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Flanders

The body responsible for the recognition of foreign qualifcations in Flanders is NARIC Vlaanderen. NARIC Vlaanderen is a public body and part of a the Ministry of Education and Training.

NARIC-Flanders

Ministry of Education and Training
- Agency for Higher Education, Adult Education and Study Grants (AHoVoS)
Hendrik Consciencegebouw Toren A 6
Koning Albert II-laan 15
B-1210 Brussels
Belgium

Phone: +32 2 553 97 44
Fax: +32 2 553 97 05
E-mail: naric@vlaanderen.be

http://www.naric.be

Belgium has and ratified the Lisbon Recognition Convention (2009).

Types of recognition

NARIC Vlaanderen takes legally binding decisions regarding the following qualifications and types of recognition:

First cycle education (e.g. Bachelor)

  • academic recognition giving access to higher education programmes 
  • legally binding academic recognition for the use of an academic title 
  • legally binding recognition giving  access to the labour market 
  • legally binding professional recognition in line with EU directives

Second cycle education (e.g. Master)

  • legally binding academic recognition giving access to higher education programmes 
  • legally binding academic recognition for the use of an academic title 
  • legally binding recognition giving  access to the labour market 
  • legally binding professional recognition in line with EU directives

Third cycle education (e.g. Doctor)

  • legally binding academic recognition for the use of an academic title 
  • legally binding recognition giving  access to the labour market 

The recognition procedure(s)

The recognition procedure is free of charge and has a deadline of 12 weeks.

Step 1: Application

  • All holders of foreign qualifications have access to an assessment of their qualifications
  • All applicants automatically receive standardised information on the procedures and criteria for the assessment of foreign qualifications
  • Informal advice is available about the possibilities and procedures taking into account the competence of the recognition authority
  • Applicants fill in standardised application forms
  • The receipt of the application is acknowledged
  • The time normally required to process recognition applications is specified to the applicants
  • Check whether there are any bilateral/international agreements applicable

Step 2: Verification

  • A checklist is used regarding the required documents
  • The authenticity of the documents is verified
  • Previous cases (i.e. precedents) are referred to in light of the current recognition procedure
  • The status, type and accreditation of the awarding higher education institution and the programme leading to the qualification is verified
  • The recognition networks/bodies (e.g. ENIC/NARICs) are consulted

Step 3: Assessment

  • By checking all criteria, which are predefined differences are detected
  • Detected differences are checked to see whether they are considered substantial taking into account the purpose for which recognition is sought

Step 4: Decision-making

  • If there are no substantial differences: full recognition
  • In case there are substantial differences:
    • All the reasons why the differences are substantial will be clearly stated
    • An alternative or partial recognition is suggested
    • Information is given on possibilities for appeal
  • The decision is added to an Inventory of typical recognition cases

Additional elements

  • There are special measures for refugees who cannot document the qualification(s) they claim

Open qualifications area

At the moment there is no open qualifcations area with another country. 

Links
NARIC Vlaanderen

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