Ghent University is a top 100 university, founded in 1817, and one of the major universities in Belgium with more than 49,000 students and 15,000 employees. Our 11 faculties offer more than 200 courses and conduct in-depth research within a wide range of scientific domains. Our credo is ‘Dare to Think’, challenging everyone to question conventional views and to dare to take a nuanced stand. We are a pluralistic university open to all, regardless of their ideological, political, cultural or social background. Ghent University Global Campus is also the first European university in Songdo, South Korea.
When it comes to pharmaceutical and biotech research and innovation, Belgium is far from the small nation the size of its population would imply. In fact, it is ahead of the game when it comes to (bio)pharmaceutical innovation. Big names in the global pharma industry have a number of R&D and production facilities in Belgium. Moreover, different start-ups including university spin-offs are at the world-top of innovation in this field.
Getting around
The city of Ghent is one of Europe’s greatest discoveries – small enough to feel cosy but big enough to stay vibrant. The city offers a fascinating cultural cocktail brimming with trendy, modern urban life. It is a city where people enjoy life: a chilled-out place where anything goes and a city that feels human. Its friendly, welcoming people love the good life.
There are so many must-see attractions to visit: the Saint Bavo Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, the belfry, the Gravensteen castle and the splendid architecture along the old Graslei harbour. Moreover, the vibrant city is also host to some big cultural events such as the Gentse Feesten during summer, the Light Festival during winter and the International Film Festival of Ghent in October.
The city centre of Ghent is car-free. Students therefore usually make use of bicycles which can be rent for a small price; De Fietsambassade Gent (Bike Embassy Ghent) gives students the opportunity to rent a bike for a few months.
Also with bus and tram, students can reach any part of the city quickly and easily (even on weekend evenings) and also taxis are readily available. For more information about our city and its interesting sights, please visit the Gent website.
Housing facilities
A number of single rooms are available to degree students of Ghent University, with priority given to students who are enrolled in an Erasmus Mundus Master course.
If students would like to apply for these housing facilities, the Letter of Admission from Ghent University is needed. This Letter of Admission will be made available to the students in April. Moreover, if applicable, students should have a visa.
Housing facilities are available with either single rooms or flats for couples. The current rental fees of these living units can be found on the Ghent University website, together with the rental terms and conditions and the online application form.
Next to these university facilities, suitable living-units can also be found on the private rented market. The search for a comfortable and safe living unit on the private rented market is however quite challenging and will take time and effort. Please visit the Ghent University website for more information about where to find rooms, prices and tips.
Culture and leisure
Ghent is a multicultural city which is home to nationals from all over the world. If you know where to look, you will find a lot of people and organisations offering all these newcomers a taste of home.
International student in Gent: sport, culture and leisure
Sport facilities for Ghent University students
