Frequently Asked Questions

Which documents should accompany my application to the LLM programme?
Which are the language requirements for LLM candidates?

The LLM programmes strongly emphasize the need to have a good command of English. Without it, it will prove impossible to aptly follow the LLM programmes. All candidates must, therefore, provide proof of English proficiency by way of IELTS or TOEFL test scores (also, ITACE test for Belgian applicants). Other tests will not be considered and the proof of English proficiency is to be provided to the programme before the commencement of the LLM session for which one is applying.

Which are the conditions for application?

The following conditions make you eligible for application to the LLM programmes: 

When can I apply? Is there a deadline for application?

We welcome applications anytime from October onwards for the following academic year. Given the limited number of places in the programmes, early applications are highly recommended, especially  for candidates requiring visa (in such case, please, apply by the end of February as chances to make it to Ghent on time are, otherwise, limited).

When may I expect news on the status of my application?

The Law School's International Relations Office confirms receipt of candidates' applications by email as soon as possible and will, in the event of missing documents, request these. In this case, candidates are requested to submit missing documents as soon as possible thereafter. 

Each candidate is strongly encouraged to submit all requested documents when sending his/her application. Late submission of documents may cause delay in the admission procedures of the university. 

I am in my final year of law studies. May I apply to the LLM programme if I do not yet have my diploma?

If you are a last year law student, you can submit an application to the LLM programmes, even if you are not yet in the possession of your diploma. The selection board may elect to admit you to the programme on the condition that you obtain and submit a duly certified copy of your law degree before the commencement of the next LLM session. All applications should in any case be accompanied by a transcript of records (list of results obtained in previous years for each of the Law School courses). 

How can I get a duly certified copy of my diploma? Can the translation of degree be certified by a notary or must it be certified only by "apostille". Or both?

The copy or translation of the degree must be duly certified by the Belgian Embassy or Consulate General of your home country. For countries where the Hague Legalization Convention applies, certification may also be done by "apostille", to be delivered by the competent authority. For further information on which countries fall under the Hague Convention, please consult: http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=conventions.authorities&cid=41  

Can I obtain financial aid from the LLM programme? Which scholarship opportunities are there?

Ghent University is a state university, and its policy is to keep tuition fee to a minimum (for the LLM programmes, it is expected to be 5524 Euro). However, the University provides few Top-Up Grants, the details of which can be found at this link: https://www.ugent.be/en/research/funding/devcoop/grants-scholarships/top...

Which is the procedure following admission to the LLM programme?

Ghent University Law School will send successful candidates a preliminary letter of admission informing them of the selection board's decision. The letter contains detailed instructions regarding the further steps to be taken.

Where can I find more information on the university dorms and on the rooms available for the LLM programme?

Most of the information about the accommodation Ghent University can be found on the website of the housing department, found here: https://www.ugent.be/en/facilities/housing .
For further information about accommodation at Ghent University, please contact Mrs. Van Den Branden at the Housing Department at e-mail: Myriam.Vandenbranden@UGent.be.  

Some general information with regard to the university dorm for LLM students: 

Where can I find further information on visa and residence in Belgium?

For information on visa and residence it may be useful to check the conditions and procedures on the site of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.diplomatie.be/en/default.asp

Moreover, on this site you can also find information on the Belgian embassies and consulates and how to contact them. See http://www.diplomatie.be/en/addresses/abroad/default.asp

Where can I find further information on the university language center and on the language courses and tests made available to prospective LLM students?

For information on the University's Language Center, please consult http://www.uct.ugent.be/eng/index.htm

Further information on language training and tests, can be obtained via email: uct@UGent.be

What is the "participation reservation fee"?

Following admission to the LLM programme, the Law School will ask you to make a "participation reservation" payment (around 300 EUR) before a given deadline. Receipt of the payment guarantees your place in the next LLM session. If the payment is not received by the deadline, the LLM programmes reserve the right to withdraw you from the list of the selected candidates, and give your place to a candidate on the waiting list. 
The payment is non-refundable in case of non-participation in the next LLM session.

Where can I find further information on job and research opportunities whilst studying in the LLM programmes?

The university has a job service for enrolled students. Students can check if there are suitable job offers. The contact person for job search at the university is Mr. R. Mendonck at Robert.Mendonck@UGent.be or at tel: +32 9 264 70 74. The jobs within the university vary in length and contents. 

Can I make my housing reservation later?

As the demand for rooms on campus exceeds the offer by far and large, university housing reservations should be made as soon as possible after admission to the LLM programmes. Reservations for rooms at a university dorm made after the end of June cannot be guaranteed. Only 25 rooms are at the disposal of the LLM programmes, so reservation requests are necessarily handled on a first come, first served basis.