Ghent University (UGent) Admission, Fees & Scholarships for Indian Students 2026

Reviewed by Saumitra Rajput

Founder, Kadamb Overseas · 14+ years Europe education expertise · Ahmedabad

Last reviewed: May 23, 2026

[OK] Verified accurate for 2026

🕑 21 min read

Ghent University (UGent) — Universiteit Gent — is the second-highest-ranked Flemish university in Belgium (after KU Leuven) and one of Continental Europe’s most internationally-oriented research universities. For Indian students who find KU Leuven’s admissions competitive or are drawn to Ghent’s unique programme strengths in veterinary medicine, agricultural sciences, psychology, or marine sciences, UGent offers comparable quality with slightly better acceptance rates and a beautiful medieval city setting. This is a complete 2026 guide for Indian students considering Ghent University — covering admissions, tuition, scholarships, Belgian visa, living costs, and career outcomes.

Ghent University Quick Facts for Indian Students (2026)

• Founded: 1817 (established by King William I of the Netherlands, then Ghent was part of Dutch territory)
• Type: Flemish research university, member of the Coimbra Group and ENGAGE.EU alliance
• Location: Ghent, Belgium — 50 minutes from Brussels by train, 30 minutes from Bruges
• Global Rankings 2026: QS World #130; THE #104; ARWU #101-150
• Total Students: ~52,000 (2024–25), including ~7,500 international from 130+ countries
• Indian Students: ~450+ across Master’s and PhD programmes
• Tuition Fees (non-EU, 2026): Master’s €3,100–€6,500 per year; PhD positions paid employment
• Language of Instruction: Most Bachelor’s Dutch; 80+ Master’s fully English-taught; PhD English
• Main Campus: Ghent city centre (multiple faculty buildings) + UZ Gent (University Hospital)
• Master’s Application Deadline: March 1 (non-EU); February 1 (priority for some scholarships)
• Admission Portal: ugent.be/en/apply (direct university portal)

About Ghent University — Why Indian Students Consider It

Ghent University has a distinctive profile among Belgian universities. While KU Leuven leads on ranking and innovation metrics, UGent distinguishes itself through three strengths: marine sciences (home to the Flemish Institute for the Sea — one of Europe’s top marine research institutions, with ship access for thesis research), veterinary medicine (one of continental Europe’s most respected veterinary faculties), and agricultural and environmental sciences (strong ties with Belgian and EU food/agriculture policy). The university also has exceptional strengths in bioinformatics, biotechnology, and photonics — areas where Indian Master’s students have high acceptance rates.

Ghent itself is a remarkable city — medieval canals, the famous Gravensteen Castle, centuries-old cobblestone streets alongside modern tech hubs. The city has a population of 265,000 (significantly larger than Leuven’s 100,000), of whom roughly 50,000 are students — making it Belgium’s largest university city. This scale gives UGent students more urban variety than Leuven, though still at a manageable size compared to Brussels or Antwerp.

For Indian students specifically, UGent offers four advantages: first, slightly less competitive admissions than KU Leuven with typical acceptance rates 25-30% for competitive programmes vs. 18-25% at KU Leuven; second, strong research-teaching balance particularly at Master’s level where UGent actively involves students in real ongoing research projects; third, Belgium’s generous post-study work framework including the 12-month job search permit and 30% tax ruling equivalents; fourth, a significantly lower tuition than Dutch alternatives (€3,100–€6,500 at UGent vs €15,000–€25,500 at TU Delft or UvA). This last point makes UGent a particularly strong choice for Indian students who value top-130 global ranking without top-tier tuition costs.

Ghent University Rankings and Research Profile 2026

UGent consistently ranks among the world’s top 150 universities. Key 2025/26 rankings:

• QS World University Rankings: #130 globally
• Times Higher Education: #104 globally
• ARWU (Shanghai): #101–150 range
• QS by subject — Veterinary Science: Top 50 globally (one of UGent’s traditional strengths)
• QS by subject — Agriculture & Forestry: Top 60 globally
• QS by subject — Biological Sciences: Top 100 globally
• QS by subject — Psychology: Top 80 globally
• QS by subject — Statistics: Top 80 globally
• QS by subject — Dentistry: Top 100 globally
• QS by subject — Marine Sciences: Top 50 globally (unique Flemish institutional strength)

UGent’s research output is substantial — ~5,500 peer-reviewed publications per year, over 60 ERC grants since 2007, and strong industry partnerships through the VIB (Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie / Flemish Institute for Biotechnology) which is a joint UGent institute. For Indian Master’s students, the practical implication is that thesis projects in biotechnology, marine sciences, photonics, or bioinformatics often lead to peer-reviewed publications — an important credential for PhD admissions elsewhere.

