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Why Choose Us?
Why choose this study programme?
Multidisciplinary nature
Unique curriculum covering the three core pillars of maritime science.
Affordable price
For the same quality, you will not find a less costly study program anywhere else in the world.
Linking theory to practice
Transcending mere academic teaching and developing skills, versatility and mindset of students.
Interaction with the industry
Strengthening links between students and the professional field through study trips and networking events.
Outstanding quality control
Acting swiftly and decisively when potential improvements present themselves.
Ideal location
Situated in the heart of Europe and surrounded by some of the biggest busiest ports in the world.
Focus on diversity and sustainability
Embracing various nationalities and academic backgrounds while placing an emphasis on sustainability.
Full of expertise and experience
Tenured professors with international exposure and prominent guest professors with industry experience.
Top university
Enjoy the advantages of a highly-ranked top university.
Personal approach & flexibility
Attention to the specific situation and needs of each student (including working students) and going the extra mile whenever needed.
Tight-knit groups
Relatively small class sizes help foster tight-knit groups of students.
Ideal preparation for a professional career
Alumni surveys demonstrate that our programme serves as an excellent stepping stone.
Do you want to become the next CEO, director of maritime operations, sustainability officer, legal expert or maritime consultant of one of the world's leading shipowners, terminal operators or port authorities? With this study programme under your belt, anything is possible!
Don't take our word, hear it from our alumni
"The programme had a profound impact on my professional career, giving me a clear advantage over other applicants in the port and maritime sector. Its multidisciplinary insights into port policy, strategy, and economics are skills I still apply to this very day. To future students, the port sector is one of the most dynamic and diverse sectors in the world. Whatever your interests or background, there is always a place for your talent."
Winter Vanherreweghe (23-24), Internal Auditor Port of Antwerp-Bruges
"To me, the MSc in Maritime Science opened so many doors, helped me discover such a wide range of career opportunities and offered me both the work-life balance I had always sought and a chance to travel to places I might never have seen otherwise. Yet, one of the most rewarding aspects of the programme was the people I met. It brought together so many diverse individuals, and many of them have become close friends to this day."
An-Sofie Obrie (21-22), Client Advisor Marine, Cargo & Logistics
"What I appreciated most about the programme was the diversity among students and the variety of backgrounds they brought to the table. The English-taught curriculum, the interactive small-group setting and the highly personalised approach to teaching created such an enriching learning environment. The excursions were definite highlights, offering a close-up view of the maritime sector in practice."
Sam Oosterlinck (23-24), Junior Associate Transport & Logistics, Astrea Law
"After years of working in civil and offshore engineering, I chose to pursue the MSc in Maritime Science in Ghent. What stood out most to me was the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum, a holistic approach that has proven invaluable in my current role, where I lead the Engineering, Design & Technology department at DEME Offshore. The MSc in Maritime Science doesn’t just teach - it transforms how you think about the maritime world."
Dieter Rabaut (19-20), Senior Department Manager – Engineering, Design & Technology at DEME Offshore
"While my Civil Engineering degree provided me with a solid technical basis, to build my future career, I knew I was still missing the economic perspective. This programme fixed that, it gave me a much broader view of how the industry works and helped me kickstart my career. This master’s doesn’t just teach you about the maritime world, it connects you to it, and it can open a lot of doors for you."
Matthieu De Pauw (20-21), Site Superintendent aboard the Green Jade at DEME Offshore
"While I already held Master’s degrees in translation, conference interpreting ad political science before joining the Maritime Science progamme at Ghent University, it was the latter that provided the foundation I needed in my current role at the EU Commission. Among my fondest memories are the study trips and company visits and the visits to Rotterdam and London stand out as unforgettable highlights, combining knowledge, networking and discovery."
Kristel Jurado (19-20), Policy Officer Maritime Safety, DG MOVE, EU Commission
"With many family members active in the maritime industry and with a personal fascination for the maritime world, this program was a natural step following my business management and law studies. Today, I regularly handle cases related to maritime and shipping law. What I value most from the program is its multidisciplinary approach and the strong professional network it provided me with through study trips and field trips."
