2027 Ghent University Study Abroad Guide: Timeline, Requirements, Costs & Checklist

2027 Ghent University Study Abroad Guide: Timeline, Admission Requirements & Application Checklist

When families think of studying in Europe, the UK, Germany, or the Netherlands often come to mind first. But in recent years, Belgium – a small country right in the heart of Western Europe – has been drawing increasing attention from Chinese students. Why? High‑quality higher education, relatively affordable costs, and a unique geographic advantage make Belgium a rising star in European study destinations. Among its top universities, Ghent University study abroad stands out as an exceptionally attractive option. Founded in 1817, Ghent University (Universiteit Gent) is not only the highest‑ranked research university in Belgium but also a globally recognised member of the world’s top 100 universities. For Chinese students and families seeking a world‑class education in an English‑friendly environment without the sky‑high price tag of the US or UK, Ghent University study abroad is increasingly seen as a high‑value, cost‑effective choice.

This guide provides a complete roadmap for your 2027 application, covering timeline, entry requirements, costs, document checklists, and real success stories.

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1. Ghent University Overview – Belgium’s Top‑Ranked Century‑Old Institution

Ghent University was founded on 9 October 1817 by King William I of the Netherlands, in the beautiful historic city of Ghent in northwest Belgium – a clean, medium‑sized city known as the “Venice of the North” for its picturesque canals.

Today, it is Belgium’s leading comprehensive research university, with 11 faculties and around 150 programmes covering almost every discipline: sciences, engineering, agriculture, medicine, law, economics, management, arts, philosophy, history, sociology, and more. The university hosts over 42,000 students, of whom about 5,800 are international. Research is at the heart of its mission – in 1938, Professor Corneel Heymans won the Nobel Prize in Medicine, the only Nobel laureate from the Flemish Community of Belgium to date.

2027 Rankings – In the 2027 QS World University Rankings, Ghent University ranks #150 globally (2nd in Belgium). In the 2026 THE World University Rankings, it places #115 worldwide and #44 in Europe. The 2025 ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) puts it #91 globally and #27 in Europe. The US NEWS 2026‑2027 Global Universities ranking places it #104 worldwide. Across multiple league tables, Ghent consistently ranks among the world’s top 100–150 – a testament to its academic excellence.

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2. 2027 Ghent University Application Timeline – Start Planning Now

Most undergraduate and master’s programmes at Ghent start in September. Applications are submitted through the university’s official OASIS online system. Below is the key timeline for 2027 autumn entry.

July–September 2026: Research & Language Preparation  Graduation certificate, diploma, transcript, educational background, academic certification, production and purchase
This is your strategic preparation phase. You should:

• Thoroughly research Ghent’s programmes and admission preferences.

• Decide on your major (English‑taught or Dutch‑taught).

• Start language preparation – English‑taught programmes generally require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 72–79.

• Maintain and improve your high school/college GPA.

October–December 2026: Document Gathering & Essay Writing
The application season opens. You need to:

• Complete language tests and obtain official scores.

• Compile your high school transcripts (with certified English translation).

• Write a strong personal statement and motivation letter.

• Contact referees for 1–2 recommendation letters.

• Prepare passport copies and photos.

• Crucially, start familiarising yourself with the APS review process – this is a mandatory step for Chinese applicants.

January–March 2027: The Golden Submission Window  Handling graduation certificate, transcript, and academic degree authentication services
This is the core period for submitting your application. The general application deadline for Ghent’s bachelor’s and master’s programmes is 1 April. However, given the time needed for document verification, the APS review (2–3 months), and visa processing, we strongly recommend submitting no later than the end of March. Some programmes may have earlier deadlines – always check the official website.

April–May 2027: Admission Decisions & Visa Processing
Admission offers are gradually released. Once you receive an offer, you must confirm your place within the given timeframe. Immediately start your visa application – non‑EU students need to submit documents including passport, admission letter, and proof of financial resources. Visa processing usually takes 4–8 weeks, so start early.

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3. Ghent University Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Academic Performance
You must have completed secondary education. Ghent’s undergraduate acceptance rate is around 49%, and we recommend a GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 or equivalent. Competitive programmes may require higher grades. For Chinese students, your Gaokao score is also an important reference – we suggest a score above 70% of the total (e.g., 525/750) to be competitive.

Language Proficiency
Ghent offers both English‑taught and Dutch‑taught undergraduate programmes:

• English‑taught programmes: require IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL 72–79. Currently, English‑taught bachelor’s options are limited – the most prominent is the Bachelor of Sociology (taught in English).

• Dutch‑taught programmes: require proof of Dutch proficiency (usually B2 or above) and have much lower tuition fees (around €500/year).

APS Review – A Must for Chinese Students
For applicants with a Chinese mainland academic background, the APS review is mandatory for studying at any Belgian university. APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) is conducted by the German Embassy in Beijing and includes a verification of your academic credentials and an interview to test the authenticity of your knowledge. The process usually takes 2–3 months – start as early as possible. Graduates from non‑Gaokao systems (e.g., international schools) may be exempt – check with the APS office.