Ghent University Faculties and Programmes for Indian Students

UGent is organised into 11 faculties: Arts & Philosophy, Law & Criminology, Sciences, Medicine & Health Sciences, Engineering & Architecture, Economics & Business Administration, Veterinary Medicine, Psychology & Educational Sciences, Bioscience Engineering (agricultural and food sciences), Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Political & Social Sciences.

Bachelor’s Programmes

UGent offers approximately 60 Bachelor’s programmes, most in Dutch. English-taught Bachelor’s options for Indian students are limited — notable: Business Engineering and Business Economics at partial English levels. For most Indian Bachelor’s applicants, pursuing the Dutch NT2 II language certification before starting is required, followed by a 3-year Bachelor’s programme.

Master’s Programmes (1–2 years, 80+ English-taught)

This is where UGent shines for Indian students. Key English-taught Master’s programmes:

• MSc Computer Science Engineering — with specialisations in Software Systems, Cybersecurity, AI, Information Retrieval & Text Analysis
• MSc Electrical Engineering — communications, photonics, electronics
• MSc Chemical Engineering — process engineering with strong industry ties
• MSc Mechanical Engineering — with Materials Engineering, Aerospace, and Vehicle Engineering tracks
• MSc Biomedical Engineering — joint programme with KU Leuven, with specific tracks at UGent
• MSc Civil Engineering — including Flemish specialisations in Water Management, Structures
• MSc Bioinformatics — exceptional strength given VIB partnership
• MSc Biochemistry & Biotechnology — strong research training
• MSc Biology — Marine Biology specialisation particularly renowned
• MSc Nutrition & Rural Development — tropical agriculture focus, Erasmus Mundus options
• MSc Food Technology — Belgian food industry strength
• MSc Chemistry
• MSc Mathematics
• MSc Statistical Data Analysis — for data science career path
• MSc Geomatics & Surveying
• MSc Physics & Astronomy
• Master in Marine Biological Resources — Erasmus Mundus, 4-semester programme rotating between UGent and partner European universities
• MSc Aquaculture — Erasmus Mundus joint programme
• MSc Veterinary Medicine — highly competitive, strong Asian community
• MSc Tropical Medicine and International Health — Erasmus Mundus joint programme
• MSc Psychology — with clinical, work/organisational, and experimental specialisations
• MSc Communication Sciences
• MSc Social Work and Social Policy
• MSc Criminology
• MSc Business Engineering — engineering economics combination
• MSc Economics
• MSc Business Economics
• LLM International Business Law
• LLM International & European Law
• MSc Environmental Sanitation

PhD Programmes

UGent awards ~500 doctorates annually. PhD positions are paid employment with salaries €33,000 gross starting rising to €42,000 by year 4, plus 26 days annual leave, health insurance, pension. Most PhD positions are advertised on UGent’s Job Portal. For Indian students: apply directly to advertised positions or contact potential supervisors via email with CV, publications, and research interests.

Deep Dive — UGent’s Flagship Programmes for Indian Students

MSc Bioinformatics — A Standout Programme

Ghent University’s Bioinformatics Master’s programme is one of the most distinguished in Continental Europe, primarily because of its direct connection to the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) headquartered in Ghent. Indian students pursuing this programme benefit from three unique advantages. First, direct access to world-leading wet lab facilities: VIB’s proteomics, genomics, structural biology, and single-cell analysis infrastructure is among the most advanced in Europe, with equipment comparable to MIT’s Koch Institute or EMBL Heidelberg. Second, industry collaboration: GlaxoSmithKline has a major R&D facility in Wavre (Belgium) that recruits UGent bioinformatics graduates directly; Janssen Pharmaceuticals (part of Johnson & Johnson) hires Ghent graduates annually for their Beerse site. Third, strong PhD pipeline: approximately 40% of UGent bioinformatics Master’s graduates proceed directly into VIB PhD positions — an exceptional rate that speaks to the programme’s research training quality. For Indian students with computer science + biology backgrounds (particularly those from IITs or top private universities with CS majors), UGent Bioinformatics offers perhaps Europe’s best combination of computational rigour and biological wet lab access.

