Checklist: international degree student at Ghent University

Preparing your stay...

 

  • Consult the Ghent University webpages to obtain information about admission and language requirements, tuition fees, etc. Search the study programmes to find a suitable course.
  • Find out about scholarships and other funding opportunities. You should not start a course of study unless you have adequate funding in place to support you for the duration of your course.
  • Follow the Ghent University admission procedure. Take into account that deadlines may apply and that the admission procedure can take up to three months. Prepare legalised documents. You should use the spelling and name order as given in your passport. The name you give the university is the one that will appear on all official records and databases.
  • Check immigration regulations. Contact the Belgian Embassy or the office of the Flemish representative in your country. Gather all necessary documents. Please note that it is your responsibility to apply for the correct entry clearance or visa to study in Belgium before leaving home and in good time to begin your study. You will be asked to present your letter of admission.
  • Arrange a place to live. Look for accommodation either yourself, via the faculty or programme coordinator, or through the UGent Housing Department.
  • Should you plan to bring spouse and/or family with you with you, you must follow the family reunion procedure. You will need to do a considerable amount of research into accommodation and facilities (nursery, schools, job etc.) for your family, and make careful preparations. For students, this procedure often lasts longer to complete than the student's stay in Ghent...
  • Make your travel plans. Arrange travel tickets and travel insurance. You should consider taking out medical insurance for your journey to Belgium, and to cover emergency repatriation to your home country in the event of a serious accident or illness. If you are arriving into Ghent in the late afternoon or on a weekend, we recommend that you pre-book a Ghent hotel for your first night.
  • Check your government's restrictions on taking money out of the country. Check with your bank about regulations concerning transferring money to Belgium. Obtain the correct currency for use during the first few days or weeks.
  • Check regulations on bringing belongings to Belgium. You are advised to insure your luggage before your journey and label it clearly. Check your luggage weight against your airline's allowances.
  • Visit the doctor, dentist and/or optician if necessary. Obtain a letter of explanation from your doctor for any prescribed medication you may need to bring with you.
  • Students with a disability can count on a specialised support service - contact the coordinator for details.
  • Make a folder to bring with you: travel plan and tickets, accommodation details, list of contacts, letter of admission, ... Include photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport and visa stamp. Top tip: also make a contact card for your family before you leave - include contact information about Ghent University (faculty department, student administration, etc.).

 

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