Exchange programme
at the Faculty of Business and Economics
The Faculty of Business and Economics has a longstanding tradition in student exchange. It has the highest amount of international mobility within the University of Antwerp. Annually more than 250 foreign students, lecturers and researchers are welcomed from our network of over a 100 different partners worldwide. This page provides information for exchange students coming from one of our Erasmus, European, or non-European partner universities (Erasmus and bilateral agreements).
Academic cycle
The academic year at the University of Antwerp is divided into two semesters. Each semester comprises of 13 weeks of lecturing concluded by a 4-week examination period. A normal workload for 1 semester is 30 ECTS credits. We expect incoming students to take at least 20 ECTS credits.
Study programmes
The Faculty of Business and Economics has a wide range of bachelor (undergraduate) and master courses available in English which focus on a number of key areas for modern day businesses. It is essential that exchange students have a good command in English to attend and pass these courses. Please verify the general information section for the English language requirements.
In terms of the level of courses, the following academic experience is recommended:
- Bachelor courses (course codes starting with 1)
Successfully completed at least 120 ECTS or two full academic years of tertiary education upon arrival in Antwerp - Master courses (course codes starting with 2)
Successfully completed at least 150 ECTS or five semesters of tertiary education upon arrival in Antwerp as well as meeting the course prerequisites
In exceptional cases, bachelor students can be allowed to take one or more master courses if a letter of recommendation is provided that the courses are essential to the student’s curriculum or personal growth. Whether you are granted with an exception is the decision of the international mobility coordinator.
Students are allowed to take up to two courses of a different faculty although this is not recommended given the high likelihood of rostering conflicts. The other faculties also need to approve the student’s suitability for the course.
Sarah (Germany) about her exchange experience
Marat (Russia) did an exchange in Antwerp
Verena (Austria) shares her Erasmus story
I had never heard of Antwerp before I went on Erasmus here, but I fell in love with it straight away.
There is so much to do and see. From watching sunsets at the Droogdokkenpark, to grabbing a waffle on the biggest shopping street, the Meir, or walking around Chinatown... One of my highlights were the Cantus and the treasure hunt, organised by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN, but also my daily get-togethers with my friends at Komida, the student restaurant.
The university itself reminds me a lot of Harry Potter's Hogwarts on the outside, which made it a quite magical experience, literally. At first I was a bit scared that I wouldn't find friends or have problems with the language barrier but it was so easy. After a month, it will feel like you have known your fellow students your whole life. I can really recommend spending your Erasmus here, Antwerp has amazing people, and amazing nightlife too. I promise you will never get bored.