MSc Marine Biology / Aquaculture — Unique European Specialisation

Ghent houses Belgium’s Flemish Institute for the Sea (Flanders Marine Institute, VLIZ) and UGent offers the IMBRSea (International Master in Marine Biological Resources) — an Erasmus Mundus joint programme where students rotate between UGent, University of Algarve (Portugal), and the Universities of the Basque Country (Spain) and Klaipėda (Lithuania). Graduates of this programme work at organisations including WorldFish, FAO, European Commission marine research, Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, and various national fisheries research institutes. The programme is particularly attractive for Indian students with ecology, marine biology, or fisheries science backgrounds who seek international research careers. UGent’s Marine Biology Station at the Belgian coast (OD Nature) and access to Belgian research vessels provide exceptional field experience.

MSc Food Technology — Belgian Industrial Strength

Belgium is home to major global food companies (Barry Callebaut, Puratos, Mondelez’s Ghent plant, Solae), and UGent Food Technology Master’s has deep ties with these companies. Indian students pursuing this programme gain access to internships (€1,200–€2,500 per month) at multinational food corporations, thesis projects co-supervised by industry, and placement support via UGent’s Food Technology Alumni Network. For Indian students interested in food industry careers (R&D at Nestlé India, Unilever India, ITC Foods, Britannia, or larger multinational roles), UGent offers stronger direct industry pathway than most Dutch or German food technology programmes.

Veterinary Medicine — Highly Specialised

UGent’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is one of Europe’s most respected. Admission is highly competitive with limited international spots, but for Indian students with relevant BVSc backgrounds seeking European veterinary careers or research, this programme offers exceptional training. Graduates work at veterinary clinics across Europe, pharmaceutical companies’ animal health divisions (MSD Animal Health, Elanco, Zoetis), research institutes, and Belgian veterinary research centres. Tuition is slightly higher (€5,500–€7,500 per year) due to specialist facility costs.

UGent City Life and Ghent as a Student Destination

Ghent occupies a unique position in Belgium’s city hierarchy — large enough to offer urban amenities and vibrant student culture (265,000 population vs Leuven’s 100,000), but compact enough that most student life happens within 2-3 km of central UGent faculty buildings. The city’s medieval historic centre (UNESCO-protected), the Graslei and Korenlei canal embankments, the 13th-century Gravensteen Castle, and the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (home to the Ghent Altarpiece by Van Eyck, one of art history’s most famous paintings) provide daily reminders that Ghent is a real historical city, not just a university town.

The Overpoort district, adjacent to UGent’s main faculty buildings, is one of Europe’s densest student nightlife areas — hundreds of student cafés, bars, restaurants, and music venues packed into a few streets. Indian students typically gravitate toward the Dampoort district for accommodation (slightly cheaper, 10 minutes by bike to campus) and Sint-Amandsberg neighbourhood for shared flats. Public transport includes tram lines from neighbourhoods to central Ghent, though most students cycle everywhere — Ghent has 350+ km of bike paths and dedicated cycle-only streets through the historic centre.

For Indian cuisine, Ghent has 4-5 dedicated Indian restaurants (Taj Mahal near Overpoort, Dheli Garden near the station, several smaller establishments), Indian grocery options at Carrefour and Delhaize supermarkets (basmati rice, lentils, frozen rotis, spices), and a growing Indian cultural presence through the Indian Students Association UGent and the Ghent Indian Cultural Forum. Weekend day trips to Brussels (50 minutes by train) open up 200+ Indian restaurants across the Belgian capital.

Ghent University Admission Requirements for Indian Students 2026

Master’s Admission Requirements

1. Recognised Bachelor’s degree — minimum 3- or 4-year Bachelor’s. Engineering Master’s typically require 4-year B.Tech/B.E. Bachelor’s with 180+ ECTS.
2. Minimum academic performance:
   • General admission: 65–70% (7.0+/10 CGPA)
   • Competitive programmes: 72–77% (7.5+/10 CGPA)
   • Top programmes (Bioinformatics, Veterinary, Marine Biology): 75+/80% (7.8+/10 CGPA)
3. English proficiency:
   • IELTS: minimum 6.5 overall (no section below 6.0)
   • TOEFL iBT: minimum 87 (some programmes 95+)
   • Cambridge C1 Advanced: 180+
   • Indian students from English-medium Bachelor’s may submit a university letter — accepted by most programmes
4. GRE: Not mandatory for UGent. Some highly competitive programmes may recommend it.
5. Motivation Letter — 500–800 words explaining programme fit
6. Letters of Recommendation: 2 academic references
7. CV/Resume — 2-page format
8. Official transcripts — apostilled or legalised
9. Research proposal — required for some research-intensive Master’s programmes (Marine Biology, Bioinformatics)
10. Application deadline: March 1 (non-EU); February 1 (scholarship priority)

