If your qualification is recognised as equivalent by NARIC, you have the same rights as the holder of the Flemish qualification that is indicated in the decision. NARIC’s decision is a legally binding ministerial order. This order is only valid if it is presented together with the original foreign study certificate.
Were you unable to obtain the recognition applied for? You still have different possible options:
- You can still obtain the desired Flemish qualification by taking part in a supplementary training programme.
- You can apply for the recognition of your qualification at a lower level.
- You have additional documents rebutting the motivation of the decision.
- You think a material mistake was made when handling your file.
- You disagree with the motivation of the decision.
You can still obtain the desired Flemish qualification by taking part in a supplementary training programme
Visit onderwijskiezer.be. That website contains both the training programmes available in Flanders and the training programme providers in Flanders.
Do you think you are entitled to exemptions on the basis of your competences? Then you are advised to contact the university college or university you want to go to. On the grounds of your experience, your foreign qualification or other qualifications, you can be awarded exemptions from training components.
You can apply for the recognition of your qualification at a lower level
Within a period of six months, you can apply again for the recognition of the same certificate at a lower level. In most cases, NARIC will do so automatically. If it is not the case, this is stated in the letter containing the decision. Recognition of the same study certificate at a lower level can be sought in a simple manner by contacting your case handler. You do not have to pay a second time.
You have additional documents rebutting the motivation of the decision
You can request a review (197.52 KB) "pdf" of the decision by filling in the request form. You do so within 6 months after receiving NARIC’s decision. Send the review file to your case handler.
You think a material mistake was made when handling your file
For example, the wrong (qualification) name was mentioned in the order, documents were overlooked, etc.
You can submit a request for reconsideration to NARIC. After receiving the letter stating NARIC’s decision, you have 30 days to appeal the decision. You send a registered letter to:
NARIC-Vlaanderen, Hendrik Consciencegebouw, Koning Albert II-laan 15 bus 129, 1210 BRUSSEL
You disagree with the motivation of the decision
You can lodge an appeal. The level of your qualification determines where you can lodge an appeal:
Higher Education Diploma (hbo5, bachelor, master or doctorate)
You send a registered letter to both the Council for disputes about decisions on study progress and NARIC. After receiving the letter stating NARIC’s decision, you have 30 days to appeal the decision. Your appeal must be signed by you or your lawyer.
Raad voor betwistingen inzake studievoortgangsbeslissingen | NARIC-Vlaanderen |
Hendrik Consciencegebouw | Hendrik Consciencegebouw |
Koning Albert II-laan 15 | Koning Albert II-laan 15 |
1210 Brussel | 1210 Brussel |
Diploma of secondary education or of adult education
You send a registered letter to the Council of State as well as a copy to NARIC. After receiving the letter stating NARIC’s decision, you have 60 days to appeal the decision. Your appeal must be signed by you or your lawyer.
Raad van State | NARIC-Vlaanderen |
Wetenschapsstraat 33 | Hendrik Consciencegebouw |
1040 Brussel | Koning Albert II-laan 15 |
1210 Brussel |