Colleges & Universities in Belgium

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

country rank  6
world rank  381

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Overview

Established in 1970, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University of Brussels) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Brussels (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). Officially recognized by the Vlaams Ministerie van Onderwijs en Vorming, België (Flemish Ministry of Education and Training of Belgium), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a large sized (uniRank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational Belgian higher education institution. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 55-year-old Belgian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 20-29% making this Belgian higher education organization a very selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. VUB also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

University Snapshot

Control

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Control Typeprivate

Entity

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Entity Typenon-profit

Size

Vrije Universiteit Brussel' Size by Total Enrollmentlarge sized

Selectivity

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Selectivity by Acceptance Ratevery selective

University Identity

Name
Name (English) Free University of Brussels
Name (Non Latin)
Acronym VUB
Founded 1970 Origins date back to 1834. Established from a split of Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), that existed since 1834, into a Dutch speaking (VUB) university and French speaking (ULB) University.
Motto Scientia Vincere Tenebras
Conquering darkness through science
Colours Blue, orange and white
Mascot Fox
Video Presentation

University Location

Address Pleinlaan 2
Brussels
1050 Brussels
Belgium
Vrije Universiteit Brussel's location map and satellite view Location Map and Satellite View
Vrije Universiteit Brussel Phone Number (2) 629 2111
Vrije Universiteit Brussel Fax Number
Other locations

Search Engine

for programs, courses, degrees, tuition fees, admission policy and requirements, acceptance rate, accreditation, facilities, services, affiliations or any other information you want to find and learn about Free University of Brussels. Our search engine is powered by Google.

Fields of Study / Degree Levels

Introduction

What is the difference between comprehensive/generalist and specialized universities in terms of the range of fields of study they offer, degree levels available and academic and carreer paths pros and cons? Read our guide article about generalist and specialized universities to learn more.


Fields of Study and Degree Levels Matrix

The following Fields of Study/Degree Levels Matrix of Vrije Universiteit Brussel is divided into 6 main fields of study and 4 levels of degrees, from the lowest undergraduate degree to the highest postgraduate degree. This matrix aims to help quickly identify Vrije Universiteit Brussel's academic range and degree level offering.




Programs and Courses

Programs/Courses/Degrees

Click here to explore a list of , or if they are not available yet, search for them with our powered by Google. We are constantly adding university courses and programs worldwide with the cooperation of university representatives.

You can also explore our Guide to University Programs and Courses to learn more about study outlines and typical duration, tuition ranges, career prospects and salary expectations for careers associated with more than 8,100 programs and courses.


Tuition Fees

Introduction

Yearly tuition fees refers to the amount of money that a student is charged by a University for one academic year of full-time study. Read our guide article about tuition fees and financial aid options to learn more.


Yearly Tuition Fees Range Matrix

This Tuition Fees Range Matrix of Vrije Universiteit Brussel categorizes tuition fees by student type (local or international) and degree level (undergraduate or postgraduate). It aims to help students get an approximate idea of the estimated yearly tuition fees at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.



Vrije Universiteit Brussel: Tuition Fees Range Matrix

Undergraduate Postgraduate
Local
students
1,000-2,499 US$ (910-2,280 Euro) 1,000-2,499 US$ (910-2,280 Euro)
International
students
2,500-4,999 US$ (2,280-4,555 Euro) 2,500-4,999 US$ (2,280-4,555 Euro)

Tip: search for Vrije Universiteit Brussel's tuition fees with the uniRank Search Engine

Admissions

Introduction

Applying for admission is the first step towards achieving students' academic and career goals and accessing the many opportunities and resources that a university has to offer. Read our "Introduction to University Admissions" article to learn more.


Admission Information

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Gender Admission Policy Gender Admission

This institution admits men and women (coeducational).


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Admission Selection Admission Selection

This higher education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.


Acceptance Rate Admission Rate

This institution acceptance rate range is 20-29% making it a very selective higher education institution.


