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
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
