Master of Science (MSc) in Public Health

Academic degree

Applicants must be holder of a degree with an equivalent of 240 ECTS at university level, in health sciences (medicine, pharmacy, nursing, midwifery), biomedical sciences or other health-related domains, such as medical sociology, medical anthropology or health economics. The equivalence is determined based on the numbers of study years (in most cases at least 4 years), the level of study (university level) and the acquired research skills (e.g. demonstrated through a thesis)”.

Note: health professionals with a non-university degree and/or a degree of less than 240 ECTS (e.g. nurses, midwives, clinical and public health officers) and other professionals holders of a non-health-science university degree of at least 240 ECTS (e.g. biologists, bio-engineers, economists, sociologists, political scientists) can be admitted on the basis of a special admission procedure considering the extent and relevance of their professional experience in public health and their research and analytical skills.

Experience

Applicants for the full-time track need to have at least 2 years of relevant public health experience, prior to application, in the domain of health systems and disease control in resource constrained settings or vulnerable populations. Applicants for the part-time track need to have at least 6 months of relevant public health experience prior to application.

Language requirements

The minimum language requirements are proof of a TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score of 79-93, an IELTS score of 6.5 or other qualifying evidence of an English CEFR level of B2-C1 meaning a higher tier B2 or C1. A higher tier B2 means a B2 on all components of language proficiency and has to be evidenced (ITM Toefl Code = 7727).

The result of the language proficiency test is considered valid for 5 years, starting from the issue date.

Native English speakers are exempt from these language requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English are exempt if they have obtained a degree with a minimum of 60 ECTS credits from an English training programme at a domestic or a foreign higher education institution. Non-native English speakers are also exempt from the English language requirement if they have a higher education diploma issued by a higher education institution recognized by the Flemish Community.

Non-native speakers who fail to attain the above language proficiency requirements but can prove a reasonable level of proficiency, i.e., iBT TOEFL score 60-78 or IELTS score 6.0 or CEFR B2, can be admitted if they enrol in the English Language Training Programme, Linguapolis – Antwerp, offered 2 weeks before, and during, the MSc programme. The enrolment cost of the language training programme is covered by ITM.

See: https://publicdocs.itg.be/com/ITM-englishmaterials-toc-2.pdf and Examination Regulations

Documents required at application

• Copies of academic and professional degrees
• Copies of transcripts of academic records (scores)
• Curriculum vitae
• Passport-size photograph
• Passport copy
• If relevant, proof of English language proficiency (language test certificate)
• Motivation letter
• Provisional thesis-outline
• Provisional study-plan MPH
• Contact details of 1 referee
• Funding plan
• If relevant, a DGD-scholarship application

Instructions on each of the required documents are provided during the application process.

Only complete applications can be taken into account.

• Relevance of background: relevant degrees and additional training, relevant professional/research experience, acquired competencies 
• Motivation
• Potential professional, organisational and social impact
• Quality of the provisional thesis outline
• References

For the full-time study track we strive for a maximum of 35 students. The selection committee will take into account the diversity of the student group, to enable optimal peer-to-peer learning.

Notes:

• In the part-time track the total cost for tuition will vary, depending on the choice of advanced course components, especially if course components from other higher education institutions are included in the study plan.
• You will be notified in May 2026 on the outcome of your application.