Frequently Asked Questions.
What is the application deadline?
Admissions are awarded on a rolling basis. Since the number of available places is limited to 25, early applications stand a better chance of success. International applicants requiring a student visa should in any case apply by 1 April to allow sufficient time for the full bureaucratic process
(applicants from the US should apply by 1 July; US applicants seeking a Fulbright grant for study should apply by mid-October of the year preceding enrolment). Non-visa requiring applicants should apply no later than 15 July. Local students may apply until the start of the academic year: final week of September. Such late applications will be considered as long as openings are available.
What are the tuition costs?
Applying to the MAAS program is free of charge.
The tuition rate for non-EU students is 24,790 € (subject to approval by the Board of Directors of Ghent University). This sum covers UGent's central registration fee, all classes and examinations, the thesis, institutional membership in the American Studies Association (ASA), and individual membership in Belgium's American Studies Association (BLASA). One dedicated Fulbright grant is available specifically for this program (application deadline: 13 Oct. 2015 for 2016-2017), which waives tuition and offers a monthly stipend. An offer at reduced tuition will be made to other candidates shortlisted for this grant, as well as to candidates whose academic profile closely matches the program’s primary target audience. Ghent University is an eligible institution under the U.S. Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). This means that students from the US can obtain an in-school deferment of repayment of Federal Family Education Program Loans and Federal Direct Student Loans. The identification number of Ghent University for the Title IV, HEA programs is OPE ID 04245300.
Several merit-based partial tuition waivers are available for EU students and students from Less Developed Countries. These waivers can be considerable in the case of students whose academic profile optimally matches the program’s primary target audience: holders of an MA degree, who possess advanced academic skills, have excellent English, but wish to extend their expertise in the areas we can best sustain. In such cases, tuition can be as low as 1,500 €. The application form contains a section in which you may apply for a partial tuition waiver.
To whom do I submit the application?
You submit your application to the MAAS Program Director, who will evaluate it and, assuming a positive evaluation, will issue you a letter of acceptance, mentioning your tuition rate. Keep this letter on hand, as you will need it to register as a student at Ghent University.
Is it possible to follow the Program on a part-time basis? What are the tuition costs for part-time students?
Part-time registration is not possible for international students requiring a student visa. Other students may be admitted to part-time study at the discretion of the Program Director. Part-time students pay a one-time UGent registration fee of 230 € + a tuition fee of 400 € per credit, a sum that can be reduced if the student qualifies for partial tuition waiving.
Can I be exempted from certain courses on the basis of prior coursework?
In exceptional cases, MAAS students can ask to be exempted from some of the coursework on the basis of prior relevant coursework in American Studies at the right level of study. Such exemptions are at the discretion of the program’s examination committee.
How long does the application process take?
The time it takes the Program Director to review application materials greatly depends on the individual case. Most applicants are interviewed over skype to ensure that there is a good fit between an applicant's needs and interests, and the program's offerings. On average, you may expect a decision within one month, though straightforward cases will receive a speedier answer. Once you have a formal letter of acceptance, issued by the MAAS Program Director and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, you can register with Ghent University’s Central Student Administration. For international students requiring a student visa, the Program Director needs to inform Student Administration, who will take steps for the University President to issue a formal Letter of Admission, which will be sent directly to you. This document, of which only one copy is issued, will enable you to obtain a visa; consular services will return it to you, once your visa has been awarded, so that you may use it for other purposes as needed.
I’ve been admitted to the program. How do I officially enroll as a student?
Registration takes place in person at Ghent University’s Central Student Administration office. It is carried out at once for students who pay the tuition fee in cash or, more commonly, by credit card or bank card valid in Belgium. For those who do not possess such a card, there is a possibility of paying by bank transfer. In that case, a bank transfer form with a structured reference will be given to you after completing the administrative enrollment formalities. In some cases, it is sent to you later. The structural reference is unique to your enrollment and will automatically link your payment to your enrollment. Enrollment is only final upon receipt of your payment.
How will I know if I have been admitted to MAAS?
You will receive a formal letter of acceptance from the Program Director by email.
