Between the desire to heal animals and the sometimes discouraging difficulty ofveterinary numerus claususIn France, Belgium appears to be a real opportunity for many adults in conversion or ambitious students. Thanks to a training which is both demanding and accessible after the baccalaureate, reduced costs and above all aautomatic recognition of diplomaIn France, this course opens up concrete prospects for those who do not want to abandon their vocation or their plans for life.
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Veterinary studies in Belgium – information to know (access, recognition, cost, procedure)
It is a popular option for those seeking to become veterinarians: Belgium, in 2026, displayed as the first alternative for many French people discouraged by the numerus clausus and the very strict selection of hexagonal veterinary studies. The Belgian diploma is officially recognised in France and in all the nations of the European Union. The curriculum covers:6 years(bachelier and then master), with a quota entry (sortage at 20% of non-residents) and a much more affordable fee than in French schools.
This guide summarises the steps to be taken, the universities involved, the course of studies, the famous TOSS test and, in concrete terms, the answers to the frequent questions about enrolment, student life, internships or job opportunities.
Summary of key points
- ✅ Belgium is an accessible and recognised alternative for veterinary studies
- ✅ The course spans 6 years with quota access and lower fees than in France
- ✅ The Belgian diploma is automatically recognised in France and the EU
Why choose the veterinary curriculum in Belgium?
The reality of the field is clear – to gain access to veterinary studies in France, it is to face a competition deemed formidable (nearly5 000candidates for720places on Parcoursup each year). Some comment that it is not uncommon to see excellent profiles tried elsewhere.
Quotated access, but more open than in France
In Belgium, the process is not focused on disposal after the bin. French students participate in a draw for places reserved for non-residents (foreign students), i.e.20% of first-year staff. For example, at the University of Liège (ULiège),43places are proposed for more than270French files each year, leading to about15,6 %chances of being selected. This system really puts to the test the part of the sea: some discover their success... only in September, a few days before!
A degree recognized in France and throughout the EU
The diploma of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine obtained after 6 years guarantees a registration in the Order of French Veterinarians, thanks to automatic equivalence. Several adults in conversion or young graduates whom I was able to accompany settled in France without administrative obstacles after this Belgian course. In other words, the path remains entirely open to exercise: that is also why so many people take the bet.
Cost and support: concrete benefits
Registration fees will be around835 €per year (excluding aid/grants), where French veterinary schools average2 625 €. The economy over the course of studies is very tangible. Let's add that daily accompaniment is particularly strong: remediation program, immersive internships, tutoring... The Belgian curriculum promotes the success of international students. This is a real plus, and some of them testify regularly (a trainer recently said that in Liège, integration of the French is progressing year by year thanks to the supervision).
Good to know
I recommend that you anticipate administrative procedures and take advantage of the proposed tutoring and remedial programs, which greatly facilitate the integration of Francophone students.
Bachelor (3 years) and Master (3 years): typical course
Seizing the structure of the curriculum is really a better understanding of the challenges (and pleasures) of the Belgian veterinary path.
The Bachelor: Basic Sciences and Early Immersion
The first stage (3 years of bachelor's degree, equivalent degree) focuses on learning the scientific bases: animal biology, physics, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, genetics. The Belgian approach favours active pedagogy: regular practical work, compulsory training courses2 to 4 weeksfrom the first year, field observations in clinic or farm partner of the university.
The workload is rising rapidly and it is not uncommon to see foreign students be surprised by the pace of the pace requested. Some quickly feel the weight of microscopes, textbooks or mud-filled boots, sometimes all the same week... But the passion of biology and the taste of animal contact make the effort relatively rewarding.
The Master: Clinical specialization and professionalization
The master's cycle (3 years) marks a turning point in professional practice – pathology, surgery, pet or annuity medicine, cabinet management, zoonoses, public health and food hygiene. The last semester is devoted to a major clinical internship of at least12 weeks, which can be carried out in various sectors (domestic animals, horses, wildlife ...).
- The possibility of an additional master's degree (+1 year) to specialize (equidae, pets, veterinary public health, etc.), which is of regular interest to some graduates.
- The course is validated by360 ECTS(180+180), compatible with the European area.
In fact, a former student recently confided that he had chosen the public health option to broaden his horizons, indicating that the choice is real once the diploma has been validated.
Admission procedures and quotas: instructions for use for non-residents
Can one really put every chance on his side to integrate the Belgian veterinary sector? There is a clear procedure to follow. Small detail: Each element in the folder counts.
Quotas, draw and file: how does it work?
For non-residents, the quota is strict – only20 %First year places will be allocated to them. The following figures are visible in 2026 for major universities:
| University | Non-resident places | Approximately | Opportunities for admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| ULiège | 43 | 275 | 15,6 % |
| ULB | 24 | 120 | 20 % |
| UNamur | 50 | 152 | 32,8 % |
The procedure is clearly marked:
You must file your registration file online at the end of August. Once the files have been checked, all valid candidates participate in the electronic draw (in September, during the beginning of the year). If your name is retained, the door opens; If not, we can try again the next year. Some people experience it badly, but the random aspect has at least the merit of limiting the pressure of a classic competition!