Ghent University Application Process for Indian Students 2026

1. September–October 2025: Shortlist programmes. Verify prerequisite coursework per programme.
2. October–November 2025: Identify 1–2 UGent faculty whose research aligns. Their papers inform your motivation letter.
3. October–December 2025: Take IELTS. Book Indian test dates early.
4. November 2025: Draft motivation letter. Programme-specific depth matters.
5. November 2025: Request LoRs with 6+ weeks notice.
6. December 2025: Have Indian academic documents apostilled.
7. January 2026: Create UGent application portal account, begin uploading documents.
8. February 1, 2026: Submit complete application for scholarship priority consideration.
9. March 1, 2026: Final non-EU application deadline.
10. April–May 2026: Admission decisions released.
11. May–June 2026: Apply for Belgian D-type student visa at Belgian Embassy in New Delhi.
12. June–July 2026: Arrange accommodation through UGent Housing Office or private market.
13. August–September 2026: Visa approval, fly to Brussels → train to Ghent. Register with Gemeente Gent within 8 working days.
14. Mid-September 2026: Attend orientation, matriculate, begin classes.

Ghent University Tuition Fees 2026

Tuition at UGent varies by programme:

• EU/EEA students: €1,116 per year (standard Master’s)
• Non-EU students (Indian):
  • Most Master’s programmes: €3,100–€4,500 per year
  • Specialised Master’s (Bioinformatics, Marine Biology, Erasmus Mundus): €4,500–€6,500 per year
  • Advanced Master’s: €5,000–€7,500 per year
  • PhD: No tuition — PhDs are paid positions

Cost of Living in Ghent for Indian Students 2026

Ghent is slightly more affordable than Leuven and Brussels. Realistic monthly budget:

• Accommodation (student kot or shared flat): €380–€650 per month
• Food and groceries: €240–€340 per month
• Health insurance: €140–€170 per month
• Public transport (De Lijn + occasional NMBS): €35–€60 per month
• Mobile + internet: €30–€50 per month
• Leisure, dining, travel: €150–€300 per month

Total: €975–€1,570 per month — approximately €11,500–€18,800 per year. Belgian visa requires proof of €779 per month (€9,348 per year). Indian students typically budget €13,000–€16,000 per year to live comfortably.

Scholarships for Indian Students at Ghent University 2026

1. Ghent University Top-Up Grants

UGent’s flagship merit scholarship for outstanding non-EU Master’s applicants. €6,000 per year + tuition waiver (total value ~€15,000 per year). Limited numbers per faculty. Apply by scholarship priority deadline (February 1).

2. VLIR-UOS Scholarships

Flemish Inter-University Council scholarships for students from developing countries including India, specifically for select UGent Master’s programmes. Full tuition + €1,100 monthly stipend + travel. Particularly strong for agriculture, tropical medicine, marine resource management, and international development programmes.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree

UGent participates in several Erasmus Mundus programmes: International Master in Aquaculture, Master in Marine Biological Resources, Master in Nutrition and Rural Development, Master in Tropical Medicine, and others. Full scholarships (tuition + €1,400/month + travel + insurance) for 2-year programmes.

4. Special UGent Research School Fellowships

The UGent Doctoral Schools offer PhD-level fellowships for top applicants — full employment salary (€33,000–€42,000 per year) + health insurance + pension contributions. Apply directly to PhD positions.

5. Indian Scholarships

Indian-origin scholarships commonly used at UGent: Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation (up to USD 100,000), JN Tata Endowment, K.C. Mahindra Scholarship, Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship. These require separate applications.

Belgian Student Visa for Ghent University

The Belgian D-type student visa process is similar for UGent as for KU Leuven — apply at Belgian Embassy in New Delhi or Consulate General in Mumbai/Bangalore. See our KU Leuven guide for the complete Belgian visa documentation list. Processing time: 6–12 weeks. Visa fee: €180.

