Belgium is a multilingual country with three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. The language(s) you should learn to study in Belgium will depend on the region and the language of instruction of your chosen program. In this article, we will explore the different language requirements for studying in Belgium.
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Dutch-speaking Universities
In Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium, the majority of universities offer programs in Dutch. If you plan to study in Flanders, you will need to have a good command of Dutch to be able to follow the lectures, participate in discussions, and write assignments and exams. Some universities may require a language proficiency certificate such as the Dutch as a Foreign Language (NT2) exam.
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French-speaking Universities
In Wallonia and Brussels, the French-speaking regions of Belgium, the majority of universities offer programs in French. If you plan to study in Wallonia or Brussels, you will need to have a good command of French to be able to follow the lectures, participate in discussions, and write assignments and exams. Some universities may require a language proficiency certificate such as the Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF).
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German-speaking Universities
In the German-speaking region of Belgium, there is only one university, the University of Liège, which offers programs in German. If you plan to study in Liège, you will need to have a good command of German to be able to follow the lectures, participate in discussions, and write assignments and exams. Some universities may require a language proficiency certificate such as the Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache (ZDfB).
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English-speaking Universities
There are also a number of universities in Belgium that offer programs in English, particularly at the graduate level. If you plan to study in an English-speaking program, you will need to have a good command of English to be able to follow the lectures, participate in discussions, and write assignments and exams. Some universities may require a language proficiency certificate such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
In conclusion, the language(s) you should learn to study in Belgium will depend on the region and the language of instruction of your chosen program. It is important to research the language requirements of different universities and programs before making a decision. Learning the language(s) of instruction will not only help you succeed academically, but also allow you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and make the most of your study abroad experience.
