This level takes five years to complete. rently studying in the university. Bob is a shown that there is no “correct” path to
The “basic curriculum” lasts three years. second year student in psychology and follow through the Dutch educational
After this, the “Second Phase” starts in Jenny is a second year student in Sci- system. It depends on the choices the
which students have to choose between ence. The routes they took to get there student makes and on the capabilities
certain “profiles”. They contain three are quite different, as you can partly tell the student has.
parts: a collective part, a profile specific by their age. Let me start by telling you
part and a free part. For some all these may seem very
the route that Bob followed.
much confusing, I can tell you, even for
There are four profiles to choose from: Bob the Dutch, it is confusing sometimes. In
Culture and Society, Economy and So- the past 20 years, especially in second-
Bob started out in primary school, when
ciety, Science and Technology and Sci- ary education, many reforms have been
he was five. In the last grade of primary
ence and Health. implemented. This has been confusing
school, his CITO-test score and the ad-
Students in HAVO level are taught via a vice of his teacher showed he was ca- for teachers, policy-makers and parents
method called “studiehuis”. This means pable of going to the HAVO level. He did as well. We expect more changes in the
there are no tight school timetables, teach- as he was told and after five years of coming years too.
ers teach less in front of the class, but spend HAVO, he had to decide what he wanted Esther Canrinus
more time on guiding the students individu- to do next. He wasn’t quite sure what The author is a Ph.D., scholar, working on
ally and in small groups, and student work he wanted to do, but he did pretty well research in the field of education, at Nether-
independently and at their own pace. on his HAVO exams, so he decided to lands.

ed matrix MAY 2008 11

PedAgogy

A
ustralia has become a
cherished destination for all
who like to combine education
with ease and relaxation.
Education in Australia is
primarily the responsibility of states and
territories.
Generally, education in Australia follows
the three-tier model which includes
primary education (primary schools),
followed by secondary education
(secondary schools/high schools) and
tertiary education universities and/or
TAFE (Technical and Further Education
Colleges). The Australian education
system is one of the best in the world,
ranking 8th on a worldwide scale.

Educational System
The Education System in Australia
consists of a total of 12 years. Primary
schools and high schools are based on
the age of the student, so that every

in Australia
room has the same age group, with a
student hardly having to repeat a year.
The students with problems in their
studies may be put into special classes to
help with academic deficits. The majority
of the children start in the primary school Quality and Affordability are the hallmark of
with the age of 5 years (year 1) and the Australian education.
child studies in the primary school until
they are around 12 years old ( year 7). most important ones, as they are the inside the curriculum. There is the easy
ones to be evaluated for entry levels level English, the easy mathematics etc;
Primary, Secondary and High in Universities. The results which you and they are the options for the students
Schools of Australia - There are many achieve for each subject (compared to not going to apply for a academic career
types of education for children up to 5 the rest of the students) will then give you in an university course. In general the
years, but the main ones are the “Child a rank. The board of secondary studies subjects are divided in letters such as
Care” regulated centres or families in than calculates an “OP” score (overall Maths type A, B, C or names such as
registered residences who take care of position) using a formula of your high Board English (harder one) and English
the kids in a system called “Family Day school results and a test called “QCS” Communication (easier one).
Care”. The student goes for secondary (in Queensland) which is taken by every
school with 12/13 years (year 8), and is School Year Calendar - Australia is
year 12 in the state, which is used to in the South Hemisphere; therefore the
he/she is only compulsorily required to compare students (schools) of the same
stay to year 10, receiving a junior high academic year coincides with calendar
year level between schools. The last 2 year, starting in the end of January and
school certificate but not a high school years is where students begin to guide
certificate. The year 11 (15/16 YO) and 12 finishing in December. The summer
their education towards their chosen vacations are the biggest school holidays
(16/17 YO), are optional but are required
professions. The student will choose (period of 6/7 weeks), and during the
to be successfully completed to attain a
what to study depending on the career in school year there are also small breaks
high school diploma. Some of the options
which they intend to follow. For example, usually of about 10-14 days between
for those students leaving the school in
a student who wants to do Engineering in “terms” (2 terms per semester). Not all
year 10 include training – apprenticeship,
University should choose subjects such states go all holidays at the same time,
to enter the work force or to study in any
as physics, and high level mathematics for example the vacations of Queensland
vocational course.
instead of subjects such as history, or generally begins 1 week before NSW
Year 11 and 12 - The results of the biology. For international students there which begins 1 week before the State
last two years of high school are the are options with easier level subjects of Victoria. This difference is most likely
10 ed matrix june 2008
 PedAgogy