Dr. Angelo Goethals (18-19), Lawyer at Loyens & Loeff
"The programme had a profound impact on my professional career, giving me a clear advantage over other applicants in the port and maritime sector. Its multidisciplinary insights into port policy, strategy, and economics are skills I still apply to this very day. To future students, the port sector is one of the most dynamic and diverse sectors in the world. Whatever your interests or background, there is always a place for your talent."
Winter Vanherreweghe (23-24), Internal Auditor Port of Antwerp-Bruges
"To me, the MSc in Maritime Science opened so many doors, helped me discover such a wide range of career opportunities and offered me both the work-life balance I had always sought and a chance to travel to places I might never have seen otherwise. Yet, one of the most rewarding aspects of the programme was the people I met. It brought together so many diverse individuals, and many of them have become close friends to this day."
An-Sofie Obrie (21-22), Client Advisor Marine, Cargo & Logistics
"What I appreciated most about the programme was the diversity among students and the variety of backgrounds they brought to the table. The English-taught curriculum, the interactive small-group setting and the highly personalised approach to teaching created such an enriching learning environment. The excursions were definite highlights, offering a close-up view of the maritime sector in practice."
Sam Oosterlinck (23-24), Junior Associate Transport & Logistics, Astrea Law
"After years of working in civil and offshore engineering, I chose to pursue the MSc in Maritime Science in Ghent. What stood out most to me was the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum, a holistic approach that has proven invaluable in my current role, where I lead the Engineering, Design & Technology department at DEME Offshore. The MSc in Maritime Science doesn’t just teach - it transforms how you think about the maritime world."
Dieter Rabaut (19-20), Senior Department Manager – Engineering, Design & Technology at DEME Offshore
"While my Civil Engineering degree provided me with a solid technical basis, to build my future career, I knew I was still missing the economic perspective. This programme fixed that, it gave me a much broader view of how the industry works and helped me kickstart my career. This master’s doesn’t just teach you about the maritime world, it connects you to it, and it can open a lot of doors for you."
Matthieu De Pauw (20-21), Site Superintendent aboard the Green Jade at DEME Offshore
"While I already held Master’s degrees in translation, conference interpreting ad political science before joining the Maritime Science progamme at Ghent University, it was the latter that provided the foundation I needed in my current role at the EU Commission. Among my fondest memories are the study trips and company visits and the visits to Rotterdam and London stand out as unforgettable highlights, combining knowledge, networking and discovery."
Kristel Jurado (19-20), Policy Officer Maritime Safety, DG MOVE, EU Commission
"With many family members active in the maritime industry and with a personal fascination for the maritime world, this program was a natural step following my business management and law studies. Today, I regularly handle cases related to maritime and shipping law. What I value most from the program is its multidisciplinary approach and the strong professional network it provided me with through study trips and field trips."
Dr. Angelo Goethals (18-19), Lawyer at Loyens & Loeff
"As I grew up right across the Boelwerf shipyard in Temse, shipping has always played a role in my life. As a lawyer, courses like ship and port technology were challenging for me, but that is what made them so enriching. Their relevance quickly became clear when, on my first day at work, I had to interpret a ship's line plan. Without a doubt, this programme offers a solid, versatile foundation for an impactful maritime career."
Tineke Van Britsom (24-25), Cabinet Advisor for the Antwerp Harbour Alderman
"Studying maritime science at Ghent University was one of the most transformative steps in my academic and professional journey. Its unique interdisciplinary approach, combining law, economics, technology, and environmental insights, gave me a 360° understanding of the maritime world. The program played a defining role in shaping how I work, think, and approach global challenges, and it opened doors I didn’t even know existed."
Jean Claud Koumwa (22-23)
"In 2014, I graduated in the Netherlands from the higher maritime academy as a deck officer and marine engineer and briefly sailed as a third officer. My employer, Holland America Line, then supported me in pursuing this programme in Ghent. The knowledge I gained here has since been the foundation for my current office role, and I’ll never forget the study trip to Londen including visits to Lloyd’s and Steamship Mutual, with whom I now work."
Pim De Vries (15-16), Manager European Marine and Port Operations Holland America Line Rotterdam
"Despite my background in Foreign Trade Integration and Customs, vessels had been my passion since my bachelor studies. Choosing this master was the perfect way to turn that passion into a career. This programme is exceptional in its comprehensive approach and practical exposure, and the professors bring decades of real-world experience, making it a unique and invaluable opportunity for anyone passionate about maritime sciences."
