Thomas More University of Applied Sciences
Mechelen
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
Thomas More – the largest choice of English bachelors in Belgium
Thomas More University of Applied Sciences is the largest university of applied sciences in Flanders, with about 21,000 students and campuses across the province of Antwerp – in Mechelen, Antwerp, Geel and other cities. It offers the widest portfolio of English-taught professional bachelor programs in Belgium, so if you want to study in English, Thomas More gives you the most options in the country.
Thomas More is a pioneer of the learning-by-doing method: you study in innovative labs, work on real projects and complete an internship as a core part of every program. The university is a member of the KU Leuven Association and was the first university of applied sciences in Flanders to lead a European Universities Alliance.
Why students choose Thomas More
Choose Belgium’s widest English offer. Study business, technology, media, tourism and more.
Get an internship in every program. Work in Belgium or abroad through many company partners.
Meet students from 86+ countries. Build friendships with people from around the world.
Apply without extra barriers. There is no entrance exam or application fee.
Reach major European cities easily. Brussels and Antwerp are nearby. Paris, Amsterdam and London are within 300 km.
Join a university students rate highly. The admission process received a 4.7/5 student rating.
Study in Belgium - welcome to Thomas More
What can you study in English?
The English-taught Bachelor’s programs cover technology, business and media: Applied Computer Science, Automotive Technology, Electronics-ICT, International Digital Experience Design, International Business Management, International Communication and Media, International Journalism, International Tourism and Leisure and International Media and Entertainment Business. Several programs also offer a February start. The exact list of study programs available through the Kastu platform can be found at the top of this university description, next to the logo.
A warm community in the heart of Europe
All Thomas More campuses are located in the province of Antwerp, a region that combines historic cities with big-city connections. Mechelen sits exactly between Brussels and Antwerp – both about 20 minutes away by train. International student organisations ESN Mechelen and ESN Geel organise trips and events all year, and international buddies help new students from the moment they land at Brussels Airport. After graduation, the university even guides you through the steps of getting a post-study residence permit if you want to start your career in Belgium.
Quick facts about Thomas More
| Students | About 21,000 – the largest UAS in Flanders |
|---|---|
| Cities | Mechelen, Antwerp, Geel and other campuses in the province of Antwerp |
| English programs | 20+ English-taught degree programs – the widest choice in Belgium |
| Specialty | Learning by doing – labs, real projects and internship in every program |
| Network | Member of the KU Leuven Association |
FAQ
Is there an application deadline for EU students?
For EU/EEA students there is no strict application deadline for bachelor programs – you can apply up to the start of the semester. Still, it is smart to apply early to have enough time for housing and practical preparations.
What do I need to be admitted?
Only three things: a secondary school diploma that gives access to higher education in your country, proof of English at B2 level (for example IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79 or Duolingo 110), and a valid passport or ID. There are no entrance exams, no application fee and no limit on the number of admitted students.
Can I start in February?
Yes – several English-taught programs offer a spring (February) intake in addition to the September start. The available start dates are always shown in the program description.
Bachelor
Entry qualification
- Transcript of Records – If you have not yet completed Secondary School, you must upload a transcript showing your current grades. You can find the transcript template here.
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate – If you have already completed Secondary School, you do not need to upload a separate transcript. Simply upload your Secondary School Leaving Certificate to the application.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you completed your previous education.
Note:
- A motivation letter is not a required document when applying to the programmes at this university.
English language requirements
You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Master
Entry qualification
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
English language requirements
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Top-up
Entry qualification
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s/Master's diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s/Master's diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
English language requirements
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Housing at Thomas More – residences and student rooms in every campus city
Thomas More has its own residences in Mechelen and Antwerp. It also helps you find private rooms in every campus city.
Mechelen – Residence Kruidtuin: choose from 51 rooms and four studios. Rooms are 12–19 m² and cost about €470 per month. A private studio costs about €640. Two rooms are wheelchair accessible.
Antwerp – Residence National: the building houses 50 students. Rooms cost about €498–531 per month. A private studio costs about €559. Four rooms are wheelchair accessible.
Other campus cities: rooms cost about €310 in Geel. They cost €334 in Turnhout and €377 in Lier.
Private market: search verified listings through opkot.thomasmore.be. In Antwerp, you can also use Kotweb.
University residence places are limited. Start your search after your application is approved.
Good to know before you rent
In Belgium, the rental guarantee is usually two months of rent, placed on a blocked bank account – you get it back at the end of the contract if the room is in good condition. If utilities are not included in the rent, plan roughly €100–150 per month extra. Belgian law also requires an official inventory report of the room’s condition at the start of the contract, which protects you as a tenant. Thomas More’s housing team (housing@thomasmore.be) can advise whether a landlord is trustworthy – always check before you pay anything. Start your search as soon as your application is approved, because the cheapest rooms go fast.
Welcome to Belgium!
From Brussels Airport to your new home - see how Thomas More welcomes new international students.
FAQ
Which city is the cheapest for Thomas More students?
Smaller campus cities are the most affordable: in Geel an average room costs about €310 per month, in Vorselaar about €331 and in Turnhout about €334. Antwerp is the most expensive city, with rooms averaging around €526 per month. Check which campus your program is based at before planning your budget.
When should I start looking for a room?
As soon as your application is approved. The best and cheapest rooms are rented out during late spring and summer. Use the university’s own database opkot.thomasmore.be, and for Antwerp also Kotweb – both list rooms from verified landlords.
What deposit do I need to pay?
The standard rental guarantee in Belgium is two months of rent, kept on a blocked account until the end of your contract. Never transfer deposit money to a private account before signing a contract – if an offer seems suspicious, ask the Thomas More housing service to check it first.
