University Of Antwerp

About UAntwerp

Mission statement

The University of Antwerp is a young, dynamic and forward-thinking university. It integrates the assets of its historic roots with its ambition to contribute positively to society.

The University of Antwerp develops, provides access to and disseminates scientific knowledge through research, teaching and service to society. It carries out these tasks in a spirit of academic freedom and responsibility.

The University of Antwerp espouses active pluralism. In that spirit, it stimulates critical research and teaching, reflection and debate on scientific, social, philosophical and ethical questions.

The University of Antwerp conducts creative and innovative scientific research which strives for international excellence. It stimulates both basic and applied research and their valorisation.

The University of Antwerp offers internationally accredited academic teaching based on scientific research. It aims at the development and integration of knowledge, skills and attitudes that will prepare its students to take responsibility in society.

The University of Antwerp stimulates public debate and greatly values its staff and students' service to society.

The University of Antwerp is active in a global environment. It stimulates its staff and students international orientation.

The University of Antwerp is committed to the development of its city and region. With its partners in the Antwerp University Association, it takes responsibility for higher education in the Antwerp region.

The University of Antwerp attaches great importance to its close, historic links withAntwerp University Hospital and Antwerp Management School. It seeks constructive partnerships in the fields of research, teaching and academic service to society. In addition, the University shares its expertise with both public and private partners.

The University of Antwerp fosters diversity and offers its staff and students equal opportunities and maximum potential for personal development.

The University of Antwerp ensures the quality (education - research) and sustainability of its activities. Its contact with students, staff and other stakeholders is constructive, respectful and open-minded.

Three core tasks

The University of Antwerp develops, unlocks and disseminates scientific knowledge through research, education and services in a spirit of academic freedom and responsibility. The University of Antwerp promotes active pluralism. Taking this approach, we encourage critical research, education, reflection and debate around scientific, societal, philosophical and ethical issues.

Internationalisation

Students at the University of Antwerp are offered maximum opportunities for acquiringinternational learning experiences. We pursue an active policy of international cooperation which aims, for example:

• to promote student exchanges
• to foster an open global vision among our students
• to develop international training components and study programmes
• to attract talented students from abroad

• Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences

• Faculty of Law

• Faculty of Science

  The Faculty of Science organizes, coordinates, implements and promotes academic education in itsprogrammes, scientific research and scientific services in the areas for which it is responsible: bioscience-engineering, biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics-informatics.

• Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

• Faculty of Arts

• Faculty of Social Sciences

• Faculty of Applied Economics

• Faculty of Design Sciences

• Faculty of Applied Engineering

History of UAntwerp

1852

In 1852, two commercial institutes were founded in Antwerp: the Rijkshandelshogeschool (the State School of Economics) and the Sint-Ignatius Handelshogeschool (the Sint Ignatius School of Economics). Initially geared to business and commerce, they helped to make Antwerp a world centre for commerce and culture.

1965

In 1965, the two commercial institutes gained university status and became Faculties for Economic Science. Studies in Medicine at undergraduate level were added to the Rijkshandelshogeschool, together with the first and second year of the Science courses, and renamed RUCA (Rijksuniversitair Centrum Antwerpen). The Sint Ignatius School of Economics expanded and offered first and second year courses in Arts and Social Sciences, and Law. In 1965, it was officially renamed UFSIA (Universitaire Faculteiten Sint-Ignatius te Antwerpen)

1971

In 1971, the third institute, the UIA (Universitaire Instelling Antwerpen) was founded. It offers second cycle studies to students from UFSIA and RUCA, post-graduates and PhD programmes.

1973

In 1973, these three institutions began to cooperate as a confederation under the name 'University of Antwerp' - 'UA' (Universiteit Antwerpen). Committed to closer cooperation, in 1995 an act of the Flemish parliament secured this cooperation by giving the UA a confederate structure. The confederation is governed by the Board of the UA and is directed by a Vice-Chancellor.

2003

In October 2003, they were finally brought together to form the University of Antwerp we know today.

2013-'14

In academic year 2013-'14, the university will welcome two new faculties.

• Artesis University College Antwerp's courses on product development and architecture will be integrated in the Faculty of Design Sciences at the University of Antwerp.
• Similarly, the engineering programmes at Karel de Grote University College and Artesis University College Antwerp will merge with the Faculty of Applied Engineering. 
• Translation and interpreting courses will join the Faculty of Arts, while rehabilitation sciences and physiotherapy will be incorporated in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Accreditation

Institutional Accreditation or Recognition - Vlaams Ministerie van Onderwijs en Vorming, België

Year of first Accreditation - 2003

Rankings

• As of 2014, the University of Antwerp ranks as 170th globally according to Times Higher Education
• 205th according to QS World University Rankings
• Between the 301 and 400th place according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Student LIfe @UAntwerp

Student associations

All work and no play? If you are looking for some distraction besides your studies, you could join one of the University of Antwerp's student associations.  The student associations are also a fun way to meet new people or get involved in a good cause in your free time.

VUAS

Verenigde Universiteit Antwerpen Studenten (VUAS) defends the interests of students and student associations at all levels. It consists of representatives of the presidents of two umbrella associations, i.e. Unifac (Stadscampus) and ASK-Stuwer (Campus Middelheim/Groenenborger and Campus Drie Eiken). 
 
