Established in 1995, Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen (Howest University of Applied Sciences) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Kortrijk (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), West Flanders. This institution also has a branch campus in Brugge. Officially recognized by the Vlaams Ministerie van Onderwijs en Vorming, België (Flemish Ministry of Education and Training of Belgium), Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen (Howest) is a medium-sized coeducational Belgian higher education institution. Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen (Howest) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. This 27 years old Belgian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Howest also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.