Brussels Dutch-Language Schools to Require Language Proficiency Certificates for Priority Admission
Starting with the 2027-2028 school year, parents seeking priority admission for their children to Dutch-language schools in Brussels will be required to present a certificate demonstrating their Dutch language proficiency. This mandate stipulates that parents must be able to read, write, and speak Dutch at a B2 level. Previously, a simpler oral test was sufficient for parents to meet this requirement. This change aims to ensure a higher level of Dutch language competency among parents seeking preferential enrollment in the city's Dutch-language educational institutions. The new policy will affect admissions processes for the upcoming academic year and subsequent years.
This policy shift introduces a formal language proficiency requirement for parental priority in Brussels' Dutch-language schools, moving from an oral assessment to a B2-level certificate. This adjustment may influence parental enrollment decisions and the demographic composition of schools, potentially impacting social integration dynamics. The B2 level signifies a functional command of the language, suggesting an intent to foster a more immersive Dutch-speaking environment within educational settings. Future considerations may involve evaluating the accessibility of B2 certification for all parents and its long-term effects on educational equity and community cohesion in Brussels.
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