Flemish students with a bachelor’s degree in bioscience engineering are directly admitted. Other candidates go through an individual admission procedure to ensure sufficient prior knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering basics, and biology. Learn more about requirements, procedures, and deadlines.

Yes, as an international student, you can apply for the Master Mind scholarship. You can find more information here.

Absolutely! Many students combine their final bachelor courses with the start of the Master SUBE. You need to request this formally via this form (Dutch only). Depending on how many courses you still have to complete, you might not take all courses from the first master year. We will gladly help you design a feasible programme. Contact us at sube@uantwerpen.be

Note: This option mainly applies to Belgian students. For international students, combining a bachelor and the Master SUBE is usually not practical.

No. Your main enrollment is at the University of Antwerp, where you pay tuition. At Ghent University and KU Leuven, you register as a guest or interuniversity student, giving you access to libraries, student restaurants, and labs—without paying extra tuition.

No, work experience is not required to start this Master’s programme.

Yes! While we don’t have a specific track for working students, it is possible to combine your studies with a part-time job. Contact us at sube@uantwerpen.be to plan your programme accordingly. International students may work part-time, subject to visa regulations and university guidelines. More information is available via the International Student Office.

The Master SUBE consists of 120 credits spread over two master years. The first year consists of introductory courses and the three defining CityLabs. The second year consists of the compulsory internship, the Master’s thesis and the electives. You can find more information on the curriculum design and the courses here. 

Here you can view an example timetable.

Absolutely! We advise students who want to do part of the Master SUBE abroad to complete their internship or their thesis project (in consultation with their promoter) abroad. A traditional Erasmus exchange is also possible but requires careful planning.

Lectures are not typically recorded. The programme uses blended learning, combining in-person classes with assignments, excursions, and group work. Attendance is highly encouraged as it greatly enriches your learning experience.

You are responsible for finding your own internship, but we guide you through the process. An info session is held in November–December in the year prior to the internship year to explain all practical details. We provide a list of companies offering internships, but you are free to contact any organization. More information on the internship is available here. 

Absolutely! Our students work on a wide range of cutting-edge topics in sustainable urban bioscience engineering. Here are some examples from recent years, grouped by theme:

🌿 Urban Ecology & Green Spaces

• CLAIRE revisited: Air pollution and microbial exposure in urban parks

• Ecophysiological stress detection in urban trees

• Leaves as bio-indicators of urban microplastic pollution

• Exploring abiotic and environmental characteristics relevant for the microbiomes of Urban Green Areas (UGAs)

• Designing healthy public spaces: promoting well-being and reducing health inequalities

• Enhancing Urban Well-being: Unveiling health-driven quality indicators for urban green spaces

• Virtual nature for a healthy future: Comparing the emotional impact of different types of exposure to natural environments

💨 Air Quality & Environmental Health

• Air quality and thermal comfort in cities

• Evaluating botanical biofiltration for the treatment of indoor air pollutants

• Enhancing the biofiltration of indoor air pollutants using a mixture of plants to reduce CO2 emissions in low-light indoor environments

⚡ Energy & Sustainability

• Green Hydrogen Production

• Flexibility in source water selection – a multi-criteria decision analysis

• Application of a photocatalyst coating on urban structures: a comprehensive modeling, experimental, and theoretical approach

• Development of a roadmap towards a sustainable food environment in an urban context

• Multi-criteria decision analysis framework to assess risks and benefits related to microbiological food safety of alternative food systems

🧬 Health & Biotechnology

• Utilizing wearable technology to create a gamified intervention for well-being in an urban setting

• Novel diagnostic test for emerging infectious diseases

• Antwerp’s metabolism: exploring temporal and spatial scales

Sure! In the second master year, you may also take up to 6 ECTS in the free elective space, selecting a course from another programme at the University of Antwerp, Ghent University, or KU Leuven. The only requirements are that it is not a bachelor-level course and that it is related to urban environmental challenges and/or applications. This choice requires approval from the programme director. To request a free elective, please complete this form and provide: the course title, ECTS, course code, university, and a link to the course description. Include a brief motivation for your choice. 

The Master SUBE is jointly organised by the University of Antwerp, Ghent University and KU Leuven. Courses will take place on the campuses of these three universities. Discover the main campuses for this Master’s programme here.

Yes, but travel is very manageable! In the first semester of Year 1, all courses are in Antwerp (Campus Groenenborger or Stadscampus). In the second semester:

• First six weeks: travel to Ghent (Mon-Tue in Antwerp, Wed-Thu in Ghent)

• Last six weeks: travel to Leuven

Lesson schedules are aligned with train connections. Travel is always for at least half a day, usually a full day.

In Year 2, travel depends on your electives, internship, and thesis location.

Public transport is recommended. Students under 26 can use the NMBS Student Season Ticket for discounted travel between home and the three campuses. To apply for this pass, you need proof of registration at all three institutions: main registration at the University of Antwerp and a guest registration at Ghent University and KU Leuven. 

Only when needed, and always for at least half a day, usually a full day. The programme is designed to avoid unnecessary travel.

• Year 1 – Semester 1: all courses in Antwerp.

• Year 1 – Semester 2: 6 weeks in Antwerp & Ghent, followed by 6 weeks in Leuven (and some days in Antwerp).

• Year 2: completely up to you – depending on electives, internship, and thesis.

Fun fact: many students use commuting time to read, study, or relax – it becomes part of their study routine.

The International Students Office provides guidance on housing, visas, insurance, finances, and integration into Belgian student life.

Most non-EEA students require a student visa. Detailed instructions are provided by the university.

Yes, language courses in Dutch and English, as well as academic writing workshops, are available to support non-native speakers. More information can be found at Linguapolis.

Please be aware of the language requirements before starting this Master’s programme.

You can reach out to our ombuds or contact the STIP at UAntwerp for guidance on personal or academic issues.

Graduates of the SUBE Master will be well-prepared for careers across the public, private, and research sectors — both in Belgium and abroad. Potential career paths include roles in local governments, consultancy and engineering firms, research institutes, and innovative sustainability companies. Example organisations include SWECO, Arcadis, Antea, DEME Group, Tractebel Engie, VITO, The Green Village (NL), Vertical Farm Institute (AT), and the City of Antwerp. Some may also pursue research or launch their own sustainability-driven projects.

Yes! The SUBE Master provides a strong foundation in urban sustainability, bioscience engineering, and interdisciplinary research, making you well-prepared for a PhD or other advanced research opportunities. Graduates can pursue doctoral studies at the University of Antwerp, KU Leuven, Ghent University, or other international universities and research institutes. Your Master thesis, CityLabs, and elective courses also allow you to develop research skills that are highly valuable for academic careers.