Welcome to Ghent University

This is your information website regarding the pre-arrival preparations, the on arrival to do list and general information about Ghent/Flanders/Belgium and more!

Introduction

Ghent University is a pluralistic institution, open to all — regardless of ideological, political, cultural, or social background. Our guiding principle, “Dare to Think”, invites students, researchers, and staff to question established ideas, embrace complexity, and approach challenges with a critical and nuanced mindset.

To foster this spirit of intellectual freedom, we offer comprehensive support for everyone who dares to think — whether that means finding the right research funding, improving teaching practices, or recruiting the right people for your team. Our commitment to academic excellence is grounded in a broader vision that integrates:

  • Ethical considerations in research
  • Diversity and inclusion in education
  • Respect for nature and the environment
  • Sustainability and social responsibility

At Ghent University, thinking freely and critically is not just encouraged - it’s supported in every possible way.

Ghent University in a nutshell

Ghent University is an internationally renowned, open, pluralistic and socially engaged university in Belgium. Our credo is 'Dare to Think'.

Our success stories

Could we even imagine a world without research and science? Certainly not. Yet it’s not always clear to everyone how much research shapes our world and lives. We brought together some illustrations of just how research continues to have a societal impact in many areas. Check the stories here and add yours soon!

The post-doctoral mandate with BOF funding for research

You are being offered a post-doctoral fellowship funded by the Special Research Fund (BOF) to conduct research at Ghent University. This is a temporary, full-time appointment with a maximum duration of three years, and it cannot be renewed.

More information on the AAP mandate and the specific temporary appointment as post-doctoral assistant.

Internal administration

A list of the general documents to be provided (if you were not employed at Ghent University before).

As international staff member, we need more specific information about you, and we will explain along the way why.

Before you begin your employment or research activities at Ghent University, we require several documents and personal details for internal registration purposes. These are essential for processing your salary correctly, determining applicable tax reductions based on family status, and accounting for any seniority or previous professional experience.

Please complete this questionnaire with your personal information.

Make sure you are able to provide following documents listed on this website:

  • Passport
  • Highest obtained diploma’s, including a translation and equivalence proof from NARIC if obtained outside the EEA area.
  • Previous employment certificates

Salary

You will receive a salary in the job class of the AAP.

Social security

As a paid employee or researcher at Ghent University, you are required by law to be covered by Belgian social security. Social security provides protection in areas such as:

Taxation

This is the part of your personal taxation deducted "at source" each month from your salary. The amount of this deduction depends on your taxable gross salary (the gross salary mentioned in the employment contract minus the social contributions), the composition of your family and other rules.

Benefits

Ghent University offers its employees a range of benefits, some of them listed here:

  • A comprehensive training and education offer and many internal career opportunities
  • 36 holidays (for full-time employment), supplemented by annually determined bridging days
  • Several university restaurants where employees can eat inexpensively
  • An extensive sports offer at low prices. Ghent University boasts a fully equipped sports centre, GUSB. The centre is home to 5 halls for indoor activities, a 25-metre swimming pool, 2 saunas and much more.

NON-EEA nationals: Single permit

If a NON-EEA employee or researcher wants to work in our country for more than 90 days, a combined permit or Single Permit is requested. The purpose of the Single Permit is that only one approval is given by the authorities regarding the right of employment and residence in Belgium. After going through the internal administration, the NON-EEA national will be contacted via ODIS to provide the personal documents to prepare the application.

Only after the personal documents have been uploaded in ODIS can the Single permit procedure be started by the HR officer.

A single permit procedure for a new hire can be started a maximum of 3 months before the start date and at least 1 month before the start date.

It is important to follow the rules for translations and request legalization or an apostille for some documents.

NON-EEA nationals: Visa

After approval of the single permit (annex 46) you have to contact the Belgian embassy in your home country and request a single permit visa.

NON-EEA nationals: Family visa

Family reunion procedures must be prepared well to run smoothly. If you become an employee of Ghent University with a single permit, the Belgian embassy might issue a family reunion visa immediately for your family if the visa request is started together with yours.

Open a bank account in Belgium

To receive your salary or scholarship, Ghent University needs your European or Belgian bank account number (IBAN and BIC).

Before arrival for NON-EEA nationals: you are advised to open online bank account Online (or digital) banks operate entirely via web or app. They often have lower fees and allow you to open an account before arriving in Belgium.

Upon arrival: Open a Belgian bank account. Local banks provide full services (current accounts, savings, credit cards, loans, insurance). Once opened, you’ll receive your bank card and PIN codes within about two weeks. Most banks offer packages that include cards, online access, and insurance for a small monthly fee.

Housing

You can apply for Ghent University accommodation for academic and scientific staff and visitors.

Finding a home on the private markt can be started by consulting this information.

Residence procedures after arrival

You have to apply for a residence permit if staying more than 3 months in Belgium. You will have to change your domicile to a Belgian address. Both an EEA national or Swiss national who can work and reside without a visa or permission for employment; and a NON-EEA national travelling to Belgium with a Single Permit, apply for a registration for residence after arrival in Belgium.

Cost of living in Belgium

Ghent is a welcoming and safe university city with an international atmosphere and a high quality of life. The biggest monthly expense is usually rent. With careful planning – such as sharing accommodation, cycling, and cooking at home – you can live comfortably on a reasonable budget. Keep in mind that the first month usually comes with extra costs such as deposit, furniture, and setting up utilities.

Prepare your stay in Belgium

Both Ghent University and the city of Ghent offer various activities for and with other expats.

Plan your trip

Plan your travel from your place of arrival to the city of Ghent, Kortrijk, Bruges or Ostend.

For more information, please go to Rome2Rio or visit the websites of the public transportation:

Bring all important documents with you:

  • Visa (if needed)
  • Passport
  • Proof of travel insurance
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)

! Make sure to have printed versions as well as digital versions!

  • If you own a smartphone check whether it is not SIM-locked. You can have a working SIM upon arrival in Belgium. More information
  • A type E travel adapter plug, also called the European plugs. This is the standard type of socket in Belgium, characterized by two round pins and a hole for an earth pin at the top
  • Need medication? Take enough medication with you for the first weeks and provide an English summary of your medical history and an overview of the vaccinations received
  • Some passport photos (white background, don't smile)
  • A small amount of cash or a credit card (visa or maestro card) that works in Belgium