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Diploma equivalence: FWB, NARIC Vlaanderen or German-speaking Community?
The first real choice is not the translation but the competent authority. In Belgium, diploma equivalence is not handled by a single body: the competent Community depends on the context, the language of the procedure and sometimes on the objective pursued.
Understand the processWho handles what in Belgium?
Link to this sectionThe Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, NARIC Vlaanderen and the German-speaking Community do not handle exactly the same work for the same audiences. The correct entry point depends on the competent Community and on the type of recognition you need. The Belgium.be page is precisely there to help orient you before you go to the right service.
When do you go through the FWB?
Link to this sectionThe Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles handles the academic and professional recognition of foreign diplomas within its competence. If your file is aimed at French-speaking education or the use of the diploma in that framework, it is often the right authority. The EquiSup site also clarifies which requests do not fall under that service.
When do you go through NARIC Vlaanderen or the German-speaking Community?
Link to this sectionNARIC Vlaanderen handles requests linked to education or the use of the diploma in the Flemish framework and offers a guidance tool to check whether the request actually belongs there. The German-speaking Community also has its own route for recognising foreign diplomas and study certificates.
Documents to prepare
- Identify the competent authority before filing anything
- Diploma and complete academic annexes
- Valid identity copy
- Apostille or legalisation if required for the original document
- Sworn translation of records not accepted in the procedure language
Steps to follow
Choose the competent Community
Check the competent authority first before gathering or translating documents.
Gather the academic file
Prepare the diploma, transcripts, supplements and supporting documents required by the chosen service.
Make the documents usable
Obtain any required apostille or legalisation, then the sworn translations needed for the procedure.
File with the correct authority
Submit the complete file to the correct Community or specialised authority.
Good to know
Guides
On the same topic
Other steps to prepare. Diplomas and equivalence.
Diploma equivalence in Belgium
Identify the responsible body for your diploma and purpose.
Romanian to French diploma translation in Belgium
How to translate a Romanian diploma into French for Belgium: exact title, institution, level, useful annexes and readability for equivalence or study.
English to French transcript translation in Belgium
How to translate an English transcript into French for Belgium: tables, credits, grading scales, course names and real academic readability.
For your application
Related documents
Common translations
Budget
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Frequently asked questions
+−Can I send the same file everywhere?
+−Does NARIC Vlaanderen handle all Flemish requests?
+−Is the FWB competent for all foreign diplomas?
+−When should documents be translated?
+−Does this page replace a profession-specific guide?
Official source
Official sources used
The references below are the public sources used to document this page. The competent authority always retains the final decision.
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