Through the learning account, the Flemish government monitors the study progress of students across the different institutions of higher education. All students who register for the first time in Flemish higher education will automatically receive a learning account of 140 study credits. Taken credits are deducted from the learning account, earned credits are added back.
On the one hand, the learning account gives you ample opportunity to obtain a higher education diploma, even if you occasionally fail to obtain some credits or change programme/institution. On the other hand, there is a limit to the study opportunities you get, read: to what society is willing to pay for your studies. The learning account obliges you to be conscious and realistic about your choice of study and to take responsibility for your study progress.
The government has determined that only students with a positive learning account can be funded. Therefore, institutions don't receive any subsidies for students with a negative learning account. In that case the institution can decide to refuse an enrolment or to ask for a higher tuition fee.