Mons, a university city and home to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), hosts a unique international community in Belgium. Whether you are a foreign military service member, a student at UMONS, or a professional seeking to have your diploma recognised in Wallonia, a certified translation is often the first step.
UMONS: admission for international students
The University of Mons (UMONS) welcomes students from many countries, particularly through its master's programmes in engineering, science and the arts. For candidates whose bachelor's degree is written in a language other than French, UMONS requires a certified translation into French, accompanied by an apostille if necessary.
UMONS is a member of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels University network and applies the NARIC French Community procedures for degree equivalence. A certified translation complying with NARIC requirements is therefore valid for your application to UMONS.
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Certified translation for your UMONS or SHAPE dossier?
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SHAPE personnel: diploma recognition for allied military staff
SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), located at Casteau near Mons, employs military and civilian personnel from all NATO member countries. These personnel and their families often need to have their foreign qualifications recognised in order to access local jobs, pursue professional training or complete Belgian administrative procedures.
SHAPE human resources departments and the relevant Belgian authorities require certified translations to validate the qualifications of allied personnel. Our agency regularly works with SHAPE families and is familiar with the specific procedures of this international community.
The languages most frequently required for SHAPE personnel are English (United States, United Kingdom), German, Turkish (a significant Turkish presence at SHAPE), Polish and Dutch. We cover all these languages with sworn translators registered on the Belgian register.
NARIC and regulated professions in Mons
For residents of Mons and western Hainaut wishing to practise a regulated profession in Wallonia, the recognition procedure goes through the NARIC French Community. Healthcare professions (nurses, doctors, physiotherapists), engineers and architects must in particular compile a complete dossier including:
- The original diploma with certified translation into French
- Complete transcripts translated
- A certificate of good standing or professional experience if required
- An apostille for diplomas from countries outside the Hague Convention
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does SHAPE have its own diploma recognition procedures?
SHAPE applies its own internal regulations for allied military personnel. However, for Belgian civilian matters (local employment, training, administrations), standard Belgian procedures apply: NARIC French Community and certified translation into French.
Can I use the same translation for UMONS and for NARIC?
Yes. A certified translation produced by a sworn translator registered on the Belgian SPF Justice register is valid for all Belgian institutions. You can submit the same document to UMONS, NARIC and any Walloon employer.
Which languages do you cover for the SHAPE community in Mons?
Our agency covers more than 40 languages, including all languages of NATO member countries: English, German, Turkish, Polish, Dutch, Norwegian, Danish, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, Albanian and many others. Please specify your source language when requesting a quote.
How long does it take to obtain a certified translation in Mons?
With our standard service, allow 2 to 4 business days. Our 24h express service is available for urgent dossiers (UMONS deadline, urgent SHAPE procedure). Turnaround begins upon receipt of your scan by email.
Diploma translation for Mons and western Hainaut
24h express service. Belgian sworn translators covering all NATO languages. Free quote in 1h.