Erasmus guide Ghent University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Ghent University in Ghent, Belgium.
Snapshot
Belgium's second-largest research university (QS top 150, founded 1817): 50,000 students, 11 faculties, 100+ English-taught masters, and the strongest bioscience and engineering ecosystems in Flanders.
Why students shortlist it
Belgium's largest university and one of Europe's most research-productive, based in one of the country's most liveable and student-friendly cities. Strong across engineering, sciences, biosciences, economics, and arts.
Teaching languages: Dutch (primary); English widely available at master's level and in exchange-specific courses
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination, online exchange application, learning agreement, valid ID/passport, transcript, and language proof when the host programme requires it.
Nomination Process
Your home university nominates you first. After nomination, complete the host online application and learning agreement by the faculty deadline; dates vary by semester and programme.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students normally do not need a student visa. Non-EU students should check Belgian long-stay visa or residence rules early and keep proof of insurance and financial means ready.
Buddy System
UGent welcome activities and ESN Ghent are the fastest first-week route for exchange students.
Orientation Week
International welcome days usually happen just before classes; attend them even if your course timetable is not final yet.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn intake | Usually spring; verify with the receiving faculty | Usually April-May depending on faculty and exchange type |
| Spring intake | Usually autumn; verify with the receiving faculty | Usually October-November depending on faculty and exchange type |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm campus and faculty before booking housing.
- Prepare backup courses in case your first choices are full or incompatible.
- Keep insurance, ID, nomination, and learning agreement PDFs offline.
- Register local admin steps early if your stay requires residence paperwork.
Academics
Course Registration
Course registration is usually handled after admission through the faculty or exchange platform. Build a backup shortlist because English-taught places and timetable combinations can change.
Credit System
Belgium uses ECTS. A full-time semester is normally 30 ECTS; exchange loads depend on the home university learning agreement.
Grading System
Belgian universities commonly use a 0-20 grading scale with 10/20 as the usual pass mark, though conversion is handled by the home university.
Exam Culture
Attendance, group work, and final exam dates vary by faculty. Do not book return travel until the official exam schedule is confirmed.
Library Access
Exchange students normally receive student-card access to campus libraries, study rooms, Wi-Fi, and digital learning platforms after enrolment.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 0–50) | Erasmus tuition fully covered at all Belgian universities. Administrative fees €0–50 at enrollment. EU students use EHIC for medical care; non-EU need privat… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | EUR ~1,090/year | EU/EEA ~€1,090/year. Ghent University is Flanders' biggest university — strong research output and affordable for EU students. Student city, rent ~€450–700/m… |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR 1,800–4,200/year | Non-EU: €1,800–4,200/year depending on programme. Strong in science, engineering, vet medicine. Among the most affordable non-EU rates in Belgium. |
EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 0–50)
Erasmus tuition fully covered at all Belgian universities. Administrative fees €0–50 at enrollment. EU students use EHIC for medical care; non-EU need privat…
EUR ~1,090/year
EU/EEA ~€1,090/year. Ghent University is Flanders' biggest university — strong research output and affordable for EU students. Student city, rent ~€450–700/m…
EUR 1,800–4,200/year
Non-EU: €1,800–4,200/year depending on programme. Strong in science, engineering, vet medicine. Among the most affordable non-EU rates in Belgium.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Arrive with valid health insurance for the full exchange period and keep proof available for university and residence steps.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Use the university student services or international office first; they can point you to local doctors, insurance guidance, and urgent-care procedures.
Mental Health
Student services can usually route students to counselling, wellbeing support, disability services, or external care. Ask early rather than waiting for exam period.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Useful for many EU students for medically necessary public care.
Belgian mutuelle or private insurance
Varies by status and provider
Often relevant for long stays, reimbursements, or non-EU visa/residence requirements.
Campus Services
International office
Main contact for nomination, learning agreement, arrival steps, and exchange paperwork.
Housing support
Start here before using private groups; it reduces scam risk and clarifies realistic rent ranges.
Student support
Use for insurance, wellbeing, disability support, study adjustments, and practical first-week questions.
University Library (UGent)
University-wide library network with study spaces, laptop loans, group study rooms, research databases, and 24/7 reading rooms. Student card gives full access.
Sports Centre (GUSB)
Large sports campus with gym, swimming pools, fitness classes, and 50+ sports. Reduced-rate semester sports card for students. Intramural leagues available.
Medical Service for Students
On-campus student medical service for general consultations, referrals, and health advice. Separate from general practitioners — specifically for UGent students.
Job Service for Students
Find student jobs in Ghent and surroundings. CV help, employer connections, and job listings. Free for enrolled UGent students.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- ESN Ghent
- Faculty student circles
- UGent Sport and cultural groups
Buddy Program
UGent welcome activities and ESN Ghent are the fastest first-week route for exchange students.
Sports & Recreation
- University sport or city student sport routes
- Low-cost city events and faculty activities
Your First 2 Weeks
- Sort bike access quickly; Ghent is much easier when housing, campus, and groceries are bike-connected.
- Do not wait for perfect housing; a verified kot in a workable area beats a late search from abroad.
- Use ESN/student union events early, then branch into faculty circles and local house groups.
- Check whether your courses are in the centre, Sterre, Schoonmeersen, or another campus before signing a lease.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm that your home university has an active agreement for your subject area.
After admission
Lock housing, insurance, arrival date, and backup courses before peak September/February pressure.
Welcome week
Attend orientation, student-card setup, campus tour, and first social events.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.