These umbrella associations are responsible for the practical organisation of on-campus student life.  They coordinate collaboration between the various faculty associations, inform students about all on-campus events and organise numerous activities such as 'cantussen' (singing and drinking events), parties, a film week, cocktail parties, student balls, a go-kart race and several other events. 

Along with the Student Council these umbrella associations ensure that students are represented in various bodies of the University of Antwerp and the City of Antwerp.

Student associations by faculty or department

• Aesculapia - Medicine
• Brabo – Applied Engineering
• Biomedica – Biomedical Sciences
• Conservamus - Conservation and restoration
• Demetris – Bio-engineering
• Diefka - Veterinary Sciences
• EESTEC - Informatica
• ELSA - European Law Students Association
• EMSA - European Medical Students Association
• Fabiant - Biology
• KDA - Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Klio - History   
• Kinesia - Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy 
• Lingua – Linguistics and Literature
• Modulor - Architecture and Interior Architecture
• PoStuRa - Product Development
• PSW – Political and Social Sciences
• Socio-Economica - Social-Economic Sciences
• Sofia - Law
• Translatio - Applied Linguistics
• UFKA - Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Vulcanis - Industrial engineers, City Campus
• SV Vigilantia - Safety Sciences
• Wikings-NSK - Applied Economics
• WINAK  - Maths, IT and Physics

Regional student associations

• Andoverpia –Antwerp region
• Nordkempus – Kempen region

Student associations for diversity and internationalization

• AIESEC UA - international internships & voluntary work
• AntwerpMUN - Model United Nations is an authentic simulation of specific UN committees
• Chinese Students and Scholars Association in Antwerp: contact - cssa.antwerp@gmail.com
• De Flamingo's (LGBT students)
• EESTEC - Electrical Engineering STudents’ European assoCiation
• ELSA - European Law Students Association
• EMSA - European Medical Students Association
• Erasmus Student Network Antwerp (ESN)
• Mahara - Islamic inspired association
• Prisma - solidarity association
• Student Focus - intercultural association
• Turkish Organized Youth (TOY)

Culture and organising events

The Culture Service can help you organise a cultural event.  Concerts, exhibitions, theatrical performances... Want to add a cultural aspect to your event? Then contact our Culture Service.

• Culture vouchers
• Events
• Art on Campus
• Culture commission

Sports 

A healthy mind in a healthy body. Sport is good for you, of course, but it also helps you unwind and study better.

Infrastructure

The University of Antwerp has its own sport facilities on several campuses.

UAntwerp Plus Pass

The University of Antwerp’s Sport and Cultural Services are combining all their deals for students into one fantastic package: the UAntwerp Plus Pass. This pass gives you access to the University of Antwerp’s sports facilities, the UAntwerp Plus Culture deals and the entire range of sports services offered by the Antwerp University Association.

The pass costs €20 and will be partly or completely refunded by your health insurance provider.

Services of UAntwerp

Medical problems

Visiting a GP / student doctor
For over 25 years, GPs organised special consultation hours just for students on the university campuses at lunchtime. Unfortunately, our GPs are getting busier and busier and so the difficult decision was made that campus consultations would no longer be organised from academic year 2012-2013.
Responsibility for students' health has been transferred to a network of GPs near the campuses: the aim is to ensure that the partner GPs see their students/patients as quickly as possible, even though they are not officially registered at the practice. These GPs charge a normal fee, which is then reimbursed for the most part by your health insurance fund.
You can only be referred to these GPs by the Stadscampus STIP or by the Offices for Student Affairs at the other campuses.

Social and financial problems

Do you have financial problems or questions about your social status? Contact the Office for Student Affairs (STIP).

The Office for Student Affairs provides information about the scholarship regulations. You can request financial aid from the Office for Student Affairs under certain conditions: an advance payment of your scholarship, the spread or reduction of tuition fees, a financial intervention in the cost of studying.

The Office for Student Affairs can also help you with any questions you may have about social and legal matters, such as family allowance, health insurance, student employment and much more.

The service's staff can tell you what you are or may be entitled to as a student.

Vegetable bags

Vegetable bags in partnership with Voedselteams Antwerpen vzw.

Choose organic fruit and veg thanks to the weekly supply of vegetable bags. Now you can make sure you always have organic products at home by picking them up - very conveniently - on your own campus.

The University of Antwerp and Artesis University College have both offered their financial support and thanks to them we are able to offer vegetable (and/or fruit) bags again this year.

Psychological difficulties

Is the stress getting too much? Are you worried that you will fail your course? Feeling mixed up about something? Has your relationship ended?  Don't bear the burden alone. Talk to a student counsellor and see what kind of help is available. Some of the options include internal counselling, training and referrals. 

Why choose UAntwerp?

We are  ranked 13th in the QS University Ranking Top 50 Under 50 (2015). 

The University of Antwerp has about 20 000 students, which makes it the third largest university in Flanders. Up to 16% of our students are international students.  The University of Antwerp is characterised by its high standards in education, internationally competitive research and entrepreneurial approach.

Antwerp is a charming city. Apart from the fact that the city is well known for its international port and for being a world centre for diamond trade, it has many excellent museums and historical monuments, as well as a great nightlife scene, fine shopping districts, and a booming commercial centre.

In short: all ingredients for an unforgettable stay!