Haute Ecole Albert Jacquard

Mission Statement

Haute École Albert Jacquard is a Belgian university of applied sciences. A forerunner in its field in Wallonia, the HEAJ opened its Bachelor's degree in graphics techniques more than 25 years ago. Its experience and reputation in this field have earned it international recognition.

It trains professionals in fields such as 2D & 3D animation, graphic design, interface design & development, real image production and 3D VFX. For several years now, the HEAJ has also been offering Master's degrees in video games and transmedia.  The former focuses on video game design from A to Z, right through to management and entrepreneurship. The second focuses on the design of interactive media (videos, games, visuals, sounds, experiences, etc.) to create a universe made up of interconnected media.

Regarding its philosophy, HEAJ attaches particular importance to the human side and student support. Our determination to remain a school on a human scale lies in the fact that we consider it essential to provide our students with personalized support to help them in their professional development. Its curricula therefore place particular emphasis on practical experience and internships to enable students to enter the professional world with confidence.

International Role

Internationalization plays a key role in the strategy of Haute École Albert Jacquard (HEAJ). Aware of the societal role of its future graduates, HEAJ actively promotes international openness among students, teaching staff and administrative staff, in line with the humanist philosophy of Albert Jacquard.

International mobility contributes not only to the development of disciplinary and language skills, but also to the acquisition of essential transversal competences such as intercultural awareness, adaptability and critical thinking, which are increasingly important in a globalized and complex world.  

HEAJ’s international strategy is implemented through a wide range of initiatives, notably within the Erasmus+ programme and through numerous partnerships with higher education institutions and companies worldwide. Student mobility takes different forms, mainly study periods at partner universities and internships, enabling students to gain academic and professional experience in diverse international contexts.

International collaboration also strongly involves teaching and administrative staff through teaching exchanges, training programmes, and job shadowing with academic and professional partners. In addition, HEAJ regularly organizes workshops and lectures with international experts, fostering internationalization at home as well as sustained dialogue between education and professional practice.

Beyond Erasmus+, HEAJ is involved in a variety of international and cross-border initiatives, including European programmes such as Creative Europe and Cartoon, as well as collaborations with partners in the Hauts-de-France region. The institution also takes part in international networking activities linked to the UNESCO Creative Cities network in the field of digital creativity, to which the city of Namur belongs.

The institution also maintains an active presence at major international festivals and professional events such as the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Gamescom and FMX, which contribute to networking, visibility and alignment with industry developments. 

In parallel, the institution is engaged in short-term international projects and is developing long-term strategic collaborations, including a double degree project with NAD Montréal. Through these initiatives, HEAJ positions itself as a committed and reliable international partner within the global higher education landscape.

National Role

At national and regional level, Haute École Albert Jacquard, through its Digital and Creative Media department, plays a leading role in the fields of digital creativity, design and creative media. This position is grounded in a long-standing expertise and a strong connection to professional practices, while remaining firmly embedded in a collaborative higher education ecosystem.

HEAJ actively works with universities and other higher education institutions to develop and strengthen educational offerings, notably through joint initiatives such as the creation of Master’s programmes and the Bachelor in Green Packaging, developed in collaboration with multiple academic partners.  

Strong ties with industry, research bodies and regional creative structures are a key component of HEAJ’s role within the territory. The institution maintains close relationships with actors in the cultural and creative industries, including regional organizations such as Wake! and Walga, as well as with companies operating in digital, audiovisual and creative sectors. These connections support student internships, graduate employment and entrepreneurial initiatives, contributing directly to the local and regional economic fabric.  

HEAJ also collaborates closely with major cultural and creative events and institutions, including festivals such as KIKK, FIFF and Anima, as well as audiovisual partners like Boukè and RTBF. These partnerships foster exchanges between education, culture and industry, ensure alignment with sector developments, and help keep curricula responsive to evolving professional realities.

In the context of a relatively small territory such as Wallonia, HEAJ sees collaboration and the pooling of expertise as essential levers to support innovation, talent development and sustainable economic growth at regional and national levels.

Main Focus

Haute École Albert Jacquard (HEAJ) is a university of applied sciences and a leading institution in Belgium in the field of digital and creative media.

It offers Bachelor’s programmes in a wide range of disciplines, including 2D and 3D animation and graphic design, as well as Master’s programmes in Transmedia and Video Games.

The HEAJ focuses on high-level, practice-oriented programmes aligned with industry needs, supported by cutting-edge equipment and delivered by highly skilled lecturers with strong professional expertise.