What is the difference between a letter of acceptance and a letter of admission?
A letter of acceptance is issued by the Program Director. It certifies that your application has been positively reviewed and that you have permission to enroll in the program. You need this letter to register with the Central Student Administration upon arriving in Ghent. A letter of admission, on the other hand, is issued by the Rector. Only international students requiring student visas will receive this letter, as it is required as part of the visa application.
Can I submit my application materials electronically?
All application materials must be submitted electronically to americanstudies@UGent.be (unless the applicant does not have reliable access to a computer, in which case application materials may be submitted by post).
Do I need to submit GRE scores with my application?
No, GRE scores are not factored into admission decisions.
Do I need to have a certain GPA to apply for the program?
Students should be able to demonstrate a high level of achievement in their past academic pursuits, but the program sets no strict baseline measure for this.
Do I need a TOEFL or IELTS certificate to satisfy the language requirement?
If you are applying based on a diploma granted by a university outside of Flanders, the answer is most likely yes. See our Admission Requirements page.
Are there scholarships available?
Although several merit-based partial tuition waivers are available for EU students, which can be considerable in the case of students whose academic profile optimally matches the MAAS program’s primary target audience, they are not scholarships as such. Go to Ghent University's scholarship page for information about scholarship opportunities offered to international students studying in Belgium, including students from LDC countries. US citizens may be eligible for a Fulbright-administered grant. Fill in and submit the MAAS application form to find out if you qualify for one of the merit-based partial tuition waivers.
Does the program offer teaching assistantships?
No.
I am applying for a scholarship in my home country and I need a letter of admission as part of that application. How do I obtain one?
You apply for the program. If your application is positively evaluated, you will receive a letter of acceptance from the Program Director.
Does my master degree have to be in a particular field?
No, although successful students often have a strong background in the social sciences and humanities.
Where will classes be held?
The majority of MAAS classes will be held in Ghent at Ghent University classrooms in the Blandijnberg building. At least one class will be held at the Center for American Studies (Royal Library) in Brussels, which boasts a very rich book collection and is conveniently located just next to the Central Station.
Will housing assistance be provided by the program?
While tuition does not cover the price of room and board, international students on the MAAS program will be offered a place in a university dormitory. See our separate Housing page. For a good overview of the average cost of living in Ghent, go to Ghent University's student life pages. The International Students Adviser Ms. Charlotte Moulin (charlotte.moulin@ugent.be) can provide you with information and support in order to have a successful stay. Please also check UGent's webpage for international degree students.
When will I be expected in Ghent?
Classes start in the final full week of September, and are prefaced by a welcome meeting on the preceding Friday. The first semester takes 12 weeks and ends just before Christmas. The university is closed for the two weeks that contain Christmas day and New Year's. For some courses, exams will be held in January; several are examined by means of a final paper, though, and do not have an exam in January. The second semester starts in February; it, too, takes 12 weeks, lasting until around mid-May. Again, some courses have an exam in June but several will have been assessed by means of a final paper. The university is closed for two weeks at Easter.
The master thesis is due at the end of May for students who aim to finish all work by the end of June. It is also possible to submit the thesis by early August and to graduate by the end of the supplementary exam period, which takes place between mid August and mid September.
The full academic calendar can be found here.
For international students, UGent organizes Welcome Days in the week before classes start. Participation is strongly recommended.
Can I apply if I have a Bachelor's degree and no Master's degree? Can I apply if I am currently enrolled in a Bachelor's program?
Since the program is situated at "Ma-na-Ma" level, applicants with a higher education degree awarded in the Flemish Community must have an MA degree by the start of classes (in exceptional cases, the possibility of a GIT exists). For all international students, it is the responsibility of the Program Director to assess applicants' suitability for the program: a good bachelor-level degree, a persuasive motivation, and a strong command of the English language will be the key criteria.
Still have a question? You can find a wealth of information about the application and registration process, student visas, scholarships, and student life in Ghent at Ghent University’s website for prospective and admitted students! For more specific questions regarding the Program or your individual application, you are welcome to contact the Program directly at americanstudies@UGent.be.
