What VIVES Continue Business does

VIVES Continue Business is the continuing education division of Hogeschool VIVES, a publicly funded Belgian university of applied sciences and a member of the Associatie KU Leuven network. Operating from Brugge and Kortrijk with additional training academies in Oostende, Roeselare, Brakel, and Velm, it offers more than 1,000 professional and academic continuing education programs across six domains: Management & Economics, Healthcare Professionals, Law, Wellbeing, Education Professionals, and Biology & Technology. The platform delivers short workshops (2-6 hours), mid-length certification courses, and postgraduate programs (up to 174 hours, 16 credits), with pricing ranging from free EU-funded programs (e.g., STEMbasisnet) to postgraduate tuition of 2,600 EUR.

The core product is a digital lifelong learning platform (continue.vives.be) built on session-based cookie tracking and integrated with third-party tools including Google Analytics, TripL (digital syllabus delivery for HVAC courses), and CoolPack (refrigeration technology software). Distribution is direct-to-consumer for individuals and via channel partners — Eekhout Academy, STEMbasisnet, and Katholiek Onderwijs Vlaanderen — for specific course categories. Custom corporate training ('Opleidingen op maat') provides a B2B layer for schools, employers, and institutions.

VIVES Continue monetizes primarily through per-course tuition fees and bespoke organizational training contracts, with many programs qualifying for Flemish government incentives such as Vlaams Opleidingsverlof and Opleidingscheques. Key customer segments are healthcare professionals (mandatory recertification), HVAC/construction technicians (VEKA, Departement Omgeving, RESCert credentialing with 5-to-7-year recertification cycles), teachers and school leaders, postgraduate-seeking business professionals, and animal care/veterinary specialists. The regulatory moat is significant: VIVES Continue holds government-recognized training provider status across multiple Flemish ministries, including the only recognized rabbit and rodent care course in Flanders.

Name

VIVES Continue Business

Legal name

VIVES Continue

Website

https://continue.vives.be

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

VIVES Continue Business is the continuing education division of Hogeschool VIVES, offering 1,000+ accredited professional and postgraduate programs across healthcare, HVAC, education, and management for working professionals in Belgium.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Continuing Education and Professional Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Educational Services (61), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction & Trades Licensure (Contractor, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC CE) (EDAAALAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Education Professionals (Teacher/Administrator CE, CPD) (EDAAALAE), Legal & Compliance (CLE, Paralegal CE) (EDAAALAB), Behavioral Health & Counseling (Social Work, Psychology, Substance Use CE) (EDAAALAD), Continuing Education (CE/CPD) & Provider Accreditation Bodies (EDADACAF)

Keywords

• Continuing professional education
• HVAC certification training
• Postgraduate certificate programs
• Healthcare professional development
• Flemish government subsidies

Headquarters

HQ city

Brugge en Kortrijk

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Course Tuition Fees: VIVES Continue generates revenue through tuition fees charged per individual course or program. Fees range from free (EU-funded programs like STEMbasisnet) to over 2,600 EUR for postgraduate programs. Individual courses are priced from 35 EUR to 1,900 EUR. Some programs qualify for Flemish government subsidies including Vlaams Opleidingsverlof and Opleidingscheques.
2. Customized Corporate Training: Organization-specific training programs are offered under 'Opleidingen op maat' (tailored training), generating revenue through bespoke professional development contracts with employers and institutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

VIVES Continue is the continuing education division of Hogeschool VIVES, a Belgian university of applied sciences. It delivers professional and academic training courses across six domains — Management & Economics, Healthcare Professionals, Law, Wellbeing, Education Professionals, and Biology & Technology — including postgraduate certificates, short courses, and government-recognized technical certifications (EPB, RESCert, gas and refrigeration technician). Programs are delivered in-person at multiple Belgian campuses, fully online, or in hybrid formats, and qualify for Flemish government subsidies.

Product overview

VIVES Continue is an online lifelong learning platform by Associatie KU Leuven offering professional and academic training across six domains: Management & Economics, Healthcare Professionals, Law, Wellbeing, Education Professionals, and Biology & Technology. The platform features a unified course catalog with search and filtering capabilities. Key product lines include: (1) HVAC/Energy certifications including EPB-verslaggever, RESCert heat pump programs, and gas/cooling technician certifications; (2) Animal care programs including canine performance assistant postgraduates and rabbit/rodent care certifications; (3) Education professional development including AI-focused courses, classroom management, and STEM training. Courses range from short workshops (2-6 hours) to postgraduate programs (174+ hours). Delivery modes include in-person, online, and hybrid formats with multiple campus locations in Belgium.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Continue.be: An online platform for lifelong learning operated by the Associatie KU Leuven, offering more than 1000 professional and academic training programs. VIVES Continue participates in the Continue.be platform alongside other institutions from the KU Leuven Association.

