Expat Education Guide: Schools in Ghent

Education Overview

Ghent scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 13 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Ghent offers a high-quality education system within the Flemish Community of Belgium, known for its strong academic standards and student-centered approach. The city combines traditional Belgian education with innovative teaching methods and has become increasingly international, attracting expat families. Ghent provides a diverse range of educational options from public schools ('gemeenschapsonderwijs') to Catholic schools ('katholiek onderwijs') and alternative pedagogical approaches like Freinet and Steiner schools.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$5,190

Monthly Costs

$3,720/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $50

Private School Application Fee $200

International School Application Fee $500

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $800/mo

Tuition Fees International $1,800/mo

Transportation Monthly $70/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 13 →

Sint Pietersnieuwstraat

Density 4/6

Types: University facilities and some secondary schools

Notable: Ghent University, Sint-Lievenscollege, Sint-Bavohumaniora

Patershol

Density 3/6

Types: Public, Catholic, and Montessori schools

Notable: Sint-Lievenscollege, International School Ghent

Kouter

Density 3/6

Types: Public, Catholic, and international options

Notable: Sint-Bavohumaniora, Atheneum Wispelberg, Freinet Middenschool

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Practical Tips

Ghent uses a centralized registration system with specific deadlines.

Explore private international schools if you require English-Dutch bilingual programs

Public schools primarily offer Dutch-language education, with limited formal bilingual options.

Join 'IN-Gent' language courses immediately after registration

free Dutch courses fill up quickly and are required for many job applications

Use the University of Ghent library even as non-student

day passes are available and it's quieter than public libraries

Useful Links

Ghent University

Official website of Ghent's premier university with program information, enrollment procedures, and services for international students and researchers.

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City of Ghent - Education

Official municipal information on the education system in Ghent, including school enrollment processes, childcare, and adult education options.

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Flemish Education System

Official Flemish government portal explaining the education structure, registration procedures, and educational rights for newcomers to Flanders.

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International School Ghent

Ghent's international school offering IB curriculum education in English for expatriate children and internationally-oriented Belgian families.

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University College Ghent

Official site of Ghent's university of applied sciences with professional bachelor programs, many available in English, with international student services.

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Explore Other Guides

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Education Guides in Belgium

Antwerp

Bruges

Brussels

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ghent has 13 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Ghent varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 27 education-related costs to consider when moving to Ghent, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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