Number of students at UA doubles in a decade

Antwerp University is becoming ever more popular; its student population has increased by 53.8% in the last decade, from 24,478 in 2004 to 37,656 this academic year. No other Belgian university can show similar figures. On average, the number of students in Dutch-speaking higher education institutions in Belgium has increased by about 43%.

According to Robert Voorhamme, chair of the Association University and University Colleges Antwerp, there are several reasons for the growth. “The strong reputation of the unified university and the innovative structure of university colleges attract many students,” he said. “But the reputation of the city of Antwerp has also improved; it is increasingly seen as an agreeable, safe and creative city for young people. The varied offer of art study streams at Artesis Plantijn University College also plays a big role.”

Voorhamme noted, however, that he thinks they still need to invest in more co-operation with the business world and in more facilities to attract foreign students.