Thomas More University of Applied Sciences

Mechelen
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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

  • 19 English-taught degree programs – the largest English offer among Belgian universities of applied sciences.
  • Internship in every program – in Belgium or abroad, thanks to a huge network of company partners.
  • Simple admission – only a secondary school diploma, English B2 certificate and ID; no entrance exams and no application fee.
  • Heart of Europe – Brussels and Antwerp are nearby; Paris, Amsterdam and London are within 300 km.
  • Highly rated by students – winner of Global Student Satisfaction medals, including a 4.7/5 rating for the admission process.

 

Study in Belgium - welcome to Thomas More

Get to know Thomas More campuses, students and cities in two minutes.

 

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

StudentsAbout 21,000 – the largest UAS in Flanders
CitiesMechelen, Antwerp, Geel and other campuses in the province of Antwerp
English programs19 English-taught degree programs – the widest choice in Belgium
SpecialtyLearning by doing – labs, real projects and internship in every program
NetworkMember 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.

Housing at Thomas More – residences and student rooms in every campus city

Thomas More has its own student residences in Antwerp (Residence National) and Mechelen (Residence Kruidtuin), and helps students find rooms in all other campus cities. The university’s housing service maintains its own database of student rooms at opkot.thomasmore.be, and students in Antwerp can also use the city’s official student housing platform Kotweb.

Prices depend a lot on the city: in smaller campus cities such as Geel (average room about €310 per month), Turnhout (€334) or Lier (€377) housing is very affordable, while in Mechelen a room costs on average about €443 and in Antwerp about €526 per month. Studios with private facilities cost more – roughly €460–650 depending on the city.

 

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.