Vrije Universiteit Brussel
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Courses at Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Shiksha popularity ranking
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#200 in World

#5 in Belgium

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Vrije Universiteit Brussel Courses & Fees 2026

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(18 courses)
INR 1 L - 6 LGet Fee Details
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 - 80, GRE
M.Sc.(3 courses)
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above
MBA/PGDM(3 courses)
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility
Q:   Which courses have a higher chance of an Indian international student getting selected into?
A: 

According to the university, most of the Indian international students are pursuing degrees in the Science major. Some of the courses that have a higher chance of an Indian international student getting selected into are mentioned below:

  • BSc Business Economics
  • MSc Management
  • MSc Electromechanical Engineering
  • MSc Applied Computer Science
  • MSc Molecular Biology
  • MSc Urban Studies
  • PhD in Engineering
  • PhD in Sciences
  • PhD in Bioengineering Sciences
Q:   Why is Brussels considered a great location for studying abroad?
A: 

Brussels is considered the heart of Europe. Some of the interesting key facts about Brussels is mentioned as below:

  • The city is the 4th most important business city of Europe and it consists of more than 2000 institution headquarters. 
  • International organisations like European Union and NATO are situated in Brussels.
  • The city is home to more than 1.2 million residents, out of which 30% of them are of foreign origin.
  • Brussels is also the largest press centre consisting of 1313 accredited journalists and 979 foreign journalists.
Q:   What is the monthly cost of living for international students studying at VUB?
A: 

The monthly cost of living for international students studying at VUB are considered low. Monthly expenses can range between EUR 949 - 1775 (INR 97.1K - 1.8 L). The detailed costs are given in the table below:

Particulars

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly Cost of Living in INR

Accommodation

EUR 450 - 550

INR 46K - 56.3K

Energy costs

EUR 100 - 130

INR 10.2K - 13.3K

Food

EUR 250 - 300

INR 25.6 - 30.7

Transportation (Yearly)

EUR 12 - 550

INR 1.2K - 56.3K

Medical insurance

EUR 12 - 100

INR 1.2K - 10.2K

Medical costs

EUR 25

INR 2.5K

Phone/internet

EUR 30 - 50

INR 3K - 5.1K

Other Expenses (clothes, pleasure, personal hygiene)

EUR 45

INR 4.6K

Unexpected Expenses

EUR 25

INR 2.5K

TOTAL

EUR 949 - 1775

INR 97.1K - 1.8 L

Conversion Rate: 1 EUR = INR 102.41

Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Popular Courses

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Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Popular Programs

Showing 12 Programs
18 CoursesStar Icon4.8(2)1 year - 2 years
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Vrije Universiteit Brussel Fee Breakdown 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Fees Breakdown
Q:   Which VUB courses are ranked?
A: 

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:   What is the ranking of VUB Science specialised courses?
A: 

Science is ranked #4 as per Shiksha Popularity Ranking. THE (Times Higher Education) as well as QS World University Ranking has ranked the university at #201. These ranking bodies have ranked many courses under Science specialisation which are as follows:

Ranking Bodies

2023

2024

2025

QS - Biological Sciences

#201

#201

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

#176

#201

QS - Physics and Astronomy

#251

#251

QS - Mathematics

#301

#351

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

#201

#301

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ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

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#401

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Q:   How are Vrije University Brussels Law courses ranked?
A: 

Law is ranked at #3 as per Shiksha Popularity Ranking. THE has ranked #51 whereas QS Rankings are #201. ARWU has also ranked the university at #101. Rankings for other Law courses are as follows:

Ranking Bodies

2023

2024

2025

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

#59

#55

#51

QS - Law and Legal Studies

#201

#201

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

#101

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Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Students Ratings & Reviews