Complete Document Checklist

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4. Tuition Fees & Living Costs at Ghent University

Tuition and Registration Fees
Compared to US or UK private universities (RMB 200,000–500,000/year), Ghent is extremely affordable:

• English‑taught bachelor’s: ~€4,600/year (approx. RMB 37,000)

• Dutch‑taught bachelor’s: ~€500/year (approx. RMB 4,000) – an incredible bargain

• Master’s programmes: €2,249–6,929/year depending on the field

• Application fee: €50 (non‑refundable)

Living Expenses
Ghent is a mid‑sized city with reasonable living costs:

• Accommodation (student housing): ~€8,400–10,000/year

• Food, transport, insurance, etc.: ~€8,400–10,000/year

• Total annual cost (including tuition and living): roughly RMB 220,000 – a fraction of the cost in the US/UK.

Scholarship Opportunities
Ghent offers several scholarships for international students:

1. Master Mind Scholarship – funded by the Flemish government, providing ~€10,000/year living allowance plus full tuition waiver for English‑taught master’s programmes. Requires GPA ≥3.5/4.0, IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 94. Approximately 20 awards per year.

2. Ghent University Top‑up Grants – nominated by faculties, no separate application needed.

3. CSC‑Ghent Joint Scholarships – for doctoral candidates, co‑funded by the China Scholarship Council and Ghent University. The quota has been increased from 10 to 50 per year, covering full tuition plus a monthly stipend of at least €1,610.

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5. Ghent University’s Strongest Fields and English‑Taught Programmes

Ghent excels in numerous disciplines:

• Agricultural Sciences – ranked #10 globally in US NEWS research reputation

• Life Sciences & Medicine – world‑leading in biotechnology, genetics, biochemistry, and medical research

• Engineering & Technology – strong in computer science, electronics, and microelectronics

• Veterinary Medicine – the only programme of its kind in the Flemish education system

• Humanities & Social Sciences – law, philosophy, history, and sociology enjoy solid reputations

• Natural Sciences – mathematics, physics, chemistry, and geography have robust research output

English‑taught bachelor’s programmes – currently quite limited; the main offering is the Bachelor of Sociology (3 years), with tracks in sociology, political science, and communication. Deadline: 1 April; require TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5.

English‑taught master’s programmes – a much wider range across humanities, STEM, life sciences, economics, etc., with durations of 1–2 years. Most also have a 1 April deadline.

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6. Success Stories – Real Admissions Cases

Case 1: From a Provincial Key High School to Ghent
Background: Student W, from a provincial key high school in China. GPA 3.6/4.0, Gaokao score 620/750 (~82.7%), IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0). During high school, she was deputy president of the environmental protection club and organised two community recycling awareness campaigns.

Key Strategy:

• Budget alignment: Her family’s annual budget was ~RMB 200,000 – Ghent’s total cost (~RMB 220,000) was a perfect fit.

• Clear academic interest: She had a strong interest in social sciences, and Ghent’s English‑taught Bachelor of Sociology was exactly what she wanted.

• Language readiness: She started IELTS preparation in Grade 11 and scored 6.5 by early Grade 12 – meeting Ghent’s requirement comfortably.

• APS ahead of time: She began gathering APS materials in the second semester of Grade 12 and submitted her APS application right after the Gaokao – obtaining her certificate well before the 1 April deadline.

• Motivation letter: She linked her environmental club experience to her interest in sociology, writing: “I want to explore the social structures behind environmental issues through a sociological lens” – which resonated with Ghent’s interdisciplinary approach.

Outcome: Admitted to the Bachelor of Sociology programme for the 2027 autumn intake.

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7. 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions by Parents

Q1: Is Ghent University the number one university in Belgium?
Ghent consistently ranks among the top two in Belgium. In the 2027 QS ranking, it is #150 globally; in the 2025 ARWU, it is #91 globally and #1 in Belgium. Together with KU Leuven (2027 QS #59), they form the “twin pillars” of Belgian higher education.

Q2: Can I apply if I don’t speak Dutch?
Yes. Ghent offers English‑taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes. At bachelor level, the main English option is Sociology; at master’s level, there are many more choices. You will need IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 72–79.

Q3: What is the total annual cost at Ghent University?
About RMB 220,000/year – tuition ~€4,600 (~RMB 37,000), accommodation ~€8,400–10,000 (~RMB 67,000–80,000), and living expenses ~€8,400–10,000 (~RMB 67,000–80,000). This is far lower than the RMB 300,000–500,000/year typical of the US or UK.

Q4: What should Chinese students pay special attention to when applying?
The APS review is the biggest hurdle. You must obtain your APS certificate before you can be admitted to any Belgian university – the process takes 2–3 months. Start gathering documents and applying for APS in the second semester of Grade 12 or right after the Gaokao, so you don’t miss the 1 April deadline.

Q5: What are the career prospects after graduating from Ghent?
Ghent’s degree is recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education. Graduates can: stay in Belgium or elsewhere in the EU (Belgium offers a job‑seeker visa); pursue further studies (master’s or PhD); or return to China, where the degree is valued by multinational companies, research institutes, and universities. Ghent’s growing partnerships with Chinese institutions also open up many opportunities.

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Ghent University study abroad is a journey that demands early planning and disciplined execution. From now – researching your major, preparing language tests, starting the APS process, gathering documents, and submitting before the 1 April window – every step counts. Compared to the soaring costs and fierce competition of US/UK education, Ghent offers an outstanding European alternative with academic excellence, affordable costs, and a growing range of English‑taught programmes. For a personalised assessment and application strategy for Ghent University, feel free to reach out to our professional consultancy team.