Cost of living
Living standards are quite high in Belgium. Therefore all international guests of Ghent University are advised to make sure that they have the financial means for a stay in Belgium, before they leave their home country.
Please note that the amounts may change yearly and may vary according to your personal needs. How much money you actually spend will of course depend on your life style and spending habits. The costs for housing, for example, may differ considerably. If you plan to travel a lot during your stay here, you will of course need budget for extra expenses.
Remember that during the first month of your stay there may be extra expenses for insurances, temporary accommodation and deposits, clothing, equipment (kitchen utensils, furniture, etc. ) and others.
Study costs
Please note that the amounts may change yearly and may vary according to your personal needs. Approximate amounts per academic year (9 months).
- Tuition fee: variable
- Courses / books: on average €500 (depends on chosen study)
- Study material: € 100
- Extras: it may be wise to take some extras into account such as mandatory field trips, travel expenses, expenses related to papers and dissertations, computer and related software ...
Samples of living expenses
NOTE: Indicative price (range) only
School and children
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Childcare expenses, depending on income |
min. €1,35 - max. €25 per day per child |
| School fees 3-18 year olds |
FREE education |
| College fees - professional BA |
€578,70 per year |
| College fees - academic BA |
€578,70 per year |
| College fees - academic MA |
€578,70 per year |
| College fees - PhD degree |
€600 per degree |
| Real school costs pre-school (age 3-6) |
€273-€302 per year |
| Real school costs primary school (age 6-12) |
€333-€496 per year |
| Real school costs secondary school (age 12-18) |
€600-€1100 per year |
| Real college costs higher education |
€2.136-€2.962 per year |
| Real college costs higher education (incl. accommodation) |
€4.400-€4.870 per year |
Health care
The compulsory annual health insurance (via mutual fund) comes to €60 per year. Note: this insurance provides refunds for the majority of consultation costs, as well as covers the major share of basic hospital costs.
Medical expenses: doctors (dedicated webpage on health)
| Type | Full cost | Real cost (after refund) |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation general doctor |
€22,50 |
€7,51 |
| Home visit general doctor |
€32,32 |
€11,31 |
| Consultation specialist |
€29,73 |
€11,05 |
| Dentist appointment - adults |
€74,17 |
€3,53 |
| Consultation physiotherapist |
€19,02 |
€5,10 |
Medical expenses: hospitals
| Hospital expenses, e.g. minor surgery, 3 days stay |
€95-€100 |
| Optional hospital insurance - child* |
€35-€60 per year** |
| Optional hospital insurance - adult <40* |
€100-€265 per year** |
| Optional hospital insurance - adult 50-65* |
€145-€316 per year** |
| Optional hospital insurance - adult >65* |
€380-€660 per year** |
* Covers up to all hospital and (para)medical expenses, including additional fees or optional costs (e.g. single room, honorary fees).
** All Flemish universities have special agreements with insurers to obtain the most competitive hospital insurance rates.
Housing and related services
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment, average rent |
€500 per month* |
| Small house, average rent |
€475 per month* |
| Studio/student room, average rent |
€235-€345 per month |
| Average costs of water, gas and electricity per household |
€133-€188 per month |
| Internet (full option) |
€61 per month |
| Internet (light version) |
€20 per month |
* In most cases a deposit of 3 month's rent is required when renting a studio, flat or house.
Transport
| Home-work travel expenses by public transport and bike | refunded/paid by employer (public sector) |
|---|---|
| 1 Year rented bike |
€35-€50 |
| 1 Year Bus Pass (student) |
€178 |
| 1 Year Bus Pass (adult) |
€232 |
| Train ticket e.g. Ghent-Brussels (2nd class) |
€8 |
| Car rental, medium size, incl. insurance |
€320-€400 |
| Cambio car sharing |
€217 per month |
| 1 litre petrol |
€1,60 |
Culture, art, entertainment and sports
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Cinema ticket |
€6-€9 |
| Theatre ticket |
€15-€20* |
| Opera ticket |
€9-€90* |
| Classical music concert |
€15-€70* |
| Rock/pop concert (local, national, indie) |
€15-€20* |
| Rock/pop concert (international) |
€30-€80* |
| CD in high street store |
€18 |
| Swimming in public pool, per session |
€2,50-€4 |
| Football ticket, national competition |
€15-€25* |
| Fitness club membership, per month |
€40-€50 |
* depending on seating area
Selection of goods prices
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Large bread (800g) |
€2 |
| Butter (250g) |
€1,20-€2 |
| Meat: pork chops (1 kg) |
€7,50 |
| Meat: beef steak (1 kg) |
€14-€18 |
| Milk (1l) |
€0,5-€1,2 |
| Wine (75 cl) |
€3,50 |
| Beer (50 cl can) |
€0,85-€1 |
| Fizzy drink (2l bottle) |
€2,25 |
| Pizza (frozen) |
€2,75 |
| Fresh fruit: apples (1 kg) |
€1,60 |
| Fresh fruit: strawberries (500g) |
€2,50-€3 |
| Fresh vegetables: carrots (1 kg) |
€1,20-€1,30 |
| Fresh vegetables: mushrooms (250g) |
€1 |
Estimated income for an international researcher
Consult the figures as mentioned in 'Study on quality of life of international researchers at Flemish universities'.