in place so to maximize holiday and preferred one for Australian institutions

tourist places, which would then extend to measure the level of English of
for further. The timetable for school The Australian international students in Australia, but
vacations are in general in April, July education system the TOEFL (more popular in U.S.A.) is
and September. The beginning of the also accepted.
Holidays in public schools also differ by is one of the
Requirement study in a University in
around I week from private schools.
best in the world, Australia - The criteria for enrolment
The difference between private and
public schools in Australia - There
ranking 8th on a in a University vary depending on the
institution. But generally besides the
are Private and Public schools. Private worldwide scale. official translated documents, you will
Schools in general are related to a religion need to show:
and usually they offer more options in
music and sports. In both all students • Evidence of English knowledge/level
have to use of uniforms but in the private (all institutions will require).
schools the rules are more restricted • Evidence of study, for example, If High
about the use of a complete uniform. School was not done in Australia need
The educational courses and standards to show similar qualification, recognized
of all high schools are very similar and all by NOOSR, (Australian department for
prepare students for the same national, recognition of foreign aptitudes).
recognized qualifications in the country.
Some schools also offer in the years 11 • Have already done at least 1 year in
and 12 professional qualifications level a university. If a person has not done
for Certificate 2 and 3. a previous year in a University than an
Australian course called Foundation
Technical Courses in Australia - The
during 6 months up to 1 year will
Certificates and Diplomas of Vocational
guarantee entry in the University.
Courses allow the students to enter and
leave different levels of academic studies. Another way to be admitted in an
The unify system of education allows Australian University is through an
the student to register for Certificate evaluation of the Curriculum and letters
course which then after completion to complete. For all Australian citizens, of recommendation. The evaluation is
may give credits to Diploma courses or the government provides a interest free based on the educational qualifications,
Degrees, in case the student continues loan called “HECS”, which only needs life experience and work experience. This
in a University. Professional experience to be paid once that person is earning option is known as “RPL” (“Recognition
may also be recognised. The technical above a certain level ($28,000 p.a). of prior learning”, or recognition of the
courses are often considered a “bridge” Australia provides the world’s most completed studies). This evaluation is
to enter in an Australian University. rigorous protection for international made in the Australian NOOSR (report
Universities in Australia - Australia has students through the Education Services of National Department the Recognition
both government and private Universities for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act of Foreign Aptitudes) and the Embassy
that offer two programmes called “Under 2000. Tuition and financial assurance for can supply the contacts.
Graduate”, and after graduation courses international students is also provided
under the Act, so that if an institution is not Duration of the Degree in Australia -
called “Graduate Programmes or
able to meet its commitments, the student A Bachelor degree generally takes three
Post Graduate”. In general the time of
will receive an alternative placement or a years, and can also be done in only two
duration of the Graduate Certificates 6
refund. It ensures a nationally consistent years in some universities (such as Bond)
months, Master 1 year, Master Honour
1.5 year, Doctorate 2 years. However approach to provide registration and with fewer days holiday. The majority of
these degrees are not measured by time enables the Australian Government to the structures offer the opportunity to
but by subjects/ courses taken, therefore monitor education providers. Breaches combine two qualifications. In that you
depending on how may subjects/courses of the Act are treated very seriously and will be able to finish a University with a
you are doing per semester, it may the penalties can be significant, including two qualifications or a “Double Degree”
impact the time it takes to complete losing the right to enrol students. by studying one more year.
them. Most of these post graduate English Tests for Universities and Rajesh Kumar
courses, however, do have a time limit Foundation - The test IELTS is the
ed matrix june 2008 11
PedAgogy

E
ducation in Canada is pro-
vided, funded and overseen
by federal, provincial, and
local governments. Educa-
tion is within provincial juris-
diction and the curriculum is overseen
by the province. Education in Canada is
generally divided into Elementary (Pri-
mary School, Public School), followed by
Secondary (High School) and Post Sec-
ondary (University, College). Within the
provinces under the ministry of educa-
tion, there are district school boards ad-
ministering the educational programmes.
Education is compulsory up to the age of
16 in every province in Canada, except
for Ontario and New Brunswick, where
the compulsory age is 18. Canada gen-
erally has 190 school days in the year,
officially starting from September (after
Labour Day) to the end of June (usually
the last Friday of the month, Wednesday
in some Ontario schools).
Elementary, secondary, and post-
secondary education in Canada is a
provincial responsibility and there are
many variations between the provinces.

