Program structure

The International Master of Science in Soils and Global Change at Ghent University is structured to provide students with a comprehensive education in soil science, plant systems, and their interactions with global environmental changes. The program balances theoretical knowledge with practical and research skills.

Program Structure Overview:

Duration:

• Two years full-time, equivalent to 120 ECTS credits.

Year 1:

• Core Courses:

  • The first year includes foundational courses that cover essential topics in soil science, plant biology, environmental processes, and climate change. These core subjects build a solid understanding of how soil and plant systems operate and their role in global change.
  • Topics include soil chemistry, soil-plant interactions, nutrient cycling, and global environmental processes.

• Elective Courses:

  • Students can choose from a wide range of elective courses, allowing them to tailor their education to specific areas of interest, such as soil management, sustainable agriculture, or ecosystem services.

• Practical Skills Development:

  • Fieldwork and lab-based courses are incorporated to develop practical skills in soil sampling, data analysis, and environmental modeling.

Year 2:

• Advanced Courses:

  • The second year focuses on advanced topics such as climate-smart agriculture, soil carbon sequestration, global biogeochemical cycles, and environmental sustainability.

• Master’s Thesis:

  • A major component of the second year is the Master’s thesis, where students conduct independent research on a topic related to soils and global change. The research can involve field studies, lab work, or modeling under the guidance of faculty members.

• Internship and Fieldwork:

  • Opportunities for internships with research institutes or industry partners are available, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in soil management, environmental consultancy, or scientific research.

Additional Learning:

• Workshops and Seminars:
  • Students participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences on topics such as global environmental challenges, soil conservation, and sustainable land use.

For more information, visit the program page.

Fees and Funding

The fee and funding details for the International Master of Science in Soils and Global Change: Soil-Plant System Processes and Global Change at Ghent University are as follows:

Tuition Fees:

• EU/EEA Students: Approx. €1,092 per year.
• Non-EU/EEA Students: Approx. €6,540 per year.

Funding Opportunities:

1. Ghent University Top-Up Grants:

   • Available for students from low- and middle-income countries. These grants provide partial coverage of tuition fees and a living stipend to support students.

2. VLIR-UOS Scholarships:

   • Offered to students from eligible developing countries, covering full tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and insurance for the duration of the program.

3. Erasmus+ Mobility Grants:

   • Students participating in exchange programs can apply for Erasmus+ grants, which support living expenses, travel costs, and study-related costs during the mobility period.

4. External Scholarships:

   • Students are encouraged to explore scholarships from international organizations, government agencies, and private foundations.

For more detailed information, visit the Ghent University funding page.

Scholarship Guidance

The International Master of Science in Soils and Global Change at Ghent University offers several scholarship opportunities to support students financially throughout their studies:

1. Ghent University Top-Up Grants:

• Available for international students from low- and middle-income countries.
• This scholarship provides partial tuition fee coverage and a monthly stipend (typically around €650 per month) to help cover living expenses.

2. VLIR-UOS Scholarships:

• Offered to students from eligible developing countries, this scholarship covers:
  • Full tuition fees
  • Monthly living allowance (around €1,150 per month)
  • Travel costs, insurance, and other related expenses.

3. Erasmus+ Scholarships:

• For students participating in an exchange program or study abroad during the course of their degree, the Erasmus+ Mobility Grant can help cover:
  • Living expenses
  • Travel costs
• The grant amount usually ranges between €300 and €450 per month.

4. External Scholarships:

• Students are encouraged to seek additional funding from external organizations, government bodies, or private foundations that support studies in environmental science and sustainable development.

For more information on these scholarships, visit the Ghent University funding page.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the International Master of Science in Soils and Global Change at Ghent University include the following:

1. Academic Qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as soil science, environmental science, agriculture, biology, geology, or related disciplines. The degree must be from a recognized institution and should provide a solid foundation in natural sciences or environmental studies.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• If English is not the applicant's first language, they must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:
  • TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 (internet-based).
  • IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5 (with no section below 6.0).
  • English Proficiency Certificate: Applicants may provide proof of prior education in English to meet this requirement.

3. Required Documents:

• Bachelor’s Degree Certificate: Proof of a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previous academic studies.
• Motivation Letter: A personal statement outlining your academic background, motivation for joining the program, and future career goals.
• CV/Resume: A detailed CV, including academic achievements, relevant research, or professional experience.
• Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can assess the applicant’s suitability for the program.

4. Additional Requirements:

• In some cases, an interview may be required as part of the selection process.

For more detailed information, visit the admission requirements page.

Application Procedure

To apply for the International Master of Science in Soils and Global Change at Ghent University, follow these steps:

Application Process:

1. Submit Online Application:

• Complete the application via the Ghent University online portal: Ghent University Admissions.

2. Required Documents:

• Bachelor’s Degree Certificate: Proof of a relevant Bachelor's degree in soil science, environmental science, or a related field.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from previous academic institutions.
• Motivation Letter: A personal statement explaining your academic background, career goals, and reasons for applying to the program.
• CV/Resume: A detailed CV outlining your academic qualifications, research experience, and any relevant work experience.
• Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can evaluate your suitability for the program.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency: Required for non-native English speakers (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).

3. Language Proficiency:

• If English is not your native language, you must submit proof of proficiency through:
  • TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 (internet-based).
  • IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5 (with no section below 6.0).

4. Application Fee:

• Pay the non-refundable application fee during submission.

5. Interview:

• Some applicants may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the selection process.

Application Deadlines:

• Check the specific deadlines for EU and non-EU students on the Ghent University admissions page.

For detailed instructions, visit the Ghent University Admissions page.