Studying in Ghent, Belgium

You have the world at your feet

In Ghent, you have the world at your feet. This can be interpreted quite literally. You can go to Amsterdam and Paris in just 2h30 by car, to London in only 2h30 by train and to Barcelona and Berlin in 2 hours by plane.

But it doesn’t stop there

Locals meet international students all the time since Ghent is the largest student city in Flanders. Enjoy the vibrant city life while making new friends from all around the world. And it gets even better Artevelde University of Applied Sciences takes full advantage of its international context. Various international organisations, institutions, and companies are based in Belgium. These include the EU, NATO, and several multinationals.

At home in Ghent

Discover Belgium From canal-laced, enchanting cities like Ghent and Bruges with peculiar, cobbled lanes and cosy coffee shops around every corner to the urban centres of Antwerp and Brussels with vibrant nightlife and stunning architecture. There is so much to explore in Belgium. Discover our world-class typical foods (chocolate and waffles!) and immerse yourself in our great historical richness. Belgium is a magnificent place to choose as your study destination.

Multicultural and multilingual

Brussels and Flanders have a very diverse population. Being open-minded, interested, and friendly, Belgians in general like meeting new people of different backgrounds. English is widely spoken, especially in our big cities. Want to learn more languages? Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Flemish Higher Education has the honour to welcome an increasing number of international students, which results in open, multicultural campuses.

City of students

Ghent is Belgium’s third largest and most beautiful city. This true medieval masterpiece with great vibrant nightlife houses more than 70,000 students. It is impossible to imagine Ghent without students cycling in the streets, studying in libraries and cafés, meeting with friends over drinks, enjoying a nice meal in one of the many restaurants, or enjoying the first rays of sunlight on the banks of the river Leie. Ghent truly has it all: comfortable living, first-class education, and an abundance of leisure activities.

History & culture

But Ghent is more than a student city. It will suit all tastes. The city boasts a unique mixture of architecture, contemporary events, museums of international repute, theatres, a wide range of gastronomic options, green parks, and exciting nightlife. Ghent aims to be climate neutral by 2050

Safe city

Ghent is to be considered as a safe place. In 2021, it has been ranked in the top ten destinations that are sexually liberated, adventurous, and educated, following research into places that are LGBQT+ safe. Since biking is the main way of transportation in the city center, cars are not allowed in most parts of the city centre, making the entire city bike-friendly. For many years, Ghent has been committed to protecting the environment with initiatives ranging from the vegetarian capital of Europe (since 2009) to the largest low-traffic pedestrian zone in Europe (since 2017). The city aims to be climate neutral in 2050. The Light Plan in Ghent strengthens the feeling of safety through the correct way of lighting. More people in the streets at night generate greater social control.

Climate neutral by 2050

Ghent has some exciting plans for the future: it wants to be climate neutral by 2050 and it is one of the SDG voices to promote the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. However, Ghent knows this cannot be realised without YOU! Everyone should be involved: you, me, every institution and company ... Ghent aims to become the commons city of the future! Read the brochure about sustainability.