Ghent University, the first European university in Belgium, was established in 1817 and provides state-of-the-art facilities, a library, accommodation, sports facilities, restaurants, and job services for students.
The open, socially engaged, and pluralistic institution is one of the world’s best schools, with over 50,000 students enrolled, including over 6,000 international students. The school, which has its main campus in Belgium, has seen an immense increase in foreign students thanks to over 200 innovative programs, including 73 English-taught master’s programs.
Ghent University also has a straightforward admission process that international students find less stressful, given how challenging preparing to study abroad can sometimes be. However, even with that, it is still easy to miss out on some crucial details that might affect your chance of getting admitted. That is why you need to read this article on how to get admitted to Ghent University and use it as your ultimate guide through your journey to Ghent University.
Admissions Process at Ghent University
To get a high chance of getting admitted into Ghent University, here are a few steps you need to remember:
Step 1. Understand the Admission Requirement
Understanding Ghent University’s admission requirements is the first step to having an effortless admission process. The university expects you to meet all its requirements before being considered for admission into any program of your choice. This applies to both domestic and international students. International students are expected to meet the language requirements and have a diploma certificate equivalent to a Flemish diploma. Programs offered at this school have specific requirements, so applicants are encouraged to check their preferred study program to get the complete documents needed.
Step 2. Start your Online Application
Once you understand the requirements for admission at Ghent University, starting your online application is the next thing. Applicants will be required to begin registration by creating an account. You will need a working email address to start, then you will be required to fill in your details, which include your name, nationality, date of birth, and contact details. You would also be asked to choose the program, list your educational qualifications, and provide other relevant information.
The application portal is open from October to March for students who don’t need a visa, and they must complete and submit their application by April 1, while students who need a visa have access to the portal from October to May and must complete and submit their application before June 1.
Step 3. Upload the Required Documents
Documents you are required to upload include a legalized copy of the basic diploma, your transcripts, your international passport, proof of Dutch / English proficiency, a letter of motivation, etc. Your documents should be uploaded as PDF files, and once you have successfully uploaded all required documents, the admission committee will review your application, and you will get a response after three months.
Step 4. Receive your Letter of Admission
Successful applicants will receive their admission letter via email. The letter will guide you on the next step after getting admitted to Ghent University. As an international student, you would be expected to apply for a visa, apply for housing at Ghent University residences, enroll as a Ghent University student, and/or enroll for the Preparatory Year of Dutch.
The letter will also contain valuable information about your enrollment to assist you while on campus. Students who cannot start due to one circumstance or the other can defer their admission to the next academic year.
Step 5. Pay your Tuition Fee
Once you have confirmed your admission, you will be directed to pay your tuition fee. For a bachelor’s degree, if you will be enrolling in a Dutch-taught program, you are expected to pay €288 fixed amount plus €13.80 per credit, amounting to €1,116. For English-track programs, aside from fixed and credit amounts to be paid, there is an additional higher education fee of €15 (per credit). For one academic year, that’s €2,166. The tuition for a master’s is the same amount as the English-taught bachelor’s program, except if you are studying medicine, engineering, or other related courses, which can cost you up to €6,672 per year.
Tips to Get Into Ghent University
If you are determined to get into Ghent University, you are probably looking at how to stand out among other applicants and increase your chances of admission. Of course, having high grades, strong test scores, and a great letter of recommendation can do wonders, here are three tips to give you that extra edge you are looking for.
Tip 1. Have an Online Presence
Having an online presence focused on your course of study can make you stand out and tell the admission committee how committed you are to doing well in the university. Online platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are some of the best platforms to showcase your skills and thoughts that can be impactful.
Tip 2. Ask for Help
Finding alumni and students of the school to whom you can ask questions can also give you an edge when applying for admission into Ghent University since they are in the school system or were once part of it. They have a wealth of knowledge they can share with you that can be very helpful when applying to Ghent University. Your school academic counselor can also answer complex questions that you might have, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the university to ask more helpful questions.
Tip 3. Show Genuine Interest in the School
Ghent University wants to know how serious you are about becoming a student in the school. You must convince them that being part of the student body will have a significant impact on your life. So the best ways to show that you are genuinely interested in being there include: visiting the campus, speaking to admission representatives, speaking to professors in charge of your course of study, following them on social, and attending campus tours and seminars.
If Ghent is your dream school, these steps and tips are extremely useful in helping you improve your chance of getting admitted. You will also feel confident about applying to the school since most of the instructions you need about the admission process at Ghent University are provided here.
We hope this article on the admission process and tips for getting into Ghent University was helpful. You can also find more information on different European universities and scholarship opportunities on our Study in Belgium and Available Programs for International Students pages.
