Education minister disputes 'exodus' from adult learning after fee hike
There was no "exodus" from adult education following the increase in fees in September, Education minister Zuhal Demir told the Flemish Parliament on Wednesday. Despite reports, she said that enrolment numbers had only declined by 7 per cent.
In recent weeks, reports had emerged about the decline in enrolment in adult education. The Education Association of Cities and Municipalities, among others, reported a 50 per cent decrease in the number of people taking language courses.
This decline was attributed to the reform of adult education fees, which came into effect in September. As a result of this reform, the cost of many courses increased considerably.
The price per hour for classes such as flower arranging and language courses — referred to by Demir as "hobby courses" — increased from 1.50 to 4 euros. For courses leading to employment, the increase was capped at 2.25 euros.
'Half-truths and lies'
Speaking in the Flemish Parliament on Wednesday, Demir dismissed reports of an "exodus", claiming that "half-truths and lies" had been circulated regarding the decline in enrolment. The most recent figures for Flanders as a whole show a 7 per cent decline in enrolment, she said.
For some courses, enrolment numbers are increasing, she added. Enrolment in training for shortage occupations, such as electrician and childcare worker, has increased by 12 per cent, and enrolment in second-chance education has increased by 18 per cent.
Enrolment in courses to learn Dutch as a second language has increased by 4 per cent. According to Demir, these figures prove that the reform was the right choice. She also said it was "unwise" for the sector to "scare people off" by claiming that the courses were becoming unaffordable.
Zuhal Demir during a plenary session of the Flemish Parliament,n 1 October 2025 © BELGA PHOTO ZENO DRUYTS
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