Tuition fee
The tuition fee to enroll into Oceans & Lakes is the same for all students (Belgian, EEA and non-EEA).
The tuition fee consists of a fixed amount and a variable amount:
- the fixed amount is a fixed cost which is paid once per academic year: 288 €
- the variable amount is a specific amount per ECTS credit in the students' year programme: 13,8 € per ECTS
The tuition fee = the fixed amount + (the variable amount x the number of registered ECTS credits). For example for one year with 60 ECTS, the fee will be 1116 € per year. For more details have a look here.
Living costs and other expenses
Next to the VUB tuition fee (no tuition fee required by UGent and UAntwerp for Oceans & Lakes students), students should provide at least 1000,- EUR per month. In total, the recommended minimum amounts to provide are :
- One-year programme : aprox. 10.200 EUR - 10.750 EUR
- Two-year programme : aprox. 20.000 EU
For a detailed description of monthly expenses see here
Field courses
Students should take into consideration the costs in the first master year for the field courses. The contributions is 50€, 200€ or 250 € (different price per field course) for the optional Field course, and 310 euro € for the compulsory field course (this might be subject to change; always check final amount in latest version of course file).
Transport costs
Students must take into consideration costs for transport between the 3 universities. Train tickets will cost you about €2000 to €4000 for the 2 years of the programme. The exact amount also depends on your age, your major, the location of your thesis topic, your place of residence etc.
More info about train ticket options for students:
For students under 26 years old:
1) Seasonal tickets (limitless on same trajectory within certain period): https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/tickets-and-railcards/students-season-ticket
--> For a ticket for 12 months between Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp, you pay around €1000 (for a full year); exact info and amount to be asked at NMBS/SNCB station.
2) Flex Season Ticket (for 2 to 3 travels per week on same trajectory, max. 10 per month): https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/tickets-and-railcards/flex-abonnement/personal
--> For a ticket for 1 month between for example Ghent and Brussels, you pay around €150, exact info and amount to be asked at NMBS/SNCB station.
3) Student Multi (2-3 weeks per week on same trajectory): https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/tickets-and-railcards/campus
--> Each train ride costs around €1,50.
4) Youth Multi ticket (10 single trips): https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/tickets-and-railcards/gopass10
--> the total ticket of 10 trips costs €62.
For students over 26 years old:
1) Standard abonnement (limitless on same trajectory within certain period): https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/tickets-and-railcards/section-season-ticket
--> For a ticket for 12 months between Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp, you pay around €3000 (for a full year); exact info and amount to be asked at NMBS/SNCB station.
2) Flex Season Ticket (for 2 to 3 travels per week on same trajectory, max. 10 per month): https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/tickets-and-railcards/flex-abonnement/personal
--> For a ticket for 1 month between for example Ghent and Brussels, you pay around €150, exact info and amount to be asked at NMBS/SNCB station.
3) Standard Multi ticket (10 single trips): https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/tickets-and-railcards/railpass
--> the total ticket of 10 trips costs €102.
! Important note: you might be entitled to half-price rail travel ('preferential reimbursement ticket'). Please check your status with your Belgian national insurance (e.g. Helan). They will provide you with the necessary documents to apply for it.
