Erasmus in Ghent
The official links people use most when they arrive in Ghent. We opened each one on its website, and each shows the date we checked it.
To start with
Universities
International offices for exchange students.
- How to apply as an exchange student at Ghent UniversityUniversiteit Gent (UGent)
Application steps for exchange students; an agreement between Ghent University and your university is required.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Exchange at HOGENTHOGENT
Your home university nominates you by email to incoming@hogent.be; B2 English is recommended.
Checked on 24 October 2026
When you arrive
Student associations and welcome services.
- Local ESN section in GhentESN Gent
Student network that runs activities, trips and a buddy programme for Erasmus students arriving in Ghent.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- City portal for international studentsStad Gent
Paperwork, housing, transport, health and Dutch courses explained by the City of Ghent.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Erasmus associations
ESN sections, AEGEE and international student associations: activities, buddies and help when you arrive.
- ESN Gent: Buddy ProgrammeESN Gent
Matches you with a Ghent student to answer questions before you arrive and help in your first days.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- UGent Engineering and Architecture: Buddy ProgramGhent University, Facultad de Ingeniería y Arquitectura
For exchange students of this faculty: a local student contacts you before the semester and helps with campus and city.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- UGent Arts and Philosophy: Buddy ProgrammeGhent University, Facultad de Letras y Filosofía
The faculty assigns local buddies to its international students in September and February.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Parties and events
Welcome parties, language exchanges and events for international students. Buy tickets only on the organiser's own website.
- ESN Gent: events and tickets appESN Gent
Its events and tickets live in a free web app (app.esngent.org) that also stores your ESNcard; the website calendar no longer shows them.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Trips and excursions
Trips and excursions for Erasmus students. Before paying, check who organises the trip and pay only on their official website.
- ESN Gent: trips and activitiesESN Gent
Trips to Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp or Amsterdam, weekends in and outside Belgium, brewery visits and parties. Many activities require the ESNcard.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Paperwork
What an EU student staying for a semester has to do.
- Stay in Ghent as an EU student for up to 6 monthsStad Gent
You apply online for the declaration of presence (annex 3ter) within 10 working days of arrival; it is free and valid for 6 months.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- EU citizens: right of entry and residenceOffice des étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken
Immigration Office: for stays over 3 months you must apply at your municipality before the 3 months end; for short stays, report your presence within 10 working days.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Transport
Public transport, passes and bikes.
- De Lijn youth pass (Buzzy Pazz)De Lijn
If you are 18 to 24, you travel without limits on De Lijn buses and trams in Flanders and Brussels, except express lines 178 and 179.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Student bike from the FietsambassadeDe Fietsambassade (Stad Gent)
Municipal service renting bikes to students, lock included and a replacement bike if yours is stolen.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Train for under 26s (SNCB)SNCB-NMBS
Under 26s get 40% off the standard fare; with Train+ a second-class journey costs at most €5.50.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Health and emergencies
European Health Insurance Card, emergencies and doctors.
- Health and insurance for students in GhentStad Gent
If you are from the EEA or Switzerland, your European Health Insurance Card means you need no extra insurance in Belgium.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- European Health Insurance Card in BelgiumComisión Europea
European Commission: you pay the doctor and then claim a refund at any Belgian health insurance fund with your card and the treatment certificate.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Emergency numbers in Belgium112.be (FOD Binnenlandse Zaken)
112 for ambulance and fire brigade, 101 for police and 1733 for the doctor on duty; 112 is free across Europe.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in Dutch
Student discounts
Cards and reduced prices for young people and students.
- CityCard GentVisit Gent
Official card giving access to Ghent's top museums and monuments, public transport included.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Culture and city life
Official tourism, events and libraries.
- Official Ghent tourismVisit Gent
What to see and do in Ghent, with listings of concerts, exhibitions and festivals.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- De Krook libraryDe Krook (Biblioteca de Gante)
Ghent's main library, open to everyone; you can study there for free if you book a spot.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Offers for students in your city
Every two weeks, an email with discounts and useful things for Erasmus students in Ghent: transport, trips, activities and services. Only while you are there.
Almost done: we have sent you an email. Open the link and press "Confirm" to start receiving it. If you can't see it, check your spam folder.
Other cities in Belgium
These are links to official websites. If one no longer works or has changed, write to us at hello@erasmuskit.com.