Foreign medical applicants account for half of the total in Belgium
Rising Demand for Medical Education in French-Speaking Belgium
A significant increase in candidates for the medical school entrance exam in Belgium has been observed, with 5,500 candidates participating in July 2021 alone. This surge can be attributed to several factors, including the international appeal of Belgium's medical programs, multilingual instruction, and relatively affordable tuition fees.
Attractive Medical Programs
Belgium offers a six-year medical degree (MBBS equivalent) taught primarily in French, Dutch, or German, with some English options. The country's strong tradition in medical education and globally recognized universities such as Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL) and Université Libre de Bruxelles attract many candidates.
Affordable Tuition Fees
Tuition in Belgium ranges approximately from $1500 to $4000 per year, which is comparatively low for Western Europe. The availability of grants and scholarships makes it an affordable option for both domestic and foreign students.
Competition Intensifies
While some Belgian programs do not require an entrance exam for MBBS admission, the increase in candidates may lead to the introduction or intensifying of entrance exams or selection criteria, particularly in French-speaking institutions where demand is high. This increase could mean stricter language proficiency requirements and potentially more rigorous entrance examinations or selection processes.
Impact on Foreign Students
For foreign students, this rise in competition could mean higher language proficiency expectations and the need for more rigorous preparation for entrance exams. It may also lead to increased administrative scrutiny on visas and compliance with regulations.
Language Requirements
Since most medical education in French-speaking Belgium is in French, foreign students must meet language proficiency standards. Growing numbers mean higher language proficiency expectations.
Entrance Exam Challenges
While Belgium has some programs without entrance exams, increased candidate numbers may lead universities toward more selective testing to manage intake, affecting foreign students who must prepare accordingly.
Implications for the Future
The rise in candidates has put pressure on teaching resources, clinical placement availability, and accommodation, which could impact education quality or delay graduation timelines. However, the multilingual environment of French-speaking Belgian medical schools attracts a diverse international student body, offering opportunities for networking and integration.
The situation is not new for French neighbors who emigrate to Belgium for their studies due to the drastic selection in France. The transition has been difficult for French students, with only 30% of non-residents being accepted to study in Belgium. The end of the numerus clausus in France gave the false impression that suddenly, the doors were open to everyone for medical studies.
Laurent Despy from the Academy of Research and Higher Education attributes the increase in candidates to two hypotheses: an increase in non-resident participants and the possibility that the pandemic sparked vocations. In 2021, the number of students taking the exam increased by 37% compared to 2020. Universities published available places for each specialization a year later, which prevented students from adapting according to their chances of success.
The French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced a new plan to adjust the reform in June. It remains to be seen how this will impact the demand for medical education in French-speaking Belgium.
- As a result of the increasing demand for medical education in French-speaking Belgium, there could be stricter language proficiency requirements for foreign students, such as English language-speaking applicants, aiming to pursue health-and-wellness related education and self-development opportunities.
- With the growth in the number of candidates for medical education in French-speaking Belgium, the medical programs, particularly those offering science-based degrees, might become more competitive, necessitating medical-conditions students to prepare more rigorously for entrance exams and potentially adjusting their educational and self-development plans accordingly.
