Primary education is free in Belgium, but parents won’t escape some costs. A ‘maximum bill’ of 105 euros per schoolyear operates in Flanders and in Flemish schools in the capital. Over a six-year period schools can charge an additional 535 euros in extra costs as part of a separate 'less sharp' maximum bill. ‘Many parents are often surprised by this second extra bill,’ says education expert Pedro De Bruyckere, who is keen to provide tips on how to keep school fees affordable.
In principle, primary education is free of charge. This means that schools may not charge an enrolment fee or ask parents for a contribution. But that only applies to education-related costs that are made to achieve an educational target. It applies to things like stationery, an atlas or a calculator. Schools must also offer free swimming lessons for at least one year.
But schools also organise activities that require extra equipment that is not strictly necessary to achieve learning goals. Such items serve to make learning easier or more engaging and fall under the first ‘maximum bill’. In other words, they are paid for by parents.
‘But parents are often unaware that there are 2 types of maximum bill: the sharp and the less sharp maximum bill,’ explains Pedro De Bruyckere, education expert at the University of Utrecht. So which costs belong to which type of maximum bill?
Sharp maximum bill (55 or 105 euros): drama, gymnastics fees and school trips
During the 2024-2025 school year, the sharp maximum bill in primary schools is set with a maximum of 105 euros. For nursery education, it’s only 55 euros. ‘This includes, for example, the cost of going to a theatre, one-day school trips or gym clothes with the school's logo on them. A school must also offer one year of free swimming lessons. Costs for additional swimming lessons will also appear on this 'sharp' maximum bill.’
Less sharp maximum bill (€535): multi-day school trips
The less sharp maximum bill includes a maximum of 535 euros spread over the six years of primary school. Schools can charge to this bill to pay for trips or activities that take several days.
‘This will include the bill for forest or pony classes. The ‘less sharp’ maximum bill was introduced to avoid primary schoolchildren from going on very expensive school outings. The amount has to be spread over at least three individual costs over six years. Children don't go on forest classes every year. Charging the whole amount at once is not allowed- either!’
What costs extra?
After-school care, midday meals, extra lessons for French or English and sports activities can be charged extra. Parents may also be required to buy extra equipment for these activities. These costs are not covered by any maximum bill. Parents can also be charged for extra services they request themselves.
Pedro's tips to keep school costs clear and manageable
Ask in advance for information about what the costs are and when the bills will be due.
Which non-compulsory activities do you definitely want your child to participate in? Look at the price tag and consider your options. ‘Everything is fun, but nobody can do everything all the time.’
If necessary, ask for a savings or payment plan to pay for multi-day outings.
Spaghetti evenings and biscuit sales: ‘You are not obliged to take part, but initiatives like these help the school to top up its social fund and financially support children who would otherwise not be able to go on trips.’