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Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB): Admissions 2024, Rankings & Acceptance Rate
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Some of the common Vrije University Brussels application deadlines for international students are given below:
- Undergraduate courses: Apr 1, 2025
- Postgraduate courses: Apr 1, 2025
- Doctoral/PhD courses: No deadline
- About Vrije University Brussels
- Vrije University Brussels Programs
- Vrije University Brussels Scholarships 2024
- Vrije University Brussels Admission Dates 2024
- Vrije University Brussels Fees, Duration & Entry Requirements 2024
- + 4 more items
About Vrije University Brussels
Established in 1834, Vrije University Brussels (VUB) is one of the top public universities in Brussels, Belgium. When it comes to Vrije University Brussels rankings, QS Rankings has awarded it the spot #259 in Best Global Universities 2024. Fpr their international students, VUB offers a 31 academic bachelor’s and 78 master’s courses, along with a number of advanced master courses, postgraduate certificate courses, short courses, preparatory programs, micro-credential courses as well as trainings. The four campuses of VUB host more than 17,000 students, out of which 23% are international students who represent about 140 different nationalities.
For Vrije University Brussels admissions, international students must meet the English proficiency requirements as well as the entry requirements. Vrije University Brussels acceptance rate stands at merely 22%, which indicates that securing admission in this university is a very competitive affair.
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Q: Is it hard to get into Vrije Universiteit Brussel?
Considering that Vrije University Brussel has an acceptance rate of 22%, only 22 applicants are accepted out of 100. However, it is also important to note that meeting minimum requirement criteria doesn’t guarantee admission during selection. However, applicants should give their strong application highlighting their academic achievements, experience and extracurricular activities to increase their chances of acceptance.
(Due to the unavailability of the current acceptance rate, the above data has been taken from unofficial sources. Hence, it is subject to vary)
Q: Is Vrije Brussels University good for international students?
Yes, the Vrije University of Brussels is a good choice for international students as the university has four campuses and hosts more than 17,000 students, of which 23% are international students representing about 140 nationalities. Hence, the university is open to international students and welcomes diversity within the students for better exposure.
Q: What is the admission deadlines for international students at VUB?
The University has various different intakes depending on the level of study. Applicants must meet the deadline and requirements. Below are the Vrije University Brussels application deadline for international students for the 2024 intake:
Undergraduate courses: October 18, 2023
Postgraduate courses: September 1, 2023
Doctoral/PhD courses: No Deadliine
Foreign Diploma: April 1, 2024
Q: How long does VUB take to send admission offers?
Vrije University Brussels starts screening the candidate application as soon as the applicants has correctly submitted their application (before the deadline), submitted all required documents and paid the application fee. The Student Administration at VUB will handles the academic screening of a candidate's application, along with other departments involved and this process can take up to 10 weeks. Candidates will be notified via e-mail as soon as the decision has been made. If the candidate's application is accepted, they will receive a conditional letter of acceptance and this can be used to start visa application by international applicants.
Q: What are the VUB admission requirements for doctoral programs?
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 students planning to pursue doctoral programs:
- ID card (front and back) or passport;
- Recent picture;
- Research topic and research proposal;
- Document Application form Registration PhD;
- CV/Resume;
- English language proficiency scores;
- Diploma + transcripts of records of master program;
- Transcripts of records of Bachelor programme (only required for the faculty of Engineering or Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences); and
- If applying for a joint PhD, the candidate must mention this in the application form.
Vrije University Brussels Programs
Vrije University Brussels programs for international students provide them 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.
| Vrije University Brussels Top Courses | |
|---|---|
| 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 | Master of Science in Biomedical Research |
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Explore courses offered by Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Q: What are the VUB popular courses?
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.
Q: Which VUB courses are ranked?
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
Q: How many courses does VUB offer?
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)
Q: Does VUB offer any short courses?
Yes, Vrije University Brussels offers five short courses alongside their bachelor's, master's, advanced master courses, postgraduate certificate courses, preparatory programmes, micro-credential courses as well as trainings. These courses are:
- First Summer School on Distributed and Replicated Environments: DARE 2023 is aimed at researchers, master’s and Ph.D. students working in the field of distributed systems and programming languages.
- Training on the use of ‘Implicit Measures’ in social sciences: This training is organized as an inter-university initiative, funded by VUB Doctoral School of Human Sciences (DSh), Hasselt University Doctoral School, and Ghent University Doctoral School.