Educational System
Starting at grade one, at age six or
seven, there is universal publicly funded
access up to grade twelve (or equivalent).
Dependent on the province the age of
mandatory entry is at 4-7 years. Children
are required to attend school until the
age of sixteen. Canada spends about
7% of its GDP on education. Since the
adoption of section 23 of the Constitution
in Canada
Liberal, Flexible and Full of Exceptions
Act, 1982, education in both English and
French has been available in most places attended an English-language school on the province in which one resides.
across Canada. somewhere in Canada. Additionally, grade structure may vary
Divisions by religion and language within a province and even within a school
Length of study
Originally all the provinces had division. Education is compulsory up to the
Most Canadian education systems
educational systems divided by religion, age of 16 in every province in Canada,
continue up to grade twelve. In Quebec,
but most provinces have abolished except for Ontario and New Brunswick
the typical high school term ends after
these. Ontario, Alberta, and certain cities (where the compulsory ages are 18).
Secondary V, the same as to grade
in Saskatchewan are exceptions to this, eleven (age sixteen to seventeen); Post-secondary education
as they still maintain publicly funded following this, students who wish to Post-secondary education in Canada is
Separate district school boards (usually pursue their studies to the university also the responsibility of the individual
Catholic but occasionally Protestant). In level have to attend CEGEP. provinces and territories. Those
Quebec, the Catholic Protestant divide governments provide the majority of
was replaced with a French/English one Pre-university
funding to their public post-secondary
in 1998. Québécois must attend a French In Canada, secondary schooling, known
institutions, with the remainder of funding
School up until the end of high school as high school, “école secondaire” or
coming from tuition fees, the federal
unless one of their parents previously secondary school, differs depending
government, and research grants.
10 ed matrix july 2008
 PedAgogy
Compared to other countries in the past, deal of prestige and prominence. It is not on the other hand, the fact that the price
Canada has had the highest tertiary unusual for the wealthy and prominent in of private universities tends to exclude
school enrollment as a percentage of Canada to send their children to public those who cannot pay that much for their
their graduating population. schools, especially in the lower grades. education could prevent a significant
A far larger portion of private schools portion of Canada’s population from
Nearly all post-secondary institutions
are religious based institutions. Private being able to attend these schools.
in Canada have the authority to grant
Schools are also used to study outside
academic credentials (i.e., diplomas Religious schools
the country. For example CCI has an
or degrees). Generally speaking, The role of religion in Canadian
Ontario curriculum, but the students
universities grant degrees while colleges, education has been controversial
study in Italy.
which typically offer vocationally-oriented for centuries. At the time religious
programmes, grant diplomas and Private Universities study was considered an integral part
certificates. However, some colleges At present, all private universities in of education, but Protestants and
offer applied arts degrees that lead Canada maintain a religious history or Catholics were deeply divided over
to or are equivalent to degrees from foundation. British Columbia’s Quest how this education should be delivered.
a university. University will become the first privately Each province deals differently with
funded liberal arts university without a private religious schools. In Ontario the
When Ontario had five years of high
denominational affiliation (although it is Catholic system continues to be fully
school, a three-year bachelor’s degree
not the first private liberal arts university). publicly funded, but other faiths receive
was common, but these degrees are
Many provinces, including Ontario and no such funding. Ontario has several
being phased out in favour of the four-
Alberta, have passed legislation allowing private Jewish, Muslim, and Christian
year degree.
private degree-granting institutions (not schools, but all are funded through
Private schools necessarily universities) to operate there. tuition fees. Since the Catholic schools
In Canada there is no obligation for system is entrenched in the constitution,
Many Canadians remain polarized on the
parents to place their children in the public the Supreme Court has ruled that this
issue of permitting private universities into
school system, and about 8% of students system is not unconstitutional. In other
the Canadian market. On the one hand,
are in the private system. A minority of provinces privately operated religious
Canada’s top universities find it difficult
these are elite private schools. These schools are funded. These schools
to compete with the private American
schools are attended by only a small have to follow the provincial curriculum
powerhouses because of funding, but
fraction of students, but do have a great and meet all standards, but are given
considerable freedom in other areas.
Levels in education ( outside Quebec) In all other provinces private religious
schools receive some funding, but not
Pre-School or Nursery School up to double degree or (in Ontario) an Hon- as much as the public system.
the age 5. This consists of Junior ours Bachelor’s degree (the latter is in
Kindergarten and Kindergarten. Ontario usually required for Graduate Residential School System
school). The Canadian residential school system
Elementary school: refers to grades
consisted of a number of schools for
1 through 6, but may also include In Western Canada, university nor-
Aboriginal children, operated during
grades 7 and 8. Grade 1-6 ( 6-12) mally consists of four years leading
the 20th century by churches of various
Junior high school: also called to a Bachelor’s Degree (whether Hon-
denominations and funded under the
“middle school” or “intermediate ours, With Distinction, or otherwise),
Indian Act by Indian and Northern
school”. and five years for a double major or
Affairs Canada, a branch of the federal
Grade 7 (12-13), Grade 8 (13-14), for a Bachelor’s Degree in certain
government. The schools’ purpose was,
Grade 9 (14-15) specific fields. However, at many uni-
versities in Western Canada students according to the Indian Act, to “civilize”
High school are permitted to take up to ten years aboriginals, teach them English or
College: Two to three years leading to complete a Bachelor’s Degree French, convert them to Christianity,
to a diploma. part-time. and end their traditional ways of life.
University: In Ontario and the Atlan- Graduate school : One or two years Thus education in Canada is liberal,
tic Provinces, university normally leading to a Master’s degree, depend- flexible and so fall of exception that
consists of three years leading to a ing on programme requirements. Four almost any kind of study for any number
Bachelor’s degree; four years lead- years leading to a Doctoral degree. of years is possible.
ing to an advanced major degree, a
Rodrigues

