Howest University of Applied Sciences
Kortrijk, Bruges
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
Howest – creativity and technology in Bruges and Kortrijk
Howest University of Applied Sciences is known as one of the most innovative universities of applied sciences in Belgium. Its campuses are located in two historical cities of West Flanders – Bruges, the famous UNESCO World Heritage city, and Kortrijk, a lively student city close to the French border. Creativity and entrepreneurship are part of the Howest DNA, and its core values are simple: serve, empower, care.
Howest is world-famous for its Digital Arts and Entertainment (DAE) program – one of the best game development programs in the world, which attracts students from dozens of countries. In every Howest program you work on real assignments from companies, so you graduate with skills that employers are actively looking for.
Why students choose Howest
- World-class game development – the Digital Arts and Entertainment program is internationally renowned.
- Innovative, future-proof programs – from creative technologies and AI to cyber security.
- Clear admission – if you meet the diploma and language requirements, you are accepted; no entrance exams or portfolio.
- Two beautiful student cities – historic Bruges and dynamic Kortrijk.
- Truly international community – students from all over the world study at Howest in English.
Welcome to Howest!
What can you study in English?
Howest offers English-taught Bachelor’s programs in creative and technology fields, with Digital Arts and Entertainment as the flagship. The studies are extremely hands-on: you learn by creating games, applications and digital products in professional studios and labs. 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.
Bruges and Kortrijk – study in the heart of West Flanders
Bruges is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities – medieval canals, cobbled streets and a compact centre where everything is within walking distance. Kortrijk is a modern student city with a creative vibe, just over an hour from Brussels and very close to Lille in France. Both cities are safe, affordable compared to big capitals, and perfectly located for weekend trips to Paris, Amsterdam or London.
Quick facts about Howest
| Cities | Bruges and Kortrijk (West Flanders) |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Digital technology, games, creativity and innovation |
| Flagship program | Digital Arts and Entertainment – world-renowned game development |
| Admission | No entrance exams – diploma and English level are enough |
| Network | Member of the Ghent University Association |
FAQ
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:
- Motivation Letter – A motivation letter is a required document when applying to the programmes at this university.
- Mathematics – Good mathematics knowledge will be needed for your studies, so a higher level in Mathematics at school is recommended.
- Application Fee – Howest charges a €50 application administration fee.
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.
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 diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’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 Howest – help from the university in Bruges and Kortrijk
Howest’s student affairs service STUVO actively helps international students find suitable accommodation in Bruges and Kortrijk. You can rent a room in one of Howest’s own student residences or find a room on the private market – the university recommends the regional student housing platform Kotwest, where landlords offer rooms specifically for students in West Flanders.
Student rooms in this region are among the most affordable in Belgium: in Bruges a room costs on average about €413 per month and a studio about €520; in Kortrijk a room costs on average about €423 per month and a studio about €530. In total, students typically spend around €1,000–1,100 per month including rent, food, transport and other costs.
Start your search early
Howest advises starting your housing search as soon as you are accepted – the university does not offer emergency housing on arrival, and the best-priced rooms are taken quickly over the summer. STUVO staff can answer questions about contracts and warn you about suspicious offers, so always check with them before paying anything. On campus, everything is cashless – you pay with your student card – and STUVO also helps with bikes, sports and student events, so settling in is easy.
Howest in 3 words
Margarita from Cyprus describes her life as a Howest student.
FAQ
