Diploma Equivalence in the Federation Wallonia-Brussels: Translation and Procedures

You have a foreign diploma and want to work or study in the French-speaking part of Belgium? The ARES equivalence procedure(Académie de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur) is the official route to have your qualification recognised in Wallonia and the Brussels-Capital Region. This guide explains how the procedure works, which documents are required, and why a sworn translation is a non-negotiable step in the process.

What is ARES and why does it matter for diploma equivalence?

ARES- the Académie de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur - is the coordinating body for higher education in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB). Within its remit, ARES manages the NARIC Wallonie-Bruxelles contact point, which is responsible for assessing and recognising foreign higher education qualifications for individuals wishing to use their diploma in the French-speaking sphere of Belgium.

ARES issues equivalence certificates: official documents confirming that your foreign diploma is equivalent to a specific Belgian higher education title (bachelor's, master's, PhD). This certificate is essential if you want to:

• Apply for positions in the Walloon or Brussels public sector
• Practise a regulated profession (doctor, nurse, architect, lawyer, engineer, pharmacist)
• Enrol in a second-cycle programme at a French-speaking Belgian university
• Demonstrate your qualifications to a private employer who requires equivalence

Documents required for an ARES equivalence application

The ARES/NARIC Wallonie-Bruxelles equivalence file typically requires the following documents. Requirements may vary depending on the country of origin of your diploma and the type of equivalence requested:

Core documents

• The original diploma (or a certified true copy authenticated by the competent authority in your country of origin)
• A sworn translation into French of the diploma - produced by a Belgian sworn translator registered on the FPS Justice official list
• The full academic transcript (relevé de notes / transcript of records) listing all modules, credits and grades
• A sworn translation into French of the academic transcript
• A programme description or detailed course list for the studies corresponding to your diploma (particularly important for professional recognitions)
• A copy of your identity document (national identity card or passport)
• The completed ARES application form, downloadable from the ARES website

Additional documents for specific cases

• Apostille or legalisation: if your diploma comes from a country outside the EU, an apostille under the Hague Convention (or consular legalisation if the country is not a Hague signatory) is generally required before translation
• Supplementary Diploma: the DS (Diploma Supplement) if issued by your university, as it greatly facilitates assessment of your qualification's level
• Professional experience evidence: if you are applying for professional recognition under a regulated profession directive

Why is a sworn translation mandatory for ARES?

ARES/NARIC Wallonie-Bruxelles accepts only sworn translationsof foreign academic documents. A sworn translation is a translation produced by a translator who has taken an oath before a Belgian Court of Appeal and is registered on the official FPS Justice list of sworn translators. The sworn translation includes the translator's personal declaration, signature and stamp, certifying the accuracy and completeness of the translation.

The following are expressly rejected by ARES:

• Machine translations (DeepL, Google Translate, ChatGPT), even if proofread
• Self-translations, even by bilingual professionals or trained translators
• Translations by a family member, friend or colleague without sworn status
• Translations certified by a foreign consulate or embassy (in most cases)
• Translations produced by non-Belgian sworn translators (unless specifically allowed)

TranslateBE's sworn translators are registered on the FPS Justice official list and recognised by ARES/NARIC Wallonie-Bruxelles. We cover more than 70 languages, including Arabic, Turkish, Chinese, Russian, Romanian and many others.

ARES procedure: step-by-step

1. Prepare your documents: gather originals, obtain apostille/legalisation if required, and order sworn translations of your diploma and transcript
2. Create your online ARES account at the ARES portal and complete the application form
3. Upload your documents digitally (scanned sworn translations + supporting documents) via the ARES online portal
4. Pay the processing fee : currently EUR 175 for a standard equivalence request (check the ARES website for current fees)
5. Wait for the decision: ARES processes applications within a statutory period of 4 months (extendable in complex cases or if the file is incomplete)
6. Receive your equivalence certificate (or a reasoned refusal with the right to appeal)

Timelines and practical advice

The ARES statutory processing time is 4 months. This clock does not start until your file is complete - missing documents or incorrect translations will cause your file to be put on hold, restarting the clock. Submitting a complete, accurate file from the outset is therefore critical.

The sworn translation step is the only part of the process you control in terms of speed. At TranslateBE, we deliver sworn translations of diplomas and academic transcripts in 24 to 48 hours : do not let this step delay your application.

Regulated professions: additional steps beyond ARES

For regulated professions, the ARES equivalence certificate is often just the first step. The final professional recognition decision rests with the competent supervisory authority:

• Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing: FPS Public Health (SPF Santé Publique)
• Architecture: Order of Architects (Ordre des Architectes)
• Law: Ordre des Barreaux francophones et germanophone
• Accountancy and auditing: ITAA (Institut des Experts-comptables et des Conseils fiscaux)
• Engineering: various professional bodies depending on the branch

Timelines for regulated profession recognition can extend to 12-18 months. Starting the sworn translation process and the ARES application as early as possible is essential.

FAQ: ARES diploma equivalence in Belgium

Can TranslateBE translate any language required for an ARES application?

We cover more than 70 languages, including all major European languages and many less common ones: Arabic, Turkish, Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Polish, Persian, Hindi, Japanese, Korean and many more. For very rare languages, contact us to verify availability before ordering.

Does ARES recognise diplomas from all countries?

ARES assesses diplomas from all countries, but the process is easier for diplomas from EU Member States (European Qualifications Framework comparability) and from countries with bilateral recognition agreements with Belgium. Diplomas from countries with unreliable higher education accreditation systems may require additional verification steps. ARES may contact the issuing institution or national education authority directly.

What if ARES refuses my equivalence application?

If ARES refuses your application, you receive a reasoned written decision and have the right to appeal to the Conseil d'État (Belgian Council of State) within 60 days. Common grounds for refusal include a significant difference in the level or content of studies compared to the Belgian equivalent. In some cases, compensatory measures (aptitude test, adaptation period) may be proposed instead of outright refusal.

See also: Translating a foreign diploma in Belgium, Foreign diploma recognition in Belgium, Apostille and legalisation Belgium