Questions?

Where can I find a list of all available courses in English at the University of Antwerp?

Additional information and a link to the course overview are available on our website. If you have any questions, you can contact the international coordinator of your faculty.

Who should I indicate on my learning agreement as contact person at the receiving institution?

The contact person is the correct international coordinator of the faculty.

What is the minimum number of credits I have to take?

​We strongly recommend that exchange students register for a minimum of 21 credits. You can enroll for up to a maximum of 30 credits per semester.

Can I take language courses?

The only language courses you can enroll in are language courses offered by Linguapolis. This is an independent language center that provides paid language training. Any credits you may earn from these courses will not appear on your transcript of records, but you will receive a separate certificate upon participation and successful completion.

Is it possible for an exchange student with a disability to study at the University of Antwerp?

Certainly. Everyone is welcome! Read more about special facilities that can be offered.

Can I take courses from different faculties?

You can choose courses from faculties other than your own, but this is limited to two courses per faculty and is subject to approval by the relevant international faculty coordinators.

Can I still make changes to my learning agreement?

Yes, you can make changes during the first two weeks of the semester. Of course, changes need to be discussed first with the international coordinator of your home university and the University of Antwerp. 

Are course schedules and timetables available online?

Only after you have been accepted and have received your login details for SisA, our online administrative platform, can you enroll in your courses and view your timetable.

When can I register for my courses?

A few weeks before the start of your semester, you will receive login details for SisA, our online administrative platform. Once you receive them, you can register for courses and later consult your timetable.

Do I have to pay a tuition fee as an exchange student?

No. When you’re an exchange student, you don’t need to pay a tuition fee as you’re enrolled at your home institution. 

When will I know whether I’m fully accepted as an exchange student?

After the first check (to ensure the completeness of your application), the faculty will evaluate your file. It may take up to 6 weeks before you receive further information regarding your approval. 

What type of VISA do I need to apply for (non-EU nationals)?

You need to apply for a student visa. Do not use a tourist visa (type C) when doing an exchange, even if you have a European Union residence permit from another EU country.  Start your visa application at least 3 months in advance.

Do I need insurance to come to Belgium?

Ensure that you are sufficiently insured before coming to Belgium. Check with your insurance provider in your home country to confirm whether any potential costs during your stay will be covered. If not, it is advisable to take out additional insurance. 

How much do you spend on average per month as a student in Antwerp?

Read to this page for guidelines on calculating your budget, and explore the details of the cost of living in Antwerp.

Does the University of Antwerp offer housing for exchange students?

The University of Antwerp has several university residences around the City Campus, and one residence at Campus Drie Eiken in Wilrijk. The amount of rooms in these residences is limited, so applying for a room is necessary. Keep in mind that applying for a residence does not guarantee a room. The demand is always larger than the offer.

What is the average price for renting a student flat in Antwerp?

The average price for a student room for one academic year in Antwerp, is currently situated at around 410 euros. According to the type of room you want to rent, the prices fluctuate. 

Why do I need to pay for a full semester at a residence, if I'm not staying for 5 months?

When staying at a university residence, you will have to sign a rental contract. These contracts are provided with fixed rental dates and prices. The rooms in a university residence cannot be rented for less then one full semester, in order to avoid empty rooms.

Which neigborhood is best to stay in?

Antwerp is a great city, and full of life. Each district has it’s own charm. Read more about the different districts of Antwerp here. We advise students to look for a student room that is not too far away from their campus. So make sure to check the location of your campus in advance.

How does the allocation process for the university residences work?

When it comes to the university residences, the demand is always larger than the number of rooms we can offer. We strive to give as many different students as possible a chance at a stay in one of our residences. Therefore, a selection of students has to be made out of all the applications. This selection is based on making a mix of students that is as diverse as possible.  We aim to combine students from as many different home universities, fields of study, faculties and genders as possible.

What is a deposit?

A deposit is an amount of money that the landlord can use to compensate for possible damage. If you leave the room clean and without any damage, the landlord will refund the total deposit amount within 3 months of your departure. Make sure that your landlord has all you banking details to complete the refund. A deposit can never be used to compensate for rent.

How do I avoid scams?

When in doubt of the credibility of a room, there’s a few things you can do. Try to look up the address on Google Maps for example. Does the building look legit? Or does it look abandoned and in bad shape? Having doubts about your rental contract? Reach out to us, we can check your contract for you. Don’t sign a contract that you don’t trust! Make sure to check the Fraud Alert webpage on Kotweb for more tips & tricks.

What if my building does not have a doorbell or a mailbox?

When applying for your residence permit, it is stated that the building where you will be staying must have a working doorbell and mailbox. If your building does not have these, contact your landlord to kindly inform him or her about this. It is stated by law that there must be a working doorbell and mailbox.

Can I extend my exchange period?

Both your home university and our faculty must agree on the extension. If all parties agree, you should also update your learning agreement.

Can I open a Belgian bank account?

You need a residence permit to open a bank account, but there are some exceptions.

If you already have a European bank account, you don’t need to open a Belgian bank account.

Check out your options!

Should I apply for a residence permit as an exchange student?

Read this page for more information regarding the residence permit.

Is airport pick-up service available?

No, but Antwerp and the university are easily accessible by public transport. 

Can I work part time as a student?

Yes, in some cases you can. Keep in mind that, for most jobs, you need to speak Dutch. Read more about student jobs.

Where can I print or scan documents?

You can use the scanning and printing facilities at the library.

How is the second examination period organized?

The second examination period takes place at the end of August and beginning of September. Check the academic calendar for specific dates. If you need to resit any of your exams, contact the international coordinator of your study programme.

When will my 'Transcript of records' be ready?

At the end of your exchange, the international coordinator of your faculty at the University of Antwerp will mail your original Transcript of records to your home university. In the meantime, you will be able to check your exam results in SisA, the online student administration system a couple of weeks after the exams.