Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Brussels is considered the heart of Europe. Some of the interesting key facts about Brussels is mentioned as below:

• The city is the 4th most important business city of Europe and it consists of more than 2000 institution headquarters. 
• International organisations like European Union and NATO are situated in Brussels.
• The city is home to more than 1.2 million residents, out of which 30% of them are of foreign origin.
• Brussels is also the largest press centre consisting of 1313 accredited journalists and 979 foreign journalists.

Students have the following labour rights while doing a part time job.

• They can work upto 650 hours per year. Exceeding the same can lead to being eligible to income tax.

• Students do not need any other permit except for the resident permit.

• Students have the right to be paid as similar as other employees.

Yes, students requiring their visa can work for a maximum 20 hours per week after receiving their resident permits. However, these restrictions do not apply during school holidays.

Brussels has a night bus transport system, called Noctis that offers safe public ride options during late night. This bus network works from midnight to 3 in the morning on Friday and Saturday nights. Students can easily catch a bus after every 20-30 minutes.

Vrije University Brussels is one of the top public universities in Brussels, Belgium. The four campuses of VUB host more than 17,000 students, out of which 23% are international students who represent about 140 different nationalities. Therefore, about 4,000 international students study at VUB.

Students can spend their weekends by enjoying the vibrant city life. There are various things to explore such as more than 100 cafes and bars, pursuing crash courses, experiencing nightlife, museums, tourist spots, libraries for literature enthusiasts, joining a sports club or social organisations. Students can even do part-time jobs for a maximum of 650 hours per year. Online portals including VUB database, KU Leuven, Publiq, EhB and LUCA, Student.be, Stepstone and Randstad can help find the perfect work opportunities.

Vrije University Brussels is a top public university in Brussels, Belgium and students across the globe desire to study here. A usual day at VUB depends on the candidates choice of programme and their personal preference. However, studying in Vrije University is nonetheless very exciting and full of enjoyable moments.

• A day at VUB usually begins with classes. Students get to attend insightful lectures delivered by their professors. Else, they can also focus on their individual research during their free slot;
• Next, students get to enjoy their lunch at the cafeteria or they also opt to eat out;
• During evening hours, some students focus on their self studies, while the other indulge in some sort of extra co-curricular activity; and
• Students also enjoy their social life: hanging out with friends, healthy discussions, participating in fun activities together, and more.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel along with Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts has formed UAB (University Association of Brussels). Through this joint mission, students are offered 180 complementary courses combining both academic as well as professional courses. This means that students will not only get theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience.

Vrije University Brussels is one of the top public universities in Brussels, Belgium with the rank #259 in QS World University Rankings - Best Global Universities 2024. VBU acceptance rate is nearly 22% and this figure indicates that on an average, only 22 out of every 100 applicants manage to secure admission in the institution. Hence, this makes VUB a very competitive university to get in. Therefore, students must not show any laxity and must fulfill all the admission, documents and English proficiency language requirements in order to secure their admission in Vrije University Brussels.

Vrije University Brussels allows all applicants to apply through their official website. Here, all overseas applicants can choose to apply with a foreign diploma. After choosing the initial options according to their preference, the candidate will be asked to register. Students must fill accurate details while applying to VUB and upload all the documents listed, according to their choice of course. The general document requirements include the candidate's passport, English language exam scores, high school diploma, motivation letter and more. Once done, the application must be submitted. Also, candidates must apply as early as possible because applications submitted after the deadline won't be processed at VUB.

When a candidate receives Vrije University Brussels' acceptance letter, they also receive instructions on how to verify their diploma. This means that the candidate's previous school needs to confirm directly via e-mail that they graduated there. This e-mail needs to come from an official (verifiable) school e-mail address and contains:

• Candidate's full official name
• The title of Diploma or degree
• The graduation date

Once this verification is cleared, the student's enrolment will be finalised by VUB's administration. Once the student's application has been approved, they will receive a notice that their study contract is ready to be signed. As soon as the students signs their study contract, they are officially enrolled and will receive an enrolment certificate on their personal e-mail account. This can be used to buy a public transportation card. They will also receive their student card and an activation e-mail for VUB account. With the VUB account, students can register their courses for the upcoming academic year.

