🇧🇪 Learning the languages of Belgium

The single starting point for learning Dutch in Brussels: a free level test and advice session, after which they place you with a suitable NT2 provider from the city's CVO, Ligo and university options. Because Brussels has dozens of course providers with different prices and paces, going through the Huis first saves you from guessing. Open to anyone living or working in Brussels, in many languages. Book an appointment or walk in.

One of the Centra voor Volwassenenonderwijs, the publicly funded adult-education centres that carry most of the formal Dutch teaching in Flanders and Brussels. Dutch as a second language runs from A1 through C1 in evening and daytime groups, at fees far below a private school. Enrolment usually goes through an information session rather than a web form — check the infosessies page for dates. If you are unsure of your level, get tested at the Huis van het Nederlands first.

A regional programme run with Actiris, Bruxelles Formation and VDAB that gives Brussels residents free access to language learning in French, Dutch, English and others, with a personalised path and tutor support. Eligibility is tied to living in the Brussels-Capital Region, and jobseekers get priority attention. It is a distance-learning platform rather than a classroom course, so treat it as the free complement to an in-person class rather than a substitute. Register on the learning platform linked from the site.

The Brussels region's public training service, which trains jobseekers free of charge and includes a languages catalogue with French among the offerings. The route in is a defined five-step process: register for an information session, attend it, take a placement test and motivation interview, then start. You generally need to be registered as a jobseeker with Actiris to qualify, which is the main limitation. Worth checking before paying for a private course if you are job-hunting in Brussels.

Antwerp runs its integration and civic-integration services through Atlas rather than through the Flemish agency, so this is the right door if you live in the city. Free level testing, advice and referral into Dutch courses, plus the inburgering programme itself. They also run conversation groups and practice opportunities alongside formal classes. Book an appointment through the site; intake is free regardless of your status.

Part of the international Alliance Française network, offering French in relaxed, standard, dynamic and intensive formats plus exam preparation and corporate training. It is the default paid option in Brussels when you want a recognised name and a clear level structure rather than navigating the public system. There is a discount for students and jobseekers and payment can be spread in instalments. Book through the course pages or by phone.

ULB's language centre offers French as a foreign language across levels, taught on campus in Brussels and open to people outside the university as well as to students. A credible academic alternative to the Alliance Française if you prefer a university setting and a semester rhythm. Pricing is not published on the landing page, so contact them for current rates and intake dates.

Linguapolis teaches Dutch as a foreign language alongside other languages, with intensive courses aimed partly at international students preparing for Dutch-taught degrees. More demanding and faster-paced than a CVO evening course, which suits people who need a certified level quickly. Intakes are concentrated around September and October. Paid, at university rates; register through the online aanmelding.

ILT provides language courses within the university's faculties, to staff, and — unusually — to externen, meaning you can enrol without any university affiliation. Dutch as a second language is its largest offering, taught intensively and to a high standard, with Leuven a short train ride from Brussels. Best suited to learners who want an academically rigorous course and can commit to a full-time or near-full-time schedule. Paid; see the enrolment overview for intakes.