Have you completed the application process and been accepted to start as a full-time Master's student at the Faculty of Business and Economics? Congratulations, an exciting time in Antwerp awaits. On 22 September 2025, we'll kick-off the academic year of 2025-2026.

Below is an overview of everything you can expect in your first weeks, but make sure to also check our 'Life in Antwerp' pages, where you'll find everything you need to know as a future international student. 

The last week before the official start of the academic year, we organise a Welcome Week for international students. This year, it takes place from Monday, 15 September to Friday, 19 September 2025. 

During this week, you will get to know Antwerp, the university and your fellow-students through several formal and informal events. Attendance is highly recommended. Please note that this event is for full-time master's students, for exchange students we organise a separate orientation day. 

On Wednesday during the Welcome Week (17 September 2024) we organize the Faculty Day: a casual onboarding event organized specifically for the international students of the international Master's programs at the Faculty of Business and Economics. 

We start the afternoon with an informative moment in which we give you more information about our faculty, our approach and tips to get through the next year(s) of your studies. Afterwards, we discover the Antwerp city center through our interactive city game. We close the day with a dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow classmates.

Please note that this event is for full-time master's students, for exchange students we organise a separate orientation day. 

Registrations will open soon! If you have questions about the start of the academic year, please contact master.fbe@uantwerpen.be.

We know that living and studying in a whole new country can be daunting. To make sure you can integrate easily and make friends from all over the world, we invite all degree and exchange students to take part in our International Student Mixer on 2 October 20245at 6 PM. 

On this day, we are happy to invite you for some icebreaker and networking games, after which you can share some typical Belgian food and drinks. If you're lucky, you might even win a cool prize! More information will follow soon.

Programme

• 6:15 PM:  welcome and registration
• 6:45 PM: introduction of the student associations and raffle
• 7:00 – 9:00 PM: opening reception

Integrating into a new city and student population can be challenging. What does a typical day at the UAntwerp look like? Where can you find the best coffee (very important)? How do people in Antwerp usually spend their weekends? To help you familiarize with our education system, our culture and student life, the faculty can find you an enthusiastic buddy who can help you find your way.

Upon arrival, our buddies welcome you during your first days and introduce you to the Belgian way of life. You keep in touch throughout the semester or academic year at your own pace. You will receive more info at the start of the academic year.