Graduating is an important milestone. But once you have your diploma in hand, a lot of practical matters suddenly come your way. Many young graduates understandably have plenty of questions. What exactly do you need to arrange after graduating? When should you register as a job seeker after your studies? And what rights are you still entitled to?
Many recent graduates mainly focus on finding a job. However, there are also several administrative obligations you should take care of as soon as possible. By arranging these matters in time, you avoid missing out on important rights or benefits.
Below, we clearly outline the key obligations after graduating, as well as a few additional options that may be useful when starting your career.
This is mandatory when you graduate
After your studies, there are two things you are required to arrange:
registering as a job seeker
joining a health insurance fund
In addition, there are also a few interesting extras that can strengthen your financial or professional situation.
Register as a job seeker after your studies
Have you graduated and not found a job immediately? Then it is important to register as a job seeker as soon as possible. In Belgium, this registration can often already be completed from January during your final year of studies, allowing your waiting period to start immediately.
Many young graduates underestimate how important this step is. Yet registering as a job seeker after your studies is essential if you later want to qualify for an integration allowance.
Do you keep your right to family allowances?
If you work only a limited amount after graduating, you may in some situations still retain your right to family allowances.
Are you older than 18 and working limited hours during your first year after graduating? Then, under certain conditions, you may still be entitled to family allowances. As regulations change regularly, it is always advisable to check the latest conditions through official government channels.
Join a health insurance fund
A second important step after graduating is joining a health insurance fund.
During your studies, you were usually covered through your parents. But once you start working, your professional integration period ends, or you turn 25, you must join in your own name.
This is important to receive reimbursement for medical expenses such as doctor visits, dental care or medication. A health insurance fund also provides financial protection if you become ill or are temporarily unable to work.
Which health insurance fund should you choose?
For the mandatory basic insurance, it makes little difference which health insurance fund you choose. Legal rates are the same everywhere.
However, additional benefits can vary. These may include reimbursements for glasses, contact lenses, psychological support or hospitalisation. That is why it is worth comparing different health insurance funds.
Hospitalisation insurance: not mandatory, but useful
Taking out hospitalisation insurance is not mandatory, but it can be useful once you start working or become self-employed.
Many young people are still covered through their parents’ insurance during their studies. Once you start working, you can often join a hospitalisation insurance plan through your employer.
Make sure to check carefully what is included in the coverage, as not every plan offers the same level of protection.
Youth holidays: extra holidays for starters
Graduates who start working often have limited entitlement to paid leave during their first working year. This is because holiday entitlement is based on the number of days worked during the previous year.
That is why Belgium has a system called youth holidays.
Are you under 25, registered as a job seeker and starting work during the year you graduate? Then, under certain conditions, you may qualify for additional leave days through the youth holiday scheme. During those days, you receive an allowance that partially compensates for your salary.
Looking for a job after graduating? Get support
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Finding a first job is not always easy. Many starters are still figuring out which direction they want to take or which type of role and environment suits them best.
That is why professional guidance can be valuable. A specialised recruiter not only helps you find vacancies, but can also advise you on your CV, job interviews and salary expectations.
At Robert Half, we help young professionals every day find their first job in finance and accounting, administration, HR, IT and digital, legal and other specialised sectors.
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Graduating involves much more than simply obtaining a diploma. Understanding what is mandatory after graduating helps you avoid administrative surprises and gives you a stronger start to your professional career.
By arranging your obligations in time — such as registering as a job seeker and joining a health insurance fund — you retain important rights and gain peace of mind.
Ready to take your first professional step? Browse our open jobs and discover jobs that match your talents and ambitions.
