Degrees and diplomas

First cycle:
Lasts 2-3 years, depending on the program, at the end of which a diploma called candidature is awarded. It is difficult to find work with this diploma alone.
Objective: Prepare for the next level called licence
Contents: Supervised work and theoretical courses given in lecture halls. Some courses are required, others are by choice.

Second cycle:
Lasting 2, 3, or sometimes more years (according to the specialty), this cycle leads to a diploma called a licence (Bachelor’s degree). This diploma permits entrance to an active working life. This second cycle is more specialized. Most students choose their ultimate fields during this cycle.
Industrial engineering, etc. (4 years); civil engineering, commercial engineering, dentistry, (5 years); pharmacy (6 years); medicine (7 years)

Third cycle:
Accessible with a licence for specialization or a doctorate.
The specialized programs (post-graduate) lead to a special licence or a master’s, (for example, an MBA). These are special professional programs lasting one or two years.
The doctorate generally requires a research dissertation, taking more than two years.
The admission requirements vary according to the program and the university.
Competitive exams rarely exist in Belgium.
Each community offers possibilities for distance learning. For information, contact:
Ministère de la Communauté française
Direction générale de l'Enseignement et de la Formation
Service de l'enseignement à distance
BRUSSELS
Tel: 02/207.75.11
Web site: http://www.cfwb.be

Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap
Administratie voor Onderwijs en Permanente Vorming - Schriftelijk Onderwijs
BRUSSELS
Tel: 02/211.43.04
Web site: http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be
German community: http://www.dglive.be