Quick Summary
Public in Brussels, Belgium — Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), est. 1970. Ranked #249 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 20144 students including 24% from outside Belgium. Known for strengths in Communication & Media Studies, Psychology, Political Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 70%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Located in the heart of Europe, offering high-quality research-led education with a focus on free inquiry and critical thinking.
Subject Strengths
Communication & Media StudiesPsychologyPolitical ScienceEngineering & TechnologyMedicine
Founded1970
TypePublic
Total Students20144
Intl Students24%
Faculty Ratio18
CampusUrban
Campus Size100 acres
Affiliated HospitalsUniversitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel)
AccreditationNVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#249
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201-250
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor, Master, Advanced Master, PhD, Postgraduates
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited (mostly blended learning and micro-credentials)
Online Programs
Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT), AI Lab, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, MOBI - Mobility, Logistics and Automotive Technology Research Centre
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate70%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL79
Min GPA3.0/4.0 or equivalent
GRENot Available
GMATRequired for specific Master in Business programs
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 1 (Non-EEA), June 1 (EEA)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Ensure all documents are legalized early. A strong motivation letter that reflects the university's humanist values is highly recommended.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€1,116/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€12,000/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€4,400/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$55
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€16,450/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableMaster Mind Scholarships, VLIR-UOS, VUB Excellence Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$9,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor, Master, Advanced Master, PhD, Postgraduates programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Artificial Intelligence | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Biomedical Sciences | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| International Business | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| European Studies | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$52,000
Average Salary After Graduation
91%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh, due to proximity to EU institutions and multinational headquarters in Brussels.
Industry Connections
Strong links with IMECVIBProximusand various EU agencies.
Notable Alumni
Alexander De Croo (Prime Minister of Belgium), Pierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant (IOC member), Patrick Janssens
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Health Center, swimming pool access, athletics track, sports hall
Student Clubs
Over 50 student societies including Vrijzinnige Studantenbond (VSB) and Erasmus Student Network
Library Resources
Main Library (Etterbeek), Medical Library (Jette), Digital Archive Access
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, ISEP, UNICA Network
Summer Programs
Brussels Summer School on EU Policy Making, Summer School on Biotech