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Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB): Admissions 2024, Rankings & Acceptance Rate

Map Pin IconBrussels, Belgium
  • C++ Shiksha Grade
  • Verified IconAuthorized Partner
  • Institute Icon8 Campuses
  • Estd. 1834
Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 21 Sep '23

VUB Highlights 2024

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Year of establishment1834
WebsiteGo to Website External Link Icon
Also Known AsVUB
Accepted Exams
No.of Campuses8
Accommodation expenses4462 Euro for 1 sharing (UG),4462 Euro for 1 sharing (PG)
International Students WebsiteGo to Website External Link Icon
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Commonly asked questions

On Highlights

Q:   How many international students does VUB host?

A: 

Vrije University Brussels is one of the top public universities in Brussels, Belgium with the rank #259 in QS World University Rankings 2024. 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 4000 international students study at VUB.

Q:   What is Vrije University Brussels acceptance rate?

A: 

Vrije University Brussels' 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. Students must not show any laxity and must fulfill all the admission, documents and English proficiency language requirements.

Note: The data is taken from unofficial sources and is subjected to change every year.

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 2024. VBU's 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.

VUB
Entry Criteria

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CoursesExams
MS(18 Courses)
IELTS: 6.5 & Above
TOEFL: 79.0-80.0
MASc(1 Courses)
IELTS: 6.5 & Above
TOEFL: 79.0 & Above
M.Arch(2 Courses)
IELTS: 6.5 & Above
TOEFL: 79.0 & Above
PG Certificate(6 Courses)
IELTS: 6.5 & Above
TOEFL: 79.0 & Above
M.A.(5 Courses)
IELTS: 6.5-7.0
TOEFL: 79.0-90.0
Others PG(2 Courses)
IELTS: 6.5 & Above
TOEFL: 79.0 & Above
MIM(3 Courses)
IELTS: 6.5 & Above
TOEFL: 79.0 & Above
BBA(1 Courses)
IELTS: 6.5 & Above
TOEFL: 79.0 & Above
B.A.(2 Courses)
IELTS: 6.5 & Above
TOEFL: 79.0 & Above
LL.M.(1 Courses)
IELTS: 7.0 & Above
TOEFL: 90.0 & Above

VUB Fees, Duration & Entry Requirements 2024

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CoursesDuration1st Year Tuition Fees
MS(18 courses)
1 year-2 years
INR 84.9 K - 3.4 L
MASc(1 course)
24 months
INR 2.9 L
M.Arch(2 courses)
2 years
INR 2.2 L - 3.2 L
PG Certificate(6 courses)
12 months-2 years
INR 17.6 K - 5.9 L
M.A.(5 courses)
1 year-2 years
INR 86.5 K - 5.3 L
Others PG(2 courses)
1 year-2 years
INR 2.9 L - 3.4 L
MIM(3 courses)
1 year-2 years
INR 3.4 L
BBA(1 course)
3 years
INR 3.4 L
B.A.(2 courses)
3 years
INR 2.9 L - 3.4 L
LL.M.(1 course)
12 months
INR 11.5 L
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Commonly asked questions

On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   What are VUB's 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 VUB's 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. VUB accepts all major English exam scores like (IELTS/IELTS/

  • 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 programme can have specific requirements. Hence, applicants are advised to go through VUB's official website for course specific requirements.

Q:   What are VUB's 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 VUB's entry 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;
  • English language proficiency scores;
  • Diploma + transcripts of records of master programme;
  • 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.

VUB 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.

View all 66 scholarshipsRight Arrow Icon

VUB 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
Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall15ᵗʰ Mar - 31ˢᵗ Aug 2023
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Commonly asked questions

On Admissions

Q:   What are VUB's application deadlines 2024?

A: 

Vrije University Brussels application deadline for international students for the 2024 intake are:

  • Undergraduate courses: October 18, 2023
  • Postgraduate courses: September 1, 2023
  • Doctoral/PhD courses: No Deadliine
  • Foreign Diploma: April 1, 2024

All applicants are required to pay a fee of €50 while applying to VUB.

Q:   How can I apply to VBU?

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:   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 is process of admission after receiving VUB's 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.

Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon

VUB Accommodation & Meals 2024

On-Campus Accommodation
AVAILABLE
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Masters
Bachelors
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Alternative Star IconMeal Expense
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Commonly asked questions

On Accommodation & Meals

Q:   How many campuses does VUB have?

A: 

Situated in the heart of Europe, Brussels is the capital of Belgium. Vrije University Brussels' four campuses are located around the centre of Brussels, enabling students to enjoy the energy of a capital city on the one hand and to appreciate the quietness of the green and compact campuses on the other hand. The city is the political epicentre of the European Union and home to EU headquarters. The historical city is the crossroad of art and cultures. VUB's campus includes student accommodation, sports facilities, restaurants, modern computer rooms, a student bookshop, medical facilities, a university library, study guidance centre, located in a vibrant area full of shops and cafés. Also, VUB boasts state-of-the-art facilities on all its campuses. There are modern classrooms, high-tech laboratories, audio-visual labs, computer labs, seminar halls on the campuses. Besides academics, VUB is a centre for sports and cultural activities. The university boasts of sports facilities and auditoriums where athletic meets, music fests, dance, drama and other events are organized frequently. The university promotes cross-disciplinary participation in these extra-curricular activities.

VUB Rankings 2024

C++
Overall University Grade
by Shiksha
Mathematics
C++
#301-350
#401-500
Business Economics
C++
#251-300
Mechanical Engineering
C
#351-400
Physics
C++
#251-300
#201-300
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Commonly asked questions

On Rankings

Q:   What is VUB's ranking?

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)

Content authored by:

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Anushree Sinha

Study Abroad Expert

Updated on Sep 21, 2023

VUB
Take a look at Campus

VUB Others(3)Main Campus grounds
VUB Others(2)Engineering Lab
VUB Others(1)Rectorate building
VUB Others(1)
VUB Others(2)

VUB
Location

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University CityBrussels, Other - Belgium, Belgium

VUB
Campuses

Departments Icon8   Campuses
VUB Main Campus EtterbeekUp Arrow Icon
Address

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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