Minority Serving Minority Serving

This institution does not have a special focus on promoting education or research among a specific minority or ethnic group.


Admission Requirements Admission Requirements

Not reported


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's International Students Admission International Students Admission

International students are welcome to apply for admission at this institution.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel has more than 3200 international students.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Admission Office Admission Office

Pleinlaan 2
Brussels 1050



Tip: search for Vrije Universiteit Brussel's admission policy with the uniRank Search Engine

Size and Profile

Introduction

University size and profile can be important factors to consider when choosing a university. Here are some potential reasons why University size and profile can affect students when choosing a university.


Size and Profile

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Total Student Enrollment Student Enrollment

This institution has a student enrollment range from 20,000 to 24,999, making it a large-sized institution.


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Total Faculty/Academic staff Academic Staff

This institution's academic staff ranges from 1,000 to 1,499 members.


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Control Type Control Type

This institution is a private higher education institution.


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Entity Type Entity Type

This institution is a non-profit higher education institution.


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Campus Setting Campus Setting

This institution's main campus is located in a urban setting.


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Academic Calendar Academic Calendar

This institution adopts a semesters academic calendar, a scheduling system where the academic year is divided into two main terms, or semesters, each typically lasting about 15 to 18 weeks, separated by a long break, usually a winter or summer vacation.


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Disabled Students Friendliness Disabled Students %

Not reported


Vrije Universiteit Brussel is None Religious Affiliation

None.


Facilities and Services

Introduction

What are the most common University facilities and services? Read our two guide articles about University Facilities and University Services to learn more.


University Facilities


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Library University Library

Yes Visit Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Library

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) University Library comprises two departments: the Central Library located in Etterbeek and the Medical Library in Jette. It offers a diverse array of resources to cater to the academic needs of its users, which include:

  • Extensive Collection: the library provides access to an extensive collection of databases, newspapers, printed and electronic journals, and a wide selection of books, ensuring that students and researchers have a wealth of information at their disposal.
  • Wifi Access: students and faculty members can enjoy convenient Wifi access with their VUB account, enabling them to seamlessly connect and utilize online resources while on campus.
  • Reading Rooms: the library boasts comfortable and well-equipped reading rooms that offer a peaceful and conducive environment for focused studying and research.
  • Copying, Printing, and Scanning Facilities: in line with modern requirements, the library offers convenient copying, printing, and scanning facilities, making it easier for users to reproduce and work with physical materials as needed.
  • Study Spaces: recognizing the importance of collaborative and individual study, the library provides dedicated study spaces that cater to different study preferences, fostering an environment conducive to academic success.


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Housing University Housing

Yes

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's housing offerings include:

  • 1,540 student rooms
  • 1,452 single rooms
  • 35 two-person flats
  • 12 studios
  • 6 rooms for students with a wheelchair

These accommodations are located in and around the campuses in Etterbeek and Jette. The student rooms at VUB are highly attractive due to their low rent, excellent locations, high-quality facilities, and fantastic atmosphere. Students interested in these housing options are encouraged to secure their place promptly.


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Sport Facilities/Activities Sport Facilities/Activities

Yes

Vrije Universiteit Brussel offers a wide range of sports facilities, providing over 10,000 m² of indoor and outdoor infrastructure. The available sports facilities include, based on what reported to uniRank:

  • Athletics track
  • Rugby and football pitches
  • An outdoor five-a-side pitch
  • Three outdoor tennis courts
  • A 25-meter pool
  • A 12-meter pool with a movable floor
  • Basic Fit gyms in Elsene and Jette
  • An exercise bench in Jette
  • A Fit-O-Meter in Elsene
  • Two sports halls in Elsene
  • One sports hall in Jette
  • A combat sports hall in both Elsene and Jette

These facilities offer a plethora of opportunities for individual or group exercises. For more information, please visit their website at https://www.vub.be/en/services-vub-campuses-in-etterbeek-and-jette/sports-vub.


