Universities are eliminating 38 locations for graduate programs

Demir frees up additional resources, but demands an efficiency exercise in return. She asked to reduce the number of locations for graduate courses by 37, from 212 to a maximum of 175. In the end, there was one more: the colleges announced that 38 locations would be deleted. In doing so, care was taken to ensure sufficient geographical spread of the training offering, it said. Potential graduate students will still be able to follow a course in their area, but no longer at multiple locations close to each other.

The universities of applied sciences are currently communicating internally about exactly which locations will be deleted. A list would be publicly available by Thursday, February 12. This is what Eric Vermeylen, secretary general of the Flemish Council of Universities of Applied Sciences says. Transitional measures are provided so that registered students can complete their training.

“Smarter education”

“This is a strong first step towards a clearer and smarter higher education. I am happy that the universities of applied sciences have tackled this so thoroughly. And this is just the beginning. I look forward to a similar exercise in the bachelor’s programs,” says Demir.

In Ghent, for example, HOGENT and Arteveldehogeschool coordinate their graduate degree offerings to avoid overlaps. Arteveldehogeschool is canceling the graduate program in programming, while HOGENT is discontinuing the graduate program in marketing and communication support. The institutions provide transitional arrangements for students and staff so that current courses can be completed.

VIVES University of Applied Sciences is also adjusting its offering. From the academic year 2026-2027, one graduate course will disappear, namely renewable energy systems on the Ostend Station campus. According to the university, current students can complete their education and VIVES continues to invest in other energy and climate-oriented courses.