Accommodation for Indian Students at Ghent University

1. UGent Student Housing

UGent operates residences at Overpoort, Heymans, and other locations. Rent: €330–€580 per month including utilities. Apply via ugent.be/housing as soon as admission is confirmed. Priority given to international students for certain residences.

2. Private Student Kots

Small private rooms in private Ghent buildings. Rent: €380–€600 per month. Find through kotnet.be, immoweb.be, and UGent Facebook groups.

3. Shared Flats

3-5 students sharing apartments. Rent: €450–€700 per month per room. More common in Ghent than Leuven due to larger student population.

4. Private Studios

1-room studios: €750–€1,100 per month. Less common choice for Master’s students but available.

Campus Life and Indian Community at Ghent University

Ghent has a vibrant student community — roughly 50,000 students dominate the city culture. The Indian Students Association UGent (ISA-UGent) has 400+ members with regular events: Diwali celebrations at Patershol district, Holi at Watersportbaan lake, Republic Day gatherings, South Asian cultural nights, and professional networking with Indian-origin professionals at Ghent-based companies (Solvay, Mondelez, Volvo Ghent, major Belgian food companies).

UGent has 40+ student associations and extensive sports facilities. Ghent as a city is compact (walking distance covers most of student life), bike-friendly with dedicated bike infrastructure, and has 4-5 Indian restaurants including Taj Mahal, Delhi Garden, and several in the Sint-Michielshelling district. Major supermarkets stock Indian spices, basmati rice, and frozen rotis. Weekend trips to Brussels (50 min), Bruges (30 min), or Antwerp (45 min) are standard.

Post-Study Work and Career Opportunities After UGent

Belgian post-study work rules for UGent graduates are identical to KU Leuven — 12-month job search permit, EU Blue Card transition at €58,000 per year, Belgian Work Permit Type B pathway, permanent residence after 5 years. See our KU Leuven guide for the complete Belgian post-study framework.

Typical starting salaries for UGent Master’s graduates (2026, Flanders region):

• Computer Science Engineering: €45,000–€60,000 per year
• Electrical Engineering / Photonics: €45,000–€58,000 per year
• Bioinformatics: €45,000–€58,000 per year (strong demand in biotech and pharma)
• Biomedical Engineering: €42,000–€56,000 per year
• Food Technology / Nutrition: €42,000–€55,000 per year
• Psychology: €38,000–€48,000 per year
• Business Engineering / Economics: €42,000–€55,000 per year

Major employers of UGent graduates: Volvo Car Gent (automotive manufacturing), Mondelez Belgium, Solvay, Bekaert, ArcelorMittal Ghent, UGent spin-offs via TechnoPolis (biotech startups), Barco, Henkel, Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent), and the significant Ghent bioinformatics and biotechnology cluster linked to VIB.

Research Funding and Publication Output at UGent

Ghent University’s research activity is substantial relative to its ranking tier. The university has been a consistent recipient of European Research Council (ERC) grants since 2007, with over 60 ERC awards to date — comparable to Leiden University or Utrecht University in the Netherlands. UGent’s Horizon Europe participation rate is among the top 20 universities in Europe by grant volume. For Indian PhD candidates or Master’s students pursuing research-intensive thesis projects, this research funding environment translates directly into: (a) better-equipped laboratories, (b) access to expensive research infrastructure (cryo-electron microscopes, mass spectrometers, NMR facilities), (c) higher-profile publishing opportunities, and (d) opportunities to present at top international conferences with travel support from research grants.

Several UGent research centres and institutes attract Indian students:

• VIB (Flemish Institute for Biotechnology) — joint UGent-KU Leuven-VUB institute with 1,500+ scientists, ranked among the top 10 biotech research institutes globally. Strong in structural biology, single-cell analysis, cancer research, and plant biotechnology.
• Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG) — UGent’s dedicated cancer research hub, with partnerships with leading European cancer centres
• IDLab — Industrial Data and Semantics laboratory for information technology research, part of imec-UGent partnership
• Centre for Advanced Research in Photonics and Biomedical Engineering (AROPHYBE) — globally-recognised photonics research hub
• Institute for Sustainable Food Supply Chain and Distribution — food systems research
• Ghent Centre for Environmental and Health Economics — one of Europe’s top environmental economics research groups

UGent Industry Partnerships and Career Development

Ghent University has formalised industry partnerships with over 300 companies — ranging from multinational corporations (Proximus, Solvay, Janssen, Nestlé) to Belgian startups (Biotalys, Ablynx—now Sanofi, Oxyrane). These partnerships create several concrete benefits for Indian Master’s students:

Industrial Master’s Theses

Approximately 35% of all UGent Master’s theses are conducted in collaboration with industry partners. Indian students pursuing industrial theses receive compensation (€900-€1,800 per month during thesis work), supervision from both an academic and industry supervisor, and dramatically improved post-graduation employment prospects.