ed matrix july 2008 11

PedAgogy

and basic mathematics, but also touches

Education in Belgium
already a very broad range of topics like
biology, music, religion, history etc., While
morning lessons often concentrate on
reading, writing and basic mathematics,
lessons in the afternoon are usually about
other topics like biology, music, religion,
In spite of three Linguistically grouped syllabus patterns, education history or “do it yourself” activities.
in Belgium offers simplicity and uniformity in the educational Flemish schools in Brussels and some
process. municipalities near the language border, must
offer French lessons starting from the first or

E
the second year. Most other Flemish school
ducation in Belgium is regulated While morning lessons offer French education in the third cycle.
and for the larger part financed by often concentrate on Primary schools in the French Community
one of the three communities must teach a foreign language, which is
namely the Flemish, French and
reading, writing and basic generally Dutch or English, depending on the
the German. All the three mathematics, lessons in school. Primary schools in the German
communities have a unified school system, the afternoon are usually Community have obliged French lessons.
with small differences between the different
communities.
about other topics like There are also some private schools set up to
biology, music, religion, serve various international communities in
The schools can be divided into three groups: Belgium (e.g. children of seafarers or
1. Schools owned by the communities like history or “do it yourself” European diplomats), mainly around the
Flemish, French and German 2. Subsidized activities. larger cities.
public schools, organized by provinces and
municipalities and 3. Subsidized free schools, Secondary school
mainly organized by an organization affiliated Primary school When graduating from primary school around
to the Catholic church. The latter is the largest Primary school consists of six years and the the age of 12, students enter secondary
group, both in number of schools and in subjects given are generally the same at all education. Here they have to choose a
number of pupils. schools. Primary schooling is free and age is direction that they want to follow, depending
the only entrance requirement. on their skill level and interests.
Education in Belgium is compulsory between
the ages of 6 and 18. Private home education Primary education is divided into three cycles: Secondary education consists of three cycles:
is possible, and the numbers are rising slowly. 1. First cycle (year 1 and 2) 2. Second cycle 1. First cycle (year 1 and 2), 2. Second cycle
(year 3 and 4) and 3. Third cycle (year 5 and 6) (year 3 and 4) and Third cycle (year 5 and 6)
Stages of education The first cycle provides a broad general basis,
The different stages of education are the Education in primary schools is rather
traditional. It concentrates on reading, writing with only a few options to choose from
same in all communities. Basic education
consists of Pre-school - 6 years, Primary
school: 6-12 years and Secondary school :
12-18 years. The Higher education consists
of University and Polytechnic/Vocational
university

