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    Vrije Universiteit Brussel

    Check whether Vrije Universiteit Brussel is right for you as an international student.

    Official university website

    Uni facts

    Brussels, Belgium
    • Type
      Public
    • Rank
      346
    • International students
      3411
    • Nationalities
      128
    • Total programs
      39
    • Acceptance rate
      20%

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    Study abroad at Vrije Universiteit Brussel

    VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) is a public university located in Brussels, Belgium. Ranked among the world’s best universities, it offers a full range of bachelor's and master's programs taught in English. VUB has eight faculties covering social sciences, medicine, engineering, arts, sciences, law, psychology and physical education.

    The University is made up of four campuses, all of which are located around the center of Brussels. This means students can easily enjoy everything a capital city has to offer, whilst also enjoying the quietness of the green and compact campuses.

    There is a wealth of things to do outside the classroom at VUB. There’s a number of cultural events and clubs you can get involved with, as well as sports teams suitable for all standards and level of skill.

    Why study at VUB?

    • Highly ranked

      VUB is ranked in the top 200 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2019)

    • Teaching satisfaction

      87% of students rate professors as good or very good

    • Employability

      96% of VUB graduates are in a paid job within a year of graduation

    Life as an international student

    VUB is a truly diverse institution, with approximately 21% of its 16,000 students, coming from overseas. The University’s International Relations office can assist with information on university life and help international students settle in by organizing cultural, social, and sports activities with the student associations.

    Educational counselors and study advisors can provide you with personalized study guidance on a range of topics. Even after your studies, the University offers services like job fairs through the specialized Career Center.

    International students have several accommodation options in Brussels. Depending on your preferences, you can either arrange your own accommodation off campus or apply for a VUB room on campus.

    Student reviews for Vrije Universiteit Brussel

    Overall rating
    4.2 stars
    Based on 1 reviews
    Overall experience
    5 stars
    Accommodation
    3 stars
    Academic
    4 stars
    University facilities
    4 stars
    University social
    5 stars
    • Yuwen Gu
      China
      Overall experience 5 stars
      Academic
      4 stars
      University social
      5 stars
      Accommodation
      3 stars
      University facilities
      4 stars
      Vrije Universiteit Brussel Communication Management
      Tell us about Vrije Universiteit Brussel
      Free academic space, great social life activities, nice research team. The number of cheap accommodation is a bit tight. The communication between international students is efficient, however, there is a gap between international students and local students. The overall atmosphere is excellent!

    Student life & facilities

    Group of students planning a presentation in a living room
    • Library
      • Computer labs
      • Group Study Rooms
      • Quiet Areas
    • Healthcare & Medical
      • Maternity Care
      • Physiotherapy
      • Travel Vaccinations
      • Child Development Assessment & Immunization
      • Family Planning
      • Counselling & Mental Health Services
    • Transport
      • Campus Bus Service
      • Bike Rental
      • Airport Shuttle Service
    • No. of All Weather Sports Pitches
      • No. of Squash Courts
      • No. of Basketball Courts
      • No. of Athletics Track
      • No. of volleyball courts
    • Food & Restaurants
      • Restaurants 2
      • Cafe’s 1
    • Fitness Centre
      • Machines
      • Free Weights
      • Fitness Classes
      • Swimming Pool
    • IT Support
      • Campus Wireless Connectivity
    • Tutoring Support
      • Student Tutoring & Support
      • Academic Tutoring & Support
    • Praying Rooms
      • Pre sessional English Academic skills courses

    How Studee can help you

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    3. Visa & travel advice

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    Fees and funding

    Tuition fees are subsidized by the government, meaning that for most of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) programs are kept as low as €922/year.

    The Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB) participates in several scholarship programs which offer grants at different levels of study, from bachelor's to Academic staff, and in various regions, for long and short stays.

    • Undergraduate and Graduate tuition - From €939 to €3,850 per year

    Master Mind Scholarship

    • Amount

      Maximum scholarship of EUR8,200 per academic year

    • Requirements

      The applicant should have a high standard of academic performance and/or potential, good knowledge of the English language, all nationalities can apply.

    VUB Scholarships for Master of Science in Photonics Engineering

    • Amount

      Full scholarships of EUR10,000 per academic year. For the Master of Science in Photonics Engineering only.

    • Requirements

      Every international student applying at VUB is eligible for these scholarships, no separate procedure must be followed. Show proof of technical knowledge during a scholarship interview preceding the final admission.

    VUB B-PHOT Excellence Scholarships

    • Amount

      EUR5,000 per academic year. For the Master of Science in Photonics Engineering only.

    • Requirements

      Excellent students on a competitive basis. All candidates who receive the VUB Scholarship or the B-PHOT Excellence Scholarship must commit themselves to do a master thesis at VUB.

    Urban Studies - 4cities

    • Amount

      EUR9,000 per year for non-EU Partner Country nationals

    • Requirements

      Covers all tuition & administration costs throughout 4CITIES. Students will need to cover their own travel and living costs.

    VLIR-UOS Scholarship

    • Amount

      Monthly allowance of EUR1,150 plus one-time payments. For Marine and Lacustrine Sciences and Management (Oceans&Lakes).

    • Requirements:Candidates should be nationals and residents of one of the 31 eligible countries. The maximum age for a master programme candidate is 35 for an initial master and 45 for an advanced master. Priority is given to candidates who are employed in academic institutions, research institutes, governments, the social economy or NGOs, etc.

    VUB is subsidised by the Flemish government, which results in relatively low tuition fees for the bachelors and masters programmes.

    We offer a number of scholarships however these are only available for our masters programmes and are all merit-based, very competitive. Many of them are linked to specific programmes and have specific application deadlines.

    Location

    Vrije Universiteit Brussel

    Boulevard de la Plaine 2, 1050

    VUB is located in Brussels, the heart of Europe. Brussels is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world with a wide variety of museums, theaters, and concert halls.

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    Visa requirements for Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

    Many international students will require a visa to study in Belgium, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

    Belgium student visa requirements