Ukrainian Refugee Children in Belgian Schools: Enrollment Trends and Ongoing Integration
The influx of Ukrainian children into the Belgian school system, especially within the French Community of Belgium (FWB), continues as a direct result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While a significant wave of students arrived in 2022, the initial year of the war, enrollment has remained consistent in subsequent years, indicating a sustained need for educational support.
According to data from the Agence pour l’accueil des étrangers (AGE – Immigration Office), approximately half of the Ukrainian children currently enrolled in FWB schools arrived in 2022. The remaining half have registered over the following years, with an average of around 1,000 new students enrolling annually. This demonstrates a continued displacement of families and a reliance on the Belgian education system for continuity of learning.
As of early 2026, the trend of Ukrainian students integrating into FWB schools persists. The AGE reports 84 new Ukrainian student registrations since the beginning of 2026, highlighting the ongoing nature of the refugee situation and the sustained demand for school placements. these figures underscore the importance of continued support and resources for both the students and the schools accommodating them.
The FWB education system has been actively working to integrate these students, providing language support, psychosocial assistance, and adapting curricula to meet their specific needs. Further details regarding specific integration programs and resources can be found on the official website of the FWB Department of Education.
Keywords: Ukrainian refugees, Belgium, education, schools, enrollment, integration, FWB, immigration, children, conflict, displacement.