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Institutional Hospital Institutional Hospital

Yes


University Services


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Financial Aid Financial Aid

Yes

Vrije Universiteit Brussel financial aids include:

  • Scholarship from the Flemish Government
  • Advance on the scholarship from the Flemish Government
  • Reduced tuition fee
  • Rent allowance
  • Interest-free study loan
  • External grants
  • Social allowance & Caroline Pauwels Relief Fund
  • Exchange grant
  • BusinessClub VUB Grants

For more information, visit the official page on financial support at Vrije Universiteit Brussel: https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/practical-info-for-students/how-much-does-studying-cost/financial-support


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Study Abroad Study Abroad

Yes

Vrije Universiteit Brussel offers the following exchange programs and study abroad opportunities:

  • The VUB has close links with many international higher education institutions and companies.
  • Students can go abroad for a few months to study or do an internship and return as a student of the world.

For more information, visit: https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/all-study-programmes-vub/personal-development-during-your-studies/studying-abroad


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Distance Learning Distance Learning

Not reported


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Academic Counseling Academic Counseling

Yes


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Career Services Career Services

Yes


Recognition and Accreditation

Introduction

There are different types of legal recognition and quality assessment of higher education institutions around the world, depending on the country and its legal and higher education system... read our article about university accreditation and recognition to learn more.


Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Recognition or Accreditation Institutional Recognition or Accreditation

Vrije Universiteit Brussel is legally recognized and/or institutionally accredited by: Vlaams Ministerie van Onderwijs en Vorming, België

Year of first Recognition or Accreditation

1970


Specialized or Programmatic Accreditations

uniRank publishes the following list of the most important Vrije Universiteit Brussel's programmatic accreditations; feel free to submit any relevant missing specialized accreditations.

  • Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie (NVAO)


Tip: search for Vrije Universiteit Brussel's accreditations with the uniRank Search Engine

Memberships and Affiliations

Introduction

University memberships and affiliations to external organizations can be important for several reasons... read our article about university affiliations and memberships to learn more.


Affiliations and Memberships

uniRank publishes the following list of the most important Vrije Universiteit Brussel's affiliations and memberships; feel free to submit any relevant missing higher education-related organizations this university is affiliated with.

  • Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe (UNICA)
  • European University Association (EUA)


Academic Structure

Introduction

Academic divisions can provide valuable insights into the range of fields of study and disciplines a university focuses on and the institution's level of specialization. Comprehensive or Generalist Universities typically offer a wide range of academic programs and have many academic divisions and subdivisions across different disciplines, while Specialized Universities tend to focus on a narrower range of programs within a specific field or industry and have fewer divisions and a more streamlined organizational structure. Read our guide article "Understanding Academic Divisions in Universities - Colleges, Faculties, Schools" to learn more about academic divisions and typical university organizational structures.


Academic Structure

uniRank shows a structural diagram of the first-level academic divisions of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel 's organizational structure; feel free to submit any relevant missing division.


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Social Media

Introduction

Social media can be a powerful tool for Universities to communicate with current students, alumni, faculty, staff and the wider community. But how can social media be important for prospective students? Read our article about the importance of Social Media for universities and prospective students to learn more.


Social Media

uniRank publishes brief reviews, rankings and metrics for some of Vrije Universiteit Brussel's social media channels as a starting point for comparison and as an additional selection tool for potential applicants.


Facebook Facebook

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Facebook page review

X X (Twitter)

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's X page review

YouTube YouTube

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Youtube page review

Instagram Instagram

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Instagram page review

LinkedIn LinkedIn

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's official LinkedIn profile

TikTok TikTok

Vrije Universiteit Brussel's official TikTok channel


Free Online Courses

Open Education Global Open Education Global

This higher education institution is not a member of the Open Education Global (OEGlobal) organization that is developing, implementing, and supporting free open education and free online courses. View a list of Open Education Global members by country.


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