ETF Leuven trains teachers of religion and prepares spiritual caregivers

Responding to the need for specific professional profiles

ETF Leuven recently received renewed accreditation for its Master of Teaching program: a solid program for teachers of religion in secondary education. During the same period, ETF Leuven received reaccreditation confirming that its master’s program prepares students for work as spiritual caregivers.

ETF Leuven may continue its academic program for teachers of Protestant-Evangelical religious education (PEGO) for the next six years. The Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) speaks highly of the program in its report: “The committee has seen many positive elements: a small, high-quality program that is embedded in a larger whole and an international context. What is striking is the high level of commitment of the various parties involved in the program. Great importance is attached to the program, not only by the ETF Leuven and the lecturers, but also by the students and the professional field.” The Master of Teaching program (MSc) (Educatieve Master) has been re-accredited for six years: from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2031.

The Dutch Foundation Quality Register of Spiritual Caregivers (Stichting Kwaliteitsregister Geestelijke Verzorgers) recently renewed its recognition of the two-year Master’s program (MA) as a program that prepares students for the profession of spiritual caregiver. Students who follow a specific track within the master’s program, which also includes an internship, can start working as spiritual caregivers after graduation with the SKGV (Netherlands) quality mark. Academic Dean Prof. Dr. Jelle Creemers: ‘We have worked to strengthen this program in recent years and are very pleased with this renewed recognition.’ Due to factors such as the ageing population and the increase in places where spiritual care is needed, there is a shortage of spiritual caregivers. ETF Leuven aims to respond to this need and equip students for this profession.

About ETF Leuven
The Evangelical Theological Faculty in Leuven is a Flemish institution for academic higher education. It is characterised by a Protestant-Evangelical identity, a denomination-transcending orientation, an international character and a combination of highly qualified academic work and attention to community building and spirituality. The educational offering consists of academic bachelor’s and master’s programs (both full-time and part-time distance learning), a Master of Teaching program (MSc), pre-master’s programs and a PhD program. It is also possible to enroll for a mission year or theology year. Depending on the church, an ETF diploma allows graduates to start working directly as a pastor or, after completing a bachelor’s or master’s program, to move on to one of the church’s ministerial training programs. The ETF Open University program makes this possible specifically for people with a late calling.