The University of Antwerp (Universiteit Antwerpen, UAntwerp) is a public university in Antwerp, Belgium.[1] It has 24,827 students and 7,276 staff members.[2] It was formed in October 2003 from three earlier institutions.[3] It ranks 277th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, up slightly.[4]
For 2026–27 a standard 60-credit year costs €1,181.40 for students from the EEA. Other nationalities pay €4,300 in a bachelor’s programme and €7,800 in most master’s programmes.[5] All bachelor’s programmes except two are taught in Dutch; 22 master’s programmes are taught in English.[6][2]
Key facts
| Official name | Universiteit Antwerpen (University of Antwerp, UAntwerp) |
| Location | Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium (Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp); four campuses[7] |
| Type | Public university[1] |
| Founded | October 2003, by bringing together UFSIA, RUCA and UIA; roots in commercial institutes founded in 1852[3] |
| Students | 24,827, including 2,563 PhD students and 2,258 exchange students (figures updated 12 June 2026)[2] |
| Staff | 7,276 members of staff, including 926 professors[2] |
| Study programmes | 154 programmes: 32 bachelor’s, 82 master’s, 18 advanced master’s and 22 postgraduate; 9 faculties[2] |
| English-language programmes | 35: 2 bachelor’s, 22 master’s, 6 advanced master’s and 5 postgraduate[2] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 277th[4] |
| Main language of teaching | Dutch (all bachelor’s programmes except two)[6] |
| Tuition 2026–27, EEA students (60 credits) | €1,181.40[5] |
| Tuition 2026–27, non-EEA students (60 credits) | €4,300 (bachelor’s); €7,800 (most master’s programmes)[5] |
| Language requirement | Proof of Dutch for Dutch-taught programmes; English proof (for example IELTS Academic 6.5) for English-taught master’s programmes[8] |
| Official website | uantwerpen.be |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 6 November 2026.
About the University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp describes itself as a young university with origins in three institutions: UFSIA (Universitaire Faculteiten Sint-Ignatius Antwerpen), RUCA (Rijksuniversitair Centrum Antwerpen) and UIA (Universitaire Instelling Antwerpen). In October 2003 they were brought together to form the University of Antwerp.[3] The roots go back to 1852, when two commercial institutes were founded in Antwerp; in 1965 they gained university status.[3]
The university has nine faculties and four campuses: Stadscampus in the city centre, Campus Drie Eiken, Campus Groenenborger and Campus Middelheim.[2][7] The Stadscampus is at Prinsstraat 13.[7]
How is the University of Antwerp ranked?
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, published on 18 June 2026, the University of Antwerp is 277th in the world, a slight climb. Among Belgian universities it follows KU Leuven (59th), Ghent University (150th), UCLouvain (196th) and the Université libre de Bruxelles (248th); the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is around 295th.[4]
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, reported on 1 October 2026, Antwerp is 185th, down from 170th.[9] The two lists use different methods, so the positions differ. The university says it is aware of both the advantages and the shortcomings of rankings and endorsed the “More Than Our Rank” initiative in 2024.[10] How we compile rankings.
What can you study at the University of Antwerp?
The university offers 154 programmes: 32 bachelor’s, 82 master’s, 18 advanced master’s and 22 postgraduate programmes.[2] Its faculties are Applied Engineering, Arts, Business and Economics, Design Sciences, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Science, and Political and Social Sciences.[2]
Except for the Bachelor of Social-Economic Science and the YUFE Bachelor of Urban Sustainability Studies, all bachelor’s programmes are taught in Dutch.[6] English-language programmes number 35: 2 bachelor’s, 22 master’s, 6 advanced master’s and 5 postgraduate programmes.[2] For the country overview see universities in Belgium and the Study in Belgium guide.
