Visayas State University (VSU) and Ghent University (UGent) are strengthening their long-standing partnership through a new seven-year Student/Staff Exchange Agreement covering academic years 2027–2028 to 2033–2034.
The agreement, signed with UGent’s Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, will provide students and faculty members with opportunities to study, undertake internships, conduct research, teach, and develop international professional networks in the Philippines and Belgium.
Under the arrangement, each institution may send up to two undergraduate or graduate students annually. VSU students can participate in study, internship, and thesis-related research activities, while students from UGent’s MSc in Aquaculture program may undertake internships and master’s research at VSU. VSU bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students will also have opportunities for internships and graduate research at UGent.
Exchange students will be exempt from tuition and academic fees at the host institution, while approved credits may be recognized toward their degrees. Faculty exchanges will also enable professors to engage in teaching, training, research, and professional activities.
The agreement builds on a partnership established in 2015 and expands cooperation in aquaculture, environmental assessment, biodiversity, mangrove ecosystems, and related research areas.
VSU President Prose Ivy G. Yepes said the partnership will help students and faculty gain international exposure and bring new knowledge and experiences back to the university.
