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Université Libre de Bruxelles emblem

Université Libre de Bruxelles

Brussels, Belgium • Founded 1834 • QS 2027 #248

Updated May 2026 · Source: ulb.be

Overview

Local Name: Free University of Brussels
Acronyms: ULB
Founded: 1834
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #248 Times Higher Education 2025 #201-250 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #101-150 CWTS Leiden 2025 #475 SCImago 2026 #563
Motto: Scientia Vincere Tenebras
Université Libre de Bruxelles emblem

Founded in 1834, the Université Libre de Bruxelles (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).

This institution also has a branch campus in Charleroi. Officially recognized by the Direction générale de l'Enseignement non obligatoire et de la Recherche scientifique, Belgique (Directorate General for Non-Compulsory Education and Scientific Research), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is a large-sized coeducational Belgian higher education institution.

Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. The acceptance rate range is 100% making this Belgian higher education organization a non-selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

ULB also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Find Université Libre de Bruxelles on the map and its contact channels below.

Address: Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 50
Postal Code: 1050
Phone: +32 (2) 650 2111
Fax: +32 (2) 650 3595

Academic Details

A snapshot of Université Libre de Bruxelles's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.

Recognition: Direction générale de l'Enseignement non obligatoire et de la Recherche scientifique, Belgique
Student Enrollment: 25,000-29,999
Academic Staff Range: 500-599
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
European University Association (EUA)

Academic Structures

Université Libre de Bruxelles's academic units are listed below, by type.

Unit 11 items
  • Faculty of Applied Sciences
  • Faculty of Law and Criminological Science
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Motor Science
  • Faculty of Pharmacy
  • Faculty of Philosophy and Letters
  • Faculty of Psychological Science and of Education
  • Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
  • Institute of European Studies
  • School of Public Health
  • Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management

Programs Offered

Below are Université Libre de Bruxelles's active programmes, grouped by degree level, with search.

230 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Belgium

Bachelor's Degree 61 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Bachelier : architecte paysagiste
Architecture · 3 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Demain Bachelier·e, les formations en bachelier de l'ULB
3 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in enseignement section 1
Education & Teaching · 3 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in enseignement section 2
Education & Teaching · 3 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in enseignement section 3 : éducation physique et éducation à la santé
Education & Teaching · 3 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in enseignement section 3 : formation manuelle, technique et technologique et formation numérique
Education & Teaching · 3 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in enseignement section 3 : français et éducation à la philosophie et citoyenneté
Philosophy & Ethics · 3 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in enseignement section 3 : français et éducation culturelle et artistique
Education & Teaching · 3 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in enseignement section 3 : français et langues anciennes
Education & Teaching · 3 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 61.

Master's Degree 169 programmes

Master's Degree in biochimie et biologie moléculaire et cellulaire
Biochemistry · 2 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in biologie des organismes et écologie
Biological Sciences · 2 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 169.

Scholarships in Belgium

Funding routes available to students in Belgium are listed below.

ARES International Training Scholarship
Académie de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur · Government funded · International students
Study grant for advanced bachelor's, master's and continuing education programmes at institutions of the French Community; the programmes are one-year inter-institutional degrees or 2 to 6 month certificate courses.
BAEF American Fellowship
Belgian American Educational Foundation · Foundation funded · International students · 30,000 USD per total · Living Stipend · Covers Living, Insurance
Non-renewable stipend of USD 30,000 for master's or Ph.D. students and USD 34,000 for postdoctoral fellows, plus health insurance in Belgium through the foundation's group policy; fellows stay 12 months (minimum 6, stipend prorated).
Master Mind Scholarship
Flemish Government Master Mind Scholarships · Government funded · International students · 10,225 EUR per year · Combined · Covers Living
Each academic year the award includes a grant of EUR 10,225 and a tuition fee waiver for a master's programme at a Flemish higher education institution; the host may still charge a small fee (EUR 136.50 for 2026-2027).
VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship
VLIR-UOS · Government funded · International students · Combined · Covers Living, Travel, Insurance
Covers tuition fees, travel, insurance and living expenses for the full programme duration (12, 24 or 36 months) of a professional bachelor, initial master or advanced master; no partial scholarships or extensions.
WBI Excellence IN Scholarship
Wallonie-Bruxelles International · Government funded · International students
Postdoctoral scholarship for researchers of all countries at institutions organised or subsidised by the Federation Wallonia-Brussels.
WBI Master IN Scholarship
Wallonie-Bruxelles International · Government funded · International students
Scholarship for international students to complete a master's in Wallonia or Brussels at a higher education institution recognised by the French Community.

How to apply to Université Libre de Bruxelles

A five-step path through the application process at Université Libre de Bruxelles.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Université Libre de Bruxelles offers 230 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Each programme at Université Libre de Bruxelles has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Apply directly via Université Libre de Bruxelles's online portal at www.ulb.be. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +32 (2) 650 2111. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Université Libre de Bruxelles

A short Q&A covering Université Libre de Bruxelles's essentials — founding, location, and structure.

When did Université Libre de Bruxelles open?

Université Libre de Bruxelles traces its founding to 1834 (approximately 192 years ago).

What city is Université Libre de Bruxelles in?

Université Libre de Bruxelles operates from Brussels, Belgium.

Is Université Libre de Bruxelles public or private?

Université Libre de Bruxelles is a private institution.

How big is Université Libre de Bruxelles's student body?

Université Libre de Bruxelles serves approximately 25,000-29,999 students.

What is Université Libre de Bruxelles's ranking?

Université Libre de Bruxelles holds rank QS 2027 #248.

How is Université Libre de Bruxelles organised academically?

Université Libre de Bruxelles has 11 academic units.

Is Université Libre de Bruxelles accredited?

The institution holds recognition from Direction générale de l'Enseignement non obligatoire et de la Recherche scientifique, Belgique.

What is Université Libre de Bruxelles's official website?

You can find Université Libre de Bruxelles online at www.ulb.be.

Members of European University Association (EUA)

Members of European University Association (EUA), alongside Université Libre de Bruxelles.

Faculties at nearby universities

These universities are located near Université Libre de Bruxelles, listed below for students comparing options by location.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Below: other Belgium universities that offer Education & Teaching programmes.

Universities Compared with Université Libre de Bruxelles

The institutions below are of a similar academic scale to Université Libre de Bruxelles.

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