The TOSS: the decisive test in the first year
One last point not to be missed: the stage of the TOSS (Test d'Orientation pour études en Sciences de la Santé). This QCM covers 6 subjects (French, English, Math, Chemistry, Physics, Biology) and requires a solid mastery of fundamentals. It is often recommended that at least10/20in each material. A trainer points out this regularly: even with good scientific bases, this suggests that it is wise to train seriously. For example, a well-prepared student sometimes takes advantage of the remedial sessions set up by the university to pass the test course.
Differences France/Belgium – recognition of diploma
The question continues: Is it so different from France? And is reintegration in France really fluid after a Belgian course?
Selectivity, fresh and automatic recognition
The French model is based on "all or nothing" duality: after the baccalaureate, you often have to go through2 yearsprepa class, then3 yearsin veterinary school if the contest is successful. In Belgium: access is made from the baccalaureate (under quota), without preparation or academic selection. Many Belgian professionals believe that this openness generates more diversity within promos.
In terms of fees, the difference speaks of itself:
| Better position | Annual fee | Total duration | Diploma recognized France |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 835 € + Annexes (~800 €) | 6 years | Yes, automatic EU |
| Diamond Disc | 2 625 € (or free scholarship holders) | 6 years | – |
For the exercise in France, the recognition of the Belgian diploma (master) is integral and immediate: an administrative procedure is sufficient, without further examination or competition. Several testimonies confirm that the return to France takes place smoothly. This is what drives many young French people to try their luck elsewhere when the draw plays in their favour.
Opportunities and specialties accessible after the master's degree
At the end of6 yearsIt is possible to settle in France (cabinet, rural clinic, public sector). To go further, Belgium offers complementary master's degrees in1 year(animals, equidae, public health, etc.). Several professionals believe that this stage allows for a variety of choices and, sometimes, some graduates change direction completely after a first experience in the field. Is it really always simple? Sometimes not, but conversion remains fluid in most situations.
Practical aspects – student life, internships, professional integration
Studying abroad also means adapting your daily life. The Belgian experience has its appeal... but it also comes with some unexpected challenges.
Just like the course forbecome a compulsory state graduate dance teacherveterinary studies in Belgium require rigorous planning and strong motivation.
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For those who hesitate about their orientation, discover alsohow to become a dental assistant: the concrete guide to launch in 2026an interesting alternative to working in the field of health.
Campus life, housing and study rhythm
Most French students opt for Liège over the entire curriculum, as it is the only one offering the bachelor's degree and the master's degree without a cut. Integration support schemes (student housing, very French-speaking roommates, associative networks) facilitate on-site life and self-help. We must count around400 €/monthfor a studio in town or a bedroom in residence.
The rate of study can be impressive: there are more30 hoursand practical work per week, without including personal work. Some find their balance thanks to student associations, or by participating in university clinics (recently, a student reported that his first intervention changed his vision of the trade: immediate immersion guaranteed!).
Compulsory courses and grants available
From the first year, at least2 to 4 weeks of internshipare expected, andMinimum 12 weeksMaster's. Several aid and scholarship schemes (Wallonne region, European programmes) are open to international students. Another point to remember – many students also do small jobs in clinics or animal guards to complete their budget.
It should be stressed that Belgium is happy to accompany foreign students, but everyone must find and validate their internships independently. This principle of independence is sometimes confusing, but it also opens up many networks (it often happens that a student returns to France or goes to the EU for an internship, proof that the Belgian curriculum remains recognised and appreciated everywhere).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ): admission, TOSS, recognition, practical life
The following are some direct answers to the questions that are constantly coming back at the orientation workshops:
Which Belgian universities offer the full veterinary curriculum?
The University of Liège (ULiège) is the only university offering the complete curriculum (bachelier + master). Other universities (UCLouvain, ULB, UNamur) offer the bachelor's degree, but you will have to continue the master's degree only in Liège (a consultant usually specifies this point in maintenance).
How can we succeed in admission as a Frenchman?
The typical route is to file an online file before the end of August, to pass the draw by lot (20% non-resident) and then to prepare for the TOSS in the first year. The accompaniment or remedial sessions displayed by universities are really valuable in case of doubt or difficulty.
What materials in TOSS?
The test covers 6 subjects: biology, chemistry, physics, math, French, English. The expected level corresponds to that of the scientific baccalaureate. To avoid bad surprises, it is better to seriously review (several finals found that they underestimated the complexity of this test).
Is the Belgian diploma recognized in France?
Yes, after the master's degree, European recognition allows automatic registration in the Order of Veterinarians in France, without further examination or competition.
How much is the year and the cost of living?
Registration fee:835 €/year (+ ~800 €costs). Student accommodation in Liège costs around400 €/month. Some expenses are potential for grants or scholarships accessible to foreign students.
How do internships and student life take place?
Internships in the first year (2 to 4 weeks), 12 weeksduring the master's degree, in clinics, farms or shelters. The student life in Liège is particularly lively and supportive, led by many associations that accompany integration and progress.
Practical resources:
Complete brochure to download | Official Euroguidance FAQ | France/Belgium comparison
Need an exchange with an advisor?Contact the admission serviceor register for aInformation dayorganised in Liège!
Updated on 23 March 2026
