Master of Governance & Development (Advanced)

The Master of Governance & Development (Advanced) at the University of Antwerp is a 1-year, 60-credit full-time advanced master’s programme taught in English at the Stadscampus campus in Antwerp. It sits within Social & Behavioural Science and covers governance, institutions, public policy and development in developing contexts. Students combine core courses with specialised electives, and the programme builds toward an independent master’s thesis or research project. The University of Antwerp is a research-intensive university in the major port city of Antwerp, with an international student community. The programme is aimed at students who want a rigorous grounding in this field in an international classroom. Listed tuition is about €5,800 per year.

Course Details

CategoryDetails
TimeFull Time
CampusStadscampus
Duration1
Deadline-Date30-April,
Fee Per Year5800
Application Feepublic 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+
Currencyeuro
Intake Linkhttps://www.uantwerpen.be/en/study/programmes/all-programmes/governance-and-development/
Deadline Linkhttps://www.uantwerpen.be/en/study/programmes/all-programmes/governance-and-development/
IntakesSeptember
Program language requirementTOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5 (academic), ITACE B2, Cambridge English B2, Pearson PTE Academic 59

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, specifically: Political Science / Public Administration Development Studies International Relations Sociology (with development/governance focus) Economics (with development focus) Law (with public international law focus) Social Sciences (with governance/development focus) Anthropology (with development focus) Public Policy / Public Management

Additional Information

CategoryDetails
Scope of the programGraduates of the Master of Governance & Development (Advanced) can find work in development agencies, governments, NGOs and international organisations. Typical roles include governance adviser, policy analyst, programme officer. Graduates can pursue doctoral research at the University of Antwerp or other institutions, or enter the job market directly. International graduates can explore both the Belgian and wider European job markets, with Antwerp's port and logistics economy adding further opportunities. The degree builds analytical thinking, subject expertise and the ability to work in international, interdisciplinary teams.
Program entry requirementA recognised Bachelor’s degree (academic bachelor) from a university or recognized institution is required for entry to a Master programme.
Required GPAMaster'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 RequiredNo
GMAT RequiredNo
Application Process1. 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 Scholarshipshttps://studyabroadupdates.com/scholarships/
Program accreditationAccredited by NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders), the Flemish programme accreditation body
Living expensesCost 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 Details1. 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 timeworkPart-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 opportunityPost-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 are the entry requirements for the Master of Governance & Development at the University of Antwerp?

To enter the Master of Governance & Development program, you need a recognized Bachelor's degree from a university or recognized institution. Additionally, a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 is required, with competitive universities generally preferring a score of 3.0/4.0 or higher.

How much does the Master of Governance & Development program cost?

The tuition fee for the Master of Governance & Development program is approximately €5,800 per year. Students should also consider additional living expenses while studying in Belgium.

What language proficiency is required for this master's program?

Students must demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests. Accepted scores include TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5 (academic), ITACE B2, Cambridge English B2, or Pearson PTE Academic 59.

What are the job prospects after completing the Master of Governance & Development?

Graduates can find employment in development agencies, governments, NGOs, and international organizations. Typical roles include governance adviser, policy analyst, and programme officer. Graduates may also pursue doctoral research or enter the job market directly.

Can international students work part-time while studying in Belgium?

Yes, international students in Belgium are allowed to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week during term time. Full-time work is permitted during official holidays. It is important to have a valid Belgian residence permit and a student employment contract.

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