Quick Summary
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), in Brussels, Belgium, is a public that has shaped higher education since 1834. Ranked #190 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 35000 students including 33% from outside Belgium. Known for strengths in Social Sciences, Political Science, Medicine, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Located in the capital of Europe, it offers a multicultural environment with a strong emphasis on free inquiry and critical thinking.
Subject Strengths
Social SciencesPolitical ScienceMedicinePhilosophyPhysicsEconomics
Founded1834
TypePublic
Total Students35000
Intl Students33%
Faculty Ratio22
CampusUrban
Campus SizeLarge (distributed)
Affiliated HospitalsHôpital Erasme, Institut Jules Bordet, HUDERF (Queen Fabiola Children's Hospital)
AccreditationEQUIS, AMBA, Wallonia-Brussels Federation (ARES)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#190
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201-250
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#151-200
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor, Master, Specialized Master, PhD, Continuing Education
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Yes (limited MOOCs and specific certifications)
Online Programs
More than 100 research units and 7 interdisciplinary institutes
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
EQUIS, AMBA, Wallonia-Brussels Federation (ARES)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL92
Min GPA3.0/4.0 (or equivalent B grade)
GRERequired for specific Master programs at Solvay
GMATRequired for specific MBA and Master programs at Solvay
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 1 (Non-EU), September 30 (EU)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · Limited (mostly PhD/Specific Research)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Ensure all documents are translated into French or English; non-EU students should apply as early as February due to visa processing times.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€835/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€13,200/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€835/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$220
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€14,035/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$5,000
Financial AidAvailable via the Student Social Service (SSE)
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor, Master, Specialized Master, PhD, Continuing Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| European Studies | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Medicine | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Business Engineering (Solvay) | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$48,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong (especially within EU institutions and Brussels-based NGOs)
Industry Connections
Strong links with European ParliamentCommissionand NATO; corporate partnerships through Solvay Brussels School.
Notable Alumni
Denis Mukwege (Nobel Peace Prize), Jules Bordet (Nobel Prize in Medicine), Henri La Fontaine (Nobel Peace Prize)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
ULB Sports center, swimming pools, tennis courts, and athletic tracks
Student Clubs
Over 100 student circles (Cercles), folklore traditions, and cultural groups
Library Resources
8 specialized libraries and a vast digital repository (DI-fusion)
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, SEMP, and various international bilateral agreements
Summer Programs
Yes (focused on European Studies and French Language)