Enrolment Plummets as Flemish Government Triples Fees for ‘Hobby Courses’
Enrolment numbers for English and French courses at CVO Brussels have plummeted from 842 to just 10 following the Flemish government’s decision to triple fees for so-called ‘hobby courses’, reports 24brussels.
Effective this term, the cost for students has surged from €1.50 to €4 per hour due to reforms by Education Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA), aimed at saving €33 million. This increase has particularly impacted language courses, photography, and cooking classes, while those in shortage occupations like childcare and nursing have seen their fees reduced.
Directors of language institutions are describing the effects as “dramatic.” CVO Semper has reported a loss of 909 French learners, a 30 percent drop, and a halving of its English enrolment to 346 students.
CVO Brussels expresses frustration over the situation. “A standard module of 120 hours now costs €480,” stated Birgit Steurs, deputy director of languages. “Candidate after candidate has told us that they simply cannot afford it.”
