Beninese diploma equivalence is often the first step towards studying, training or working in Belgium. The procedure depends on two questions: the level of the qualification and the Community where you want to use it. So this guide explains who decides, which documents to prepare and how long to allow. It follows the rules published by the official services in September 2026.
Who grants equivalence in Belgium?
In Belgium, education falls under the Communities. As a result, each Community runs its own service for foreign qualifications:
- Wallonia-Brussels Federation, secondary level: the Service des équivalences handles school-leaving diplomas such as the baccalauréat;
- the same Federation, higher education: a separate directorate reviews bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees;
- Flemish Community: NARIC-Vlaanderen recognises qualifications for study and work in Flanders;
- German-speaking Community: it handles its own applications.
The right office for Beninese diploma equivalence therefore depends on the institution or workplace you have in mind. For example, enrolling at a French-speaking college in Mons or Namur goes through the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
Getting a Beninese baccalauréat recognised
For the baccalauréat, Beninese diploma equivalence means that the Service des équivalences compares your diploma with the French-speaking upper secondary certificate (CESS). Benin is on the list of reduced-fee countries, so the application costs 150 euros, with no refund possible.
Timing
To enter higher education, you file between 15 November and 15 July before the academic year. For 2027-2028, then, the window runs from 15 November 2026 to 15 July 2027. However, an application for a job or training course can go in at any time, with proof of that plan.
Documents to provide
- Your baccalauréat diploma and transcript, as certified true copies.
- Proof that you could enter higher education in Benin, such as an enrolment certificate.
- A copy of your identity card, passport or birth certificate.
- A signed cover letter written in French.
- The original proof of payment.
Next, send the complete file by registered post, or hand it in at an appointment with the service in Brussels. Processing takes at least 4 to 12 weeks. For schooling outside the European Union, the decision often comes with restrictions. You can then lift them by passing the DAES maturity exam run by the Federation's exam boards.
Certified copies and legalisation: the key point
In any Beninese diploma equivalence file, most delays come from the copies. If you live in Belgium, have them certified at your municipal office, or at the Service des équivalences when you show the originals. If you are still in Benin, the chain is longer, because Benin is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. First, a town hall certifies the copy. Then the Beninese Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalises that signature. Finally, the Belgian embassy or consulate legalises the ministry's signature.
For other Beninese documents in your file, such as a birth certificate, Honorary Consulate of Benin in Liège provides document legalisation. Also keep a valid consular card, since many formalities call for it.
A bachelor's, master's or doctorate from Benin
For a higher education degree, you apply for Beninese diploma equivalence online with the relevant Wallonia-Brussels directorate. Several forms exist:
| Type of equivalence | Fee (reduced-fee countries) | Maximum time |
|---|---|---|
| To a specific academic degree | 150 euros | 4 months, then 40 days |
| Of level, with a commission opinion | 150 euros | 4 months, then 40 days |
| Of level, handled directly | 65 euros | 2 months |
No recognition is automatic, even for degrees from the bachelor-master-doctorate system. Still, to join a master's programme you usually apply straight to the university, which decides on admission itself. For a regulated profession, in health or teaching for instance, you may also need a separate professional recognition.
Studying or working in Flanders
On the Dutch-speaking side, NARIC-Vlaanderen also handles Beninese diploma equivalence. It offers an online guidance tool followed by a digital application. The agency separates level recognition from specific recognition against a particular Flemish degree. Fees and delays vary by type of request, so check them on the official website before you pay. To see the other side of the picture, read our guide to the education system in Benin.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Beninese diploma equivalence cost?
In the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, allow 150 euros for a baccalauréat. For a higher education degree, fees range from 65 to 150 euros depending on the procedure. A sworn translation may add to the cost, but rarely for documents written in French.
Is my Beninese diploma recognised automatically?
No. Even a degree from the bachelor-master system goes through a case-by-case review. Only a few European countries benefit from automatic level recognition agreements.
Can the consulate legalise my documents?
Yes, for Beninese documents presented within the post's jurisdiction. For diploma copies, however, follow the instructions of the equivalence service, which accepts copies certified by your Belgian municipality.
In short, prepare your file early and check every copy before sending it. Honorary Consulate of Benin in Liège can help with legalisation and other consular acts: ask your questions through the contact page or visit our Diaspora page.
Sources
- Wallonia-Brussels Federation: secondary equivalence, reduced-fee countries
- Wallonia-Brussels Federation: equivalence procedure for higher education degrees
- Flanders: NARIC-Vlaanderen, recognition of foreign qualifications
- HCCH: status table of the Apostille Convention