Internship and Summer Placement

UGent’s Career Service partners with major Flemish industry clusters — including the Ghent Industrial Cluster, the Flanders Biotech Cluster, and the Belgian Packaging Institute — to place students in summer internships (typically €1,000-€1,800 per month). Many internships convert to post-graduation employment.

Graduate Employment Rates

According to UGent’s alumni tracking, 89% of Master’s graduates secure employment within 6 months of graduation. For engineering and bioscience graduates, this rate rises to 94% within 6 months. Indian graduates typically follow one of three paths: (1) remain in Belgium for 1-3 years before relocating to UK/Netherlands/Germany, (2) proceed directly to PhD programmes at VIB or partner European universities, or (3) return to India for senior positions at multinational subsidiaries or biotech startups.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ghent University for Indian Students 2026

Q1: Is Ghent University recognised in India?

Yes. UGent is fully recognised by India’s UGC and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Master’s degrees from UGent are equivalent to Indian Master’s for UPSC Civil Services eligibility, PhD admissions at IITs/IISc, and government/corporate recruitment. Equivalency certification from AIU costs approximately ₹3,000 and takes 4-6 weeks.

Q2: How does UGent compare to KU Leuven?

KU Leuven is higher-ranked (QS #61 vs UGent #130), more competitive in admissions, and has larger overall international student body. UGent compensates with: (a) slightly easier admissions acceptance rates, (b) stronger programmes specifically in veterinary medicine, marine biology, food technology, agriculture, and bioinformatics, (c) lower tuition (€3,100–€6,500 at UGent vs €3,500–€6,000 at KU Leuven — both very similar), (d) larger city atmosphere in Ghent (265K population vs Leuven’s 100K). For Indian engineering, computer science, physics applicants, KU Leuven is typically first choice, UGent strong second choice. For life sciences, agriculture, marine biology — UGent is often first choice.

Q3: Can I study at UGent without knowing Dutch?

For Master’s and PhD programmes, yes — over 80 Master’s are fully English-taught. Daily life in Ghent works well in English among students and university staff. For long-term career path in Flanders, Dutch at B1 level is highly recommended. UGent’s Language Centre offers free Dutch courses to enrolled students.

Q4: What is the Indian student success rate at UGent?

UGent publishes completion data showing 84-90% Master’s completion rate within standard duration for enrolled students (including Indians). Main attrition drivers are underestimating the European research culture, difficulty adjusting to independent learning expectations, and first-semester course loading. Students from top Indian undergraduate programmes (IITs, NITs, top private universities) have near-100% completion rates.

Q5: Can Indian students work part-time while studying at UGent?

Yes. Non-EU students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays. Typical student jobs: TA positions at UGent (€12–€18 per hour), research assistant (€14–€20 per hour), part-time at Belgian companies or startups (€13–€22 per hour). Many Indian Master’s students cover 40–70% of living expenses via part-time work.

Q6: Is Ghent safe for Indian students?

Yes. Ghent is one of Belgium’s safest cities. Violent crime is rare; petty theft occurs occasionally around train stations and tourist areas. Indian students consistently report feeling safer than in most Indian cities. Police emergency: 112. The city has extensive night-time bus service and well-lit bike paths.

Q7: What is the weather like in Ghent?

Ghent has a mild, coastal climate similar to the Netherlands. Winters (December–February) 0°C to 8°C with rare snow; summers (June–August) 16°C to 24°C. Frequent rain (Belgium averages ~140 rainy days per year). Indian students should budget for a waterproof rain jacket and bike gear.

Q8: What’s the total 2-year Master’s cost for Indian students at UGent?

