Vrije Universiteit Brussel
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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

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Year of establishment
1834
Also known as
VUB
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Student website
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No. of campus
1
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Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   Is it hard to get into Vrije Universiteit Brussel?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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 Scholarships 2024

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q:   Does VUB offer scholarships for international students?

A: 

Yes, 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. Some of the scholarships available for international students at VUB are:

1) Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 4Cities:

At VUB, approximately 20 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) scholarships are offered each year. All students who apply for 4CITIES are automatically considered for a scholarship. EMJMD scholarships are good for two years (maximum 24 months) and provide the following:

  • Full coverage of all participation fees:
    • 4500 EUR per year for Programme Country nationals
    • 9000 EUR per year for Partner Country nationals
  • Subsistence costs:
    • 1000 EUR per month for both Programme and Partner Country nationals
  • Travel & installation costs:
    • 2000 EUR per year plus one-time 1000 EUR for installation costs for Partner Country nationals whose main residence is less than 4000 km from the EMMC coordinating HEI (Brussels)
    • 3000 EUR per year plus one-time 1000 EUR for installation costs for Partner Country nationals whose main residence is located more than 4000 km from the EMMC coordinating HEI (Brussels)

2) Master Mind:

  • Fixed amount: €9.600 per academic year

  • Tuition fee waiver: Tuition fee is limited to amount paid by Flemish scholarship student.

  • Duration (in months or weeks): Duration of the Master programme (if 2-year Master: second year conditional).

3) Scholarship for Masters of Science in Photonics Engineering:

Each year Vrije University Brussels grants several? full scholarships of 10,000 EUR per academic year? for the Master of Science in Photonics Engineering programme based on? excellence, technical knowledge and motivation. Every international student applying at VUB is eligible for these scholarships? no separate procedure must? be followed. Each scholarship amounts to 10,000 EUR per academic year covering the cost of living and studying in Brussels.

4) REI Scholarships:

REI Scholarships are granted for stays of at least one month in one of the 37 partner countries in Africa, Latin America or Asia. Candidates can always submit an application during the current academic year.

5) Erasmus + Key Action 1:

The EU programme 'Erasmus+ Key Action 1' offers individual students the opportunity to study abroad for a period of 3-12 months for studies or 2-12 months for a traineeship. Students can undertake this mobility at Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level for a max. total of 12 months per study cycle. 

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for scholarships at VUB?

A: 

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. The eligibility crieteria for a few scholarships at VUB are:

1) Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 4CITIES:

  • EMJMD student scholarships can be offered to students from any region of the world, taking geographical balance into account. No more than 3 candidates from the same country (with the same nationality) should be awarded an EMJMD scholarship during the same intake.
  • Student scholarship candidates who have already benefited from a JMD (joint master degree) scholarship or from an EMMC scholarship are not eligible for another scholarship in the framework of a JMD program.
  • Furthermore, EMJMD scholarship holders cannot at the same time be beneficiaries of a grant for student or staff mobility in the framework of higher education credit mobility projects, and vice versa.
  • Scholarship candidates must have already obtained a first higher education degree or demonstrate a recognised equivalent level of learning according to national legislation and practices.
  • EMJMD students scholarships are awarded exclusively for full-time enrollment.
  • Students holding an EMJMD scholarship must commit themselves to participate in the master’s programme in accordance with the terms defined by the consortium in the Student Agreement. Failure to do so could lead to the cancellation of the scholarship.

2) Erasmus + Key Action 1:

  • Student type: Students regularly enrolled at VUB at Bachelor, Master and PhD students*
  • Citizenship: All students regularly enrolled at VUB: Belgian nationals, EEA and non-EEA nationals

  • Destinations: The Erasmus+ programme supports exchanges to EU and non-EU destinations. Available destinations depend on the inter institutional Erasmus+ agreement the VUB has in place with partner universities.
  • Required degree: This differs per academic program, hence students are advised to have a look on the exchange specific pages on VUB's official website to find out which degree is required for an exchange adventure.

*PhD students can benefit from an Erasmus+ scholarship for non-EU destinations only.  PhD students going abroad for studies will be required to take a few courses at the host institution.

Vrije University Brussels Admission Dates 2024

  • Application fees :Euro 50
  • Type of deadline :Regular
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNot required
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNot required
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
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Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall15ᵗʰ Mar 2023 - 31ˢᵗ Mar 2024
Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   Is it tough to get into VUB?

A: 

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?

A: 

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 LevelApplication Deadlines
UndergraduateApr 1, 2025
GraduateApr 1, 2025
Foreign DiplomaApr 1, 2025
Doctoral/PhDNo Deadline

*1 EUR = INR 90.06

Q:   How can I apply to Vrije University Brussels?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(18 courses)
INR 85 K - 4 L
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 - 80
MASc(1 course)
INR 4 L
Duration24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above
PG Certificate(6 courses)
INR 9 K - 6 L
Duration12 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above
M.A.(5 courses)
INR 87 K - 5 L
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 79 - 90
M.Arch(2 courses)
INR 2 L - 4 L
Duration2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above
M.Sc.(3 courses)
INR 3 L - 4 L
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above
MBA/PGDM(3 courses)
INR 3 L - 4 L
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above
B.A.(2 courses)
INR 3 L
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above
BBA(1 course)
INR 4 L
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above
Others PG(2 courses)
INR 3 L
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above
Read more
View Course Wise Fees ->
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   What are the Vrije University Brussels English language requirements?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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

  1. Applicants must know that the total application is based on the student's application file 

  2. 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

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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   How is Vrije University Brussels ranked globally?

A: 

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)

VUB
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INR 85.01 K - 3.53 LB#114 QS, 2025

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VUB
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VUB 
FAQs

Q:   Which is better: University of Amsterdam or Vrije University Brussels?

A: 

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?

A: 

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.

ParticularsHeadcount
Total Students17,000
International Students4,000/23%
Nationalities Represented4,000

Q:   Can you describe a usual day at Vrije University?

A: 

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.
qna

VUB

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

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

...more

53480137
sneha

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:

  1. 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

...more

53480137
sneha

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.

53480137
YASH SHARMA

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. 

53480137
sneha

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

...more

53480137
sneha

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Anushree Sinha

Study Abroad Expert

Anushree is a Graduate in Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and takes keen interest in content creation. She has affinity for writing and travelling around the world takes the top spot on her bucket list. Bringing out the creativ...Read Full Bio
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VUB
Location

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University CityBrussels, Other - Belgium, Belgium

VUB
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Pleinlaan 2 1050 Elsene Building X4 (entrance 6)

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VUB
Contact Information

Address

Pleinlaan 2 - 1050 Brussel - Belgium
Brussels ( Other - Belgium)

Email
prospective.students@vub.be

(For general query)

studentenadministratie@vub.be

(For admission query)

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