Ghent University · Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Maritime Science compass rose Master of Science in Maritime Science
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How to apply

A clear, three-step path from checking your eligibility to confirming your place, plus everything you need on deadlines, fees and funding.

Admission criteria

Who can apply

Because of the interdisciplinary character of the programme, we welcome graduates from a wide range of backgrounds. Candidates should hold a master's degree (following a bachelor's, e.g. Master in Law or Business Economics). In specific cases, after examination of the curriculum, candidates with an equivalent foreign degree of 240 credits (e.g. a 4-year BSc) may be admitted. Students who are graduating may apply and be conditionally admitted, subject to completing their degree.

Non-Flemish students provide proof of English proficiency (level B2 equivalent). Native speakers and holders of a one-year English-taught programme are exempt. Full details are further down this page.

The application

Apply in three steps

Check your eligibility

Confirm you meet the admission criteria. Unsure? Contact us before you start, we're happy to advise.

Prepare your documents

Gather your CV, statement of purpose, certified degree, transcript, photo and (if needed) your English test certificate.

Complete the online procedure

Submit through the UGent application tool (switch the page language to English via the pictogram in the upper left corner). We reach an admission decision within 2-3 weeks of a complete file.

Step 2 in detail

Your document checklist

Have these ready before you open the application tool, it makes the process quick and painless.

  • ✓ A recent photograph
  • ✓ A complete curriculum vitae in English
  • ✓ A statement of purpose for following the programme
  • ✓ A duly certified copy of your master's or equivalent university degree
  • ✓ An academic transcript with all courses followed and results obtained
  • ✓ Where required: a TOEFL or IELTS certificate
Plan ahead

Application deadlines

We welcome applications for the upcoming academic year from October until:

Students from the Benelux
Apply byStart of term
Students outside the Benelux, no visa needed
Apply by30 June
Students who need a visa
Apply early to reach Ghent in time.
Apply by31 March

We deliberately keep our class small and personal, so apply early to secure your place, even before you hold the final diploma or language certificate.

Open the online application tool →

Fees & funding

Tuition & what it covers

The tuition fee covers all study trips and company visits, including the multi-day trips to London and Rotterdam. It does not cover course materials or living expenses.

The programme is able to offer a limited number of partial tuition-fee waivers for excellent applicants showing financial need. You can apply for a partial tuition-fee waiver by adding an additional motivation letter (and relevant documents, where necessary) to your application file, demonstrating your financial need. The deadline to apply for the partial tuition-fee waiver is 1 April, and a decision on the received applications will be communicated before 1 May.

Looking for other funding? See the scholarships and external funding options in the section below.

Tuition fee 2026-27

EEA students€7,079.40
Non-EEA students€11,951.40
Study trips and company visits included. Course materials and living costs are not covered.
Good to know

Details & procedures

Selection procedure

The Registrar's Office checks the general academic requirements and the authenticity of your documents, while the Maritime Science programme assesses your file and decides on admission.

We consider your individual profile, academic potential and motivation, not only past performance, but your ability to complete the programme and be a valuable part of the group. Decisions are typically reached within 2-3 weeks. You'll be notified by email and asked to confirm your participation via the application tool; only then are you considered admitted.

English proficiency requirements

Non-Flemish students present proof of sufficient English (level B2 equivalent): paper TOEFL 510-559, internet-based TOEFL 72-94, or IELTS 6.0.

Exemptions apply to candidates who completed a study programme of at least one year (60 credits) in English, and to native English speakers.

Visa & residence permit

Students from outside the EU/EEA usually need a visa (type D) and a residence permit to study in Belgium. Start early: your admission letter is required before you can apply, and the procedure takes several weeks, so aim to be admitted well ahead of the 31 March deadline that applies to visa-required students.

Ghent University's International Relations Office provides free, official guidance. See the visa and entry documents page and Team International Support, or email students.visa@ugent.be for more complex cases.

Scholarships & external funding

Beyond the programme's partial waivers, explore funding in your home country, Ghent University funding, the Government of Flanders scholarships, your local Belgian Embassy or Consulate, and Mastersportal. Competition is strong, so we advise applicants to be financially self-supporting and to plan for the cost of living in Ghent.

Combining the programme with a job

The programme can be followed full-time in one year or spread out over multiple years, with specific attention to the situation and needs of working students. Several of our alumni completed the master while working full-time.

Have a question before you apply?

We're happy to help you check your eligibility or talk through your options.

Open the application tool → Contact the programme
Organised by Ghent University Maritime Institute Vrije Universiteit Brussel In partnership with North Sea Port