Additional compensation for ZAP members moving to Belgium from abroad
We support all international staff members moving to Belgium. Information about the general support or salary and benefits can be found on the hotspot for academic staff. New incoming professorial (ZAP) members who choose to move or return to Belgium can count on extra support from Ghent University.
Our relocation policy
During one-to-one online onboarding meetings, personal advice and guidance will be given for visas and relocation questions. Whether it is about a family reunion visa, searching for a school for your children or finding suitable accommodation: we will provide you the information you need to organize your stay in Belgium.
If you transfer your main place of residence from abroad to Belgium, the members of the professorial staff might be entitled to a relocation fee.
Salary determination
The required income to live in the previous country might be higher, or the salary obtained to work as professor may be paid more than in Belgium.
We try to avoid a loss of wage when moving to Belgium, by comparing your international salary with the salary of Ghent University and calculate the difference in cost of living for you. If a difference is detected, the offered seniority that is taken into calculation in the salary scaling can be adjusted by the HR director.
Language requirement to learn Dutch
There is a mandatory requirement for all non-Dutch speaking professors by the Higher Education Codex of Flanders to learn Dutch. Ghent University can help you fulfill this requirement, as classes to obtain the required language level are fully covered by the University.
To simplify the job search in Belgium, the partner can also follow Dutch language classes at reduced rates.
Support for newly appointed professors
As a new professor you are confronted with new responsibilities and challenges. There is a Professional Development Programme for Newly Appointed Professors to learn how Ghent University supports you. There are 4 training courses from half a day: Research track, Education track, well-being@work, and leadership track. If a certain course is not useful for your profile, it can be discussed with the training supervisor to delay or delete the training subject.
Your faculty HR advisor is your first point of contact when you have any questions regarding your professorial career.
The international school of Ghent
For English-language education, the children of expats can attend the International School of Ghent, or ISG for short.
The children of an international researcher are, in certain cases, eligible for a scholarship. If your children are subscribed at the International School Ghent, you will receive 10% discount and Ghent University will gift you a part of the subscription fees.
Careers for partners
Ghent University strives to make the families of professorial and research staff feel right at home in their new city. Our staff gives advices and tips for the partners to search a job in Belgium.
Affiliation with the hospitalization insurance
Upon request the hospitalization insurance can be extended for spouse and children that are moving to Belgium with you. The cost of the hospitalization insurance is an preferential price for all our international staff.
Visa Cards and buy your own device
Professional staff with a budget can purchase their own mobile phone, smartphone or tablet for professional and private use. 80% of the purchase prices (up to a limited amount) can be paid by the available budget as compensation for professional use.
Employees who have a professional telephone subscription and data plan for their telephone and/or tablet Ghent University will cover charges up to a total amount (professional and private) of €50. A small benefit in kind will be paid to the tax authorities in exchange.
It is also possible to obtain a visa card to pay for certain expenses from your own available funding. There is an additional travel insurance and travel inconvenience insurance and travel assistance attached to these cards.