How much does the University of Antwerp cost in 2026–27?
| Programme | EEA students (60 credits) | Other nationalities (60 credits) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | €1,181.40 | €4,300 (€1,000 + €55 per credit) |
| Master’s, preparatory, bridging, credit contract | €1,181.40 | €7,800 (€1,500 + €105 per credit) |
| Master of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy | €1,181.40 | €5,700 (€1,500 + €70 per credit) |
| Research Master of Philosophy | €1,181.40 | €4,400 (€1,280 + €52 per credit) |
| Advanced master: Development Evaluation and Management, Globalisation and Development, Governance and Development (IOB) | €5,800 | €7,800 |
| Advanced master: Maritime and Air Transport Management | €19,500 | |
| Doctorate (first enrolment and defence) | €591 each | |
These are the amounts for 2026–27 published by the university. The EEA rate is a fixed €305.40 plus €14.60 per credit. The “other nationalities” column applies to students who do not have the nationality of an EEA member state or an equivalent status.[5] Tuition fees are always due for the credits taken, even if you de-enrol later.[5] Non-EEA nationals without a permanent Belgian residence permit can only enrol in credit contracts if they are already enrolled in a degree programme or if they do not live in Belgium on a student visa.[5] Some programmes, such as the Erasmus Mundus master’s, are charged by their own organisers.[5] For rent and living costs see our Study in Belgium guide.
How do you apply to the University of Antwerp?
Students who are not nationals of an EEA member state or Switzerland and do not already live in Belgium with a valid residence permit must complete an electronic admission application in Mobility Online. The admission procedure has two parts, each with its own deadline, starting with a screening on content and level.[11] If you need a visa to study in Belgium you always have to submit an application for admission.[8]
Some programmes use their own procedure: the YUFE Bachelor of Urban Sustainability Studies, the Erasmus Mundus master’s programmes, the advanced Master of Maritime and Air Transport Management and the advanced master’s programmes of the Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB).[11] We give no deadlines here because they change every year; read the procedure page before you start.
Which language level do you need?
For a Dutch-taught bachelor’s programme you must prove proficiency in Dutch. You can do so with at least one full year (60 credits) of courses taught in Dutch at a secondary school, university college or university, or with a certificate such as the ITNA (level B2, or C1 for language-related programmes) or the CNaVT (profile Educatief Startbekwaam for most programmes).[6]
For master’s programmes taught in English you have to prove proficiency in English, and the level required on the programme page can be higher than the minimums below. Language-related programmes, such as Language and Literature: English, always require C1. Holders of a recognised bachelor’s or master’s degree from Flanders are exempt, and so are holders of degrees from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.[8] Accepted tests include IELTS Academic (at least 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each part, test centre only), TOEFL iBT (80 for exams before 21 January 2026, 4.5 on the new scale for exams from that date), ITACE at B2, Cambridge B2 First with at least 176 and Pearson PTE Academic with at least 59.[8]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the University of Antwerp cost for international students in 2026–27?
EEA students pay €1,181.40 for a 60-credit year. Students of other nationalities pay €4,300 in a bachelor’s programme and €7,800 in most master’s programmes; a few programmes have different rates.[5]
Can I study at the University of Antwerp in English?
When was the University of Antwerp founded?
The university in its current form was created in October 2003 by bringing together UFSIA, RUCA and UIA.[3]
How many campuses does the University of Antwerp have?
Four: Stadscampus in the city centre, Campus Drie Eiken, Campus Groenenborger and Campus Middelheim.[7]
More about studying in Belgium
- Belgium: best universities
- Study in Belgium: complete guide
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Belgium
Sources
[1] Wikipedia: University of Antwerp (type of institution)
[2] University of Antwerp: Facts, figures and rankings (figures updated 12 Jun 2026)
[3] University of Antwerp: History (page without a date)
[4] The Brussels Times: Belgian university rises to “highest position ever achieved” (QS World University Rankings 2027; QS publishes the ranking at topuniversities.com, which blocks automated access) (article of 18 Jun 2026)
[5] University of Antwerp: Tuition fees 2026–2027 (page without a date)
[6] University of Antwerp: Admission requirements for the academic bachelor (page without a date)
[7] University of Antwerp: Campuses (Stadscampus) (page without a date)
[8] University of Antwerp: Admission requirements for master and advanced master (page without a date)
[9] The Brussels Times: Belgian universities slip down higher education ranking (Times Higher Education 2027) (article of 1 Oct 2026)
[10] University of Antwerp: Rankings (page without a date)
[11] University of Antwerp: Procedure and deadlines (page without a date)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.