International students have to pay an international fee of EUR 90 = INR 9.2 K along with the submission of required documents.

Conversion Rate: 1 EUR = INR 102.41 

Yes, Vrije Universiteit Brussels provides several scholarship oppotunities to their students which offer grants at different levels of study, from Bachelor to Academic staff, and in various regions, for long and short stays. Some of the scholarships available for international students at VUB are:

1) Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 4Cities:

At VUB, approximately 20 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) scholarships are offered each year. All students who apply for 4CITIES are automatically considered for a scholarship. EMJMD scholarships are good for two years (maximum 24 months) and provide the following:

• Full coverage of all participation fees:
  • 4500 EUR per year for Programme Country nationals
  • 9000 EUR per year for Partner Country nationals
• Subsistence costs:
  • 1000 EUR per month for both Programme and Partner Country nationals
• Travel & installation costs:
  • 2000 EUR per year plus one-time 1000 EUR for installation costs for Partner Country nationals whose main residence is less than 4000 km from the EMMC coordinating HEI (Brussels)
  • 3000 EUR per year plus one-time 1000 EUR for installation costs for Partner Country nationals whose main residence is located more than 4000 km from the EMMC coordinating HEI (Brussels)

2) Master Mind:

• Fixed amount: €9.600 per academic year

• Tuition fee waiver: Tuition fee is limited to amount paid by Flemish scholarship student.

• Duration (in months or weeks): Duration of the Master programme (if 2-year Master: second year conditional).

3) Scholarship for Masters of Science in Photonics Engineering:

Each year Vrije University Brussels grants several? full scholarships of 10,000 EUR per academic year? for the Master of Science in Photonics Engineering programme based on? excellence, technical knowledge and motivation. Every international student applying at VUB is eligible for these scholarships? no separate procedure must? be followed. Each scholarship amounts to 10,000 EUR per academic year covering the cost of living and studying in Brussels.

4) REI Scholarships:

REI Scholarships are granted for stays of at least one month in one of the 37 partner countries in Africa, Latin America or Asia. Candidates can always submit an application during the current academic year.

5) Erasmus + Key Action 1:

The EU programme 'Erasmus+ Key Action 1' offers individual students the opportunity to study abroad for a period of 3-12 months for studies or 2-12 months for a traineeship. Students can undertake this mobility at Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level for a max. total of 12 months per study cycle. 

Vrije Universiteit Brussels provides several scholarship oppotunities to their students which offer grants at different levels of study, from Bachelor to Academic staff, and in various regions, for long and short stays. The eligibility crieteria for a few scholarships at VUB are:

1) Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 4CITIES:

• EMJMD student scholarships can be offered to students from any region of the world, taking geographical balance into account. No more than 3 candidates from the same country (with the same nationality) should be awarded an EMJMD scholarship during the same intake.
• Student scholarship candidates who have already benefited from a JMD (joint master degree) scholarship or from an EMMC scholarship are not eligible for another scholarship in the framework of a JMD program.
• Furthermore, EMJMD scholarship holders cannot at the same time be beneficiaries of a grant for student or staff mobility in the framework of higher education credit mobility projects, and vice versa.
• Scholarship candidates must have already obtained a first higher education degree or demonstrate a recognised equivalent level of learning according to national legislation and practices.
• EMJMD students scholarships are awarded exclusively for full-time enrollment.
• Students holding an EMJMD scholarship must commit themselves to participate in the master’s programme in accordance with the terms defined by the consortium in the Student Agreement. Failure to do so could lead to the cancellation of the scholarship.

2) Erasmus + Key Action 1:

• Student type: Students regularly enrolled at VUB at Bachelor, Master and PhD students*

• Citizenship: All students regularly enrolled at VUB: Belgian nationals, EEA and non-EEA nationals

• Destinations: The Erasmus+ programme supports exchanges to EU and non-EU destinations. Available destinations depend on the inter institutional Erasmus+ agreement the VUB has in place with partner universities.

• Required degree: This differs per academic program, hence students are advised to have a look on the exchange specific pages on VUB's official website to find out which degree is required for an exchange adventure.

