Prospect outgoing exchange students
Information sessions
The next information sessions will be organized in October-November 2023, for an exchange in 2024-25. They will be announced on this webpage. Please visit again to subscribe.
UGent travel policy
What makes studying abroad (so) different
Studying abroad is almost the same as studying in Ghent, but then again somewhat different. You'll follow classes, participate in group work, do sports, go out, etc. The way of teaching might be the same or different compared to Ghent University. After successful exams you will gain credits, which will be recognized at UGent and will be integrated in your regular study programme. In this way your study time will be the same as students who do not study abroad.
- Obtain credits at one of our partner universities
- Studying abroad will not prolong your study time
- You will study in English or in the local language (French, German or Spanish)
- Within the Erasmus area you will receive a scholarship
- Outside of the Erasmus area you can apply for different scholarship opportunities
10 reasons why you should study abroad
1. See the world
Ghent has over 250.000 inhabitants, the world hosts over 7 billion people. It's time to leave Ghent, spread your wings and discover the world!
2. Discover another education system
Each country developed it's own education system. For some it might be very similar to Flanders, but for other countries it might be very different. Discover other teaching methods, learn about other traditions and discover how different education can be!
3. Improve your language skills
You have been studying languages for several years? It's time to start using them in daily life, use them inside and outside your host university. You will be amazed how fast you pick up new words and become fluent in a foreign language.
4. Learn about other cultures
In a globalized world you will most probably end up working in a multicultural team. During your exchange you will not only learn about the local culture, you will also meet people from all over the world and learn about their habits and traditions. This will prepare you to understand other cultures.
5. Become more independent
There is nothing quite like being on your own in a foreign country. Studying abroad makes you more independent, more self-confident. Students who study abroad become explorers and really want to discover all aspects of the new environment and discover the curiosity and excitement that they harbour. It's time to live an independent life. No more hotel Mama. You will be amazed how much you will learn about yourself in such a short period!
6. Personal development
A benefit to studying abroad is the opportunity to discover yourself while gaining an understanding of a different culture. Being in a new place by yourself can be overwhelming at times, and it tests your ability to adapt to diverse situations and to be able to solve problems.
7. Career opportunities
Your improved language skills, your ability to cooperate with people from around the world, your independence, your willingness to learn, etc are very attractive to future employers. In no time you will get the job you have always dreamed of!
8. Make lifelong friends
Students from all over the world who share an intensive period studying, living and partying together. Is there a better basis for a lifelong friendship?
9. Find new interests
Other universities offer different courses and other specialisations. They also might use other ways of instructing. Expose yourself to this and you probably will find new interests and discover different subjects compared to Ghent.
10. Have fun
Of course it's not all about studying. Discover your new home town and country and have fun!
When can you study abroad during your studies at the faculty EB
If you want to study abroad next year, the following conditions apply:
- At the time of application: registered or completed all courses of the first and second bachelor year (120 ECTS)
- At the time of departure: completed all courses of the first and second bachelor year (120 ECTS). Exception: if students don't pass all courses, 2 UGent-courses AND max. 12 ECTS of bachelor 1 or 2 can be combined with the study abroad
- Students who follow preparatory or linking courses need to have finalized all courses before the actual exchange. Exception: if students don't pass all courses, 2 UGent-preparatory/linking-courses AND max. 12 ECTS can be combined with the study abroad
- Follow a programme of at least 24 ECTS per semester at the host institution (matched to min. 24 ECTS at UGent)
An exchange during the following programmes is possible:
- 3rd Bachelor Business Economics: semester 1 or full year
- Master Business Economics: semester 1
- 3rd Bachelor Business Engineering: semester 2 or full year
- Master Business Engineering: for general courses only (courses related to the main subject need to be followed at UGent): semester 1 or full year
- 3rd Bachelor Economics: semester 1
- Master Economics: semester 1
- 3rd Bachelor Business Administration: semester 1
- Master Business Administration: semester 1
- 3rd Bachelor Public Administration and Management: semester 1
- Master Public Administration: semester 1
- Master Complementary Studies in Business Economics: semester 1
- More information
Where can you study (abroad) - partnerdatabase
4 different areas:
- Erasmus Belgica: French-speaking universities in Belgium
- Erasmus (EU+Norway)
- Switzerland
- Non-Erasmus destinations
WARNING! This map gives you an overview of all the partner universities of the faculty. NOT every partner offers every study programme.
All details can be found in our partner database.
How much does it cost
You will only pay tuition fees at Ghent University, not at the host institution. Besides you can receive a financial support depending on the area.
Erasmus Belgica: French-speaking universities in Belgium
One time incentive of €100 + €100/monthly for renting a room close to the French-speaking university
Erasmus (EU+Norway+FYROM+Iceland+Turkey)
Students who choose one of our Erasmus partners receive a scholarship, the amount differs depending on the country:
- €379/month for Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, Luxemburg, Sweden
- €329/month for Austria, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Malta
- €279/month for Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey
Students who receive a Study Allowance Flemish Community get a top-up of €250 monthly.
Students receive a top-up of €50 for Green Travel.
