Earning a Law Degree in Belgium
Earning a law degree in Belgium does not require students pass a pre-entrance examination as is required for a few other degrees. Although the blending of Dutch, French and some German higher education institutions in Belgium may be confusing, they have all adopted regulations provided by the Bologna process, which entails the same kind of Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degree system followed by other European countries. Admission to the Belgian Bar is permitted after five years of studying law, or upon earning a Master of Law (LLM).
Tuition Fees
The government of Belgium regulates higher education tuition fees for all public universities or colleges. These fees are based on the ability of the student (or the student's family) to pay an amount commiserate with income. For example, low-income (Bursary) students receive full financial aid packages and usually pay a tuition rate of 100 euros ($135 USD). Students considered "non-bursary" pay full tuition fees 600 euros ($800 USD). Once again, these rates may vary from one law school to the other.
Employment Opportunities
Recently, the unemployment rate in Belgium dropped considerably as the recession in the U.S. and Europe has finally begun to improve, an encouraging sign that has also prompted the Bank of England to consider increasing interest rates. Consequently, employment opportunities for law students wanting to practice law in Belgium should remain consistent with the rapidly improving economy and job market.