Training Vouchers & Paid Educational Leave in Belgium

Belgium’s training support is regional. Explore the most common funding routes in Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia to help reduce the cost of eligible tech training.

How does training support work in Belgium?

In Belgium, training support is organised regionally. Depending on where you live or work, you may be eligible for different schemes in Flanders, the Brussels-Capital Region, or Wallonia.

Depending on your status (employee, self-employed, employer, jobseeker), you may be able to use paid educational leave, training vouchers, or business subsidies to fund eligible training. Many schemes require the training (and/or the training provider) to be recognised by the region.

Will it cover my full tuition?

Coverage varies by scheme. Some options subsidise part of the tuition through vouchers or grants, while paid educational leave focuses on letting you train while keeping your salary. If you’re unsure what applies to you, our team can share course details and documentation to help you check eligibility with the relevant regional authority.

Who can apply?

Eligibility rules are set by each region and programme. Common routes include:

  • People living or working in Belgium

    Most support schemes are regional. You’ll typically apply in the region where you live or where your employer is based, depending on the programme.

  • Fall into one of these profiles:

    • Employees

      Employees may have access to paid training leave schemes (for eligible courses), such as Vlaams Opleidingsverlof (Flanders) or Congé-éducation payé (Brussels/Wallonia).

    • Employees in Flanders

      In addition to training leave, employees in Flanders can explore Opleidingscheques (training vouchers) for certain recognised training.

    • SMEs, self-employed & employers

      Businesses can explore regional support to subsidise training, such as KMO-portefeuille (Flanders) or Chèques-formation (Wallonia), subject to eligibility conditions.

    • Jobseekers

      Jobseekers can explore training routes via regional employment and training services (e.g., VDAB, Bruxelles Formation, Le Forem). Availability depends on your profile and the programme catalogue.

Funding with a Bildungsgutschein - Code Labs Academy

How can I get started?

1

Identify your region and profile (employee, self-employed, employer/SME, jobseeker). Belgium’s training support is regional, so the rules differ between Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia.

2

Review the official eligibility criteria for your region: Vlaams Opleidingsverlof (Flanders), Opleidingscheques (Flanders), KMO-portefeuille (Flanders), Congé-éducation payé (Brussels), and Chèques-formation & Congé-éducation payé (Wallonia).

3

If you’re employed, talk to your employer early about scheduling and documentation for training leave and/or employer-funded training.

4

Book a call with Code Labs Academy to discuss your goals and get any course information you may need for a funding request (programme outline, hours, invoices, etc.).

5

Submit your request with the relevant regional programme and follow their process. If you’re unsure which route fits you best, our team can help you map the options before you apply.

Ready to explore your funding route?

Want help choosing the right option for Belgium? Schedule a call with an education specialist to talk through your profile (region, employment status, timeline), understand the documentation you may need, and plan your next steps. <br /><br /> If you’re not eligible for a public scheme, we can also discuss instalment plans and Code Labs Academy discounts.