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Equivalence of courses taken abroad

Equivalency is established through a process that compares studies (or partial studies) in foreign countries to studies (or partial studies) in schools operated by the French-speaking Community of Belgium.

Equivalency is always attested by a certificate of equivalency issued by a competent authority.

Depending on the level of studies in question, candidates may contact the following agencies:

                                                                 ©Microsoft (Equivalence études) 

Equivalency of diplomas from secondary instruction

Equivalency between diplomas for secondary education in a foreign country and the Belgian C.E.S.S. (Certificate of Higher Secondary Education) are established by the Equivalency Service of mandatory education, part of the Ministry of the French-speaking Community.


Equivalency for 2nd cycle university diplomas

Equivalency for "basic" 2nd cycle diplomas are also determined by the Ministry of the French-speaking Community, through the Higher Education Equivalency Office.

  
         A determination of equivalency from the Ministry is not required in order to gain admission to an advanced Master's programme or to 3rd cycle studies at the University.

Only equivalency at the C.E.S.S. level (Certificate of Higher Secondary Education) is required for registration in one of the years of the ter cycle (that is, in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of a bachelor's degree programme).

In all other cases the University alone determines admission. The jury decides at what level a student will be admitted on the basis of an individual file.

Here is more information on admissions procedures for:


Equivalency at any other level of studies

It is possible to request a determination of equivalency from the university not related to admission to studies, for example as part of a job search, or as part of the documentation for the determination of a pension.

In such cases juries determine complete or partial equivalency for studies pursued in foreign countries in terms of the academic degrees conferred by the University (Exception: requests for a determination of complete equivalency with respect to the academic degrees of basic 2nd cycle studies, something only the Ministry is competent to determine, see above.).

The University of Liège can issue attestations of equivalency with regard to the following degrees or examinations :

  • 1st year, bachelor
  • 2nd year  bachelor
  • bachelor's degree
  • 1st year, master
  • Doctorate


Special cases

Certain scholarship-sponsoring agencies in Belgium (FNRS,FRIA...) require applicants for those grants to hold either a Belgian diploma or a diploma that is recognized as equivalent.

Accordingly :

  • applicants for doctoral fellowships must request a determination of equivalency for their foreign 2nd cycle diploma from the French-speaking Community.
  • applicants for research assistantships or post-doctoral research fellowships must request a determination of equivalency for their foreign doctorates from the University.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. 

Contact(s) : Admsissions Department

Print version Page updated on 2012-02-01