Switzerland
- CHF 380-440/month
- The scholarship is paid by the host institution
Non-Erasmus destinations (incl UK)
- Grants are managed by the central administration and distributed on socio-economic basis
- Students can apply for these grants after they have been selected for one of the partner universities
- approx 100 UGent one time travel allowances, based on the distance:
Distance (km) |
Amount € / mobility |
100 – 499 |
180 |
500 – 1999 |
275 |
2000 – 2999 |
360 |
3000-3999 |
530 |
4000-7999 |
820 |
>= 8000 |
1100 |
- approx. 80 travel allowances (see above) + max. monthly allowance €650 (max. 1 semester)
- The demand for scholarships to non-Erasmus destinations is higher than the offer
- Some partner universities have own scholarships and will inform you whether or not you're qualified (f.e. JASSO for Japan, ASEM Duo, etc.)
- More information on how to apply for a scholarship for a Non-Erasmus destination (after you have being selected)
Double degree
During a regular exchange programme students receive a transcript of records, but not a degree from the host university. In a double degree programme students receive a degree of both the home and the host university. The faculty currently offers the following double degree programmes:
- Double Degree Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (Master Business Economics)
- Double Degree Université de Liège (Master Business Engineering)
- Double Degree University of Porto (Master Business Engineering - Operations Management)
- Double Degree Julius Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (Master Economics)
Before you apply
Before you apply it's important to inform yourself thoroughly in order to make the right decision:
- Follow an information session
- Read the manual
- Is it possible in your study programme to go on exchange next academic year?
- Talk about it with your parents, partner, friends, family. Do they support your exchange?
- Make a cost calculation
- Do you have the necessary language knowledge? Can you still follow courses in order to reach the language level requested by the partner university?
- If you're following a personal learning track (GIT), is it possible to make an exchange?
- If you're likely to have re-sit exams, did you select partner universities with an academic calendar similar to UGent?
Exchange manual
All detailed information is available in the exchange manual.
How to apply
Applications in Oasis will be open at the beginning of December. Please make sure to make your exchange request in the right academic year. If the current academic year is 2021-22 and you wish to make an exchange in 2022-23, please make your exchange request in Oasis under the academic year 2022-23.
Please consult the exchange manual for all details on how to apply to study abroad!
Next application deadline: February, 10th, 2023, 16H (for an exchange in 2023-2024)!
FAQ
I'm following a personal learning track (GIT), can I study abroad?
Yes, if you can follow a programme of at least 24 ECTS per semester within the exchange possibilities of your programme at the host institution. We advise you to make an appointment with a study track counsellor first to find out about your learning track next year. Then you can make an appointment with the International Office to find out about your personal exchange possibilities. Bear in mind that some partner universities only accept master students who have finalized their bachelor programme.
How do students get selected for partner universities?
The selection will be done during the month of February. All exam results, language knowledge, motivation, availability of your programme at the partner institution, availability of places at the host institution, etc. are taken into account.
What about my grades?
Most partner universities use a different grading system compared to UGent. Your grades will be converted after your exchange. The grading distribution is available on our website.
Can I go on exchange multiple times?
Yes, once during each study cycle (bachelor and master). However during the selection students who have been on exchange already get a lower priority.
How big is the chance to get selected for university X?
It's impossible to answer this question as we have no idea yet of your ranking during the selection procedure. We also don't know how high the demand for university X will be, as this varies every year. We advise you to make an application for all partner universities where you want to study and rank them in order of your preference.
Are the selection criteria the same for university within and outside of the Erasmus area?
Yes, selection criteria are the same. However the number of places outside of the Erasmus area are limited. Therefore students with higher grades are more likely to get selected for university outside of the Erasmus area.
Do I keep my Flemish study allowance during my exchange?
Yes.
Can I cancel after being selected?
No. After the selection you have one week to reject your selection. Then you hold one of the available exchange places. Places are limited, therefore it's important to make your application only for destinations where you really want to go to. One week after selection cancellations are no longer accepted.
When do you know that you can leave for an exchange?
- If you have been selected by Ghent University and nominated
- If your applications has been accepted by the partner university
- If you meet all conditions after the exam period
What is the level of the partner universities?
The partner universities are selected by the faculty and meet the same quality criteria. The level should be approximately the same. However the way of lecturing and examinations might be different from Ghent University.
Is it possible to make an exchange in the year where you make your master thesis?
It is possible to make an exchange in the same year as the master thesis. Your exchange will be in the 1st semester and you will finalize your master thesis in the 2nd semester. It's important to make arrangements with your promoter before you leave about the expectations in regard to your master thesis during your exchange. It's also important to keep in touch with your promoter during your exchange (mail, telephone, Skype). It's advisable to select a topic where physical presence in Ghent during the 1st semester is not necessary, f.e. for doing research or interviews which can only be done in Ghent.
In some cases students will even have more time for the master thesis after the exchange. When your exchange period ends in December and you have no exams in January, you can use January and February to work on your master thesis.
Can i sublet my room in ghent during my exchange?
Yes, you can! More information.
Contact
International Office
Send us an email: int.feb@ugent.be
Visit us: Campus Tweekerken, Building Hoveniersberg, ground floor.
- L'ÉCLUSE Véronique (+32 9 264 33 03): Australia, Belgium, France, UK, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Russia, South, Central and North America
Chat with me on MS Teams - Make an appointment - PROVOOST Nick (+32 9 264 33 04): Asia, Africa, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland