University of Antwerp

BELGIUM · ANTWERP · PUBLIC RESEARCH UNIVERSITY

University of Antwerp Admissions Guide for

Founded in 2003 through the merger of three historic Antwerp institutions, the University of Antwerp has rapidly become one of Belgium's leading research universities. Ranked #4 nationally and #280 globally by QS, UAntwerp combines rigorous academic training with close proximity to Europe's second-largest port city — a gateway to global commerce, pharmaceutical innovation, and cultural richness. For ambitious international students, UAntwerp offers world-class research opportunities, a genuinely international campus, and access to one of the continent's most dynamic cities, all at a fraction of the cost of comparable universities in the UK or US.

University of Antwerp — campus in pictures

Real, freely-licensed photographs of the campus (via Wikimedia Commons).

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Remi Mathis · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

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Photo of the main building (building A) of campus Middelheim.

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Oorlogsmonument op Middelheimcampus Universiteit Antwerpen

Funkyxian · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

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OliCol11 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

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Standbeeld "Le Savoir" van Jean-Michel Folon op Campus Middelheim van de Universiteit Antwerpen

Funkyxian · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

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't Biokot from Fabiant on Campus Drie Eiken in 2024. Behind it is the Konijnenkot, and behind that the Topsportschool.

OrviIIe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

UAntwerp punches well above its young age. Two decades after its founding merger, it sits among Europe's top research universities in drug discovery, infectious disease research, and port economics — disciplines where its Antwerp location gives it a distinctive edge no competitor can replicate.

UAntwerp's Institute of Tropical Medicine partnership and its drug-discovery research centres are internationally recognised. Students in Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Medicine gain access to laboratories working on diseases that matter globally — from neglected tropical diseases to pandemic preparedness.

Antwerp handles 11% of all EU trade and is home to the world's largest diamond district. UAntwerp's city-centre campuses place you steps from these industries. Business Engineering and Maritime & Logistics (C-MAT) students intern at companies where the curriculum and the boardroom overlap.

UAntwerp is a founding member of YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe), a consortium of ten research universities sharing courses, research, and student mobility. YUFE gives international students seamless access to cross-border study without extra bureaucracy.

With 20% of its 21,000 students coming from outside Belgium, UAntwerp hosts a diverse, outward-facing community. A dedicated International Students Office, Welcome Week, and a broad portfolio of English-taught Master's programmes make integration straightforward from day one.

Annual tuition of approximately $5,800 USD and a total cost of attendance around $18,300 USD make UAntwerp dramatically more affordable than peer institutions in the UK, Netherlands, or the United States — without sacrificing research depth or graduate employability.

A 90% employment rate among graduates and an average starting salary of approximately $46,000 USD reflect the practical orientation of UAntwerp's curricula. The university's industry partnerships — especially in pharma, logistics, and legal sectors — translate directly into post-graduation careers.

UAntwerp has an overall acceptance rate of approximately 75%, which reflects its commitment to broad access to public higher education. However, selectivity varies significantly by programme: Medicine and some Engineering tracks have additional entrance requirements or competitive quotas. International students should not mistake a high headline acceptance rate for a low bar — the university expects demonstrated academic competence, a coherent motivation, and strong language proficiency for all programmes.

SAT and ACT scores are not used in Belgian admissions — the university operates on a test-blind basis regarding standardised US tests. What matters most is your prior academic record, the equivalence of your qualification to the Belgian secondary or bachelor's diploma, and — for competitive programmes — your motivation letter.

UAntwerp does not use Common App or UCAS. You apply directly through the university's Mobility Online portal. The application is free of charge (verify on the official admissions page). Your file is evaluated in two stages: first on academic content and level, then on document authenticity.

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/study/admission-and-enrolment/admission/procedure/

A clear colour copy of a valid travel document is required to confirm your identity and nationality — which determines your deadline and tuition rate.

A structured overview of your academic history, extracurricular activities, work experience, research involvement, and any relevant achievements.

The most important qualitative component of your application. You explain why you chose this specific programme at UAntwerp, what you will bring, and where you want to go professionally. There is no word limit stated officially — aim for one to two focused pages.

Official academic records from all prior institutions, translated into Dutch, French, English, or German if in another language. Master's applicants also need bachelor's transcripts; bachelor's applicants need secondary school leaving certificates.

Required for all English-taught programmes. IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 90). Proof of prior English-medium education may be accepted in lieu — verify with your programme.

Original certified copies must reach UAntwerp by the stated deadline. The legalisation process (apostille or consular legalisation depending on your country) takes time — start at least three months before your deadline.

Belgian public universities evaluate international applicants primarily on the basis of prior academic achievement and qualification equivalence. There are no holistic review committees weighing extracurricular activities against test scores in the way a US admissions process would. What the University of Antwerp's admission board actually reads carefully is your academic record and your motivation letter.

Your secondary or bachelor's degree must be recognised as equivalent to the Belgian diploma for the level you are applying to. An IB score of 32 or above is a well-established benchmark for most bachelor's programmes. For Master's programmes, a recognised bachelor's degree with strong grades is essential.

Your grades within your programme matter more than the name of your school. For competitive programmes like Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, and Business Engineering, the admission board looks for consistent high performance — not just a passing transcript.

Your motivation letter must explain why this programme, at this university, at this stage of your education. Generic letters ('I have always been interested in science') are immediately identifiable and weak. Specific references to UAntwerp research groups, faculty work, or the city context are far more convincing.

For Dutch-taught programmes, Dutch language proficiency is required or assessed separately. For English-taught Master's programmes, a certified IELTS or TOEFL result is mandatory. Ensure you have the right certificate before applying — late submissions cause delays.

UAntwerp has two application rounds each academic year, with different deadlines depending on whether you are an EEA citizen or a non-EEA citizen without Belgian residence. The portal typically opens in November for the following academic year. Always verify current-cycle dates on the official admissions page.

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/study/admission-and-enrolment/admission/procedure/

Recommended for visa applicants — visa process takes 3+ months

Later deadline; visa timeline may be tight

Non-EEA applicants are strongly advised to apply in Round 1 (by 28 February). Belgian student visa processing typically exceeds three months, and a late application leaves insufficient time to complete the visa procedure before the academic year begins.

Antwerp is one of Europe's most underrated student cities. With a population of around 530,000, it is large enough to offer world-class museums, nightlife, dining, and fashion — yet small enough to be genuinely navigable on a student budget. The university's city-centre campuses — particularly the historic Stadscampus — are embedded in Antwerp's medieval core, putting cafés, galleries, and the Scheldt waterfront within easy walking distance.

UAntwerp does not operate a traditional residential campus. Student housing is arranged privately or through the university's accommodation service, which maintains partnerships with approved student residences across the city. International students arriving for the first time will benefit from the Welcome Week and the International Students Office, which organises orientation events and connects incoming students with local and international peers.

Student associations (student clubs) cover everything from faculty-specific societies to cultural, athletic, and international student networks. The YUFE student community also connects UAntwerp students with peers across nine other European universities. Antwerp's central location — 45 minutes from Brussels, 1.5 hours from Paris, and 30 minutes from the Dutch border — makes weekend travel across Europe extremely easy.

UAntwerp graduates enjoy a 90% employment rate and an average starting salary of approximately $46,000 USD — strong figures that reflect the university's deep integration with Antwerp's industrial and commercial ecosystem.

The pharmaceutical and biotech sectors are the largest employers of UAntwerp life-science graduates. Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and UCB all have significant operations in or near Antwerp, and UAntwerp research partnerships give students a route into these organisations. Business Engineering and Applied Economics graduates frequently enter roles in logistics, port management, trade finance, and supply-chain consulting — sectors where Antwerp's port economy creates a constant demand for talent. Law graduates enter one of Belgium's most active commercial legal markets, given Antwerp's role as a major trading and diamond hub.

For students considering graduate school, UAntwerp's YUFE membership and strong research output facilitate applications to top European doctoral and master's programmes. A significant number of UAntwerp graduates continue to PhD positions at Belgian, Dutch, and German research universities.

Are most programmes at UAntwerp taught in English?

No. The majority of bachelor's programmes at UAntwerp are taught in Dutch. English-taught programmes are concentrated at the Master's level, where UAntwerp offers a substantial portfolio across business, sciences, and social sciences. If you are an international student who does not speak Dutch, you should check each programme's language of instruction carefully before applying.

Do I need to take the SAT or ACT to apply?

No. UAntwerp does not consider SAT or ACT scores. The university operates on a test-blind basis regarding these US standardised tests. Your prior academic qualifications (IB diploma, A-levels, national leaving certificate) are what matter.

Is the application fee refundable if I am not admitted?

The official UAntwerp admissions page states that the application procedure is free of charge. Please verify this on the current official admissions page, as fees and policies can change between cycles.

When should I apply as a non-EEA student?

Apply by 28 February (Round 1 deadline for non-EEA applicants) whenever possible. Belgian student visa processing typically takes more than three months. Applying in Round 2 (by 31 May) leaves very little time to complete the visa process before September.

Can I study fully in English at UAntwerp as a bachelor's student?

It is difficult to complete a full bachelor's degree entirely in English at UAntwerp — most bachelor's programmes are Dutch-medium. Exceptions exist in some international or joint programmes. At the Master's level, a much wider English-taught offering is available. If you are set on English-medium bachelor's study, verify availability carefully before applying.

UAntwerp does not operate traditional university dormitories. The university's accommodation service helps students find rooms in approved private student residences across Antwerp. The International Students Office provides guidance on housing before arrival. Antwerp has an active student rental market, and many international students find accommodation through the university's referral network.

Does UAntwerp offer scholarships to international students?

Yes, but the landscape is specific. The Master Mind scholarship (awarded centrally by Flanders) covers living costs plus near-zero tuition for outstanding non-EEA Master's students. The Erasmus Mundus programmes (MAEH and LIVE) offer full funding for qualifying applicants. VLIRUOS scholarships are available for students from 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The High Potential Incentive automatically reduces tuition for outstanding non-EEA Master's applicants — no separate application is needed.

Is UAntwerp a good university for research during my Master's?

Yes. UAntwerp is a research-intensive university with strong output in drug discovery, infectious disease, tropical medicine, and maritime economics. Master's students in life sciences and engineering frequently join research groups and contribute to ongoing projects. The Antwerp Doctoral School also provides a pathway into PhD studies for high-performing graduates.

Academic Expectations at University of Antwerp

UAntwerp's academic culture is rigorous, research-driven, and built on the Flemish tradition of combining theoretical depth with applied problem-solving. International students entering from IB, A-level, or equivalent international qualifications will find the transition manageable but demanding — especially in quantitative disciplines where Belgian secondary curricula often develop deep mathematical fluency from an early age. Understanding what UAntwerp's admission board looks for, and preparing your academic profile accordingly, is the foundation of a successful application.

A minimum IB score of 32 is the widely cited benchmark for UAntwerp entry. For competitive programmes — particularly Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, and Business Engineering — your grades within the IB should be strong, not merely above minimum. HL subjects in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, or Economics are particularly relevant depending on your target faculty.

UAntwerp is fully test-blind with respect to SAT and ACT scores. These tests play no role in Belgian higher education admissions. The university evaluates applicants on the basis of their prior academic qualifications — what matters is your IB diploma, A-level results, or national leaving certificate, not a standardised US exam score.

However, some programmes — particularly Medicine — have specific Belgian requirements. Medical studies in Flanders require applicants to sit the central entrance examination (toelatingsexamen geneeskunde) regardless of their international qualifications. This is a Flemish government requirement, not a UAntwerp policy, and international students applying to Medicine must be aware of it and plan accordingly. Check programme-specific requirements on the official UAntwerp admissions site.

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/study/admission-and-enrolment/admission/procedure/

Standardised Tests in the Belgian Context

Unlike the US system, Belgian higher education does not use a single standardised admissions exam for most programmes. Instead, each discipline has its own entry standards. For most UAntwerp programmes, your secondary leaving certificate (IB, A-level, national bachillerato, CBSE board results, etc.) is the primary document. The admission board assesses whether your qualification is equivalent to the Belgian secondary diploma — a process called 'equivalence assessment'.

For some competitive programmes, UAntwerp may require applicants to pass an internal entrance test or present a portfolio. These programme-specific requirements should be confirmed directly with the relevant faculty. International students from non-EU countries should also allow adequate time for the legalisation and translation of their documents, which is a prerequisite for admission.

The most straightforward international qualification for UAntwerp entry. An IB score of 32 or above is the benchmark for most programmes. IB HL results in relevant subjects carry particular weight.

A-Level results (typically three subjects at grades A*–C) are recognised and assessed for equivalence. Strong results in subjects relevant to your programme are expected.

Leaving certificates from most countries are assessed for equivalence. The UAntwerp admissions office can advise on whether your national qualification is recognised and at what level.

A special case: the Flemish government requires all applicants to Medicine (including international students) to pass a specific entrance examination. This is separate from the general UAntwerp application and has its own timeline.

IB, A-Level & International Qualifications

The International Baccalaureate Diploma is well understood by UAntwerp's admissions office. An overall score of 32 is the widely referenced minimum, but the composition of your score matters: relevant Higher Level subjects in your intended field of study signal genuine preparation for the programme you are entering.

For science and engineering programmes, HL Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) is important — UAntwerp's quantitative programmes expect strong foundational mathematics. For Biomedical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences, HL Biology and Chemistry are the natural preparation. Business Engineering values HL Economics and HL Mathematics.

A-Level applicants should present three strong subjects directly relevant to their programme. The UAntwerp admissions board will assess whether the combination and grades demonstrate sufficient preparation for the first year of study.

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/study/international-degree-student/admission-enrolment/

Different UAntwerp faculties prioritise different academic backgrounds. Choose your IB or A-level subject combination thoughtfully based on your intended programme.

Strong foundation in Mathematics (HL preferred in IB) and Economics. Quantitative reasoning and analytical skills are tested from the first semester. If you are taking IB, HL Mathematics and HL Economics is an ideal combination.

Biomedical Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sciences

HL Biology and HL Chemistry are essential preparation. The curriculum enters molecular biology and pharmacology rapidly, and students without strong chemistry backgrounds find the first year extremely demanding.

Computer Science & Bioscience Engineering

HL Mathematics is critical. Programming exposure (Python, Java) before entry is advantageous but not required. Physics at HL strengthens your preparation for engineering-track programmes.

Strong writing, reading comprehension, and argumentation skills are the foundation. History, Philosophy, and Social Science subjects at HL develop the analytical and argumentative foundations that Belgian law studies build upon.

A broad humanities and social science foundation is valued. Language competence — especially English — is central. Students entering these faculties are expected to write at a high academic level from the start.

A distinctive UAntwerp speciality. Economics, Geography, and Mathematics provide the strongest foundation. UAntwerp's C-MAT programme is connected to the Antwerp port ecosystem — practical industry exposure is built into the curriculum.

All international students applying to English-taught programmes must demonstrate English proficiency through an official test. Applicants whose previous education was conducted entirely in English may be eligible for an exemption — verify this with your programme before applying.

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/study/international-degree-student/admission-enrolment/

Overall band; individual component minimums may apply

May substitute for a test; confirm with your programme

Verify acceptance on official admissions page

Belgian and Flemish universities are primarily grades-first institutions. That said, a strong academic profile combined with a compelling motivation letter and relevant experience gives you the best chance at UAntwerp's competitive programmes.

Choose subjects strategically for your intended UAntwerp faculty. If you are IB-bound, identify your HL subjects early. Prioritise Mathematics, Sciences, or Humanities depending on your direction. Consistent grades across all subjects matter more than peaks and valleys.

Begin researching UAntwerp's specific programmes and faculty research groups. If your intended field is Life Sciences, explore research opportunities or science olympiad participation. For Business/Law, explore economics competitions, debate, or relevant internship experience. Build the specific knowledge that will make your motivation letter credible.

Take your IELTS or TOEFL well before your application deadline. IELTS Academic 6.5 is the minimum — aiming for 7.0 or above gives you flexibility and strengthens your file. Many students underestimate preparation time; allow at least two to three months.

Grade 12 (Autumn): Draft Your Motivation Letter

Start drafting your motivation letter early. The strongest letters are specific, personal, and intellectually honest. Research UAntwerp faculty, find one or two research groups or programme features that genuinely excite you, and build your letter around those. Generic letters are immediately visible and harm your application.

Grade 12 (December–January): Document Legalisation

Begin the legalisation process for your secondary school documents. Non-EEA applicants must have legalised (apostilled) documents — this process takes weeks and cannot be rushed. Missing this step is one of the most common reasons for rejected applications.

Non-EEA applicants must submit by 28 February for Round 1. Log into Mobility Online (portal opens in November), upload all required documents, and submit. Confirm receipt. If you are applying to Medicine, ensure you are also registered for the Flemish entrance examination.

Applying to a Dutch-taught bachelor's programme without Dutch language proficiency — check the language of instruction for every programme before applying.

Underestimating the legalisation timeline — apostilling documents from many countries takes four to eight weeks; missing deadlines due to late document preparation is the most common avoidable error.

Submitting an IELTS score below 6.5 or not planning to take the test — no English certificate means automatic rejection from English-taught programmes.

Applying to Medicine without registering for the Flemish entrance examination — this is a government requirement that cannot be bypassed regardless of your qualifications.

Writing a generic motivation letter — the admission board reads hundreds of applications; letters that could have been written for any university at any institution are immediately recognisable.

Applying to multiple UAntwerp programmes simultaneously — the university does not allow concurrent applications; choose your programme carefully.

Assuming a high overall acceptance rate means easy admission to your programme — competitive faculties like Medicine and Business Engineering have much higher bars than the university-wide 75% figure suggests.

Cost of Studying at University of Antwerp

One of UAntwerp's strongest selling points for international students is its exceptional affordability relative to comparable research universities in the UK, US, or the Netherlands. Annual tuition of approximately $5,800 USD and a total cost of attendance around $18,300 USD place UAntwerp among the most affordable options for a globally ranked, research-intensive education. Understanding the full financial picture — including non-EEA vs EEA tuition differences and available scholarships — is essential before you commit.

All figures below are drawn from UAntwerp's facts data. Costs are stated in USD equivalents and are subject to annual adjustment. Always verify current-year figures in euros on the official UAntwerp website.

The figures below represent the estimated annual costs for an international student studying at UAntwerp. Non-EEA students typically pay higher tuition rates than EEA students — verify the exact amount for your programme and nationality on the official UAntwerp website.

Approximate; varies by programme and EEA/non-EEA status

Accommodation, food, transport, personal expenses

UAntwerp official page states application is free of charge; verify annually

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/study/scholarships/

UAntwerp is a Belgian public university, not a US-style institution with large endowment-funded aid packages. Need-based financial aid in the American sense is not available to international students. However, UAntwerp and the Flemish government participate in several competitive scholarship programmes that can dramatically reduce the cost of study — some to near zero.

Approximately 10% of students receive some form of aid or scholarship support. The most impactful programmes are externally funded (Erasmus Mundus, Master Mind, VLIRUOS) and are highly competitive. Planning your financial strategy around scholarship outcomes alone is risky — ensure you have alternative funding before applying.

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/study/scholarships/

UAntwerp participates in several external scholarship programmes and offers one internal award for outstanding non-EEA Master's applicants.

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/study/scholarships/

Provides an annual living allowance of €10,020 plus a dramatically reduced tuition rate (€139.40 in 2026–2027) for outstanding international Master's students. UAntwerp submits applications centrally on behalf of nominees. Deadline: 1 February. This is among the most generous scholarships available to non-EEA students in Flanders.

Fully funded by the European Commission for students enrolled in UAntwerp's Erasmus Mundus Master's programmes — specifically the Master in Applied Ecohydrology (MAEH) and the Leading International Vaccinology Education (LIVE) programme. Funding covers tuition, living allowance, and travel. Extremely competitive internationally.

Available to students from 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America who are admitted to one of five specific UAntwerp Master's programmes linked to the VLIRUOS initiative. UAntwerp submits applications on behalf of qualifying students. Check eligibility by country on the scholarship page.

For female candidates from Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, or Morocco. Supports women from the Middle East and North Africa in pursuing bachelor's and Master's level study at UAntwerp. Contact the International Students Office for application guidance.

UAntwerp's own tuition reduction for outstanding non-EEA Master's applicants. No separate application is required — the university identifies eligible students from the admissions pool. The exact reduction varies; it does not fully fund study but meaningfully reduces costs for high-achieving applicants.

Compared to peer research universities, UAntwerp's cost profile is exceptional. UK universities of comparable ranking charge non-EU international students £22,000–£35,000 per year in tuition alone. US universities at equivalent QS rankings typically charge $40,000–$60,000 in tuition. UAntwerp's approximately $5,800 annual tuition — even at the non-EEA rate — is among the lowest in the world for a QS top-300 institution.

Antwerp itself is a mid-size city with lower living costs than Amsterdam, Zurich, Paris, or London. Student housing, local transport (UAntwerp students receive a campus card), and food are all significantly cheaper than in comparable Western European capitals. A realistic monthly budget for a student in Antwerp falls in the range of €900–€1,100 including rent, food, transport, and personal expenses — verify current figures with UAntwerp's student financial guidance.

However, be aware that EEA students pay substantially lower tuition than non-EEA students in Belgian public universities. This differential is set by Flemish government policy. If you are from outside the EEA and not holding a Belgian residence permit, confirm your exact tuition rate for your specific programme before making financial plans.

Determine whether you will be charged as an EEA or non-EEA student. This significantly affects your tuition. EU/EEA citizens typically pay near-statutory rates; non-EEA students pay higher rates. Confirm the exact amount for your programme on the UAntwerp website.

Check Master Mind, VLIRUOS, and DFL eligibility well before you apply — some scholarships require UAntwerp to nominate you, which means the process is linked to your admissions application. Master Mind has a 1 February deadline that aligns with the non-EEA admissions deadline.

If your target programme is MAEH or LIVE, apply simultaneously for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship. These are highly competitive but fully funded — the effort-to-reward ratio is excellent if you meet the profile.

Many countries have national scholarship programmes for students studying abroad in Europe. Indian students may explore the National Overseas Scholarship; Pakistani students PEEF scholarships; African students the African Development Bank scholarship. These are independent of UAntwerp but compatible with enrollment.

Even with a tuition scholarship, living costs of approximately $12,500/year must be covered. Budget conservatively, factoring in accommodation (earliest application recommended), health insurance (mandatory in Belgium), and travel.

Understand the Belgian Student Loan System

Belgian government student loans are generally not available to non-EEA international students. Ensure you have sufficient personal or family funding, or have secured a scholarship, before committing to enrollment.

How much does UAntwerp cost for non-EEA international students?

Based on our facts data, tuition runs approximately $5,800 USD per year for non-EEA students, with a total estimated cost of attendance of around $18,300 USD annually. These are estimates — verify exact current figures in euros on the official UAntwerp admissions page for your specific programme.

Does UAntwerp offer need-based financial aid to international students?

No, not in the US sense. UAntwerp does not have a large endowment-funded need-based aid programme for international students. What it does offer is access to competitive scholarships (Master Mind, Erasmus Mundus, VLIRUOS) and an internal High Potential Incentive for high-achieving non-EEA Master's applicants.

What is the Master Mind scholarship and how do I apply?

Master Mind is a Flemish government scholarship providing €10,020 annual living allowance plus reduced tuition (€139.40 in 2026–2027) for outstanding international Master's students in Flanders. UAntwerp submits the application on your behalf — you do not apply independently. The deadline is 1 February, aligned with the non-EEA admissions deadline.

Can I work part-time in Belgium to offset costs?

Non-EEA students in Belgium may be permitted to work part-time — typically up to 20 hours per week during term time — depending on your visa/permit conditions. Belgian minimum wage is among the highest in Europe, which can make part-time work meaningful. Confirm your specific work rights with the UAntwerp International Students Office or Belgian immigration authorities.

