Master of African Studies

Ghent University
African Studies
Masters
Arts & Humanities
Public University
Belgium

The Master of African Studies at Ghent University is a 1-year, 60-credit full-time master’s programme taught in English. It sits within Arts & Humanities and covers African history, politics, cultures, development and postcolonial perspectives. Students combine core courses with specialised electives, and the programme builds toward an independent master’s thesis or research project. Ghent University is one of Flanders’ largest universities and has a strong research profile, which shapes the teaching and project work. The programme is aimed at students who want a rigorous grounding in this field in an international classroom. Listed tuition is about €2,249 per year.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	UFO
Duration	1
Deadline-Date	31-March,
Fee Per Year	2249
Application Fee	public universities charging between €50 and €200 (or no fee at all), while private institutions and business schools generally charge higher fees ranging from €100 to €300+
Currency	euro
Intake Link	https://studiekiezer.ugent.be/2025/master-of-arts-in-african-studies-en
Deadline Link	https://studiekiezer.ugent.be/2025/master-of-arts-in-african-studies-en
Intakes	September
Program language requirement	English: B2 (CEFR)

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s degree (4 years / 16 years of education) in: African Studies (rare), International Relations, Political Science, History, Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies, Economics (with development focus), Linguistics, or Area/Cultural Studies

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates of the Master of African Studies can find work in NGOs, international organisations, diplomacy, research and cultural institutions. Typical roles include development officer, area-studies researcher, policy adviser. Graduates can pursue doctoral research at Ghent University or other institutions, or enter the job market directly. International graduates can explore both the Belgian and wider European job markets. The degree builds analytical thinking, subject expertise and the ability to work in international, interdisciplinary teams.
Program entry requirement	The programme is open to students with at least a bachelor degree that consists of the four learning trajectories that are present in Ghent University’s bachelor in business economics programme: economics trajectory: microeconomics, macroeconomics, labour economics, monetary economics, etc. business economics trajectory: accounting, corporate finance, marketing, management accounting, etc. quantitative trajectory: mathematics, calculus, algebra, etc. methodological trajectory: statistics, econometrics, research methods, etc.
Required GPA	Master's: A recognized 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 or equivalent. Competitive universities generally prefer 3.0/4.0 or higher.
GRE Required	No
GMAT Required	No
Application Process	1. Apply to a Belgian university or higher education institution by submitting academic transcripts and certificates, a personal statement or motivation letter, and proof of language proficiency (English/French/Dutch, such as IELTS or institutional requirements). 2. Receive an official admission/acceptance letter from a recognized Belgian institution. 3. Pay the required tuition fee or enrollment fee (if requested by the institution). Proof of payment is often required before or during the visa application process. 4. Start your long-stay (Type D) student visa application through the Belgian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global in your country (Belgium does not use an online system like AVATS). 5. Prepare and submit all required supporting documents, including a passport valid for at least 12 months, an acceptance letter from a Belgian institution, proof of sufficient financial means (blocked account, sponsorship, or scholarship), proof of accommodation in Belgium, a medical certificate, a police clearance certificate (if required), health/medical insurance, a motivation letter / Statement of Purpose (SOP), and recent passport-sized photographs. 6. Pay the visa application fee as instructed by the Belgian Embassy or VFS Global. 7. Submit your application, documents, and biometrics at the nearest Belgian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global Visa Application Centre. 8. Track your application using the reference number provided after submission and wait for the visa decision.
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/scholarships/
Program accreditation	Accredited by NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders), the Flemish programme accreditation body
Living expenses	Cost of Living in Belgium The cost of living for international students in Belgium depends on the city and your lifestyle. On average, students spend between €700–€800, and in some cases over €1,000 per month. Accommodation  €300–€500 per month for student housing  Private apartments or studios cost more  Brussels is relatively affordable compared to cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin Food  Around €250–€300 per month  Cooking at home helps save money  Eating out regularly increases costs Transportation  Students get discounted public transport passes  Leuven: yearly bus pass costs about €25  Brussels: under-24 students can get a yearly pass for as low as €12 Overall Monthly Budget  Average: €700–€800  Higher end (private housing & lifestyle): €1,000