*PhD students can benefit from an Erasmus+ scholarship for non-EU destinations only.  PhD students going abroad for studies will be required to take a few courses at the host institution.

According to the university data, 1% of Indian students pursuing an undergraduate degree and 3% pursuing a graduate degree will be able to avail the scholarships. Students, if meet the eligibility must submit the scholarship application form along with the necessary documents before the deadlines.

The monthly cost of living for international students studying at VUB are considered low. Monthly expenses can range between EUR 949 - 1775 (INR 97.1K - 1.8 L). The detailed costs are given in the table below:

Particulars

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly Cost of Living in INR

Accommodation

EUR 450 - 550

INR 46K - 56.3K

Energy costs

EUR 100 - 130

INR 10.2K - 13.3K

Food

EUR 250 - 300

INR 25.6 - 30.7

Transportation (Yearly)

EUR 12 - 550

INR 1.2K - 56.3K

Medical insurance

EUR 12 - 100

INR 1.2K - 10.2K

Medical costs

EUR 25

INR 2.5K

Phone/internet

EUR 30 - 50

INR 3K - 5.1K

Other Expenses (clothes, pleasure, personal hygiene)

EUR 45

INR 4.6K

Unexpected Expenses

EUR 25

INR 2.5K

TOTAL

EUR 949 - 1775

INR 97.1K - 1.8 L

Conversion Rate: 1 EUR = INR 102.41

Vrije University Brussels demands a proof of proficiency in English language as an important admission requirement. Prospective students can provide proof of sufficient knowledge of English as the language of instruction by meeting ONE of the following criteria:

• Having a Diploma of secondary education where English was the unique language of instruction, excluding eventual language courses;
• Having a Diploma of higher education where English was the language of instruction;
• Having successfully completed secondary education organised (by an educational establishment accredited) by the Flemish, French-speaking or German-speaking Community;
• Having successfully completed one of the following language proficiency tests corresponding to the Common European Framework of Reference with minimum level B2:

English Proficiency Exam

Minimum Score Requirement

TOEFL  (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet based

79 & Above

IELTS  (International English Language Testing System)

6.5 & Above

Cambridge

170 & Above

Note:

Each faculty at VUB may require a higher level of language proficiency for a specific programme. This will be mentioned in the programme outline.

Exceptions to language requirements may be granted by the person responsible for the programme on the basis of an overall assessment.

Each faculty at VUB has the discretion to decide that students do not need to submit proof of their knowledge of the language of tuition when they enrol for a postgraduate or advanced master’s programme. This will be mentioned in the programme outline.

Listed below are the VUB entry requirements for undergraduate courses:

• Secondary School Diploma or Secondary School Credentials;
• ID card (front and back) or passport;
• Recent picture;
• High school Diploma (if the candidate is in their final year, an enrolment certificate including the expected date of graduation and the official title of the Diploma they will obtain);
• <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/what-are-academic-transcripts-articlepage-1425">Transcript</a> of records;
• Proof of English language proficiency; and
• <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/how-to-write-an-impressive-letter-of-motivation-applycontent12595">Motivation letter</a> (only applicable for students with a secondary degree).

In order to secure an admission in Vrije University Brussels, all overseas applicants require competitive grades, relevant documents and English proficiency exam scores. VUB accepts all major English exam scores like (IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge) and mentioned below are the entry requirements from postgraduate students:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent;
• ID card (front and back) or passport;
• Recent picture;
• High school Diploma (if the candidate is in their final year, an enrolment certificate including the expected date of graduation and the official title of the Diploma they will obtain);
• Transcript of records;
• Proof of English language proficiency; and
• Motivation letter.

Note: These are the general requirements for graduates at VUB and each programme can have specific requirements. Hence, applicants are advised to go through VUB's official website for course specific requirements.