Is health insurance mandatory in Belgium?

Yes. Students in Belgium are required to have health insurance. Non-EEA students typically enrol in a student health insurance plan through a Belgian health insurance fund (mutualiteit/mutualité). This is not optional and should be factored into your living cost budget.

Your Application to University of Antwerp

UAntwerp uses a direct application system (Mobility Online portal) — not Common App, UCAS, or any centralised system. There are no US-style supplemental essays. The core qualitative written component of your application is the motivation letter (sometimes called a personal statement or letter of motivation). For most programmes, this is the only document where you speak in your own voice. Getting it right matters.

International students apply to UAntwerp through the Mobility Online online portal. Applications are submitted directly to UAntwerp — there is no intermediary system. You submit one application for one programme (concurrent applications to multiple UAntwerp programmes are not permitted).

The application is free of charge (verify annually). Required documents are uploaded digitally. The key written component is a motivation letter — a focused document explaining your academic background, your reasons for choosing this programme and this university, and your professional or academic goals.

Unlike the US system, there are no separate Common App or Coalition prompts, no 'Why Us?' supplements, and no short-answer activities lists. The motivation letter is your one opportunity to make a qualitative case for yourself.

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/study/admission-and-enrolment/admission/procedure/

UAntwerp does not publish a formal word limit or a prescribed set of prompts for the motivation letter. However, based on the university's published admission procedure, the letter is assessed by the admission board as part of the 'screening on content and level'. It should address the following areas substantively.

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/study/admission-and-enrolment/admission/procedure/

No verbatim prompt published — the motivation letter is an open document. It should clearly explain your reasons for choosing this specific programme.

Be specific, not generic. Name the programme precisely. Reference one or two aspects of the curriculum, research focus, or UAntwerp faculty that genuinely attract you. Admissions boards can instantly tell when a letter is generic — and a generic letter signals that you would have written the same thing to any university.

No verbatim prompt published — the motivation letter is an open document. It should explain your reasons for choosing UAntwerp specifically over other institutions.

Go beyond rankings. Reference UAntwerp's research strengths in your field (drug discovery, tropical medicine, port economics, etc.), its YUFE membership, or Antwerp's specific industry ecosystem. If your programme connects to the pharmaceutical sector or the port economy, say so — and explain why that context matters to your goals.

Your Academic Background & Relevant Experience

No verbatim prompt published — the letter should provide context for your academic record and any relevant experience.

Do not simply repeat your CV. Explain your academic journey: what subjects you studied, what you found intellectually challenging or formative, and how these experiences prepared you for this programme. If you have research, work, or project experience relevant to your field, describe what you learned — not just what you did.

No verbatim prompt published — the letter should describe your goals and how this programme fits them.

Connect your goals back to the programme. If you want to work in pharmaceutical research, explain how UAntwerp's Biomedical Sciences programme positions you for that path. If you are targeting the maritime sector, reference C-MAT's industry connections. Goals that are vague ('I want to make a difference') are weak; goals that are specific and connected to the programme show genuine preparation.

The Motivation Letter vs US Personal Statement

If you have previously written — or are simultaneously writing — a US-style personal statement (for Common App), you need to understand the fundamental difference before writing your UAntwerp motivation letter.

The US personal statement is a narrative personal essay about who you are as a person — your values, your story, your identity. It is deliberately broad and personal. The UAntwerp motivation letter is a professional-academic document about why you want this specific programme, at this university, and how your background prepares you for it. It is focused, rational, and programme-specific.

Copying your Common App personal statement into the motivation letter format is one of the most common mistakes international applicants make when applying to European universities. The tone, structure, and purpose are different. Start fresh.

Strategy for Each Section of the Motivation Letter

There are no supplemental essays at UAntwerp. Your entire written argument must be made in a single, structured motivation letter. Think of it in four logical sections.

Open by naming the exact programme you are applying to and stating — immediately — your specific reason for choosing it. Do not open with your life story or a generic statement about the importance of education. Admissions boards are busy; earn their attention in the first paragraph.

