Pre-arrival information (visa and registration)

Useful information to help you prepare to join Artevelde University of Applied Sciences. 

Visa

Permission to enrol

When we accept your application, you will receive a document called 'permission to enrol'. With this document, you can then start your visa application. 

Requirements

Students from EEA-countries, Monaco and Switzerland, do not need a student visa to enter Belgium. 

All other students do have to apply for a visa.  

Please get in touch with the Belgian Embassy or consulate in the country where you are a resident. Be advised that there might be a waiting period - especially around the holidays! Usually, it takes about four weeks for a visa application to be processed, but it can sometimes take up to three months. 

Fee

For certain long-stay (D) visa applications, non-EEA students must pay a processing fee. The amount depends on the type of visa you need and your status.  

More info

The Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation has an extensive page on studying in Belgium. You can also contact the Belgian Immigration Office if you have additional questions. 

Registration in Ghent

As an international student staying in Ghent, you must report to the city's Migration Office as soon as possible. You can register online as well

Registration is obligatory for all international students - no matter how long you're staying or what your home country is. 

Insurance

All exchange students must be adequately insured while studying at Artevelde University of Applied Sciences. 

You need: 

  • health insurance to cover any urgent medical costs you might need to pay while in Belgium; 
  • fire insurance, usually included when hiring a student room, but do check; 
  • civil liability insurance, in case you accidentally injure someone or damage someone's property. 

As soon as you register, you are automatically insured for accidents on campus or on the way to campus.  

If you cannot make your own insurance arrangements or have questions or doubts, feel free to contact our insurance department for assistance!