- Chinese Language Evening Courses Autumn 2023: VUB organises Chinese language courses for young and old at its Etterbeek Campus. All courses are taught in English (and/or Chinese depending on the course level).
- Chinese Calligraphy Workshop: Calligraphy is an ancient and highly esteemed art form in Chinese society. In this workshop, students explore the logic and beauty of Chinese characters and teach the basic techniques to master the calligraphy brush. No previous knowledge of Mandarin Chinese is required.
- Expert Class in Esports Management: In this workshop, VUB and Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy - Department of Movement and Sports Sciences are committed to 12 days of seminars regarding various business perspectives within the Esports industry.
VUBVrije University Brussels Scholarships 2024
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.
Vrije Universiteit Brussels Scholarship for International Students
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 4Cities;
- Master Mind;
- ICP Master;
- TropiMundo Scholarship; and
- VUB Scholarships for Master of Science in Photonics Engineering.
Vrije University Brussels Admission Dates 2024
Vrije University Brussels accepts international applications through the Official Application Portal available on the university's website. While applying, candidates are required to submit a sum of EUR 50 = INR 4,503* as the VUB application fee.
Vrije University Brussels Application Deadline for International Students
| Course Level | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Apr 1, 20245 |
| Graduate | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Foreign Diploma | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Doctoral/PhD | No Deadline |
*1 EUR = INR 90.06
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Q: Is it tough to get into VUB?
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.
Q: What are the Vrije University Brussels application deadlines for international students?
Prospective international students of Vrije University can apply through the Official Application Portal available on the university's website. While applying, candidates are required to submit a sum of EUR 50 = INR 4,503* as the VUB application fee. Listed below are the Vrije University Brussels application deadline for international students:
| Course Level | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Graduate | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Foreign Diploma | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Doctoral/PhD | No Deadline |
*1 EUR = INR 90.06
Q: How can I apply to 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.
Q: What is the application process at Vrije University Brussels?
Below is the application process for Vrije University Brussels:
Step 1: You can apply through the official application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Make sure you meet the Entry requirements (Such as Academic qualifications and English proficiency etc.)
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit the required documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through the official portal.
Step 6: After you apply, if the applicants get selected, then the person will be offered the offer letter from Vrije Brussels University.
Q: What is process of admission after receiving the VUB acceptance letter?
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.
Vrije University Brussels Fees, Duration & Entry Requirements 2024
In order to secure an admission in Vrije University Brussels, all overseas applicants require competitive grades, relevant documents and English proficiency exam scores.
Vrije University Brussels Admission Requirements for International Students
| Undergraduate Requirements | Graduate Requirements |
|---|---|
|
|
Vrije University Brussels English Language Requirements
Vrije University Brussels accepts IELTS/TOEFL scores a proof of proficiency in the English language. Students can refer to the table below for the minimum score requirements:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(18 courses) | INR 86 K - 4 L | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 - 80 |
MASc(1 course) | INR 4 L | Duration: 24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above |
PG Certificate(6 courses) | INR 9 K - 6 L | Duration: 12 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above |
LL.M.(1 course) | INR 12 L | Duration: 12 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above |
M.A.(5 courses) | INR 87 K - 5 L | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 79 - 90 |
Others PG(2 courses) | INR 3 L | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above |
M.Sc.(3 courses) | INR 3 L - 4 L | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(3 courses) | INR 3 L - 4 L | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above |
M.Arch(2 courses) | INR 2 L - 4 L | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above |
B.A.(2 courses) | INR 3 L | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Q: What are the Vrije University Brussels English language requirements?
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.
Q: What are the VUB entry requirements for undergraduate courses?
In order to secure an admission in Vrije University Brussels, all overseas applicants require competitive grades, relevant documents and English proficiency exam scores. 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);
- Transcript of records;
- Proof of English language proficiency; and
- Motivation letter (only applicable for students with a secondary degree).
Note: These are the general requirements for undergraduates at VUB and each program can have specific requirements. Hence, applicants are advised to go through VUB's official website for course specific requirements.
Q: What are the Vrije University Brussels entry requirements for postgraduate courses?
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.
Q: What are the requirements for a Master of Science in Biology at Vrije University?
