Brilliant 2 euro commemorative coin uncirculated coin card 2017 2nd , commemorating the 200 years Ghent University. Ghent University was established in 1817 by King William I of the Netherlands. In 1930, it became the first Dutch-speaking university in Belgium, whereas French had previously been the standard academic language. In 1991, the university was granted major autonomy and changed its name accordingly from State University of Ghent to its current designation. The University supports the University Library and the University Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals in Belgium.