Université Libre de Bruxelles
Brussels, Belgium • Founded 1834 • World Rank #563
Updated May 2026
Overview
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
Université Libre de Bruxelles's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
These figures give a quick read on Université Libre de Bruxelles's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.
Academic Structures
Université Libre de Bruxelles's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
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
Every programme Université Libre de Bruxelles offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
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
Showing 10 of 61.
Master's Degree 169 programmes
Showing 10 of 169.
How to apply to Université Libre de Bruxelles
Practical steps to apply to Université Libre de Bruxelles, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Université Libre de Bruxelles, drawn directly from institutional records.
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 #563 globally and #6 in Belgium.
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.
Top-Ranked Universities in Belgium
Top Belgium universities often run international branch campuses. Université Libre de Bruxelles's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Membership renewal cycles for European University Association (EUA) create periodic quality reviews. Recent renewals or admissions to the network signal currency of standards — older memberships may need re-examination.
Faculties at nearby universities
Students considering Université Libre de Bruxelles often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
If Université Libre de Bruxelles is on your shortlist for studying Education & Teaching, these peer institutions in Belgium offer comparable academic depth, industry links, and graduate outcomes. Cross-applying to multiple is common practice in this discipline.
Universities Compared with Université Libre de Bruxelles
Peer universities to Université Libre de Bruxelles by academic scale and prestige are listed below. These often share comparable faculty depth, research output, and graduate outcomes, making the comparison more meaningful than ranking alone.
Studying in Belgium: guides and resources
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