Below are the requirements for a Master of Science in Biology at Vrije University:
1. Applicants must have a Bachelors degree in one of the following disciplines for a direct admission
- Bio engineering sciences
Biochemistry and biotechnology
Biology
Biomedical Sciences
Applicants must know that the total application is based on the student's application file
Below are the English requirements for a Masters of Science in Biology at Vrije University:
English Language Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
TOEFL (internet-based test) | With a minimum level of 79 |
IELTS | With a minimum level of 6.5 |
Cambridge | 170 |
Vrije University Brussels Rankings 2024
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. Times Higher Education (THE) has ranked VUB in the range #201-250 in World University Rankings 2024, #95 in Impact Rankings: Good health and well-being 2023 and #101-200 in Impact Rankings: Quality Education 2023. According to the US News & World Report Rankings 2023, VUB has secured the rank #292 in Best Global Universities, #122 in Best Global Universities in Europe and #6 in Best Global Universities in Belgium.
#5
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Q: How is Vrije University Brussels ranked globally?
Vrije University Brussels is one of the top public universities in Brussels, Belgium with the rank:
#259 in World University Rankings 2024 - QS World University Rankings
#292 in Best Global Universities 2023 - US News and World Report Rankings
#122 in Best Global Universities in Europe 2023 - US News and World Report Rankings
#6 in Best Global Universities in Belgium 2023 - US News and World Report Rankings
#201-250 in World University Rankings 2023 - Times Higher Education (THE)
#95 in Impact Rankings: Good health and well-being 2023 – Times Higher Education (THE)
#101-200 in Impact Rankings: Quality Education 2023 – Times Higher Education (THE)
VUBCollege comparison
Compare VUB with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Shiksha Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
VUB | INR 85.78 K - 3.57 L | B | #114 QS, 2025 |
University of Stavanger  Compare | INR 11.78 L - 13.68 L | B | #353 QS, 2025 |
University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt Compare | INR 68.66 K | -/- | -/- |
URV Compare | INR 2.43 L - 2.6 L | B++ | #277 QS, 2025 |
Ghent University Compare | INR 5.24 L - 6.18 L | A | #47 QS, 2025 |
PUT Compare | INR 45.96 K - 3.76 L | B+ | #419 QS, 2025 |
VUBStudying in Belgium
VUB FAQs
Q: Which is better: University of Amsterdam or Vrije University Brussels?
University of Amsterdam as well as the Vrije University Brussels are two well-known universities and great study abroad options for students. When it comes to rankings, Amsterdam University beats Vrije University with the rank #53 in QS World University Rankings for the year 2024. The latter has been ranked #259 in the same category. In US News & World Report University Rankings 2024, Amsterdam again has an upper hand with rank #39 in Best Global Universities. Whereas, Vrije is has been ranked at the spot #292 in this category.
Mentioned below is the comparison between both the universities on the basis of some other parameters that can help you choose the better university for you:
Parameters | University of Amsterdam | Vrije University |
|---|---|---|
Acceptance Rate | 4% | 22% |
Average GPA/Grades Required | 3.2 - 3.5 GPA | |
3.0 GPA | ||
Annual Tuition Fee (MS) | INR 13L - 25L | INR 88K - 4L |
Q: How many international students does VUB host?
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.
| Particulars | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 17,000 |
| International Students | 4,000/23% |
| Nationalities Represented | 4,000 |
Q: Can you describe a usual day at Vrije University?
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.
VUB
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a year ago
The application fee for Vrije University Brussels is € 50. The University has distinct application procedures for Undergraduates and postgraduates. Students must adhere to the specific application process and submit the corresponding fees accordingly. Following and checking the official website is v
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
Below are the requirements for applicants wanting to register for Master of Science in Chemical and Materials Engineering Sciences:
Applicants must will or have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering Sciences of at least three years, or consisting of at least 180 ECTS credits or equivalent (Such as 130 U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
According to the Vrije University website, the application fee for the Master of Science in Biology is euro 100. This fee applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality.
Scholar-Level 17
Answered a year ago
The application fee for Vrije Brussels is € 50 for it’s MS in Biology. We highly recommend Students must adhere to the specific application process and submit the corresponding fees accordingly. Following and checking the official website is very important to avoid last-minute confusion.
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
The application fee for the Master of Science in Chemical Materials Engineering is EURO 50 at Vrije University Brussels . Students must adhere to the specific application process and submit the corresponding fees accordingly. Following and checking the official website is very important to avoid las
Contributor-Level 10
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