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Diploma, Transcript
Diploma equivalence in Belgium
Recognition of a foreign diploma in Belgium requires an equivalence procedure through the NARIC centre. A certified translation of your documents is mandatory.
€150–200 + translation4–12 weeksModerate
Last reviewed: 29 March 2026Editorial review: Equipe CertiDocsOfficial sources: 4
Overview
What this guide helps you sort out
Recognition of a foreign diploma in Belgium requires an equivalence procedure through the NARIC centre. A certified translation of your documents is mandatory.
Steps
4
Documents
6
Official sources
4
What frames this file straight away
Before you even follow the procedure step by step, these are usually the axes that matter.
Common translations
English-French, Spanish-French, Romanian-French, Polish-French
Related cities
Brussels, Liège, Antwerp
What the authority will really test here
In this kind of file, the blockage usually comes from proof, sequencing and consistency, not polished wording.
Records that need to line up
This procedure is usually read through Diploma, Transcript. Names, dates and references need to stay aligned from one record to the next.
Which official reading matters
Brussels, Liège will compare the source record with English-French, Spanish-French and wants the issuing authority, date and registry references to be easy to spot.
Order of formalities
The 4 official sources mainly help keep the sequence sharp: recent record first, any apostille or legalisation next, then the right filing step.
What is diploma equivalence?
Diploma equivalence is the official procedure to have a diploma obtained abroad recognised by Belgian authorities. This recognition is essential to continue studies, access certain regulated professions or assert your qualifications with an employer in Belgium. In Belgium, the competence lies with the Communities: the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles for French speakers and NARIC-Vlaanderen for Dutch speakers.
What documents are needed?
To submit an equivalence application, you must provide: your original diploma (or a certified copy), the transcript or diploma supplement, a valid identity document, and a certified translation by a sworn translator of all documents not in the language of the procedure. If your documents come from a country outside the European Union, an apostille or consular legalisation may be required.
Documents to prepare
- Original diploma or certified copy
- Transcript / diploma supplement
- Valid identity document
- Certified translation by sworn translator
- Apostille or legalisation (non-EU countries)
- Completed application form
Steps to follow
1
Gather documents
Gather your original diploma, transcript, identity document and any additional documents required by the competent authority.
2
Have documents translated by a sworn translator
All documents in a language other than the procedure language must be translated by a sworn translator registered with the FPS Justice.
3
Submit to the NARIC centre
Submit your complete file to the equivalence service of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles or NARIC-Vlaanderen depending on your linguistic community.
4
Receive the decision
The average processing time is 4 to 12 weeks. You will receive an official equivalence document recognised by Belgian employers and educational institutions.
Good to know
Off-peak at NARIC
NARIC processes files faster between September and November, outside the busy academic start period.
FWB: secondary ≠ higher education
In the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, the procedure differs depending on whether your diploma is secondary or higher education. Check the correct form.
Keep a certified copy
Your original diploma stays with NARIC during processing. Have a certified copy made before submitting your file.
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Get matchedFrequently asked questions
+−How much does a diploma equivalence application cost?
Administrative fees vary by Community: approximately €150 to €200 for the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, and variable fees for NARIC-Vlaanderen. Certified translation costs are additional (on average €30 to €50 per page).
+−How long does it take to get the equivalence?
The average processing time is 4 to 12 weeks after receipt of the complete file. High-demand periods (academic start) may extend this timeframe.
+−What is the difference between NARIC and the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles?
NARIC-Vlaanderen handles applications for the Flemish Community (Dutch-language education), while the equivalence service of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles handles applications for the French Community (French-language education).
+−Which documents need to be translated?
Any document written in a language other than the procedure language (French or Dutch) must be translated by a sworn translator. This includes the diploma, transcript and any diploma supplement.
+−What can I do if my equivalence is refused?
You can file an appeal with the competent authority. It is recommended to check the reasons for refusal and, if necessary, provide additional documents or a corrected translation.
+−Does my diploma need an apostille?
Yes, if your diploma comes from a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention, an apostille is required. For non-signatory countries, consular legalisation is necessary.
Official sources
The links below provide the official baseline. They help verify the procedure but do not replace file-specific analysis or the decision of the competent authority.
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