FWB Diploma Recognition in Mons: Translation and NARIC Procedure

Mons - European Capital of Culture 2015 and home to UMONS (Université de Mons) - is a city with deep historical immigration roots and a growing international student population. Foreign diploma-holders in Mons who want to work in the public sector, practise a regulated profession or pursue further studies need the ARES diploma equivalence. TranslateBE provides the sworn French translations required to complete the application.

ARES equivalence in Mons: who needs it?

Mons and the wider Hainaut Province fall entirely within the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, making ARES/NARIC Wallonie-Bruxelles the competent body for all diploma equivalence requests. Foreign degree-holders in the Mons area most typically seek ARES equivalence for:

• Applications to the City of Mons, Province of Hainaut, CPAS Mons or the Walloon Regional Government
• Practising a regulated profession: nursing and paramedical professions at CHWapi, pharmacy, architecture
• Enrolment in a master's programme at UMONS or HELHa (Haute École Louvain en Hainaut)
• Private sector employment with major Mons employers (Google Data Centre, NATO Shape HQ nearby)
• Demonstrating academic equivalence for Belgian naturalisation applications

UMONS and the Mons academic landscape

UMONS (Université de Mons) is a mid-sized French-medium university with strengths in engineering, information technology, business management and the humanities. Its international student population - particularly from North Africa, Central Africa and Southern Europe - generates significant demand for diploma translation and ARES equivalence services.

HELHa (Haute École Louvain en Hainaut), with campuses across Hainaut Province including Mons and Tournai, provides nursing, social work and paramedical programmes that attract students with foreign secondary or post-secondary credentials.

Documents required for an ARES application from Mons

• Original diploma (or certified true copy authenticated in the country of origin)
• Sworn French translation of the diploma by a Belgian FPS Justice-listed sworn translator - the critical step
• Academic transcript with sworn French translation
• Programme description or detailed course syllabus
• Apostille or consular legalisation for non-EU diplomas (Morocco, Algeria, Turkey, DR Congo, etc.)
• Identity document copy
• Completed ARES online application form

NATO Shape and the Mons international community

SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe): NATO's military headquarters - is located just south of Mons in Maisières, employing thousands of military and civilian staff from 30+ NATO member nations. NATO staff and their families regularly need diploma translations for Belgian administrative procedures: school enrolment, professional registrations, residence permit applications.

For NATO staff requiring ARES equivalence of foreign diplomas, our online service - entirely in English, with French-language sworn translations delivered by secure email - is the most convenient solution. No travel to a physical office required.

Key language pairs for Mons ARES applications

• Arabic → French: Moroccan, Algerian, Tunisian diplomas and transcripts
• Italian → French: laurea, diploma di maturità - historically important in Mons/Hainaut
• Greek → French: πτυχίο, μεταπτυχιακό
• Polish → French: licencjat, magister - growing community
• Romanian → French: licenţă, master
• English → French: UK, US, Canadian, Australian diplomas - NATO staff
• Turkish → French: lisans, yüksek lisans

Frequently asked questions: ARES equivalence in Mons

Does UMONS require an ARES certificate for master's admissions?

UMONS handles international admissions through its own process and does not always require a prior ARES certificate. However, for regulated programmes (engineering, medicine-related courses) and for students from countries outside the European Higher Education Area, an ARES equivalence certificate significantly strengthens the application. Contact the UMONS Service des Relations Internationales to confirm requirements for your specific programme.

I am a NATO civilian staff member - can I use your service?

Yes. Our online service is fully accessible to NATO staff based at SHAPE without any need to visit a Belgian office. You can upload your documents in English, French, Dutch, German or any other language, and we deliver the sworn French translation by secure email. Many NATO staff have used our service for children's school enrolment, professional registration and Belgian administrative procedures.

See also: ARES diploma equivalence Belgium, Foreign diploma recognition Belgium, Apostille and legalisation Belgium