Belgian-Moroccan, 20, earns master’s degree after starting university at 15

“They told me I wouldn’t fit in or that I’d miss out on my youth.” Sallah Eddine Dassy smiles about it now. At just 20, he has just earned a master’s degree in management engineering from the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), with highest distinction. It’s a fine turnaround for the young Belgian-Moroccan, who five years earlier had left secondary school to join students much older than he was. “I had the best years of my life,” he told Sudinfo.

His unusual path began to take shape in primary school, where his excellent grades allowed him to skip a year. He moved even faster in secondary school, thanks in particular to distance learning. Then came the Covid lockdown. “We spent much of our time bored,” he recalls.

The head of his school then suggested that he try taking the university entrance exam directly. At 14, Sallah Eddine immersed himself in the curriculum for the final two years of secondary school, sat the exams and secured a place at the prestigious Solvay Brussels School. The following academic year, he was just 15.

A thesis on artificial intelligence earns 18/20

The beginning was far from easy, however. “I really struggled in my first year,” the graduate admits. He had to find his feet, get used to university standards and adapt to the pace of classes. Socially, however, his age caused him few difficulties. With the height and appearance of an 18-year-old, he quickly blended in with the other students and made friends.

His grades then improved year after year. For his thesis on generative artificial intelligence, he received 18/20. The work attracted enough attention to be selected among the candidates for the Solvay thesis prize, with a presentation scheduled for Monday, October 5, at ULB.

His mother, Fatima, makes no secret of her pride. She and his father had encouraged him to seize the opportunity despite his young age. “Go for it, this is an opportunity you should take,” they advised him. Today, she sees her son as “an example to those around him.”

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And Sallah Eddine already has other plans in mind. In 2025, he launched Studacy, an agency that helps international students who want to continue their studies in Belgium. He plans to build on this first entrepreneurial venture with a doctorate focused on entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence.

“I think there’s still a lot to accomplish,” says the young man, seemingly more eager to take on new challenges than to savor his degree.