Admissions are awarded on a rolling basis. Since the number of available places is limited to 25, early applications stand a better chance of success. International applicants requiring a student visa should in any case apply by 1 April to allow sufficient time for the full bureaucratic process
(applicants from the US should apply by 1 July; US applicants seeking a Fulbright grant for study should apply by mid-October of the year preceding enrolment). Non-visa requiring applicants should apply no later than 15 July. Local students may apply until the start of the academic year: final week of September. Such late applications will be considered as long as openings are available.
What are the tuition costs?
Applying to the MAAS program is free of charge.
The tuition rate for non-EU students is 24,790 € (subject to approval by the Board of Directors of Ghent University). This sum covers UGent's central registration fee, all classes and examinations, the thesis, institutional membership in the American Studies Association (ASA), and individual membership in Belgium's American Studies Association (BLASA). One dedicated Fulbright grant is available specifically for this program (application deadline: 13 Oct. 2015 for 2016-2017), which waives tuition and offers a monthly stipend. An offer at reduced tuition will be made to other candidates shortlisted for this grant, as well as to candidates whose academic profile closely matches the program’s primary target audience. Ghent University is an eligible institution under the U.S. Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). This means that students from the US can obtain an in-school deferment of repayment of Federal Family Education Program Loans and Federal Direct Student Loans. The identification number of Ghent University for the Title IV, HEA programs is OPE ID 04245300.
Several merit-based partial tuition waivers are available for EU students and students from Less Developed Countries. These waivers can be considerable in the case of students whose academic profile optimally matches the program’s primary target audience: holders of an MA degree, who possess advanced academic skills, have excellent English, but wish to extend their expertise in the areas we can best sustain. In such cases, tuition can be as low as 1,500 €. The application form contains a section in which you may apply for a partial tuition waiver.
To whom do I submit the application?
You submit your application to the MAAS Program Director, who will evaluate it and, assuming a positive evaluation, will issue you a letter of acceptance, mentioning your tuition rate. Keep this letter on hand, as you will need it to register as a student at Ghent University.
Is it possible to follow the Program on a part-time basis? What are the tuition costs for part-time students?
Part-time registration is not possible for international students requiring a student visa. Other students may be admitted to part-time study at the discretion of the Program Director. Part-time students pay a one-time UGent registration fee of 230 € + a tuition fee of 400 € per credit, a sum that can be reduced if the student qualifies for partial tuition waiving.
Can I be exempted from certain courses on the basis of prior coursework?
In exceptional cases, MAAS students can ask to be exempted from some of the coursework on the basis of prior relevant coursework in American Studies at the right level of study. Such exemptions are at the discretion of the program’s examination committee.
How long does the application process take?
The time it takes the Program Director to review application materials greatly depends on the individual case. Most applicants are interviewed over skype to ensure that there is a good fit between an applicant's needs and interests, and the program's offerings. On average, you may expect a decision within one month, though straightforward cases will receive a speedier answer. Once you have a formal letter of acceptance, issued by the MAAS Program Director and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, you can register with Ghent University’s Central Student Administration. For international students requiring a student visa, the Program Director needs to inform Student Administration, who will take steps for the University President to issue a formal Letter of Admission, which will be sent directly to you. This document, of which only one copy is issued, will enable you to obtain a visa; consular services will return it to you, once your visa has been awarded, so that you may use it for other purposes as needed.
I’ve been admitted to the program. How do I officially enroll as a student?
Registration takes place in person at Ghent University’s Central Student Administration office. It is carried out at once for students who pay the tuition fee in cash or, more commonly, by credit card or bank card valid in Belgium. For those who do not possess such a card, there is a possibility of paying by bank transfer. In that case, a bank transfer form with a structured reference will be given to you after completing the administrative enrollment formalities. In some cases, it is sent to you later. The structural reference is unique to your enrollment and will automatically link your payment to your enrollment. Enrollment is only final upon receipt of your payment.
How will I know if I have been admitted to MAAS?
You will receive a formal letter of acceptance from the Program Director by email.