Gissela Sevilla (22-23), Global Trade Compliance Coordinator at UCB
"When joining the Maritime Science Master, I was working full time with a management background. Balancing full-time work and study was challenging but entirely possible. It taught me discipline, time management, and resilience - skills I continue to use daily at NATO, navigating complex international operations and implementing practical solutions. To future students: don’t be afraid to combine work with study, because the rewards are immense."
Inga Grygalyte (22-23), Maritime Technician, NATO Support & Procurement Agency
"After graduating from the MSc, I started working as a legal professional for Elia Transmission Belgium, which ensures the national transport of electricity. While I specialised in energy law during my legal education, the valuable insights I gained into shipping and global trade during the Maritime Science programme now allowed me to focus on the regulatory framework of offshore developments like Princess Elisabeth Island."
Jannes De Brauwer (21-22), Regulatory Advisor Elia Transmission Belgium
"The MSc shaped my career in ways I could not have anticipated. My thesis on the Ever Given grounding and the complex web of liability and insurance led me to the maritime and logistics practice I now specialise in as an attorney. The programme strengthened my analytical and research skills, and gave me an international mindset by exposing me to classmates and professors from across the globe, allowing me to interact with professionals from all maritime fields."
Melike Umay Dogan (22-23), lawyer
"As I grew up right across the Boelwerf shipyard in Temse, shipping has always played a role in my life. As a lawyer, courses like ship and port technology were challenging for me, but that is what made them so enriching. Their relevance quickly became clear when, on my first day at work, I had to interpret a ship's line plan. Without a doubt, this programme offers a solid, versatile foundation for an impactful maritime career."
Tineke Van Britsom (24-25), Cabinet Advisor for the Antwerp Harbour Alderman
"Studying maritime science at Ghent University was one of the most transformative steps in my academic and professional journey. Its unique interdisciplinary approach, combining law, economics, technology, and environmental insights, gave me a 360° understanding of the maritime world. The program played a defining role in shaping how I work, think, and approach global challenges, and it opened doors I didn’t even know existed."
Jean Claud Koumwa (22-23)
"In 2014, I graduated in the Netherlands from the higher maritime academy as a deck officer and marine engineer and briefly sailed as a third officer. My employer, Holland America Line, then supported me in pursuing this programme in Ghent. The knowledge I gained here has since been the foundation for my current office role, and I’ll never forget the study trip to Londen including visits to Lloyd’s and Steamship Mutual, with whom I now work."
Pim De Vries (15-16), Manager European Marine and Port Operations Holland America Line Rotterdam
"Despite my background in Foreign Trade Integration and Customs, vessels had been my passion since my bachelor studies. Choosing this master was the perfect way to turn that passion into a career. This programme is exceptional in its comprehensive approach and practical exposure, and the professors bring decades of real-world experience, making it a unique and invaluable opportunity for anyone passionate about maritime sciences."
Gissela Sevilla (22-23), Global Trade Compliance Coordinator at UCB
"When joining the Maritime Science Master, I was working full time with a management background. Balancing full-time work and study was challenging but entirely possible. It taught me discipline, time management, and resilience - skills I continue to use daily at NATO, navigating complex international operations and implementing practical solutions. To future students: don’t be afraid to combine work with study, because the rewards are immense."
Inga Grygalyte (22-23), Maritime Technician, NATO Support & Procurement Agency
"After graduating from the MSc, I started working as a legal professional for Elia Transmission Belgium, which ensures the national transport of electricity. While I specialised in energy law during my legal education, the valuable insights I gained into shipping and global trade during the Maritime Science programme now allowed me to focus on the regulatory framework of offshore developments like Princess Elisabeth Island."
Jannes De Brauwer (21-22), Regulatory Advisor Elia Transmission Belgium
"The MSc shaped my career in ways I could not have anticipated. My thesis on the Ever Given grounding and the complex web of liability and insurance led me to the maritime and logistics practice I now specialise in as an attorney. The programme strengthened my analytical and research skills, and gave me an international mindset by exposing me to classmates and professors from across the globe, allowing me to interact with professionals from all maritime fields."
Melike Umay Dogan (22-23), lawyer