Study Abroad? Destination Ghent! - Universiteit Gent

1.2. Associations
The Higher Education Act also offered the opportunity to establish associations
between universities and university colleges. An association is
an official entity regulating the cooperation between a university and one
or more university colleges. They improve interaction between education
and research. In Flanders there are five associations.
1.3. Flexible learning paths
Higher education institutions in Flanders operate a full-fledged credit
system based on ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). Each course
unit carries a minimum of 3 ECTS credits. One ECTS credit equals 25 to
30 hours of study.
Course units are independent components for which students may
enrol according to their own choice and time, taking into account the
semester-based system and assessment. Students can opt for a standard
learning path of 60 ECTS credits per year, for a part-time learning
path, or for an individual learning path adjusted to their specific needs.
Students can obtain exemptions from course units based on credits
acquired elsewhere and on competencies acquired outside a formal
learning context. These competencies are assessed by the institutions.
Important notice for foreign students
Students from countries not belonging to the European Economic Region
(EER) and requesting a residential permit can only register for a full-time
diploma contract. They will not be granted a residential permit upon attempting
to obtain any other type of registration (a part-time or individual
trajectory diploma contract, a credit contract or an exam contract).
1.4. Degrees
After successfully completing at least 180 ECTS credits, students obtain
a bachelor degree. Professional bachelor degrees prepare students for
specific professions in industry, education, commerce, health, etc. To that
purpose, courses are practice-oriented and include periods of work placement.
These degrees are only awarded by the university colleges. Some
university colleges also offer advanced bachelor programmes, which
cover at least 60 ECTS credits. These programmes are only accessible for
students already holding a bachelor degree. Academic bachelor degrees,
on the other hand, prepare students for studies at master’s level. These
degrees are awarded by universities and some university colleges.
Master programmes are characterised by the integration of education
and research and a master’s thesis. They cover at least 60 ECTS credits.
Depending on the field of study programmes last longer. A master degree
is required for admission to an advanced master degree. Master and
advanced master programmes are organised at universities or university
colleges in the framework of an association.
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