What is the difference between a letter of acceptance and a letter of admission?
A letter of acceptance is issued by the Program Director. It certifies that your application has been positively reviewed and that you have permission to enroll in the program. You need this letter to register with the Central Student Administration upon arriving in Ghent. A letter of admission, on the other hand, is issued by the Rector. Only international students requiring student visas will receive this letter, as it is required as part of the visa application.
Can I submit my application materials electronically?
All application materials must be submitted electronically to americanstudies@UGent.be (unless the applicant does not have reliable access to a computer, in which case application materials may be submitted by post).
Do I need to submit GRE scores with my application?
No, GRE scores are not factored into admission decisions.
Do I need to have a certain GPA to apply for the program?
Students should be able to demonstrate a high level of achievement in their past academic pursuits, but the program sets no strict baseline measure for this.
Do I need a TOEFL or IELTS certificate to satisfy the language requirement?
If you are applying based on a diploma granted by a university outside of Flanders, the answer is most likely yes. See our Admission Requirements page.
Are there scholarships available?
Although several merit-based partial tuition waivers are available for EU students, which can be considerable in the case of students whose academic profile optimally matches the MAAS program’s primary target audience, they are not scholarships as such. Go to Ghent University's scholarship page for information about scholarship opportunities offered to international students studying in Belgium, including students from LDC countries. US citizens may be eligible for a Fulbright-administered grant. Fill in and submit the MAAS application form to find out if you qualify for one of the merit-based partial tuition waivers.
Does the program offer teaching assistantships?
No.
I am applying for a scholarship in my home country and I need a letter of admission as part of that application. How do I obtain one?
You apply for the program. If your application is positively evaluated, you will receive a letter of acceptance from the Program Director.
Does my master degree have to be in a particular field?
No, although successful students often have a strong background in the social sciences and humanities.
Where will classes be held?
The majority of MAAS classes will be held in Ghent at Ghent University classrooms in the Blandijnberg building. At least one class will be held at the Center for American Studies (Royal Library) in Brussels, which boasts a very rich book collection and is conveniently located just next to the Central Station.
Will housing assistance be provided by the program?
While tuition does not cover the price of room and board, international students on the MAAS program will be offered a place in a university dormitory. See our separate Housing page. For a good overview of the average cost of living in Ghent, go to Ghent University's student life pages. The International Students Adviser Ms. Charlotte Moulin (charlotte.moulin@ugent.be) can provide you with information and support in order to have a successful stay. Please also check UGent's webpage for international degree students.
When will I be expected in Ghent?
Classes start in the final full week of September, and are prefaced by a welcome meeting on the preceding Friday. The first semester takes 12 weeks and ends just before Christmas. The university is closed for the two weeks that contain Christmas day and New Year's. For some courses, exams will be held in January; several are examined by means of a final paper, though, and do not have an exam in January. The second semester starts in February; it, too, takes 12 weeks, lasting until around mid-May. Again, some courses have an exam in June but several will have been assessed by means of a final paper. The university is closed for two weeks at Easter.
The master thesis is due at the end of May for students who aim to finish all work by the end of June. It is also possible to submit the thesis by early August and to graduate by the end of the supplementary exam period, which takes place between mid August and mid September.
The full academic calendar can be found here.
For international students, UGent organizes Welcome Days in the week before classes start. Participation is strongly recommended.
Can I apply if I have a Bachelor's degree and no Master's degree? Can I apply if I am currently enrolled in a Bachelor's program?
Since the program is situated at "Ma-na-Ma" level, applicants with a higher education degree awarded in the Flemish Community must have an MA degree by the start of classes (in exceptional cases, the possibility of a GIT exists). For all international students, it is the responsibility of the Program Director to assess applicants' suitability for the program: a good bachelor-level degree, a persuasive motivation, and a strong command of the English language will be the key criteria.
Still have a question? You can find a wealth of information about the application and registration process, student visas, scholarships, and student life in Ghent at Ghent University’s website for prospective and admitted students! For more specific questions regarding the Program or your individual application, you are welcome to contact the Program directly at americanstudies@UGent.be.