Ghent University is an active university in Higher Education and Research on a world-wide scale. This global position matches the first two articles of the Ghent University's mission statement:

Ghent University distinguishes itself as a socially committed and pluralistic university that is open to all students, regardless of their ideological, political, cultural or social background;

Ghent University defines itself in a broad international perspective, all the while accentuating its individuality in terms of language and culture.

International education programmes

International education programmes include projects financed by the Flemish/federal Government, European projects financed by the EC and own initiatives.

Ghent Universityis has established an international network through numerous bilateral cooperation agreements with universities all over the world, and hence providing funds for outside EU mobility of both staff and students.

Ghent University attaches a great importance to the international mobility of its students and staff. In guaranteeing a smooth inward and outgoing mobility, it has been a pioneer when it comes to applying the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

IRO Student Support

The IRO Student Support team gives incoming students a warm welcome. It provides information and support to both exchange students and degree students, as well as PhD students.

International Relations Office (IRO)

The IRO is the office within the Central UGent Administration that is in charge of shaping and implementing the international policy of Ghent University.

It promotes, informs, counsels and supports the Ghent University community to give shape to its international endeavours.

Africa Platform

China Platform

Within the IRO a separate office was created in 2006 to deal exclusively with all matters relating to collaboration with Chinese institutions: the China Platform.

The pages of the China Platform are also available in Chinese (中国平台).

India Platform

The India Platform supports the collaboration of Ghent University with Indian partners. It not only facilitates academic collaborations, but also focuses on collaborations with business partners, governments, bureaucracy and media.