Visa Process Details	1. Passport: Valid passport with old ones if available (Mandatory). 2. CNIC / B-Form / FRC: ID and family relation documents (Mandatory). 3. Photographs: Biometric/passport-sized photo (Mandatory). 4. Offer Letter: Official unconditional admission letter (Mandatory). 5. Tuition Fee Receipt: Deposit, payment, or scholarship proof (Mandatory/Conditional). 6. Academic Documents: Transcripts and degrees with attestations (Mandatory). 7. Language Certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, or language proof (Conditional). 8. CV / Resume: Updated resume with gap details (Mandatory/Conditional). 9. SOP / Motivation Letter: Study plan and home ties explanation (Mandatory/Conditional). 10. Financial Documents: Bank statements, income, and funds proof (Mandatory). 11. Sponsor Documents: Sponsor ID, relation, affidavit, and income proof (Conditional). 12. Accommodation Proof: Housing booking or address (Mandatory/Conditional). 13. Insurance: Travel/health insurance (Mandatory/Conditional). 14. Police Certificate: Character certificate if required (Conditional). 15. Medical Certificate: Medical/TB/polio clear certificate (Conditional). 16. Translations / Legalization: Certified translations or attestations (Conditional). 17. Previous Refusals: Refusal letters with explanations (Mandatory if applicable). 18. Travel History: Visas, stamps, and travel proof (Conditional). 19. Family / Home Ties: Property, business, or family return proof (Recommended). 20. Country-Specific: Blocked account / Annex 32 / solvency proof (Country-specific). 21. Country-Specific: Medical and police clearance (Country-specific). 22. Country-Specific: Belgian institution enrolment evidence (Country-specific).
Part timework	Part-Time Job Options for International Students in Belgium International students in Belgium are allowed to work part-time while studying, subject to visa conditions. Common Part-Time Job Options Retail jobs: supermarkets, clothing stores, shopping centers Hospitality sector: cafés, restaurants, hotels, fast-food outlets Customer service: call centers, front desk assistants Campus jobs: library assistant, administrative support, student ambassador Delivery & logistics: food delivery, warehouse assistant (where legally permitted) Tutoring: academic tutoring or language support (subject-based skills) Working Hours  Up to 20 hours per week during term time •Full-time work allowed during official holidays (summer, winter, and Easter breaks) Wages  Minimum wage depends on age and experience  Average student earnings range from €11–€13 per hour Requirements  Valid Belgian residence permit (student status)  Student employment contract  Registration with the National Social Security Office (NSSO)  Belgian bank account (recommended)
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunities Belgium's post-study work situation improved significantly with 2018 immigration reforms, but it's still not as straightforward as Canada or Australia's graduate visa programs. Students can work 20 hours/week during their studies (outside class hours).

What is the Master of African Studies at Ghent University about?

The Master of African Studies at Ghent University is a 1-year, 60-credit full-time master's programme taught in English. It covers African history, politics, cultures, development, and postcolonial perspectives, offering a rigorous grounding in the field within an international classroom setting.

What are the entry requirements for the Master of African Studies?

The programme is open to students with a recognized 4-year Bachelor's degree in disciplines such as African Studies, International Relations, Political Science, History, Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies, Economics, Linguistics, or Area/Cultural Studies, along with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 or equivalent.

How much does the Master of African Studies cost?

The tuition fee for the Master of African Studies at Ghent University is approximately €2,249 per year. In addition, international students should budget for living expenses, which average between €700 and €800 per month.

Can international students work while studying in Belgium?

Yes, international students in Belgium are allowed to work part-time while studying, up to 20 hours per week during term time, with full-time work permitted during official holidays. Common part-time job options include retail, hospitality, and academic tutoring, with average earnings ranging from €11 to €13 per hour.

What are the post-study work opportunities for international graduates in Belgium?

International graduates in Belgium can take advantage of improved post-study work opportunities due to 2018 immigration reforms. They can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies and have pathways for employment in Belgium or the wider European job market after graduation.