Realistic 2-year total cost for an Indian student at UGent (2026–2028):

• Tuition (2 × €4,500 avg): €9,000
• Living (24 months × €1,300 avg): €31,200
• Health insurance (24 × €150): €3,600
• Visa + apostilles + language tests: €600
• Flights + setup + miscellaneous: €2,500

Total: approximately €46,900 (~ ₹43 lakh) for the 2-year Master’s — very similar to KU Leuven. With Ghent Top-Up Grant (~€12,000 over 2 years) plus part-time work (€12,000–€18,000 over 2 years), many Indian students reduce out-of-pocket cost to under ₹22 lakh.

Q9: Can I bring my spouse to Belgium during UGent studies?

Yes. Family reunification visas are available with conditions: (a) combined income/savings typically €1,500+/month, (b) registered accommodation in Ghent, (c) apostilled marriage certificate. Spouses can work full-time in Belgium after family reunification visa is granted.

Q10: What is VIB and how does it benefit UGent Indian students?

VIB (Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie) is the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology — a joint institute of UGent, KU Leuven, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel. VIB has 1,500+ scientists working on cutting-edge biotechnology research with direct pharma industry partnerships. For Indian Master’s students at UGent in Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology, VIB offers: (a) direct access to world-class wet labs and bioinformatics facilities (genomics, proteomics, structural biology), (b) thesis projects conducted at VIB with established research groups, (c) strong internship pathway to biotech companies including GlaxoSmithKline Belgium, Galapagos, and Argenx (Ghent-headquartered). Many Indian VIB-affiliated thesis projects lead to published papers or patent disclosures — a unique credential for subsequent PhD admissions.

Q11: Which Indian cities have active UGent alumni networks?

UGent’s Indian alumni community concentrates in Bangalore (~80 alumni at life sciences firms, biotech, IT), Mumbai (~60 at pharma and consulting), Pune (~45 at pharma companies, engineering firms), Delhi NCR (~40 at research), Hyderabad (~35 at Biocon and pharma companies), Chennai (~30 at IT firms and life sciences), and Ahmedabad (~25 at engineering and pharma firms). If you’re based in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, or any major Indian city, Kadamb Overseas can arrange virtual introductions with current UGent alumni before you finalise applications.

Q12: Why choose UGent over TU Delft?

TU Delft is higher-ranked and stronger specifically in engineering disciplines with better engineering post-study employment in Netherlands. UGent is stronger in: (a) life sciences and biotechnology (via VIB), (b) marine sciences and aquaculture, (c) veterinary medicine, (d) food technology, (e) bioinformatics. Tuition at UGent is significantly lower (€3,100–€6,500 vs €22,000–€25,500 at TU Delft), making UGent much more economical. Choose TU Delft for pure engineering with Dutch career path; choose UGent for life sciences, biotechnology, veterinary, or budget-conscious engineering alternatives.

Q13: How does UGent compare to Wageningen University for agricultural sciences?

Wageningen University (Netherlands) is globally #1 in Agriculture & Forestry; UGent is Top 60. Wageningen has narrower programme focus (agriculture, food, environment) while UGent has broader offerings. For Indian students purely interested in agriculture: Wageningen is the stronger choice. For students wanting agriculture combined with biotechnology, veterinary medicine, or marine sciences, UGent offers better interdisciplinary options. Wageningen tuition is higher (€15,000–€25,000 vs €3,100–€6,500 at UGent).

Q14: What is the winter like in Ghent and how should Indian students prepare?

Ghent’s winter (December to February) is not as cold as German or Swiss winters but is characterised by near-constant cloud cover, light rain, and short daylight hours — the sun sets by 4:30 PM in December. Temperatures range 0°C to 8°C during the day, occasionally dropping to -3°C at night with very rare snowfall. For Indian students, the adjustment is more about accepting 7-8 hours of daylight in December than about dealing with extreme cold. Essential winter gear to bring or buy locally: a waterproof winter jacket (rated for temperatures down to -5°C), a waterproof rain jacket or shell, thermal base layers (wool or synthetic), warm but waterproof walking shoes, good gloves, and a scarf/buff. Vitamin D supplements are strongly recommended for Indian students during the November-March period to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which affects roughly 20% of international students during their first winter in Northern Europe. Ghent’s many cafés, museums, and bars provide indoor social alternatives when weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities.

Q15: Can I transfer from another European university to UGent mid-programme?