Pre-school
Free pre-primary schooling is provided to
every child from the age of 2 years 6 months.
In most schools the children can start in
school as soon as they reach this age, so
class size for the youngest children grows
during the year. The aim of the pre-school is
to develop, in a playful way, children’s
cognitive skills, their capacity to express
themselves and communicate, their creativity
and independence. There are no formal
lessons or assessments, and everything is
taught through playful way methods. Most
pre-schools are attached to a particular
primary school and often share buildings and
other facilities. Some schools offer special
pre-primary education for children with
disabilities or other special needs.
10 ed matrix august 2008
 PedAgogy
(e.g. Latin, additional mathematics, • Vocational Secondary Education (BSO): organized by the government. Arts entrance
technology). This should enable students to Very practical and very job specific education. exams to arts programmes, which are mainly
choose from the different directions available Afterwards, several directions offer seventh, of a practical nature, are organized by the
in the second and third stages. The second sometimes eighth, specialisation years. BSO colleges individually. Engineering Sciences
and third cycle are much more specific in is the only type of secondary education that lead to the degree of Master of Science,
each of the possible directions. Usually the does not qualify students to pursue higher these faculties had a long standing tradition
level of choice available to the pupils grows education. If the student chooses to follow the of requiring an entrance exam.
with their age. While the youngest pupils may optional 7th (and sometimes 8th) year, he/she
The registration fee for any university or
choose at the most two or four hours per will receive a diploma of the same level as a
college is fixed by the government, and
week, the oldest pupils have the opportunity TSO diploma, which does allow him/her to
indexed yearly. Depending on whether the
to choose between different “menus”, like pursue higher education.
student is eligible and applies for financial
Math-Science, Sociology-Languages or Latin-
• Art Secondary Education: These schools aid, there are three prices:
Greek. They are then able to shape the
largest part of the time they spend at school. link general and broad secondary education
Bursary-student is one who is eligible and
However some core lessons are compulsory development with active art practice, ranging
has applied for financial aid. (registration fee
like e.g. mother-tongue course, sport, etc... This from performing arts to display arts.
Depending on the direction, several subjects approximately €80). Almost-bursary student
mix between compulsory and optional lessons is a student who is not eligible for financial
grouped in menus make it possible to keep might be purely theoretical, preparing for
higher education. Directions include dancing, aid, but has a family income below €1.286,09.
class structures even for the oldest students.
acting, and several graphical and musical (registration fee approximately €320). Non-
Structure in Belgium arts. Many students graduating from these bursary student is Anyone not eligible for
Secondary school is divided into four general schools go to music conservatories, higher financial aid with an income above €1.286,09.
types. Each type consists of a set of different ballet or acting schools or art colleges to (registration fee approximately €520).
directions that may vary from school to further develop their art. Students with
school. The general types are as follows: disabilities can follow Special Secondary The financial aid awarded by the community
Education of different types. governments depends on the income of the
• General Secondary Education (ASO): student’s family, and other familial
This is known as ASO which is a very broad, Higher Education circumstances, but is never more than
general education, preparing for higher Higher education in Belgium is organized by approximately €3300 per year.
education. Once students have completed all the two main communities, the Flemish
six years, it is expected that they continue Community and the French Community. Bologna changes
studying university or college. The job market German speakers typically enrol in institutions A University education was not considered
considers an ASO diploma alone as useless, in the French Community or in Germany. finished until the licentiate diploma is obtained.
so a continued study in higher education is not Occasionally it was possible to switch
only implied but even necessary to get a job. Admission to universities and colleges specializations after obtaining the candidate
In Belgium anybody with a qualifying diploma diploma. For example, a student with a
• Technical Secondary Education (TSO): mathematics candidate diploma was often
The TSO is divided into two groups of education of secondary education is free to enrol at any
institute of higher education of their choosing. allowed to start in the third year of computer
again: TTK and STK. The TTK courses focus science class. Sometimes a graduate diploma
more on technical aspects, the STK courses There are exceptions. Medicine/Dentistry
students must take an entrance exam was also accepted as an equivalent to a
focus more on practical matters. candidate diploma, allowing for 2 or 3 more
years of education at a University.
Since the adoption of the Bologna process in
most European countries, the higher
education system in Belgium follows the
Bachelor/Master system. The Bachelor’s
degree takes 3 years. Distinction is to be
made between the professional bachelor,
which replaces the former graduate degree
and which has a finality, and the academic
bachelor which replaces the candidate degree
and which gives access to master’s studies.
Master’s degree is for 1 or 2 years. In
Belgium, both Universities and Colleges are
allowed to teach Bachelor and Master
classes, either professional or academical.
After obtaining a Master’s degree, talented
students can pursue research projects leading
to a doctorate degree. Ph.Ds are only
awarded by Universities.
Steve Rodrigues
ed matrix august 2008 11