In comparison with other European universities, the Ghent Alma Mater is relatively young. The institution was inaugurated on October 9, 1817, after King William I in the preceding year had proclaimed the establishment of three universities in the Southern Netherlands.
All bachelor programmes and most masters are instructed in Dutch. The language of instruction of each programme is mentioned in the course catalogue.The English version of the course catalogue is a translation of the course catalogue in Dutch and does not imply that the programme will be instructed in English.A few master programmes are partly taught in English and partly in Dutch. As the official language of these programmes is Dutch, the Dutch language requirements apply.
Ghent University is acknowledged as an international top player in research. By striving for excellence, strategic clustering and the efficient support of a wide range of research niches, Ghent University aims to stay in this league.Track record of research: overview of the main research and funding projects - from excellent individuals to multidisciplinary partnershipsResearch directory: discover which research groups and institutes are part of the universityResearch in numbers: quick glance at Ghent University's research facts and figuresInstitutional partnerships and international networks
Every year the Ghent University Association organizes a Graduation Fair in Ghent at the end of March. All final-year students of the four member institutions of AUGENT are welcome to visit this Graduation Fair.
The Graduation Fair’s goal is to help final-year students find a first job or an opportunity for further study. In addition a series of information sessions help students to learn everything there is to know about taking their first steps towards a professional career.The fair has three sections:
Below you will find scholarships related to Ghent University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Based on 100 reviews
It was my dream to be a student in the Environmental areas in Europe. Thanks to my efforts and especially the studyportal website, now I'm living my dream. As some positive points, I have to mention that Ghent is a very vibrant city and perfect for being a student. The University is one of the best universities in the world, and the staff are so helpful and kind. Although there are some obstacles for non-English speakers during the class, professors are very fluent and helpful. The duration of classes is too long and sometimes exhausting. To sum up, studying abroad is challenging and pleasant at the same time.
Ghent University, or UGent, is a highly-regarded public research university in Belgium known for its strong academic reputation and dynamic student life. Ranked consistently among the top 150 universities globally, it's a popular choice for both local and international students. Its reputation for high-quality education and cutting-edge research makes it a compelling option for those seeking a challenging and enriching academic experience. Academic Environment & Programs 🎓 UGent's academic programs are demanding but rewarding. The university offers a wide range of programs across its 11 faculties, with many master's and PhD programs taught entirely in English, making it very accessible for international students. The curriculum is known for being research-driven, with professors who are often leading researchers in their fields, providing students with insightful, practical examples based on their own work. The university excels particularly in fields like Life Sciences, Engineering, and Law, consistently ranking high in these disciplines. However, some students have noted that the high workload and theoretical nature of some courses can be challenging, though it's seen as a testament to the university's academic rigor. Student Life & Campus Vibe 🚴♀️ The university's vibrant campus life is a major draw. With a diverse student community and a wide array of clubs and activities, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and meet new people. The campuses are centrally located within the historic city of Ghent, an incredibly charming city known for its cobblestone streets, canals, and lively social scene. This location allows for a seamless blend of academic pursuits and cultural immersion. The university also offers dedicated support for international students, including assistance with visa applications, housing, and an extensive welcome program to help with the transition. However, some international students have found it can be difficult to integrate with local students, who often form their own social circles. Verdict ⚖️ Overall, Ghent University offers a robust educational experience in a beautiful, culturally rich city. Its strengths lie in its strong academic reputation, research-intensive curriculum, and a vibrant city-integrated campus. While the academic demands are high and social integration can sometimes be a hurdle for international students, the quality of education and the professional opportunities that follow make it a fantastic choice. For students seeking a challenging and rewarding academic journey in a beautiful and historic setting, UGent is an excellent option.
Ghent University was a great choice for me. Not only the University is student-centered, but the city as well. A lot of the classes are livestreamed or recorded, especially since covid. This makes attending classes even easier.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
How would you rate your overall study experience?
How helpful were your teachers?
How diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
How simple was it to apply to your programme?
How was your everyday life?
Did the university provide support for your career development?
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 3 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 109 | 107 | 104 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By TopUniversities
Climbed 12 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 169 | 162 | 150 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 112 | 115 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 90 | 91 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
The Counselling Office of Ghent University offers information, professional advice and counselling concerning the different aspects of a study career, before, during and after the period of study.This service is at the disposal of all students, prospective students or anyone else interested in studying at Ghent University.Students who are at odds with their studies because of personal distress and / or ineffective study habits can turn to the Counselling Office. Two psychologists, well-acquainted with study problems or psychological problems that students may have, are available for counselling.
The University Halls of Residence have a great deal to offer
Ghent University Library is a network of faculty libraries and the Book tower, giving access to a broad scale of scholarly information and supporting users in finding the right information.Through the catalogue on lib.ugent.be you can find, among others:
This service is run by general practitioners who are well-acquainted with student’s medical needs. Also for small surgery and gynaecological consultations students can make use of this service.Students can indeed also contact a general practitioner elsewhere in town, or go to the university hospital.
The Campus Kortrijk offers academic Bachelor and Master courses in Industrial Sciences (Industrial Engineering) .
On the campus 'by the sea' the GreenBridge incubation and innovation center is located. GreenBridge provides infrastructure and services for (young) technology companies.Ghent University is the first European university that is part of the Songdo Global University Campus (SGUC) in Incheon (Korea). On the SGUC, 10 leading universities are represented offering excellent higher education to domestic and international students.Ghent University boasts a fully-equipped sports centre ("GUSB"), with three large and two small halls for indoor activities, a 25-meter swimming pool, an instruction pool, two saunas, two, and more! Special attention is devoted to sports for disabled students. Some of the sports that can be pursued are: aerobics, aikido, condition gym, badminton, basketball, bujinkan bujutsu, cross-country running, diving, BBB, handball, hockey, jazz-dance, jogging in group, judo, karate, kayaking, korfball, Latino moves, mini-football and five-a-side football, Body&Mind, rugby, sailing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, water polo, yoga, zumba etc.
Ghent University Global Campus has been accredited by both the Ministry of Education (Korea) and by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium).
Wishlist