Products and services

• VIVES Continue Platform Online lifelong learning platform by Associatie KU Leuven offering professional and academic training across six domains: Management & Economics, Healthcare Professionals, Law, Wellbeing, Education Professionals, and Biology & Technology. Features course search and filtering by duration, domain, and custom programs.
• EPB-verslaggever Energy Performance and Indoor Climate (EPB) reporter certification training. An 11-session, 96-hour course covering building regulations, thermal systems, ventilation, and EPB calculation methodology, preparing participants for VEKA-recognized certification.
• Erkend warmtepompinstallateur RESCert Certified heat pump installer RESCert training program. A 40-hour course (9 sessions) teaching heat pump sizing, installation, and maintenance, preparing students for the RESCert certification exam.
• Hernieuwing RESCert warmtepomp RESCert heat pump certificate renewal program. A 4-hour refresher course with exam for certified technicians to extend their 7-year RESCert credential.
• Erkend gastechnicus GI Certified gas technician GI program combining GI certification with CERGA qualification, covering gas installation, inspection, and maintenance for condensing boilers.
• Erkend gastechnicus GII (ventilatorgasbranders) Advanced gas technician GII certification for ventilated gas burners. A 56-hour course (14 sessions) covering burner technology, automation, and combustion optimization.
• Hernieuwing erkend gastechnicus GI GI gas technician certificate renewal program. An 8-hour theory plus 4-hour practical exam renewal course required every 5 years.
• Erkend koeltechnicus categorie I Certified refrigeration technician Category I program. A 32-hour course (6 sessions) covering Flemish regulations, refrigeration technology, H-log p diagrams, and practical skills for certification.
• Voorbereiding koeltechniek voor de verwarmingsinstallateur Refrigeration technology preparation course for heating installers. An 8-session course (32 hours) covering basic refrigeration concepts, H-log p diagrams, components, heat pumps, and practical skills using CoolPack software.
• Bijscholing met actualisatie-examen erkend koeltechnicus categorie I Refrigeration technician Category I recertification course with mandatory exam. Three evening sessions (14 hours) covering Flemish regulations, basic technology, and H-log p diagram refreshment.
• Boerderijdieren in de zorg- en welzijnssector Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) training focusing on farm animals (chickens, rabbits, goats, pigs) in healthcare settings. A 4-day course (30 hours) at De Kleppe in Brakel.
• Postgraduaat canine performance assistant Postgraduate program in canine performance assistance. Three-phase, two-year program covering anatomy, nutrition, exercise physiology, biomechanics, rehabilitation, and hydrotherapy for dogs. Phase 1 costs 2,600 EUR (16 credits, 116 hours).
• DIGISTEM STEM education strengthening program using educational technology. A 3-hour workshop teaching digital tools for differentiated instruction and assessment in science, technology, and mathematics for primary school teachers.
• Afgestemd onderwijs aan cognitief sterk functionerende leerlingen Education program for cognitively strong students. Two-session course (6 hours) on talent development models, identification, and differentiated instruction approaches.
• Klasmanagement: actie of reactie? Classroom management workshop focusing on teacher self-awareness, routines, consistency, and authentic teaching practices for secondary school teachers.
• Schrijven op school Writing education workshop based on the Schrijven op School research project. Two-session learning lab (6 hours) on effective writing instruction for primary school teachers.
• Actief leren & metacognitie met behulp van AI-tools Professional development workshop on using AI tools to facilitate active learning and metacognitive skills. A 3-hour workshop teaching AI literacy for pedagogical applications.
• AI (r)evolutie in onderwijs AI revolution in education workshop exploring global AI developments in education. A 2.5-hour workshop for secondary school leadership and teachers on AI impact, opportunities, and risks.
• Vakkundig verzorgen van konijnen en knaagdieren Professional rabbit and rodent care certification course. An online, self-paced program (35 hours) covering taxonomy, anatomy, ethology, housing, nutrition, health, and legislation. The only government-recognized training for rabbits and rodents in Flanders.
• Opleidingen op maat (Customized Corporate Training) Bespoke professional development programs tailored for school teams, organizations, and companies, delivered on-site or at VIVES campuses.

