How to apply as an exchange student?

In order to come to Ghent University as an exchange student there should be a bilateral agreement between your home institution and Ghent University for your field of study. Only in some specific cases you will get admission as an exchange student without this agreement: e.g. when you conduct a part of your master thesis research at Ghent University, a traineeship etc. 

Types of exchange

Depending on the type of exchange, a different online application is requested.

Study exchange

How to apply for a study exchange at Ghent University

Traineeship exchange 

How to apply for an internship/traineeship at Ghent University

Exchange PhD

Exchange PhD Students are students who visit Ghent University to perform research in the context of their PhD, while being enrolled and defending their PhD at their home institution.

Other exchange

Summer schools, research, BIP,...

Deadlines

View academic calendar to check start dates of semesters

Semester 1 and full academic year

Semester 2

Nomination for study exchange

15 April

15 October

Application for study exchange

15 May

15 November

Nomination for clinical internship Master of Medicine

15 March

15 September

Application for clinical internship Master of Medicine

15 May

15 November

Application deadline for Internships, traineeships, research and Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) is 6 weeks prior to the start.

Nomination

Students should be nominated by their home university before the deadline mentioned above through this online nomination form. After receiving this nomination, Ghent University will inform the student on the application procedure and more practical information. Nominations submitted by students are not accepted.

Traineeship/internship students don't have to be nominated, except for Medicine students.

The online nomination form opens February 16th, 2026 for Semester 1 and Year nominations. 
Nominations for Semester 2 will open late August 2026.

Study Exchange Application

Before you start your application, check with your home university if they support the Erasmus Without Paper (EWP) network. This decides the application method you should use.

Exchange application without EWP

Only when there is no EWP digital learning/training agreement (e.g. non-European applicants, summerschools,...)

Enrolment

The start of enrolment is 3 August 2026 for the academic year 2026-27.

For study exchanges: students will be enrolled back-office in the month before arrival. No action needed from the student.

For other exchanges (internship, research,..): Send an e-mail to enrol@ugent.be with your passport (ID), date of arrival and ask for enrolment. Your student card will be ready for pick-up at the Student Centre.

Useful links

Academic calendar 

Contact