From Historical Mergers to a Leader in Applied Sciences
The story of Thomas More University of Applied Sciences is one of integration and growth. Its roots date back to 1922, and the university as it stands today was officially established in 2014 following the 2013 merger of Leusius Mechelen and Thomas More Mechelen. As the largest university of applied sciences in Flanders, it has more than 21,000 students, forming a warm, international, and vibrant community. The university is affiliated with the Leuven University Association, officially recognized by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training, and its educational quality is professionally endorsed by the Netherlands-Flanders Accreditation Organization (NVAO).
An Extensive Campus Network Across Flanders
Thomas More University of Applied Sciences is not confined to a single location but comprises an extensive network of campuses throughout the Flemish Region of Belgium. Its main campus is located in Mechelen, with additional campuses in Antwerp, Hel, Tienen, Liège, Vosselare, and Sint-Katelijne-Waever. Each campus has its own unique character: the Sandrus Campus in the heart of Antwerp is a modern facility equipped with high-tech audio labs, floating lecture halls, and immersive learning spaces; meanwhile, the De West Campus in Mechelen—set to open in 2025—will offer students an ultra-modern learning environment in the city center, featuring VR classrooms, flexible learning zones, and green gathering spaces. This multi-campus model allows students to choose the learning environment that best suits their major and preferences. Framable Alternatives to an Art Thomas More Hogeschool Diploma
“Learning by Doing”: A Practice-Oriented Educational Philosophy
If there is one core philosophy that defines Thomas More College’s education, it is “learning by doing”. The college puts students in the driver’s seat of their learning, emphasizing innovation labs, internships, and real-world projects developed in close collaboration with partner companies. The university offers 42 full-time undergraduate degree programs, of which 10 are taught entirely in English, as well as 19 associate degree programs. The curriculum covers a range of highly practical fields, including biomedical laboratory technology, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and audiology. Through close collaboration with more than 500 international partners, the university ensures that its educational content remains aligned with industry needs.
Leading the Way in Europe: Initiator of the HEROES University Alliance
Thomas More University of Applied Sciences plays a pioneering role in internationalization. In January 2025, the university officially launched the HEROES European University Alliance at its Hull campus, becoming the first university of applied sciences in Flanders to assume a leadership role in an EU university alliance. The alliance brings together practice-oriented higher education institutions from nine countries—including Denmark, Germany, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Sweden—spanning 22 campuses and serving a total of 120,000 students. The alliance is committed to developing joint bachelor’s and master’s programs and establishing a virtual campus to promote cross-border collaboration and learning.
Beyond the Classroom: Comprehensive Campus Life Support
In addition to academics and research, Thomas More places equal emphasis on students’ campus life experience. The university’s student services team provides comprehensive support ranging from housing and financial aid to academic assistance. For international students, the university organizes a multi-day orientation program at the start of each academic year, featuring educational workshops and recreational activities to help students connect with peers and familiarize themselves with the campus. In terms of facilities, in addition to state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, the campus features student lounges, green courtyards, sports facilities, and a library, creating an excellent environment for both learning and living.