UGent accepts a limited number of incoming transfer students each year through two pathways: (1) Erasmus exchange — if your home university has an Erasmus agreement with UGent, you can spend 1-2 semesters at UGent via Erasmus, potentially transitioning to full degree candidate status; (2) Direct transfer admission — if you’ve completed at least one semester at another recognised European university and wish to transfer your credits and programme to UGent, you apply through the standard admissions portal with a transfer credit evaluation form. UGent will evaluate your transcripts to determine which of your completed courses count toward a UGent degree. This pathway is particularly relevant for Indian students who started at a lower-ranked European university and wish to upgrade to UGent for their remaining Master’s semesters. Typical acceptance rate for transfer applications: 30-40%.

Q16: How can Kadamb Overseas help me apply to UGent?

Kadamb Overseas has been guiding Indian students to Belgian universities since 2011. Our complete UGent application support includes: programme shortlisting matched to your academic profile, research faculty identification (critical for research-heavy programmes), motivation letter drafting, LoR writer identification, IELTS preparation, UGent application portal navigation and document upload, Belgian student visa documentation, apostille coordination, accommodation search through UGent Housing and private market, pre-departure briefing (Flemish culture, academic expectations), and post-landing support including Gemeente registration, mutualité health insurance, and bank account opening. Book a free counselling call to discuss your UGent application.

Related Guides and Next Steps

If Ghent University is on your Belgium shortlist for 2026, these Kadamb Overseas guides will help:

• KU Leuven — Belgium’s #1 research university
• Study in Belgium for Indian Students — complete guide
• Belgium student visa — updated 2026
• Belgium scholarships for Indian students
• Post-study work in Belgium
• TU Delft — Dutch alternative
• DAAD scholarships and other European options
• IELTS preparation for European universities

Ready to Apply to Ghent University?

Ghent University offers a compelling alternative to KU Leuven and to Dutch technical universities like TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, and Wageningen — a globally-ranked research university (QS #130), Top 50 subject rankings in marine sciences and agriculture, tuition 3-5× lower than Dutch alternatives, and Belgium’s generous post-study work framework. For Indian students in life sciences, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, marine biology, food technology, or bioinformatics, UGent is frequently the stronger choice over Dutch alternatives — the VIB biotechnology infrastructure alone offers research access that no Dutch university can match. If you’d like personalised guidance, book a free counselling session with Kadamb Overseas or reach us on WhatsApp at +91-99133-33239. 14+ years of experience guiding Indian students to Belgian universities, hundreds of successful placements, and a 97% visa success rate for students applying to UGent, KU Leuven, and other Flemish institutions.

Last updated: April 2026. All tuition figures, Belgian visa financial thresholds, EU Blue Card salary thresholds, PhD employee salary scales, and scholarship values referenced in this guide reflect the 2026 academic year values. Indian students should always verify current requirements at the official UGent admissions portal and through the Belgian Embassy in India before submitting applications.

About the Author

Saumitra Rajput

Founder & Europe Education Specialist | Kadamb Overseas Pvt. Ltd.

Saumitra Rajput is the founder of Kadamb Overseas Pvt. Ltd., India's leading Europe-focused study abroad consultancy based in Ahmedabad. With 14+ years of expertise in European education, he has personally counselled 2,500+ Indian families and helped 500+ students secure admission to top European universities including TU Munich, ETH Zurich, EPFL, KU Leuven, HEC Paris, Sapienza Rome, TU Wien, and Warsaw University of Technology. He has visited 25+ European universities, partners with 250+ EU institutions, and maintains a 97% visa success rate.

14+ Years Europe Education500+ Students Placed97% Visa SuccessDAAD ExpertCharpak Scholar MentorEPFL/ETH Admissions CoachItaly DSU SpecialistSchengen Visa Expert

💬 WhatsApp Saumitra📞 +91-99133 33239✉️ EmailView full profile

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Saumitra Rajput

Saumitra Rajput is the founder and lead counsellor at Kadamb Overseas, India's trusted Europe education consultancy based in Ahmedabad. With 14+ years of hands-on experience, he has personally guided 500+ students to universities across Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, and Spain. Saumitra has visited partner universities across Europe, holds deep expertise in European visa processes, scholarships, and student life, and has achieved a 97% visa success rate for his clients. He is the host of the YouTube channel "Europe with Saumitra", where he shares first-hand insights on studying and living in Europe. His mission: make Europe accessible to every Indian student, with zero consultancy fees.

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