History
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.
Education
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.
Research
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
Career
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:- A job market with some 160 employers from different sectors participating
- An information fair concerning postgraduate possibilities and PhD
- Information sessions and company presentations.
Ghent University Scholarships
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.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
DFL Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
The Smooth Movers Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 EUR
Deadline
22 Apr 2025
DashTickets Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for Undergraduate Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
ACES Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2024
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2024
The Smooth Movers Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Oct 2024
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
25 Mar 2025
Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
25 Mar 2025
Gordon Hay Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
20 Dec 2024
The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
27 Dec 2024
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
Coupons Plus Deals “Save for Future” Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
15 Feb 2025
Fighting Bullying With Technology
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
26 Feb 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
DFL Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
The Smooth Movers Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 EUR
Deadline
22 Apr 2025
DashTickets Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for Undergraduate Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
ACES Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2024
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2024
The Smooth Movers Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Oct 2024
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
25 Mar 2025
Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
25 Mar 2025
Gordon Hay Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
20 Dec 2024
The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
27 Dec 2024
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
Coupons Plus Deals “Save for Future” Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
15 Feb 2025
Fighting Bullying With Technology
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
26 Feb 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
DFL Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
The Smooth Movers Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 EUR
Deadline
22 Apr 2025
DashTickets Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for Undergraduate Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
ACES Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2024
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2024
The Smooth Movers Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Oct 2024
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
25 Mar 2025
Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
25 Mar 2025
Gordon Hay Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
20 Dec 2024
The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
27 Dec 2024
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
Coupons Plus Deals “Save for Future” Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
15 Feb 2025
Fighting Bullying With Technology
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
26 Feb 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
169 -10
2024
159 -16
2023
143
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.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
-
2024
115 -8
2023
107
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.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
-
2023
84 -10
2022
74
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.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
109 -14
2023
95
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.
Student services
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.
Housing services
The University Halls of Residence have a great deal to offer
- They offer short stay possibilities.
- The rental fees are lower than the ones on the private market.
- The use of electricity, water, internet,... is included in the rental fee.
- The deposit fee is limited.
- Furniture is provided.
- Facilities: a common room, a study hall, a bicycle park and a laundry room.
- 24/7 on-site support.
Library services
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:
- Databases
- Journals
- Books
- Theses
ICT services
- E-learning
- Software
- Web-based email
- UGent website
Medical services
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.
Campus life
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.Sports facilities
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.
Student clubs
- Archeologische Werkgroep
- BeMSA
- Board of European Students of Technology Ghent
- Brugse Universitaire Kring
- Capitant Gent
- CenEka
- Chemica
- Chinese Students Organisation
- Christen Democratische Studenten
- Comac
- De Loeiende Koe
- Deliria
- Dentalia
- Dionysus
- Erasmus Student Network
- FaculteitenKonvent Gent vzw
- Filologica
- Flanders Youth Society for Entrepreneurship
- FLUX
- Fotoklas
- Geeraard
- Gents Universitair Harmonie Orkest
- Gents Universitair Koor
- Gents Universitair Symfonisch Orkest
- Gentse Biologische Kring
- Gentse Farma Kring
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).