Ghent University
Ghent University overview
Ghent University (UGent) is one of Belgium's leading research institutions. It was founded in 1817 by King William I of the Netherlands, as part of efforts to modernize higher education in the region. It began with four faculties — Arts and Philosophy, Law, Medicine, and Science. Over the centuries it has grown into a multidisciplinary university with 11 faculties.
After Belgium's independence in 1830, Ghent University played an important role in the country's academic development. In 1930 it became the first Belgian university to switch to Dutch as its primary language of instruction, which strengthened its national identity. The university has been home to many influential scientists and to groundbreaking research.
Corneille Heymans, a Ghent graduate and professor, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1938 for his discoveries related to the regulation of respiration. The university also leads in biotechnology and plant sciences, contributing innovations in genetically modified crops and sustainable agriculture.
In recent years, Ghent University has achieved success in marine and climate research and in digital innovation. That success comes through collaboration with international institutions and European Union research programs.
About Ghent University
Ghent University (UGent) is one of Belgium's leading research institutions. It was founded in 1817 by King William I of the Netherlands, as part of efforts to modernize higher education in the region. It began with four faculties — Arts and Philosophy, Law, Medicine, and Science. Over the centuries it has grown into a multidisciplinary university with 11 faculties.
After Belgium's independence in 1830, Ghent University played an important role in the country's academic development. In 1930 it became the first Belgian university to switch to Dutch as its primary language of instruction, which strengthened its national identity. The university has been home to many influential scientists and to groundbreaking research.
Corneille Heymans, a Ghent graduate and professor, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1938 for his discoveries related to the regulation of respiration. The university also leads in biotechnology and plant sciences, contributing innovations in genetically modified crops and sustainable agriculture.
In recent years, Ghent University has achieved success in marine and climate research and in digital innovation. That success comes through collaboration with international institutions and European Union research programs.
Ghent University faculties and programs
Social Sciences (Sociology)
Social Sciences (Political Sciences)
Communication Studies
Ghent University scholarships and financial aid
Ghent University offers various scholarship programs to students with international status. Note that these programs are limited in capacity and funding, and that acceptance standards are high. Scholarships are awarded on need and merit. If you want to apply for a scholarship, you can review the programs at the link below.
Ghent University Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into Ghent University
Ghent University offers a preparatory program called "Preparatory Year of Dutch". It prepares students starting their first year of university study for higher education, and helps them build language proficiency.
If you want to apply to an undergraduate program at Ghent University, you must also meet the following requirements.
- 4-Year High School Diploma
- High Grade Point Average
- Admission to a university offering a 4-year bachelor's degree that is recognized by Ghent University
or - International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
- English Proficiency Certificate
- An English proficiency certificate from exams such as IELTS or TOEFL i-BT
- Dutch Language Proficiency Certificate
- A Dutch language proficiency certificate from exams such as Staatsexamen NT2, CNaVT, or ITNA
- Official transcripts listing the courses you took and the grades you received during your high school education
- For Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine programs, you must take the university's entrance exam and reach a sufficient score
If you want to apply to a graduate program at Ghent University, you must meet the following requirements.
- 4-Year Bachelor's Degree Diploma
- High Grade Point Average
- At least 180 ECTS credits completed during your university education
- Official transcripts listing the courses you took and the grades you received during your university education
- English Proficiency Certificate
- An English proficiency certificate from exams such as IELTS or TOEFL i-BT
- Dutch Language Proficiency Certificate
- A Dutch language proficiency certificate from exams such as Staatsexamen NT2, CNaVT, or ITNA
- Updated CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
- Depending on department-specific admission requirements, work experience, an oral or written exam, an interview, or a GRE/GMAT score may be required.
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the Ghent University application process.
Take a closer look at Ghent University
Ghent University (UGent) has a decentralized campus structure. Faculties and research institutes are spread across the city of Ghent and beyond. The main university buildings stand in the historic city center. There, faculties such as Arts and Philosophy, Law, and Political and Social Sciences occupy centuries-old buildings that combine academic tradition with modern facilities. One of the most notable sites is Het Pand, a former Dominican monastery. It now serves as a conference and cultural center for the university.
UFO (University Forum) is another central facility, and it hosts events, exhibitions, and student activities. The main library and the administrative center are also in the heart of Ghent, so you can reach academic resources and student services easily. Technologiepark Zwijnaarde, in the south of Ghent, is a hub for engineering, life sciences, and biotechnology research. It hosts spin-offs and collaborations with industry leaders.
Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent) is an important medical research and training center, closely connected to the university's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. UGent also runs research stations outside Ghent. These include the Oostende Marine Station, focused on marine and climate research. Facilities in Kortrijk and Merelbeke are dedicated to veterinary and agricultural sciences.
Student life at Ghent University (UGent) is busy, multicultural, and closely tied to the lively atmosphere of the city. The university has a strong tradition of student activism, cultural engagement, and academic community. More than 100 student organizations cover a wide range of interests. The Ghent University Student Council represents students in the university's decision-making processes. Faculty-based student associations such as VRG (Association of Law Students) and VLK (Association of Agricultural Sciences) organize academic events, networking opportunities, and social gatherings.
If you come as an international student, you can join groups such as ESN Ghent (Erasmus Student Network). It organizes cultural trips, language exchanges, and social events that help newcomers settle in. The university also supports entrepreneurship through Durf Ondernemen (Dare to Start), a platform for student-led initiatives and innovation projects. Sports and traditions matter here too. The GUSB Sports Center has facilities for fitness, swimming, team sports, and martial arts, so you can take part recreationally or competitively.
UGent's rowing club and football team are especially popular among students. One distinctive tradition is the Baptême, an initiation ritual for new members joining certain student organizations. It usually involves fun challenges and bonding activities. One of the biggest annual events is the Student Kick-Off, which opens the academic year with concerts, parties, and performances in the city center. The 12-Hour Run is a charity sports event, and the Gentse Feesten is a city-wide summer festival attended by many UGent students. Both show the university's strong connection with the city.
Ghent University has a broad alumni network of people who have achieved outstanding success in many fields. Among the university's notable alumni are;
- Dirk Frimout
- Marc Coucke
- Leo Handrik Baekeland
- Robert Cailliau
- Peter Piot
- François Laurent
- Tom Lanoye
- Yves Leterme
- Suzanne Lilar
- Guy Verhofstadt
- Jacques Rogge
Ghent University Location
Ghent, Belgium
Ghent University Contact
Ghent University
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into Ghent University
In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.
By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.
The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.
Why Ghent University?
Other Universities in Belgium
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven)
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