Belgium is one of the few countries in the world where education is compulsory to the age of 18. There are three types of school in Belgium: free schools (mostly run by the Catholic church), state schools and community schools.
Primary school is split into three cycles. Pupils learn a traditional curriculum of reading, writing, basic maths while a number of other subjects are taught informally. Languages are also taught, depending on the region. Secondary school also has three cycles. Older pupils can specialise in particular topics, such as Latin and Greek, but also do core courses such as sport with their peers.
Most students can enter university having passed their high school diploma, although students wishing to study medicine, engineering or some practical arts courses have to do further entrance exams. Since the Bologna process, Belgian universities follow the bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes.
