Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen (HOWEST)

Why apply to your university?

Howest is an entrepreneurial University of Applied Sciences known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education and research, and its close collaboration  with industry, business and the social profit sector. We offer a wide range of English-taught programmes at undergraduate level, all with a strong practical focus, in the areas of Business & Management, Industrial Sciences & Technology, Digital Design, Architecture, Healthcare, Education and Social Sciences. Our four campuses are located in the historical cities of Bruges and Kortrijk, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium. Studying in Bruges or Kortrijk includes having a series of very attractive locations nearby: the Belgian coast as well as our Flemish art cities like Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent... You can also reach famous European places like Paris, London, Amsterdam, Cologne in a one or two hours train journey. Committed and supportive lecturers embody Howest’s core values “serve - empower - care” which stimulate an open, pluralistic and international outlook on education, research and service to society. 

How do you receive international students?

Through the Howest Buddy Programme each incoming international student is linked to a Howest 'local' student before the start of their studies. The 'local' buddies assist and advise the international students on all practical matters and introduce them in the local student life both off and on campus. Each semester we offer a full-time Orientation Week before the start of the actual classes. We warmly recommend all incoming students to attend it, since it will offer you the opportunity to:

- get to know the other incoming students and the locals through fun team building & other activities

- get to know Howest and the campus(es) where you will spend your semester/year

- explore the Howest cities Bruges & Kortrijk together with our local students and dive into student life discover some Belgian cultural treasures through student friendly sightseeing trips to our most beautiful art cities like Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels, …

- get loads of practical tips from our students while getting installed in your student room.

During the academic year the Howest International Office organises several activities for the Howest Global Community (international exchange and degree students, 'local' buddies in both student cities) such as a visit to Ypres, Happy Hours at the local pubs, International Food Fairs, a Halloween Party, online meet-ups (corona), Discord Game nights, ... ESN Leonardo, the Erasmus Student Network fraternity, also organises events, trips and parties. HOWEST STUVO (Student Services) organises student activities in both Bruges and Kortrijk for all Howest students, including the international students. Such as a bowling night, soccer tournament, late night swim, ice skating at Christmas, movie nights, ...

HOWEST students can subsribe to the student sport app for only €25/year which allow them to participate in lots of free sports activities or to obtain reductions for several sports centres.

Accommodation and cost of living

HOWEST STUVO (Student Services) assists students in finding suitable accommodation in both Bruges and Kortrijk. On the Kortrijk Campus we offer (limited) on campus student rooms. On the Bruges Campus we don't have availalble on campus student facilities but there are plenty of student rooms availiable on the private market. STUVO provides a list before the start of the semester/academic year of available student rooms. A student room in Bruges will tipically cost you between €250 and €520 per month, costs included; a studio flat between €400 and €600. A student room in Kortrijk will generally cost you between €300 and €540 per month, costs included.

Facilitation at university 

HOWEST STUVO (Student Services) all students from Howest the opportunity to study in optimal conditions. Stuvo also aims to make student life stimulating, enjoyable and worry-free. The staff members of the social service of the student facilities service (Stuvo) are ready to support you in all discretion for all possible questions and difficulties you might encounter during your studies. We are very well aware that it is not easy to ask questions or to bare your soul. As a student, you may be granted a special statute because of characteristics and/or circumstances. To do so, you must submit an application via the registration tool. Every student gets assigned as study coach and a tutor. The staff members of Student Services are available on each campus for psychological support, counselling, additional support for students with special needs and for academic advise.

What are your strongest subject areas?

Applied Computer Sciences/Cyber Security, Multimedia and Creative Technology, Digital Arts and Entertainment, Business Management, Teacher Training, Sports and Movement.

Contact person

Ms. Sophie Dewitte, responsible for incoming exchange student applications, international.office@howest.be