Stories from our students

What better way of getting to know your future study destination, than hearing about the experience of students that have paved the way before you? Here are a few of their stories...

What attracted me to the University of Antwerp is its unique focus on financial engineering, which does not seem to be very common in Europe. The programme contains a lot of finance courses, but the curriculum is flexible so you can choose electives based on your interests. I found this mix-and-match approach very appealing. 

I ended up choosing electives in data science, as this is becoming increasingly important in both everyday and corporate life. These classes cover AI innovations, current issues, future trends, and practical applications in finance.

 The financial engineering programme strikes a good balance between practice and theory.

 Throughout the year, we have several assignments that require us to apply what we've learned in class. These assignments are challenging but very educational, as they make abstract concepts more concrete.Additionally, I have the opportunity to participate in a summer school offered by one of the university's partner institutions, the University of Ljubljana. There, I took a course in big data analytics, further deepening my knowledge in data science and analytics.

The professors are highly experienced and passionate about their fields.

They are patient and helpful, always ready to assist with questions, clarify concepts, and provide additional resources. They ensure we are well-prepared for exams and our professional careers. The curriculum also includes guest lectures from industry professionals, which I find particularly valuable. These guest lecturers provide insights into their roles and share their experience, offering a practical perspective on what to expect in our future careers.

Finally, the university offers significant support in helping students find job opportunities and develop essential job-seeking skills.

There are courses on writing a CV, preparing for job interviews, negotiating salaries, and choosing the right career path. Additionally, student associations organize career days and fairs, where students can meet and network with hiring managers from various companies.

Overall, my experience has been amazing.

The university organized a welcome week, allowing us to connect with fellow students in our programme and beyond. This helped me make friends across different fields of study, not just within the Faculty of Economics and Business. I also joined the buddy programme, through which I met Belgian students and learned about their experiences and culture.

Antwerp is a wonderful city to live in. It’s well-connected to major cities like Brussels, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy life outside of the university, with many places to explore and socialize.