Describe your academic background concisely but specifically. Highlight the subjects, courses, or projects most relevant to your chosen UAntwerp programme. If your IB HL choices directly prepared you for this field, say so and explain how.

Briefly describe any research, work, competition, or project experience that demonstrates genuine engagement with your field. One well-described experience is stronger than a list of activities. Explain what you learned, not just what you did.

Close by describing your professional or academic goals with reasonable specificity, and explicitly linking those goals to what UAntwerp's programme offers. If you can name a research group, a programme feature, or an industry connection in Antwerp that directly supports your plans, do so.

The strongest UAntwerp motivation letters share a common trait: they are written by applicants who have genuinely researched the programme and can speak specifically about it. Broad letters that could apply to any Belgian university — or worse, any European university — are easy to identify and difficult to act on favourably.

Before you write, spend 30 minutes on UAntwerp's faculty website for your programme. Find the research groups, the faculty members whose work interests you, the specific courses in the second or third year that excite you. Then build your letter around those specifics. This signals to the admission board that you have made a deliberate, informed choice — and that is exactly what they want to see.

For science and engineering applicants, reference a specific UAntwerp research area (e.g., drug discovery, tropical medicine, bioscience engineering, YUFE mobility). Explain what draws you to that area and how your background connects to it.

For business, law, and maritime applicants, Antwerp's economic context is a genuine differentiator. If you are applying to Business Engineering or C-MAT, reference the port economy, the diamond district, or the pharmaceutical cluster as the professional environment you want to learn within.

For humanities and social science applicants, a clear intellectual thread connecting your past study to your future goals at UAntwerp is most compelling. Trace how your interests evolved, what questions you want to pursue, and why UAntwerp's programme is the right setting.

Writing a generic letter that could be sent to any university — the admission board reads hundreds; specificity is what makes a letter memorable.

Opening with your life story instead of immediately addressing the programme — get to the point in the first paragraph.

Copying your US Common App personal statement — the purpose, tone, and structure are fundamentally different.

Exceeding two pages or using small font to fit more content — concise and well-structured outperforms dense and exhaustive.

Describing activities without explaining what you learned — the admission board wants evidence of intellectual development, not a résumé in prose form.

Stating vague professional goals ('I want to help people', 'I want to make an impact') — be specific about the role you want to play and how this programme leads there.

Failing to mention UAntwerp specifically — a letter that never references the university by name, or references it only in the opening line, signals a generic approach.

Submitting without proofreading for language — the letter is also an implicit test of your written English (for English-taught programmes). Grammar and clarity matter.

Does UAntwerp require a motivation letter for all programmes?

A motivation letter is listed as a required document for the general UAntwerp application procedure. It is part of the 'screening on content and level' stage. Check your specific programme for any additional requirements.

How long should the motivation letter be?

UAntwerp does not publish an official word or page limit. A well-structured motivation letter of one to two pages (approximately 500–800 words) is standard for European university applications. Aim for quality and specificity over length.

Should I write the motivation letter in English or Dutch?

For English-taught programmes, write in English. For Dutch-taught programmes, writing in Dutch signals language readiness, though the admissions office can advise. If in doubt, contact the programme office before submitting.

Can I apply to multiple UAntwerp programmes simultaneously?

No. UAntwerp explicitly does not permit concurrent applications to multiple programmes. Choose carefully before applying — if you wish to change your programme after submission, contact the admissions office.

Is there an interview as part of the UAntwerp application?

Most UAntwerp programmes do not require an interview. Some specific Master's programmes may invite shortlisted candidates for an interview or assessment — check your programme's specific requirements on the UAntwerp website.

What happens after I submit my application?

After submission, the admission board conducts a two-stage review: first, screening on content and level (your academic qualifications and motivation letter), then verification of document authenticity by the registrar. You will be notified of the outcome. If admitted, you proceed to enrolment through Mobility Online.

Yes, in principle — Belgian public universities permit applicants to reapply in subsequent cycles. If you are rejected, it is worth contacting the admissions office to understand the reason, which may be a documentation issue, a qualification equivalence question, or a competitive programme cutoff. Use the feedback to strengthen your next application.