International applications

Diploma requirements

Every admission file is assessed on its own merit.

Bachelor's

• A secondary education diploma that gives access to higher education (university studies) in the country where the diploma has been issued.

Short-track, advanced bachelors or postgraduate certificate programmes

• At least a bachelor's degree. Additionally, you need to meet specific diploma requirements indicated on the programme pages

If these documents are in a language other than Dutch, French, German or English, they must be translated by a sworn translator. 

Still in secondary school?

If you are in your final year of secondary studies, you can still start the application process after admissions open. You will need to provide us with your current secondary transcript and an official document from your institution stating when you are expected to graduate and with what kind of diploma. We encourage students not to wait until the summer and apply as early as possible. This will ensure that they can start looking for accommodation, arrange visa on time and arrive to Belgium worry-free to their academic journey at Howest.

Applying from The Netherlands?

•    a Dutch Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) diploma
•    a Dutch Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs (MBO) diploma of at least 3 to 4 years with qualification level 4
•    a Dutch Getuigschrift van met goed gevolg afgelegd propedeutisch examen

If you are in possession of one of these diplomas, you do not have to apply for admission and you can enroll directly via this link.

French or German-speaking Communities in Belgium?

You do not need to submit an application for admission. Your diploma gives access to our bachelor's programmes, provided you can submit a proof of meeting the language requirement (Dutch or English, depending on the programme you choose). Send a copy of your diploma and proof of language proficiency to admissions [at] howest.be. If you meet the language requirements, you will receive a ‘Certificate of Acceptance’ and you can register directly via this link. 

The following foreign study certificates/diplomas are eligible for enrolment in associate degree programmes at Howest:

• all diplomas listed under diploma requirements for our bachelor's programmes.
• a Dutch diploma ‘Hoger algemeen voorgezet onderwijs (HAVO)’. This diploma gives direct access to our associate degree programmes. You do not have to submit an application for admission. You can enrol directly via this link. 

Admissions examination

If you don not meet the conditions above, you may still apply via an admissions examination. For further information please visit this section of our website: special procedures for the admission examination and contact Ms Els Gobbin at toelatingsonderzoek [at] howest.be

Language requirements

The minimum level required is the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference. 

The following documents are accepted as proof of English language proficiency:

• a recent TOEFL Certificate: minimum score: 550 points (paper-based), 213 points (computer-based) or 79 points (internet-based);
• a recent IELTS Certificate from the British Council: minimum score 5.5;
• a GCSE Certificate English with score A*-C;
• one of the following Cambridge English certificates: First Certificate in English (FCE), Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE):
• a certificate of the English language Test awarded by the University Language Center (UCT) of Ghent University;
• a Dutch diploma “Voorbereidend wetenschappelijk onderwijs” (VWO);
• an International Baccalaureate diploma in English or with a minimum grade of 5 for the course English A or B high level or minimum grade 6 for the course English B standard level;
• a European Baccalaureate diploma with English as first language and a score of at least 6, or as second language and a score of at least 7;
• proof that you have successfully completed at least one year of a full-time English-taught study programme in secondary education or at least 30 credits of an English-taught study programme in higher education have been successfully completed;
• a Duolingo Language Certificate with a minimum score of 110 or higher; or
• IELTS Indicator: minimum score of 6.5.

If you are planning to study in Dutch, the following are accepted as proof of Dutch language proficiency: 

• proof that you have successfully completed at least a one year of a full-time Dutch-taught programme in secondary education or that at least 30 credits of a Dutch-taught study programme in higher education have been obtained;
• a CEF certificate for level B2 Dutch (or higher), equivalent to the requirements set forth in the Proficiency Profile for Higher Education by the Dutch Language Union; 
• an NT2 certificate, Vantage 3.1+ 3.2  (speaking and writing) from a centre for adult education; 
• an Interuniversitaire Taaltest Nederlands voor Anderstaligen (ITNA) certificate at level B2;
• an NVA5 certificate from the Universitair Centrum voor Talenonderwijs of UGent.
• Educatief Startbekwaam or Educatief Professioneel certificate from CNaVT; or
• proof of successful Staatsexamen NTII Programma II (issued by the College voor Toetsen en Examens in Nederlands [College for Tests and Examinations in The Netherlands]). 

Motivation letter

Make sure to write the motivation letter in the same language as the language of instruction of the program you have chosen.

Additional requirements

• To apply for Howest's Bachelor of Educational/Teacher Training Programmes (Nursery Education, Primary Education and Secondary Education), you must first take the entry examination (information in Dutch).
• Chinese students must also pass the APS-screening. 
• For students from Cameroon, Nigeria or Ghana. The institution where you have obtained your diploma must send us a copy of your diploma and transcript of records in a stamped and sealed envelope.

There is no portfolio requirement for our creative programmes.