4.7/5
Verified Icon4 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Student Views (Based on Reviews)
  • 75% students never faced discrimination in this university
Vibe of Campus
Academically oriented
Multi-dimensional
Friendly
Liberal
Internships5
Part time work4
Post study jobs4.5
Quality of faculty4.8
Student Life4.8
Value for money5
Public transportation5
Safety4.8
Indian Food4.8
Permanent Immigration4.3
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Communication Studies: Journalism and Media in Europe - Batch of 2020
4.8
Good experience. I was able to secure job with post study visa.
Tips: Everything is good, but learning the local language is very important for job prospects. Also, an internship during study time would help a lot. The quality of education is very high. Lots of indian students on campus. Good experience. Would recommend.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 700
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 35075
Reviewed on 30 Sep 2025Read more
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K
Komal Yadav Verified Icon
Master of Science in Molecular Biology - Batch of 2022
4.9
Excellent student facilities and opportunities to grow.
Tips: I absolutely loved the student culture in Brussels, which allows you to be independent, self-reliant and responsible in a conducive environment, fostering individual growth and encouraging merit-based opportunities. Anyone hoping to make a career in life sciences should sincerely consider this beautiful option. I am quite satisfied with the beautiful education that Belgium offered me at the VUB. Our professors put in serious efforts to make our classes productive and infuse research-based learning from their own works, too. It's a rigorous curriculum. It will always be special.
Likes (Student Life): The classes used to take up most of the time. On some days, the classes would start at 7:30 and would continue until 6 in the evening, in practical sessions. There are orientation events for new students joining the campus with fun activities. There are also various student groups/ volunteer groups that you may join.
Dislikes (Part time work): Part-time work opportunities are available, and your student visa allows for 20 hours per week. However, the course curriculum is extensive, so you barely have time for regular part-time jobs. There are student jobs, odd jobs, nanny jobs, etc., which pay 10 to 20 euros per hour.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 750
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 33000
Reviewed on 15 Sep 2025Read more
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Prashant Kadam Verified Icon
Master of Science (MSc) in Management - Batch of 2019
4.3
From small town to global vision.
Tips: I found the cultural difference between India and Belgium is quite striking, especially coming from a small town in India. However, enrolling in a Dutch language class helped in smooth integration and also meeting other international students helps as well. Experienced a steep learning curve at the start while adapting to new weather conditions, food, and communication style. Learning to cook and doing everything by myself while taking on a challenging academic pursuit changed me completely. I secured "ICAR-International Fellowship", which is 1800 euros per month, which was quite generous, covering all of my expenses. It's a competitive fellowship offered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. While applying, you need to have secured a promoter/advisor from the University abroad and a tentative 3-year research plan. Then comes an interview round. You need to present your research plan, methods, collaborations, impact, and timeline in 30 to 40 minutes, including questions and answers. I am extremely satisfied with the VUB, as there is freedom of expression, novelty in research, and it helped me build not just my career, but overall personality and life. Brussels, being in the heart of Europe, gave me exposure to many countries, cultures, and complexities. It truly helped me build my worldview.
Likes (Internships): Internships are a great way to get hands-on experience and a better understanding of the theoretical knowledge you gain at university. They're also a great way to network and impress potential employers, which can boost your chances of getting your next job or another opportunity.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Permanent immigration/settlement option is getting difficult every passing year due to a rise in political fiction. As a non-European citizen, there is a 5 year rule in place in Belgium. During these 5 years, applicants should show language proficiency such as Dutch, French, or German level up to B1 level (it was A2 until March/April 2025). Moreover, social integration course and economic contribution through paying taxes (40% taxes in Belgium). However, as a student one does not pay taxes, therefore the authority consider the time spent as a student as a half, while accounting it towards a 5-year rule. For example, it takes 5 years to complete a Ph.D, thus, the authority took it as 2.5 years, and you have to work for another 2.5 years before you can be eligible to apply for permanent residence. It is definitely possible, but very challenging.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1950
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 65750
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Photonics Engineering - Batch of 2022
4.7
Vrije Universiteit Brussel has many on-campus part-time opportunities for students.
Tips: There are on-campus jobs available in the library, faculty, restaurant, and bar. You are limited to 20 hours per week. The rate of pay depends on which job you have. If you get a degree in engineering, you can look for opportunities in Flanders and Brussels. There, companies are willing to sponsor visas for qualified professionals, and they will pay industry-standard salaries. If you like any course, feel free to apply. I received a scholarship from the Department of Photonics Engineering. It was 10,000 per year. Overall, I am very satisfied with the university, the course and the country.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1500
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 26400
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2025Read more
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Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Student Forum

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

Answered 3 months ago

Vrije Universiteit Brussels is one of the top-ranked universities in Belgium. VUB is ranked #5 in Belgium and #200 at the global level by Shiksha Popularity Ranking. VUB is ranked by other top-ranking bodies too. QS World University Rankings are #294 in 2026, whereas 2025 and 2024 rankings are #114

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PRIYANKA

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 months ago

Yes, Vrije University Brussels offers on-campus accommodation, located in Etterbeek and Jette. These dorms consist of 1,540 student rooms out of which 1,452 are single rooms, 35 double flats, 12 studios and 6 rooms for students with disability. Students are advised to book them as early as possibl

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PRIYANKA

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 months ago

International students have to pay an international fee of EUR 90 = INR 9.2 K along with the submission of required documents.

Conversion Rate: 1 EUR = INR 102.41 

P

PRIYANKA

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 months ago

Vrije Universiteit Brussel along with Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts has formed UAB (University Association of Brussels). Through this joint mission, students are offered 180 complementary courses combining both academic as well as professional courses. This means that stud

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PRIYANKA

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 months ago

Yes, Indian students can apply to the research assistantship programs or thesis projects if the vacancies are available. The application process consists of three rounds. In the first round, a faculty will review the application, ie, CV and all the degrees. Followed by the second round, the applican

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PRIYANKA

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Loveleen Sharma

Study Abroad Expert

Loveleen is a seasoned content writer with 4+ years of experience, currently writing for Shiksha. When he is not writing and helping students, he can be found at the movies, reading fiction, and learning a new language.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Vrije Universiteit Brussel Others(1)Rectorate building
Vrije Universiteit Brussel Others(2)Engineering Lab
Vrije Universiteit Brussel Others(3)Main Campus grounds
Vrije Universiteit Brussel Others(1)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel Others(2)

Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Location

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University CityBrussels, Other - Belgium, Belgium

Vrije Universiteit Brussel
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)

Go to College Website ->