Flanders

Formal policy making in higher education in Belgium is in the hands of the three communities: the Flemish Community, the French Community and the German-speaking Community. Each Community organises and funds its education system autonomously.

The Autonomy Scorecard questionnaire response was based on the position of the five universities registered as ‘statutory’. These five universities are accredited for offering academic Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral degrees. All institutions registered as ‘statutory’ are recognised by law, receive public funding, have a not-for-profit-status. Together, ‘statutory’ universities and university colleges cater for over 95% of higher education students.

Two of the five ‘statutory’ universities are labelled as ‘free’ universities: KU Leuven and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). With respect to autonomy, the free universities only differ from the other universities in that they have greater freedom to decide on the composition and size of their governing boards. The differences between the types of universities are mainly due to historical factors linked to their foundation and their stakeholders and these should not be overstated.

It should be noted that Flanders completed the Autonomy Scorecard survey and discussions in 2010/11 but information on the system was received after the Autonomy Scorecard publication had been completed.

Recent developments:

Due to budgetary restrictions, the current government has decided to put a temporary hold on the introduction of new degree programmes (2015-2017)
From 2015 new approach to quality assurance involving institutional reviews

Organisational autonomy: medium high

Except for the two ‘free’ universities, selection criteria for the executive head are stated in the law. Universities decide on the term of office and dismissal procedure, and the appointment of the executive head does not require external validation. All universities have a government-appointed Commissioner in their governance structure. The government also proposes part of the external members in the university board/council-type body for all but the two ‘free’ universities. The subject fields within which universities can offer degree programmes are specified in law. Universities may decide on their academic structures and create legal entities.

Financial autonomy: medium high

Universities receive public funding via an annual block grant whose internal allocation they control. They can keep any surpluses generated but they have to justify the purpose for which the reserves will be used. Universities can sell their buildings with some restrictions. An external authority sets the level of tuition fees for national/EU students at all levels.

Academic autonomy: low

Student selection at Bachelor level is regulated externally and based on free admission. Admission to Master’s programmes is co-regulated by universities and an external authority. At both levels, all new degree programmes must be submitted for prior accreditation in order to be introduced. The system is evolving towards institutional accreditation. Universities cannot choose the quality assurance provider carrying out accreditation. There is a limit to the university curriculum that can be delivered in languages other than Dutch.

Staffing autonomy: medium high

Decisions on individual staff salaries are restricted by overall limits in payments to staff. The dismissal of staff is subject to regulations specific to the higher education sector.