Aquaculture is defined as the production of aquatic plants and animals for human consumption. Under the pressure of the increasing world population on the one side and the stagnating or even declining fishery landings on the other side, aquaculture is considered as the only option to respond to the growing demand for healthy and sustainable seafood. Commercial aquaculture is a relatively young, diverse and dynamic bio-industry with growth figures exceeding any other traditional primary production sector.
Modern aquaculture is a strongly research-driven bio-industry requiring constant innovation and highly skilled entrepreneurs. On the other hand, it is also a very diverse discipline with a wide range of involved species (plants, molluscs, crustaceans, fish), climates, environments (freshwater, brackishwater, marine), and exploitation modes (developing versus developed economies; subsistence versus business aquaculture).
The MSc in Aquaculture, established at Ghent University in 1991, offers a constantly actualised programme that balances a broad multidisciplinary approach with an in-depth research-based training. It prepares its students for fulfilling leading roles in scientific research, as well as in policy-making as aquaculture businesses.
Application procedure
Do respect the deadlines for academic admission.
We urge you to complete the academic admission procedure as described on the enrolment pages. Without finalizing your academic admission procedure, it is not possible to compete/be selected for a scholarship. Files received beyond the deadline will not be taken into consideration whatsoever. For all questions in relation to this procedure, please contact admission@ugent.be.
Grant opportunities
Do respect the deadline of 1 March 2020 for scholarship application.
Apply for a scholarship via our eConsort online platform.
- First register in e-consort
- After registering, you will receive an e-mail with a link where you can complete the scholarship application.
For all questions in relation to the scholarship procedure and other questions regarding tuition fee, accommodation, visa matters, etc. please contact applications.itc@ugent.be
IMPORTANT - keep in mind that applying for a scholarship and applying for admission at UGent are two different things. Applying for funding does not automatically imply that Ghent University has received your application. Being granted funding by no means implies being accepted at Ghent University.
Learning outcomes
The Master of Science in Aquaculture prepares you to become a highly trained and skilled expert who is able to exploit existing aquaculture potentials in a profitable and sustainable way and to draw and implement strategies for future development in the aquaculture industry. Graduates from all over the world will be able to act as key persons in their own local environment as the program strongly stimulates the transfer of knowledge between Europe and developing countries.
Prerequisites
Each application file is evaluated by an admission board and has to be approved by the Faculty Council and by the Rector's office, irrespective of the diploma obtained.
- Applicants must have at least a Bachelor's degree of min. 3 years with good overall scores (at least a second class upper or equivalent) from a university or recognized equivalent.
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate through their transcripts basic science training in at least 5 out of 7 of the following fields: (i) Mathematics, including basic statistics; (ii) Physics; (iii) Chemistry; (iv) Biochemistry; (v) Biology; (vi) Microbiology; (vii) Engineering. Some background in aquaculture is recommended too.
- Language requirements:
The applicant must be proficient in the language of the course or training programme, i.e. English. The English language proficiency can be met by providing a certificate (validity of 5 years) of one of the following tests: (TOEFL/IELTS predictive tests and TOEIC will not be accepted)
- TOEFL IBT 80
- TOEFL PBT 550
- ACADEMIC IELTS 6,5 overall score with a min. of 6 for writing
- CEFR B2 Issued by a European university language centre
- ESOL CAMBRIDGE English CAE (Advanced)
Language of instruction is not accepted anymore, except:
a. applicants who have a diploma (Secondary Education, Academic Bachelor Degree, Master Degree) awarded by an (recognised) institution in the Flemish Community
b. applicants who are nationals from or have obtained a bachelor and/or master degree in a higher education institute with English as mode of instruction in USA, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland or Canada, and in the latter case a certificate that the mode of instruction was English has to be submitted.
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