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Returning to education as an adult does not prevent you from considering other options. Training at the age of 30, 40, or 50 and promoting your skills abroad is possible thanks to the diplomas awarded in Belgium.

Studying, training, changing direction: adult education pathways are becoming increasingly diverse. Sometimes they lead far beyond national borders. Whether it is to work, pursue a course of study, or promote skills internationally, the question of degree recognition quickly arises: what will this degree be worth elsewhere? In Belgium, adult education offers solid answers, provided you know the rules.

The Bologna Process

Diplomas and certificates awarded by adult education institutions are recognized abroad as long as they are issued by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. This is particularly true for higher education degrees, such as bachelor's and master's degrees, which are part of a common European framework.

This framework, known as the Bologna Process, allows European countries to speak the same language when it comes to degrees. It makes educational pathways more transparent from one country to another and facilitates the understanding of degrees, both for continuing education and for accessing the job market. In other words, a Belgian degree is easier to read and understand outside Belgium.

Recognition, procedures, and tools you need to know about

For secondary education or language courses, however, recognition depends on the rules specific to each country. In practice, this often involves certain procedures: having a diploma legalized, authenticating a signature with the local authorities, the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, or even the embassy of the destination country.

There are resources available to help you navigate this process. The NARIC-ENIC center provides information on the recognition of diplomas and equivalence procedures in the European Economic Area. The Europass platform, for its part, allows you to present your diplomas and skills in formats that are familiar internationally, such as the European CV.

In this context, the Beci schools, EPFC, and CVO Semper support adult learners on open pathways. They train people who see their education as a stepping stone to grow, plan for the future, and sometimes cross borders. “All our diploma courses and certificates are recognized abroad, as the diplomas are issued by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation,” points out Serge Bressers, Director General of EPFC.

Are you considering returning to education to advance your career, in Belgium or abroad?

Discover how adult education can be a real springboard for enhancing your skills and opening up new opportunities. Click here to find out more.