Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Ixelles, Belgium

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), established in 1970, is a Dutch- and English-speaking research university located in Brussels, Belgium. It was formed by the splitting of the Free University of Brussels, originally founded in 1834 by Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen.
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Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Accommodation at Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Cost Of Living

€ 12000

Undergraduate Fees International Students

€ 3000

Post Graduate Fees International Students

€ 4600

Bachelors

  • € 60000
  • € 60000

Masters

  • € 70000
  • € 70000
  • € 70000

Vrije Universiteit Brussel Departments

  • Medicine and Pharmacy
  • Engineering
  • Languages and Humanities
  • Physical Education and Physiotherapy
  • Multidisciplinary Institute for Teacher Education (MILO)
  • Psychology and Educational Sciences
  • Law and Criminology
  • Social Sciences and Solvay Business School
  • Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences

Distinguished Alumni of Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Step-by-Step Guide to Admission Requirements at Vrije Universiteit Brussel

    •    Academic Requirements:

    •    Possession of a secondary school diploma equivalent to a Belgian secondary education diploma, granting access to bachelor’s studies in the applicant’s home country.

    •    Specific programs may have additional prerequisites; applicants should consult the individual program pages for details. 

    •    Language Proficiency:

    •    For English-taught programs, proof of English proficiency is required. Acceptable proofs include:

    •    TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 79.

    •    IELTS academic module with a minimum overall score of 6.5.

    •    Cambridge English Qualification Scale with a minimum score of 170.

    •    ITACE with a minimum level of B2.

    •    A certificate from the institution where secondary or higher education was completed, stating that English was the language of instruction.

    •    Language test results must not be older than five years at the time of application. 

    •    Required Documents:

    •    Proof of identity (e.g., passport or ID card).

    •    Headshot photograph.

    •    High school diploma and transcripts (original documents and certified translations if not in English, Dutch, French, or German).

    •    Motivational letter (if the diploma is not equivalent to a Belgian high school degree).

    •    Proof of English language proficiency.

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Vrije Universiteit Brussel Corporate Partnership

  • Job & Internship Fair : Organized annually by Inisol, this event connects VUB graduates with companies, facilitating the transition from academic life to professional careers.
  • Science Shop : This initiative supports non-profit organizations by providing scientific research assistance, enabling students and researchers to apply their expertise to societal challenges.
  • BXL Living Martial Arts Lab : A collaborative project aimed at promoting inclusiveness and supporting vulnerable youth in Brussels through martial arts programs.
  • VUB TechTransfer : In partnership with VUB Foundation and Crosstalks, VUB TechTransfer connects academic research with societal needs, facilitating collaborations between researchers, policymakers, and citizens.
  • Daughters for Life Foundation : VUB collaborates with this foundation to award annual scholarships to Palestinian students, fully funding their pursuit of an initial master’s degree.
  • Top Industrial Managers for Europe (T.I.M.E.) : VUB participates in this network, facilitating student exchanges and collaborations with leading engineering institutions across Europe.
  • Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) : Collaborating with industry partners, B-PHOT focuses on photonics research and innovation, contributing to advancements in optical technologies.
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Notable Achievements of Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Achievements

01.
Sam Mattheus Solves 85-Year-Old Mathematical Problem

In 2023, VUB mathematician Sam Mattheus solved an 85-year-old mathematical problem, earning him the prestigious EOS Pipet Prize 2024. This achievement highlights the university’s ongoing excellence in mathematical research.

Year
2023
02.
Establishment of FARI - AI for the Common Good

In 2021, VUB, in collaboration with Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), launched FARI, an artificial intelligence institute focused on leveraging AI, data, and robotics for societal benefit. This initiative underscores VUB’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and addressing urban challenges through technology.

Year
2021
03.
Jean Bourgain’s Fields Medal

Jean Bourgain, a VUB alumnus, was awarded the Fields Medal in 1994 for his profound contributions to analysis, making significant strides in areas such as Banach space theory and ergodic theory. The Fields Medal is one of the highest honors in mathematics.

Year
1994

Notable Innovation, Research & Development Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Notable Innovation

01.
FARI - AI for the Common Good

In 2021, VUB, alongside ULB, launched FARI, an institute dedicated to artificial intelligence, data, and robotics aimed at societal benefit. FARI focuses on applying AI technologies to address urban challenges, promoting sustainable and ethical solutions.

Year
2021
02.
Nanobody-Enabled Structural Biology

Throughout the 2010s, Professor Jan Steyaert’s team at VUB pioneered the use of engineered nanobodies in structural biology. These nanobodies have facilitated the visualization of dynamic proteins, aiding in drug design and understanding complex biological processes.

Year
2010
03.
Nanobodies

In 1993, VUB researchers, led by Professor Raymond Hamers, discovered nanobodies—unique single-domain antibodies derived from camelid species. These smaller antibodies exhibit high specificity and stability, revolutionizing therapeutic and diagnostic applications in biotechnology and medicine.

Year
1993

Explore Programs & Courses at Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Program name
Tuition Fees
Deadlines
BA Communication Studies 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
€3850
(Annual cost)
31st Mar
BA Sociology 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
€3850
(Annual cost)
31st Mar
BA Political Science 2 Years On Campus Masters Program
€3850
(Annual cost)
31st Mar
BSc Business Economics 2 Years On Campus Masters Program
€3850
(Annual cost)
31st Mar

University Ranking of Vrije Universiteit Brussel

294
201-250
301-400
306
195

Region: Europe

6
5-7
121
99
128
Psychology
251-300
257
251-300
201-300
Geography
151-200
301
-
151-200
Chemistry
301-350
436
-
401-500
Physics
251-300
214
-
201-300

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