German-Speaking Community Reduces New DuO Training Aid and Caps Repeat-Year Support (Belgium, June 2026)
The German-speaking Community changed the DuO training support rules through the 2026 education and training measures decree. New applicants receive a lower monthly amount and the duration rules are tightened.
Source: Ostbelgien Bildung - Explanatory notice on the 1 June 2026 Education and Training Measures Decree
The German-speaking Community changed the DuO training support rules through the 2026 education and training measures decree. New applicants receive a lower monthly amount and the duration rules are tightened.
What Changed?
For new applicants, the monthly DuO support amount is reduced from 350 euros to 200 euros from 1 July 2026. Learners already supported for ongoing training or studies in the 2023-2026 period may keep the 350-euro rate if they continue the same path and meet the conditions, while switching to another path moves them to the 200-euro rate. The decree also limits support beyond the standard training or study duration and blocks repeated support for the same year beyond the stated limit.
Old System vs New System
The DuO support scheme provided a 350-euro monthly amount under the previous rules and had less restrictive duration controls for repeated or extended study and training periods.
New DuO applicants receive 200 euros per month, continuing beneficiaries have transition protection for the same path and stricter duration and repeat-year limits apply.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
New applicants receive less monthly support than under the previous amount, while some continuing learners keep the earlier rate if they do not change path.
Parent / Family Impact
Families may need to plan for a lower aid amount for new DuO-supported training or studies.
School / Institution Impact
Training providers and institutions should update advice to learners on funding eligibility and duration limits.
Teacher / Staff Impact
No direct teacher-specific operational change was identified.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-01: decree adopted
- 2026-07-01: new DuO support amount applies to new applicants.
What To Do
- Learners should check whether they are treated as continuing beneficiaries or new applicants before making study or training changes.
What To Watch Next
Further application guidance may define documentation needed to keep the transition rate.
Global Context
The change is relevant for student-aid comparison because it reduces a monthly training-support benefit while protecting some ongoing cases.
Source Record
Source type: Decree
Source name: Ostbelgien Bildung - Explanatory notice on the 1 June 2026 Education and Training Measures Decree