Howest University of applied sciences

Established in 1849, the Howest University of Applied Sciences as we know it today, is a result of the merger of six prominent institutions of higher education in Flanders in 1995, when it became a single autonomous institution. Since then, the development within Howest has taken on a fresh impetus and we are now one of the leading providers of higher education in the region.

We offer 24 bachelor’s, 10 associate degrees and many postgraduate certificate programmes, all with a strong practical focus, in the areas of business, management, industrial sciences & technology, digital design, architecture, healthcare, education and social sciences. 

We constantly develop our course offer in English in order to position Howest as an attractive academic choice for students from abroad. Field-driven assignments, on-the-job training and internships are key components of each programme. 

That is how we meet the changing needs of today’s society and arm our students with future-proof skills. Our students and staff are given plenty of opportunities to go global and gain international experience

Housing services

Howest’s Student Services (Stuvo) helps our international students find suitable accommodation. We have housing possibilities in our own student residence or via the private market. A student room in Bruges will typically cost between €250 and €400 per month; a studio flat between €400 and €600. A student room in Kortrijk will generally cost between €270 and €470 per month.

Campus life

Our five campuses are located in the historical cities of Bruges and Kortrijk in Belgium. You have all the facilities you need in these compact cities, and you can easily reach all of them by bike. Moreover, within a few of hours by train or car you can be in Paris, London, Amsterdam, Cologne or Luxembourg.

Bachelor's programmes

• Computer Science & IT 
• Arts, Design & Architecture 
• Engineering & Technology 

Student clubs

Howest has many different student associations that compete to make student life varied and as pleasant as possible by organissing lots of activities: sports, culture, cantus events, day trips, parties, etc.

Sports facilities

Depending on the campus where you are studying (Kortrijk or Bruges) you have a wide variety of choices for keeping fit and having fun. In Bruges with s Stuvo sports sticker you have free access to a large offering of sports activities in the evening, including fitness, swimming, Zumba, bowling, ice skating and Archery Tag. In Kortrijk the sport options are offered in collaboration with the city of Kortrijk and its Kortrijk Student City department.With a SportPlus card you can enjoy a wide variety affordable sport options.