Ghent University

Ghent University, abbreviated to UGent, is one of the major universities in the Dutch-speaking region of Europe. It distinguishes itself as a socially committed and pluralistic university in a broad international perspective. Ghent University is one of the fastest growing Higher Education Institutions in Western Europe, in student numbers as well as in research intensity. Over 3,000 academic staff members play a significant role in the university’s mission of pushing the boundaries of fundamental research and valorising their research findings through publications, product development, conferences, etc. BA level training is available through Dutch, MA and PhD-training also through English, in 11 Faculties and 5 Doctoral Schools.

Founded in 1817 as a Latin-speaking State University by William I, King of the Netherlands, Ghent University is a relatively young university. In 1930 Ghent University became the first Dutch-speaking university in Belgium. The Decree of 1991 granted great autonomy to the university. Over the years eminent scientists such as Joseph Plateau (physicist, considered as a pioneer in the development of motion pictures), Leo Baekeland (inventor of Bakelite) and Corneel Heymans (Nobel Prize winner for his discoveries in the field of respiratory regulation) studied and worked at Ghent University. With a view to Copperation in research and scientific service, numerous research groups, centres and institutes have been founded over the years. Several of them are renowned worldwide, in various scientific disciplines such as biotechnology, aquaculture, photonics, immunology, neurosciences, ,… In 2010, five multidisciplinary research partnerships were founded as part of a strategic spearhead research policy plan promoting excellence in research. Ghent University is an open, committed and pluralistic university with a broad international perspective and research-inspired educational programmes. Because it plays a leading role in the academic and scientific world, Ghent University attaches great interest to a transparent organization structure, a dynamic human resources policy, an active environmental policy, its support to spin-offs and other new initiatives. Today, after decades of uninterrupted growth, Ghent University with more than 35,000 students is one of the leading institutions of higher education and research in the Low Countries.

Foundation year: 1817
Short name: Ugent
Type: Public
Students: 35840
Faculty: 1020
Faculty/Students Ratio: 35:1
Region: Europe
Location: Ghent