In 2013, VIVES officially started its journey. It was formed through the merger of two universities of applied sciences in the province of West Flanders, both bringing along decades of acclaimed education. With 7 campuses, VIVES is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Flanders. VIVES was named after Juan Luis Vives, one of Europe’s most important humanists in the 16th century.
VIVES University of Applied Sciences, with its modern and competence-based higher education, its innovative practical research, and its services provided to society, offers an adequate response to the social challenges of today and tomorrow. VIVES is appreciative, friendly, and people-centered, concentrating on practice-oriented bachelor degrees. In doing so we ensure that our students contribute to the globalised world both as human beings and as professionals.
VIVES gives centre stage to responsibility and ownership, and appreciation and respect for each individual.
VIVES involves students and staff in research whenever possible. To enhance continuous innovation, we expect students to be able to carry out research and apply results. Deliberately so, as graduates will be working in a professional world that is constantly and rapidly changing.
After successfully obtaining your bachelor’s degree at VIVES, further study opportunities include:
a one-year advanced bachelor’s degree International Management, for those looking to enhance their business skills. Accessible with any bachelor’s degree
postgraduate degrees, combinable with a first job opportunity
an extra bachelor’s degree through a shortened study route (1 to 1.5 years, programmes in Dutch)
a master’s degree at a university
study opportunities abroad
Students’ voices count. Participation opportunities within VIVES are available at various levels. Each year we look for students who love extra challenges as student representatives.
Student representatives at VIVES:
In Kortrijk, the VIVES student residence offers housing to 80 international students and 25 Belgian students. It is a vibrant student community of mixed nationalities, in the centre of town. Looking for a place right next to your classroom? Our brand-new Sky tower – the highest point in Kortrijk – is based on campus and also offers rooms to international students.
In Bruges, our on-campus student residence The Crown is the jewel for both national and international students.
VIVES University of Applied Sciences has four physical libraries, in Bruges, Torhout, Kortrijk and Roeselare. Use our libraries to study, to do research or to create audiovisual projects. Located in Ostend? CoCon, our library service, sends requested books to campus. Many resources, both books and magazines, are available in English.
VIVES has an IT service desk that is available for student via email and phone. Students can access the service desk by going to the corresponding webpage. In Bruges and Kortrijk, there is a physical service desk available.
VIVES does not offer healthcare on campus but the International Office supports students in case of illness or diseases.
Check your own Health Services and ask for a proof of your right for medical cover abroad.
Non-EU-students should check with a private insurance company.
The insurance package must include hospitalisation, dental care and repatriation. Medical costs are high in Belgium.
VIVES, that is 7 campuses – 3 of them with English-taught programmes – in 5 cities, all located near the city centre. Need caffeine in the morning? Pick up your cup at a take-away station. Lunch with classmates? The student restaurant awaits. For those looking to make new friends, we recommend the sports or cultural activities organised by our student services office STUVO, many of them specifically aimed at international students. No worries about getting to campus either: public transportation and bike lease all come with high discounts for students.
There’s lots to experience around your campus, and certainly not just in classrooms and text books. Our student services office STUVO is mad about sports and they offer a varied range of low-cost activities. Your student card will give you great discounts at many sports centres.
There are student associations in on all campuses. In the beginning of the academic year, attend one of the info sessions if you’re interested in are organised, and possibilities offered to becomeing a member.
Based on 12 reviews
The VIVES University of Applied Sciences is a suitable place for studying. It has a well-structured academic basis and various ways of spending free time. All the lessons are well-structured, and during the practical sessions, we have a great chance to put into practice what was taught at school. The modern and clean facilities at the campus make it suitable for study purposes. One unique thing in VIVES is its motivation toward community bonding. They often organize fun activities during the year; most of them are free for students. It is pretty easy to unwind and find new friends this way. I also like how the staff is supportive. They are friendly and always ready to help if needed. In summary, VIVES mixes education with fun student experiences, which makes it a great choice for anyone wanting more than classes.
It is a small campus which is not yet commonly known. They are trying to adjust their way of working to include international students, however they still have a long way to go. You can tell the focus still lies with the national students. Administration does help with the housing, the financial situations (providing student jobs, information about social security, rent etc.) and everything you need. Lecturers are mostly experienced in field work and are passionate to share their experiences with their students. The amount of international lecturers however is insufficient, as the international pool of students keeps on growing.
VIVES University of Applied Sciences really nails that combo of theory and practical learning. Useful information is jam-packed into the courses, and the lab sessions are seriously awesome since we get to mess around with all kinds of aircraft and even helicopters. Plus, all the resources they give us really help us take what we learn in class and use it in the real world without any hassle. You know, some teachers like to let us figure things out ourselves, but most of them are super into explaining stuff and really good at it. All in all, VIVES is a great pick for anyone wanting hands-on, future-oriented learning.
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