Ghent University (UGent) Summary
Ghent University is one of Belgium’s leading public research universities and one of the most respected universities in Europe. Located in Ghent, a historic and student-friendly city in the Flemish Region of Belgium, the university is known for high-quality education, research strength, international collaboration, innovation and a broad academic portfolio across sciences, engineering, medicine, law, economics, business, veterinary medicine, bioscience engineering, psychology, education, social sciences, arts, philosophy and humanities. Ghent University is especially attractive for students who want a strong research university in a vibrant European city. Ghent is one of Belgium’s major university cities and offers a strong student atmosphere, cultural life, transport links, international community and access to employers across Belgium and Europe. The city is also well connected to Brussels, Antwerp and other European hubs, making it useful for students seeking international exposure. The university has 11 faculties and offers a wide range of programs at bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level. At undergraduate level, most bachelor’s programs are taught in Dutch, so international students must check language requirements carefully. English-taught bachelor’s options are limited compared with master’s programs. Students who can study in Dutch have wider access to undergraduate programs in science, law, medicine, economics, engineering, humanities, psychology and social sciences. At master’s level, Ghent University is a strong choice for international students because it offers English-taught master’s programs in science, engineering, bioscience engineering, economics, business, marine sciences, environmental science, food technology, biomedical sciences, public health, political science, linguistics, archaeology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and other fields. Some programs are standard master’s programs, while others may be advanced master’s, international joint master’s or Erasmus Mundus-style programs with separate fee structures. At doctoral level, Ghent University offers research opportunities across all major academic disciplines. Doctoral candidates work through faculties, doctoral schools, research groups, laboratories and funded projects. Research areas include medicine, engineering, life sciences, social sciences, law, economics, arts, humanities, veterinary medicine, bioscience engineering, environmental science, AI, sustainability and interdisciplinary research. Tuition fees depend on nationality, credit load, program type and fee category. For 2026–2027, Ghent University lists the standard EEA tuition fee for 60 credits as €1,181.40. For non-EEA students in selected programs, the total fee can include a standard fee plus a higher tuition component, with some examples listed around €7,079.40 for 60 credits. Certain master’s or international joint programs may have higher program-specific participation fees. Students must check the exact fee on the official program or tuition page before applying. Overall, Ghent University is best for students who want a strong Belgian public research university with broad academic choice, English-taught master’s programs, research opportunities, affordable EEA tuition, European exposure and career pathways in science, engineering, business, public health, sustainability, law, social sciences, humanities and doctoral research.
