Artesis Plantijn University College
Artesis Plantijn University College stands as a leading institution of applied sciences in the Flemish higher education landscape, delivering career-focused programs that bridge academic knowledge with professional practice. As part of the University of Antwerp Association, the college benefits from collaborative research opportunities while maintaining its distinctive emphasis on practical education. The institution serves a diverse student population pursuing bachelor's degrees across creative arts, healthcare, business, education, and technical fields. What distinguishes Artesis Plantijn is its deep integration with Antwerp's professional communities, ensuring graduates possess skills immediately valued by employers. The college's Royal Academy of Fine Arts, with origins dating to 1663, houses one of the world's most prestigious fashion programs, producing designers who lead global fashion houses. Applied research centers address practical challenges facing regional businesses and organizations. International partnerships enable student exchanges and collaborative projects across continents. The institution's commitment to accessibility ensures educational opportunities reach students from varied socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Artesis Plantijn University College unfolds across multiple campuses scattered throughout Antwerp, each housing different departments and creating distinct subcommunities within the larger institution. Unlike residential universities common in some countries, Belgian higher education typically sees students living independently in the city rather than in campus housing, though student services help newcomers find accommodations in Antwerp's housing market. Each campus includes common spaces, cafeterias, and study areas where students gather between classes and during breaks. Student organizations represent academic interests, cultural groups, and recreational activities, with the university college supporting student government and funding extracurricular programming. The practical nature of many programs means that campus life extends into laboratories, studios, and workshops where students spend substantial time developing professional skills. Antwerp itself offers the amenities expected of a major European city, from museums and concert venues to restaurants and nightlife, though the student budget may constrain access to some of these attractions. Cycling serves as the primary transportation mode for many students, as is common throughout Flanders, with the city's flat terrain and bike infrastructure making this practical year-round. International students find support through dedicated offices that help with visa issues, language learning, and cultural adjustment. The relatively compact size of Antwerp compared to major capitals like Paris or London means that students can easily navigate the city and access different campuses.
Location & Surroundings
Antwerp combines historic importance as a trading city and cultural center with contemporary relevance as one of Europe's busiest ports and a hub for industries ranging from diamonds to logistics to fashion. The port of Antwerp, Europe's second largest, drives demand for professionals in logistics, international trade, customs, and related fields that the university college's programs directly address. The diamond industry that has centered on Antwerp for centuries creates a unique economic sector, though employment in this field extends beyond the obvious gem trades to include manufacturing, finance, and international trade. Antwerp's fashion reputation, built on designers like the Antwerp Six who emerged in the 1980s, maintains a creative economy that supports design education and provides opportunities for graduates of creative programs. The city's historic center, with its Cathedral of Our Lady housing Rubens paintings and its medieval Grote Markt, attracts tourists who support hospitality and tourism careers. Central station, an architectural landmark in its own right, connects Antwerp to Brussels, Rotterdam, Paris, and London by high-speed rail, facilitating both travel and business connections. The cost of living in Antwerp runs somewhat lower than Brussels while offering comparable urban amenities. Belgium's position at the heart of Europe, with its multilingual population and international institutions, prepares students for careers that may cross national boundaries. The concentration of logistics and international trade creates particular advantages for students in relevant programs.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Artesis Plantijn University College creates opportunities that stem from its professional orientation, its location in Antwerp, and its connections to the industries and organizations that will employ its graduates. Mandatory internships in most programs ensure that students gain workplace experience before graduation, building both skills and professional networks that support job searches. Industry partnerships mean that curricula reflect current professional practice rather than outdated traditions, and employers who help shape programs often hire graduates who complete them. The logistics sector centered on the Port of Antwerp offers particularly strong opportunities for students in relevant programs, with companies actively seeking qualified professionals to manage the complex operations of one of Europe's main gateways. Healthcare programs benefit from relationships with hospitals and care facilities throughout the region, with clinical placements providing experience that prepares graduates for immediate effectiveness. Creative programs connect students to Antwerp's design and media industries, with portfolio development and professional contacts developed during study. Erasmus exchange opportunities allow students to spend semesters at partner institutions across Europe, building international experience and language skills. The practical nature of the education means that graduates typically find employment quickly, without the extended transitions that sometimes follow more theoretical university programs. Continuing education offerings allow alumni to return for additional training as their careers develop and industries evolve.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Artesis Plantijn University College
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free