Ghent University
Updates on COVID-19 can be found on www.ugent.be/coronavirus
General Information
Ghent University was founded in 1817. It is one of the major universities in the Dutch-speaking region of Europe and distinguishes itself as a socially committed and pluralistic institution in a broad international perspective. The University offers high-quality, research-based education in all academic disciplines, and attracts over 32,000 students in its eleven faculties, including a large international student population. Since many years, Ghent University has strived to be a pioneer in the implementation of European educational and research projects, and the eight Erasmus Mundus Master Courses it offers are proof to the university's experience in intensive international collaboration.
Housing and studying in Flanders
Useful Links:
Housing and accomodation services
Living in Ghent: accomodation, student facilities
Living Costs:
See the website for more details on the living costs.
Services
Useful Links:
University facilities and services, Welcome days at UGent
Language Opportunities:
A wide range of language courses can be taken at the University Language Centre ('UCT').
Check: more information.
Visa information
All information about obtaining a visa for Belgium is available via the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs and the Foreigners Department of the FPS Home Affairs. Be sure to apply for the correct visa. Changing from one visa type to another is not always possible.
Visa application conditions:
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You must go to the embassy or consulate in person in order to submit your visa application and offer a verbal explanation of the purpose and circumstances of your trip. In some very exceptional cases, you may be exempted from the requirement to submit your application in person.
- When submitting a visa application at an embassy or consulate, upon entry into Belgium or if subject to a check in Belgium, all foreign nationals (who are not EU citizens) wishing to come to Belgium (whether or not they require a visa) must, prior to entry to Belgium and any short stay in the country, meet the following conditions:
- Be in possession of identity or travel documents (passport) that are recognised by Belgium and remain valid for at least three months subsequent to their planned period of stay in Belgium. The fact that the passport remains valid means that its holder can return to the country in which the passport was issued and gives the country being visited some guarantee that the foreign national will not be prevented from leaving its territory.
- Be able to produce documents justifying the purpose and conditions of their planned stay. There may be various reasons for the trip: visiting family, friends or acquaintance, medical treatment, tourism, cultural, sporting or work-related activities.
- Have adequate means of subsistence, both for the duration of the planned stay and for the return trip to their country of origin or transit to another country (equivalent of 700 euro/month).
- Not have been flagged for non-admission to Belgium (e.g. known criminals).
- Not be considered a threat to public order, national (domestic) security, public health or the international relations of Belgium or the other Schengen countries.
- Sometimes other requirements are to be met, such as travel insurance or medical certificate, etc. Want to be sure? Always check with the embassy or consulate!
Official documents issued abroad must be legalised or bear an apostille, depending on the country whence they originated, unless a treaty provides for exemption from this process. Documents issued abroad in a language other than Dutch, English, French or German must be translated by a sworn translator.
What documents does Ghent University issue for your visa application?
- Ghent University will supply you with a letter of admission with proper beginning and end dates, which proves that you are admitted to a full-time study programme at UGent.
In any event, the decision on whether a visa will be granted to you remains with the diplomatic post.
Exams
Every year a new Education and Examination Code is drafted and approved by the Board of Governors. Therefore all articles are valid during one academic year.
Check for the most recent regulations.
Courses at UGent use different forms of examination such as written examinations, assigned exam papers, and oral examinations. The type of examination may vary according to the subject. Many courses require students to complete mandatory assignments (e.g. lab work or methodological assignments). Courses may also have continuous assessment throughout the semester. The examination or assessment type is listed in the course description of every course. Exams are graded out of 20 total points, 10 corresponds to a pass, 12 to sufficient, 14 to good, 16 to very good and 18 to excellent.
Students can receive a failing grade, or can even be expelled from UGent for plagiarism.