Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Brussels, Belgium

"Brussels' Dutch-speaking university with 73 English programmes"

Public Research University Comprehensive 🌐 www.vub.be https://www.vub.be/en

At a Glance

Accept Rate —
Avg Salary/Yr —
Ranking #294 (QS)
PSW VISA 12 months (orientation year)
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About Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) became an independent Dutch-speaking university in 1969, sharing the free-inquiry roots of ULB (1834). It is in Brussels, the capital of Europe, and offers 73 English-taught programmes, three of them at bachelor's level, such as Business Economics and Social Sciences. About 14% of its students are from outside the EU / EEA, the highest share among Flemish universities, and a small number of programmes start in February. VUB ranked #294 in QS 2026 and #295 in QS 2027.

Rankings & Recognition

#294
QS World University Rankings 2026 Ranked #294 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (#295 in QS 2027).

Ranked #294 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (#295 in QS 2027).

Accreditations & Memberships

EUTOPIA European University Alliance Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR)

QS 2026 Performance Breakdown

Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)'s global standing for that metric.

Academic Reputation #
Employer Reputation #
Faculty Student Ratio #
Citations per Faculty #
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Key Facts

1969 Independent Since
73 (3 bachelor) English Programmes
#295 QS 2027
approx. 14% Non-EU / EEA share
Brussels City

Popular Programs

Business Economics Social Sciences Engineering Computer Science European Studies Biomedical Sciences

Application Details

Application Route VUB online application
Master Mind approx. 1 April
IELTS (Master) approx. 6.5
February Start Some programmes
Work rights 20 hours per week

Standardized Test Requirements

TestMinimum Score
IELTS Academic (Master)
approx. 6.5

Study Abroad & Visa Details

Visa Approval Rate 88%
I-20 Processing Long-stay student visa (type D)
Post-Study Work 12 months (orientation year)
Green Card Pathway Single permit / EU Blue Card

Financials

Application Fee N/A
Avg Scholarship Master Mind (Flemish)

Career Outcomes

12 months (orientation year) Post-Study Work
20 hrs/week Work While Study

Where Graduates Land

Faculty & Alumni

Non-EU / EEA share — approx. 14% —

Notable Alumni

Campus & Location

VUB's main campuses are Etterbeek (Pleinlaan) and the Brussels Health Campus in Jette.

Campus Details

Main campus in Etterbeek
Health campus in Jette
UZ Brussel university hospital
Located in Brussels the EU capital
Many English-taught programmes
Founded in 1970

Campus Forecast

Summer (Jun–Aug): 13–23°C Autumn (Sep–Nov): 5–16°C Winter (Dec–Feb): 1–6°C Spring (Mar–May): 4–16°C Rain throughout the year Grey winters with occasional frost Bring a waterproof jacket & warm layers

Student Life & Housing

Housing

University residences or private student rooms (kot)

Dining

University restaurants (resto) and city cafes

Health & Wellness

Health insurance required; student wellbeing services

Activities & Clubs

Student associations (kringen / cercles) Sports Cultural events

Diversity & Demographics

Non-EU / EEA students approx. 14%

Cost Deep-Dive

Non-EEA Track 1 (2025-26, 60 ECTS) EUR 4,200 / year
Non-EEA Track 2 (2025-26) EUR 4,960 / year
2026-27 change approx. +EUR 800 (most masters)
Proof of funds (2026-27) EUR 1,062 / month (12,744 / year)

Intakes & Deadlines

Most programmes start in September; a few start in February. Master Mind nominations close around 1 April.

Scholarships at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

1 scholarship available

View All 1
Master's

Master Mind Scholarship (Flemish Government)

Up to EUR 10,225 / year + fee waiver

Deadline: Ask counsellor

These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate English bachelor's (Business Economics, Social Sciences) accept Indian Class 12 with good marks; others in Dutch.
Postgraduate Recognised bachelor's in a related field. IELTS approx. 6.5.

English Proficiency

IELTS Academic (Master)

approx. 6.5

Required Documents

Passport copy Bachelor degree certificate and transcripts Class 10 and 12 marksheets English test (IELTS / TOEFL) CV and motivation letter Proof of funds (blocked account / Annex 32) Medical certificate Police clearance certificate Admission letter

Application Process

1
Choose programme
Check the English-taught programme and entry rules on vub.be.
2
Apply online
Apply online before the non-EU deadline with transcripts and English scores.
3
Admission letter
Receive the admission / enrolment letter from the university.
4
Show funds
Prove EUR 1,062 per month via blocked account, scholarship or guarantor (Annex 32).
5
Type D visa
Apply for the long-stay student visa (type D) at VFS / TLS Belgium in India.
6
Arrive & register
Register at the town hall within 8 days to get your A-card residence permit.

Campus & Location

VUB's main campuses are Etterbeek (Pleinlaan) and the Brussels Health Campus in Jette.

3 of 3 courses
Bachelor's 2
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
📍 Brussels
Bachelor's courses, Full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Master Mind: approx. 1 April
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
📍 Brussels
Bachelor's courses, Full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Master Mind: approx. 1 April
Master's 1
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
📍 Brussels
Master's courses, Full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 2 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Master Mind: approx. 1 April

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