The learning account

How does it work?

If you are following an initial bachelor's or master's programme, you receive an initial learning account totalling 140 credits. At the beginning of the year, the number of credits for which you have registered is subtracted from your learning account – for a year of full-time studies, this is 60 credits. You earn back the credits you pass, and lose those that you fail. Each subsequent year of full-time studies also costs 60 credits.

Bonus

Because the Flemish Ministry of Education recognizes that your transition as an international student offers unexpected challenges, you will receive some extra vouchers as a new student – the first 60 credits you earn back are doubled. If you do not earn back all 60 credits in the first year, this bonus can be carried over to subsequent years.

Objective

The legislation on the financing of higher education in Flanders grants every student a “learning account”, a system based on the credits already used to compose their programmes of studies. Each student receives 140 credits which he or she can stake in an initial bachelor's or master's programme, with the aim of earning them back. The system of the "learning account" is aimed at increasing the responsibility of both the student and the institution in the choice, conduct, and result of studies. KU Leuven only receives funding from the Flemish government for initial bachelor’s and master’s programme students with sufficient learning accounts.

For whom?

This learning account is a new measure affecting all students in Flanders registered in initial bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Students in other programmes, such as post-initial master’s or doctoral programmes, are not affected by the learning account, but will probably face higher tuition fees.

Your final total

You receive your successful credits back, but the original 140 credits are subtracted when you receive your master's degree, leaving you with your final total.

The Flemish government provides a website where you are given an overview of your learning account: how much you’ve staked, and how much you’ve earned or lost, keeping into account bonus credits. You can consult your learning account at the 'Studentenportaal' website, although you need an e-id card or a token to access your learning account.

Let’s count

An example of a student following a three-year bachelor’s programme (2008-2009 to 2010-2011), and then a one-year initial master’s programme (2011-2012).

More information

For more information, please contact International Office.