According to the university, most of the Indian international students are pursuing degrees in the Science major. Some of the courses that have a higher chance of an Indian international student getting selected into are mentioned below:

• BSc Business Economics
• MSc Management
• MSc Electromechanical Engineering
• MSc Applied Computer Science
• MSc Molecular Biology
• MSc Urban Studies
• PhD in Engineering
• PhD in Sciences
• PhD in Bioengineering Sciences

Vrije University Brussels provides students the opportunity to choose from 31 academic bachelor’s and 78 master’s courses. Alongside, VUB also offers a number of advanced master courses, postgraduate certificate courses, short courses, preparatory programmes, micro-credential courses as well as trainings. Some of the popular courses offered at the university are:

• Master of Science in Business Engineering (Business and Technology);
• Master of Science in Electromechanical Engineering;
• Master of Science in Chemical and Materials Engineering;
• Master of Science in Applied Sciences and Engineering (Applied Computer Science);
• Master of Science in Photonics Engineering;
• Master of Science in Biology;
• Master of Science in Physics and Astronomy;
• Master of Science in Educational Science;
• Master of Arts in Linguistics and Literary Studies; and
• Master of Science in Biomedical Research.

Vrije University Brussels provides students the opportunity to choose from 31 academic bachelor’s and 78 master’s courses. Alongside, VUB also offers a number of advanced master courses, postgraduate certificate courses, short courses, preparatory programmes, micro-credential courses as well as trainings. According to the US News and World Report Subject Rankings, the ranked VUB courses include:

• #108 in Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging
• #172 in Infectious Diseases
• #199 in Immunology
• #222 in Social Sciences and Public Health
• #234 in Arts and Humanities
• #235 in Physics
• #241 in Clinical Medicine
• #245 in Oncology
• #253 in Psychiatry/Psychology
• #263 in Geosciences

Vrije University Brussels provides students the opportunity to choose from 31 academic bachelor’s and 78 master’s courses. Alongside, VUB also offers a number of advanced master courses, postgraduate certificate courses, short courses, preparatory programmes, micro-credential courses as well as trainings. The courses offered at VUB are in the fields of:

• Bio Engineering (15 courses)
• AI and Data Science (5 courses)
• Health and Psychology (16 courses)
• Education and Pedagogy (1 courses)
• Economics, Business and Management (13 courses)
• Arts and Culture (3 courses)
• Physical Education (1 courses)
• Law (6 courses)
• Social Sciences (15 courses)
• Languages and literature (3 courses)
• Science (20 courses)
• Philosophy and Ethics (2 courses)

Law is ranked at #3 as per Shiksha Popularity Ranking. THE has ranked #51 whereas QS Rankings are #201. ARWU has also ranked the university at #101. Rankings for other Law courses are as follows:

Ranking Bodies

2023

2024

2025

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

#59

#55

#51

QS - Law and Legal Studies

#201

#201

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

#101

-

Science is ranked #4 as per Shiksha Popularity Ranking. THE (Times Higher Education) as well as QS World University Ranking has ranked the university at #201. These ranking bodies have ranked many courses under Science specialisation which are as follows:

Ranking Bodies

2023

2024

2025

QS - Biological Sciences

#201

#201

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

#176

#201

QS - Physics and Astronomy

#251

#251

QS - Mathematics

#301

#351

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

#201

#301

-

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

-

#401

-

Yes, Vrije Universiteit Brussel provides on-campus housing facilities. The university consists of 1540 hostel rooms. Students, meeting the eligibility can apply for the accommodation. It states that a student must be enrolled in a basic UG or PG full time program, i.e, it must consist of at least 54 credits.

The cost of on-campus houses varies depending on the type. The cost includes internet connection, energy cost, fire insurance, repairs and weekly maintenance. The costs are:

Monthly Costs (EUR)

Monthly Costs (INR)

Standard Student Room

EUR 42080

INR 43 L

Single Studio

EUR 52600

INR 53.8 L

Two-Person Flat

EUR 63120

INR 64.6 L

VUB is partnered with many housing websites in Brussels that provide <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/cheap-accommodation-in-belgium-for-students-articlepage-202476">off-campus accommodations</a> similar to those on campus. These resources are as follows:

• MyKot
• Brik
• Bru Upkot
• U-Residence
• Brusello-XL
• Jet Upkot
• Social rental office SVKS

VUB offers daycare centers located in Etterbeek and Jette. They have a capacity of more than 170 children. Parents who wish to pursue a degree from Vrije Universiteit and the staff's children are given priority, although these centers are open to everyone depending on availability.