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability6 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Associatie KU Leuven - Continue PlatformcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVIVES Continue is part of the Associatie KU Leuven's Continue platform, the online lifelong learning platform of the KU Leuven association. This partnership provides access to a shared technology platform and cross-institutional program catalog of more than 1,000 professional and academic courses, extending VIVES Continue's reach beyond its own programs.
• Eekhout AcademymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEekhout Academy serves as a registration portal and co-organizer for VIVES Continue education professional development courses. Eekhout Academy is a partnership between KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk and Hogeschool VIVES, handling enrollment for DIGISTEM, Pubers in de klas, AI in onderwijs, and other teacher training programs.
• STEMbasisnet (Departement Onderwijs & Vorming)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTEMbasisnet is a collaborative network funded by the Flemish Department of Education to provide free STEM teacher training across Flanders. VIVES contributes as an organizing institution for STEM professional development sessions, with free training delivered across multiple regions including the VIVES service area.
• Katholiek Onderwijs VlaanderenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Schoolleider in het basisonderwijs postgraduaat is organized by Katholiek Onderwijs Vlaanderen in co-creation with KU Leuven and six Catholic colleges of applied sciences (including VIVES). VIVES hosts the program at its Brugge campus, providing the institutional infrastructure and faculty.
• Het Waterhof Revalidatiecentrum (Velm)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHet Waterhof rehabilitation center in Velm serves as the primary practical training venue for the Postgraduaat Canine Performance Assistant. Students conduct practical sessions at this canine rehabilitation facility, combining academic teaching with real clinical environments.
• VIVES (University of Applied Sciences)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVIVES Continue is the continuing education division of Hogeschool VIVES, a university of applied sciences in Belgium with campuses in Brugge, Kortrijk, Oostende, Roeselare, and other locations. VIVES as an institution provides the academic framework, faculty, and infrastructure for VIVES Continue programs.
• Faculteit Diergeneeskunde, Universiteit Gent (UGent)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessor Myriam Hesta and her team from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at UGent contribute to the Postgraduaat Canine Performance Assistant program, specifically delivering the nutrition and dietary advice curriculum modules.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• LinkedIn Learning: Subscription-based professional development platform offering short courses across business, technology, and creative fields. Competes for the same professional upskilling audience, particularly for self-directed learners and corporate L&D budgets.
• Coursera for Business: Global online CE platform with university-partnered professional certificates. Increasingly competing for corporate training budgets that might otherwise flow to VIVES Continue's customized programs (Opleidingen op maat).

Broad incumbents

• VDAB (Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding): Flemish public employment service providing subsidized workforce training. Competes with VIVES Continue for entry-level and reskilling training dollars, particularly in technical and language domains.
• Universiteit Gent - Postacademische Vorming: University continuing education offerings including postgraduates and certified programs. Larger institutional footprint with broader research-backed expertise; competes for premium postgraduate professionals and contributes faculty to VIVES Continue's canine program.
• Centrum voor Volwassenenonderwijs (CVD): Flemish adult education centers providing secondary-level continuing education. Adjacent but lower-academic positioning than VIVES Continue; competes for adult learners seeking credentials and skill development.

Regional players

• Howest (Hoger Onderwijs West-Vlaanderen): Hogeschool also based in West Flanders, providing similar applied sciences continuing education. Strong regional overlap with VIVES Continue's home geography and competing for the same professional training market.

Direct peers

• Thomas More Hogeschool - Continue: Another Flemish hogeschool with an active continuing education division. Offers overlapping programs in business, education, and technical certifications, competing for the same Flemish professional upskilling audience.
• UCLL (UC Leuven-Limburg) - Continue: Flemish hogeschool continuing education division offering comparable professional postgraduates and certified training across business, healthcare, and education domains. Direct competitor for Flemish professional CE market share.
• KU Leuven Continue: Continuing education platform of KU Leuven, sharing the same Continue.be platform with VIVES Continue. Offers professional postgraduate programs across business, law, healthcare, and education with similar government-recognition frameworks.
• Syntra (Flemish vocational training): Flemish vocational training network focused on entrepreneurship and skilled trades. Overlaps with VIVES Continue in technical/HVAC and construction trades certifications; jointly shaped Flemish regulated training market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/vives-continue-business

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about VIVES Continue Business