Belgium has three different education systems (with one for each language community: French, Dutch and German), but being at the heart of the EU, the European and international schools also play an important role in the country's education mix.
European and international schools are often thought to be linked (or even the same), but they are actually separate entities with major differences in how they function, their funding, and their overarching missions.
There are 34 international schools spread across four Belgian cities, 27 of which are in Brussels. These are independently-run private schools, with varying curricula, fees, facilities and programmes.
In terms of European Schools, there are 13 across the EU and five in Belgium (four in Brussels, one in Mol near Antwerp). These are public and run as an intergovernmental organisation jointly by the European Union and the EU Member States.
To understand how these different school types work, The Brussels Times spoke to representatives of each system. Find out more here.
Belgium in Brief
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1. International vs European schools: What’s the difference?
It's a common misconception that international and European schools are the same. But there are key differences in how they run, the curricula, languages and costs. Read more.
2. Public transport prices and new school rules: What changes in Belgium on 1 September?
In Belgium, new changes are introduced (and old ones abolished) on the first of every month. Make sure you are up to date with all the latest measures. Read more.
3. De Wever proposals will cause ‘collective burnouts’ for retail sector
The measures have been branded as being "100% in favour of the big retailers, to the detriment of workers and small businesses." Read more.
4. Dating app Grindr warns Brussels users of homophobic violence
Police are investigating whether a fake Grindr date was at the root of a fatal home invasion in Ixelles on Thursday. Read more.
5. Code yellow for thunderstorms in south Belgium, flooding possible
More than 20 mm of precipitation may fall in the course of six hours in the southeastern part of the country. Read more.
6. ‘Unhappy Meal’: GAIA kicks off new campaign outside Bourse McDonald’s
Belgian animal rights organisation GAIA staged a protest in Brussels on Thursday, calling for McDonald's to commit to the Better Chicken Commitment. Read more.
7. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 30 August – 1 September
From no fewer than five Open Air parties in stunning locations across the city to a showcase of African cultural riches, here's what's on in Brussels this weekend. Read more.
