Ghent University is one of the leading institutions of higher education and research in Europe and is currently ranked among the top 100 world rankings. It is composed of 11 faculties spread over the city of Ghent and surroundings and consists of 7100 staff members and 38000 students (2012). Additionally Ghent University offers a wide range of facilities and services such as student accommodation, a sports centre, a language centre, libraries, childcare, job and ICT services.

The city of Ghent, located in the northern, Dutch speaking part of Belgium, was founded in the 9^th century and has developed into a modern city respecting its historic monuments and giving priority to pedestrians and bikers. Next to being a very lively student city it is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities of Belgium. It attracts many tourists for its lively cultural scene with music festivals, a film festival, varied theatre and performance scene and many musea. Belgium is a multilingual country; hence most people can speak English, French or German.

Nematology at Ghent University has a longstanding tradition of teaching and research, initiated in the 1930s. The nematology unit gained an international reputation and expertise for its research in morphology, taxonomy and ecology of plant-parasitic and free-living marine and terrestrial nematodes and its training of people from all over the world.  

The Master of Science in Nematology programme started in 1992 as the Postgraduate International Nematology Course (PINC) and has trained over the past 20 years about 260 students from over more than 50 countries.  The programme is characterised by its multidisciplinary approach, its internationally renowned lecturers from Ghent and guest professors from outside Belgium.

Moreover the staff supports alumni in finding PhD opportunities or jobs as nematologist or in related fields afterwards.

In 1991 the Postgraduate International Nematology Course (PINC), a one-year programme, was initiated and the first batch of students graduated in 1993 as Masters of Science in Nematology. Since then the course has trained around 200 students. It changed into a two-year master programme  from the academic year 2007-2008 onwards. With Erasmus Mundus, the course managed to found an educational unity in the network of departments involved in Nematology research.

The course programme in Ghent is given by lecturers from Ghent University as well as of staff members from other Belgian institutes, such as ILVO (Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Research) in Merelbeke and the Natural History Museum in Brussels. The course brings together not only Belgian professors, but receives 11 guest professors coming from all over Europe.   

Ghent University is the coordinating university, where all the students will start the programme.
The EUMAINE office guides the applicants throughout the application procedure and once they met all the requirements for being admitted to the programme, the EUMAINE Coordinating office will assist the students in the required administrative procedures such as visa applications, finding suitable accommodation, opening a bank account and giving all kinds of information.

Ghent University offers accommodation to all incoming students. More information about prices, regulations and pictures can be found here.

Links and videos

Nematology Research Group

Article on Nematology in Ghent