NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

I. Higher education system in general
The basic principles of the education system are defined in the Constitution.
The Constitution divides Belgium into three Communities, Flemish, French-speaking and German-speaking, which are
entirely responsible for education, except for the determination of the compulsory schooling period, the division of education
into levels (lower, secondary, higher and university education) and the staff pension system, which remain on the federal
level.
In future, educational affairs of common interest will be to a larger extent regulated by mutual consultation and by
conventions between the Communities as they pursue their own educational policies.
The organisation of education is entirely open, i.e. there is no State education monopoly. Everyone has the right to education,
honouring fundamental rights and freedoms.
Institutions wishing to award recognised diplomas and certificates and wishing to receive subsidies must satisfy the relevant
legislative conditions. Diplomas awarded under these conditions, whether by public educational institutions or by free
subsidised institutions, have equal official value.
In this way, all education institutions are guaranteed equal treatment.