Located in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium and the cultural and economic heart of Europe, Ghent University is an active partner in national and international educational, scientific and industrial cooperation. Founded in 1817 as a Latin-speaking State University by King William I (of the Netherlands), Ghent University became the first Dutch-speaking university in Belgium. 
 
Ghent is one of the top 100 universities in the Dutch language area, with more than 44,000 students and 15,000 staff members. Today, after decades of uninterrupted growth, it is one of the leading institutions of higher education and research in the Low Countries (Benelux).  
 
The University have many campuses in the Ghent region, but also in Courtrai, Oostend, Bruges and South Korea. A distinguishing feature is that its faculty buildings are dispersed across the city; from the historic city centre to its modern outskirts. Students who live in Ghent can expect to be surrounded by beautiful architecture, unique street art and many pubs, clubs and restaurants. 
 
With a view to cooperation in research and scientific service, numerous research groups, centres and institutes have been founded over the years. Several of them are renowned worldwide, in various scientific disciplines such as biotechnology, aquaculture, microelectronics and history. Ghent distinguishes itself as a socially committed and pluralistic university in a broad international perspective. You'll also find many prominent persons among Ghent alumni such as Robert Cailliau (Internet pioneer), Dirk Frimout (astronaut), Peter Piot (United Nations) and Jacques Rogge (former Chairman IOC). 

Ghent is a port and university city located in north west Belgium, close to the border of Netherlands. It is the second largest municipality in Belgium, after Antwerp by number of inhabitants.The city centre has been car-free since 1997. The medieval architecture is spectacular and well-preserved. Highlights to visit include the Saint Bavo Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, the belfry and the 12th century Gravensteen castle,Vegetarians will have little trouble dining here as Ghent has the world's largest number of vegetarian restaurants per capita. Belgium is also world-famous for its chocolate!The city is host to a few big cultural and music events such as the ten-day-long Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten in Dutch), which is held every year and attended by about 1–1.5 million visitors.

Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a sovereign state in Western Europe, bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and the North Sea. Belgium is known for being home to many different languages and communities.

Belgium has a population of more than 11.4 million people, of whom the Dutch-speaking Flemish community makes up 59%. An estimated 25% of the population come from foreign backgrounds, so this is a land used to different cultures and languages. Belgium is renowned for some impressive contributions to art and intricate architecture throughout the centuries. In particular, the picturesque towns of Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp with their quaint atmosphere, canals and coffee culture make for charming landscapes to explore. Belgium food will also make you feel at home with incredible waffles and fries available everywhere, as well as a variety of beers for a range of tastes.

There are excellent train connections everywhere in the country as well as to the rest of Europe, with Paris and Amsterdam just a short ride away. Major cities in Belgium are bike friendly and with rich student cultures, you’ll find that everything is easily accessible. This international country ranks as one of the safest or most peaceful countries in the world.

Did you know…..?

Belgium is known as the vegetarian capital of the world. The town of Ghent is exceptionally veggie-friendly and promotes "Veggie Thursdays". Belgium is home to the famous comic character Tin-Tin! Look out for murals throughout the capital city of Brussels.

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

Courses belonging to the following faculties at Ghent are available for exchange:  

• Faculty of Engineering and Architecture 
• Faculty of Sciences 
• Faculty of Arts and Philosophy 
• Faculty of Political and Social Sciences 

• UniSA academic transcript 
• Passport 
• Evidence of English proficiency (if applicable) 
• A short-written statement in English on why you wish to study at Ghent University 
• Learning agreement (list of courses you wish to take at Ghent) 

Credits are measured by the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and the following applies: 

• 18 units = 30 ECTS 
• 13.5 units = 22.5 ECTS 

It can sometimes be difficult to make up exactly 22.5 units (not all courses will be worth exactly 7.5 ECTS), but you should be able to get very close. Make sure you check with your Program Director if you don’t have exactly 22.5 ECTS 

Ghent University requires a good knowledge of English (CEF B2-level or higher) in order to communicate and function in an academic context. 

You can submit one of the following documents: 

• A TOEFL certificate: minimum score 510-559 (paper-based) or 87-109 (internet-based) 
• An IELTS certificate: minimum score 6.0 
• A TOEIC certificate: minimum score 785-944 
• A Cambridge certificate: FCE, CAE or CPE 
• A proof that you are a native speaker of English this can be a copy of your identity card/passport) 
• A proof that you successfully finished a study program of at least one year which was completely taught in English 

Note: specific language requirements apply for exchange students at the faculty of Bioscience Engineering. 

Find courses at Ghent University

Ghent University does not offer airport pick up. Students will need to make their own way to the campus from Brussels Airport. 

More information on how to get to the campus can be found here. 

You can apply for on-campus housing after you have been accepted by Ghent University. The accommodation option at Ghent is fully furnished and includes a private bathroom, private fridge and a shared kitchen facility. 

More information on accommodation can be found here. 

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to Ghent University, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur:

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  

Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 

A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 

If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678.