What is the learning account?
The learning account is a virtual backpack containing study credits. Since academic year 2008-2009, everyone receives 140 study credits when they enrol in Flemish higher education. Study credits are deducted from your learning account for each programme component you enrol in under a diploma or credit contract in a bachelor or master programme. If you pass a programme component, then these study credits are returned to your learning account. If you fail a programme component, the study credits are irrevocably deducted from your balance at the end of the academic year after the second exam period.
Which enrolments and programmes are exempt from the learning account?
Study credits are not deducted from the learning account when enrolling in bridging programmes, preparatory programmes, teacher training programmes, Advanced Masters or PhDs.
Are you having doubts about the courses you chose? Considering changing or stopping your course?
You may find during the academic year that the courses you chose don't quite meet your expectations. Maybe you are considering switching to another programme at the University of Antwerp or even to another educational institution? Make sure you start this process asap!
If this is your first enrolment in higher education (you are a 'first-time student') then a special rule applies if you wish to switch programmes. If you switch before 1 December, all your study credits will be 'refunded' to your learning account. If you change programmes between 1 December and 15 March, half of the study credits will be refunded as long as the exam period for the programme component(s) in question has not yet started. After 15 March, no credits are refunded.
All other students are bound by the dates selected by each institution's enrolment services. These dates also apply if you wish to reduce the number of courses you are taking, or drop out altogether. You can find more information on this subject on the 'Enrolment' page. On the 'Changing or stopping your course' page, you can find out more about the implications of changing or stopping your course for your learning account, family allowance, scholarship and so on. There is also information about who to contact if you have any problems or questions. If you are having doubts about the programme you chose then you should consider talking to a student counsellor from the Study Advice and Student Counselling Service. Don't keep your worries to yourself!
Bonus of 60 study credits
The transition from secondary to higher education is not always as smooth as it could be, and the government has made certain allowances for this. As a result, you get back double the first 60 study credits you earn.
Have you been a student before?
Did you enrol in higher education before 2008-2009? Like all new students, you will receive a learning account of 140 study credits. Your learning account will also be credited with double the first 60 credits you earn. Your studying history up to and including academic year 2007-2008 will not be taken into account.
Completed your programme?
On obtaining your Bachelor degree, you retain your learning account. If you complete a Master degree, the learning account of 140 study credits which you received at the beginning of your programme is deducted from your balance. If you have completed your studies without any problems, you should still have a balance of 60 study credits. If your balance is less than 60 study credits, your learning account will be built up again by 10 study credits per academic year until you are back at 60.
Read more?
Do you want to know more about the learning account? The publication “Het leerkrediet in het hoger onderwijs: studiepunten als signaal” from the Study Advice and Student Counselling Service will point you in the right direction. You can purchase a copy for €15 from the STIP.
Questions or problems related to your learning account?
If you have any questions about your learning account, contact your faculty's educational administration. If necessary, they will refer you to a study programme counsellor. If you want to discuss your options when changing programmes or dropping out, you can also talk to a student counsellor from the Study Advice and Student Counselling Service.
More information:
www.studentenportaal.be