Odisee University of Applied Sciences Summary
Odisee University of Applied Sciences is one of the major universities of applied sciences in Flanders, Belgium. It has six campuses located in Aalst, Brussels, Dilbeek, Schaarbeek, Ghent and Sint-Niklaas. The institution is known for practical education, professional bachelor’s degrees, team-based learning, personal guidance, applied research and career-focused programs in business, technology, health care, biotechnology, education, social work, digital fields and applied professional studies. Odisee is especially suitable for students who want a practical Belgian higher education route with strong personal support. The institution emphasizes learning by doing, teamwork, professional development, internships, workplace learning and applied assignments. This makes Odisee different from traditional research universities because its main purpose is preparing students for professional careers rather than focusing primarily on academic research and doctoral education. Odisee’s multi-campus structure is one of its strengths. Brussels gives students access to European institutions, international organizations, business networks and multicultural city life. Aalst, Dilbeek, Schaarbeek, Ghent and Sint-Niklaas provide different local learning environments connected with healthcare, education, business, technology, social work and regional employers. Students can choose programs and campuses based on their field of study and professional goals. At undergraduate level, Odisee offers professional bachelor’s programs across domains such as biotechnology, commercial sciences and business studies, health care, education, applied engineering and technology, and applied social studies. Many programs are Dutch-taught, so international students must check language requirements carefully before applying. English-taught options may be available through exchange programs or selected international routes, but most full degree options require Dutch proficiency. At postgraduate and continuing education level, Odisee offers advanced professional training, bachelor-after-bachelor routes, postgraduate programs and short courses depending on field and academic year. These programs are usually designed for students or professionals who already have a degree or professional background and want targeted specialization in areas such as healthcare, education, business, social work, technology or applied professional practice. Odisee is not primarily a doctoral research university. Students who want PhD study usually need to progress to an academic master’s at a research university and then apply for doctoral education. However, Odisee participates in applied research and service to society through professional projects, innovation, practice-based research, regional partnerships and collaboration with organizations. Tuition fees depend on student status, scholarship category and credit load. For 2026–2027, Odisee lists a non-scholarship fee structure with a fixed amount of €305.40 plus €14.60 per study credit. For a standard 60-credit academic year, this equals €1,181.40. A near-scholarship fee structure is listed at €305.40 fixed plus €5.30 per study credit. Scholarship-fee categories are also listed separately for eligible students. Students should check exact fee rules because tuition can depend on status, scholarship eligibility, credit load and specific program structure. Overall, Odisee University of Applied Sciences is best for students who want professional education in Belgium, practical training, personal guidance, internships, applied learning and career pathways in business, health care, education, biotechnology, technology, digital systems, social work and applied professional fields.
