Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Brussels, Belgium • Founded 1970 • World Rank #520
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 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.
This 54-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.
Location & Contact
Location pin, postal address, phone, email, website, and social profiles for Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Always verify channels through the official domain to avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
Vrije Universiteit Brussel's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.
Academic Structures
Vrije Universiteit Brussel's teaching organisation from faculties down to institutes. Faculty websites typically list their own programme catalogue, faculty bios, and contact information separately from the central site.
Unit 8 items
- Faculty of Arts and Philosophy
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Law and Criminology
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
- Faculty of Science and Bio-engineering Sciences
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School
Programs Offered
The programmes available at Vrije Universiteit Brussel are organised by level. Most institutions cluster intake decisions by faculty, so application timelines often run in waves through the year.
Bachelor's Degree
40 programmes
These 40 programmes make up Vrije Universiteit Brussel's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.
Chemie Chemistry
Artificiële intelligentie AI & Machine Learning
Handelsingenieur Business Administration
Wiskunde & Data science Data Science & Analytics
Kunstwetenschappen en archeologie Art History
Toegepaste taalkunde Linguistics & Language Studies
Politieke wetenschappen Natural Sciences
Wijsbegeerte en Moraalwetenschappen Natural Sciences
Toegepaste economische wetenschappen Natural Sciences
Biologie Biological Sciences
Business economics Business economics (E) Economics
Linguistics and literary studies Linguistics and literary studies (E)
Sociologie Social & Cultural Studies
Agogische wetenschappen Natural Sciences
Ingenieurswetenschappen: Werktuigkunde-elektrotechniek Mechanical Engineering
Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen : zonder specifieke afstudeerrichtingen Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Psychologie : zonder specifieke afstudeerrichtingen Psychology
Communicatiewetenschappen Natural Sciences
Criminologische wetenschappen Natural Sciences
Geschiedenis : zonder specifieke afstudeerrichtingen History
Ingenieurswetenschappen: Elektronica en informatietechnologie Electronics
Social sciences : Sociology Social sciences : Sociology (E) Social & Cultural Studies
Ingenieurswetenschappen: Bouwkunde Civil Engineering & Construction
Industriële wetenschappen : Elektronica-ICT Electronics
Taal- en letterkunde Linguistics & Language Studies
Ingenieurswetenschappen: Chemie en materialen Engineering & Technology
Fysica en sterrenkunde Physics & Astronomy
Industriële wetenschappen : Elektromechanica Mechanical Engineering
Ingenieurswetenschappen: Architectuur Architecture
Social sciences : Political sciences Social sciences : Political sciences (E) Politics & International Relations
Ingenieurswetenschappen : Biomedische ingenieurstechnieken Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Revalidatiewetenschappen en kinesitherapie Physiotherapy
Farmaceutische wetenschappen Pharmacy
Geografie Geography
Geneeskunde Medicine
Biomedische wetenschappen Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Rechten Law
Social sciences : Communication studies Social sciences : Communication studies (E) Communication Studies
Computerwetenschappen Computer Sciences
Lichamelijke opvoeding en bewegingswetenschappen Nutrition & Dietetics
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
173 programmes
Explore 173 programmes of postgraduate study at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Specialistische geneeskunde : Plastische, reconstructieve en esthetische heelkunde Medicine
Ingenieurswetenschappen Architectuur Architecture
Nuclear Engineering Nuclear Engineering (E) Nuclear Engineering
Geneeskunde Medicine
Ingenieurswetenschappen Werktuigkunde-Elektrotechniek : Energie Mechanical Engineering
Ingenieurswetenschappen Computerwetenschappen : Data management en analytics Computer Sciences
Journalistiek : zonder specifieke afstudeerrichtingen Journalism
Ingenieurswetenschappen Werktuigkunde-Elektrotechniek : Robotica en mechanische constructie Mechanical Engineering
Revalidatiewetenschappen en kinesitherapie : Ouderen Physiotherapy
Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering (E) Electrical Engineering
Communicatiewetenschappen : Media en samenleving Natural Sciences
Agogische wetenschappen Natural Sciences
Kunstwetenschappen en archeologie Art History
Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (E) Business Administration
Revalidatiewetenschappen en kinesitherapie : Inwendige aandoeningen Physiotherapy
Literatuurwetenschappen Natural Sciences
Bedrijfskunde Business Administration
Philosophy (Research Master) Philosophy (Research Master) (E) Philosophy & Ethics
Gerontological Sciences Gerontological Sciences (E) Health Sciences
International and European Law International and European Law (E)
Specialistische geneeskunde : Dermatologie en venereologie Medicine
Ingenieurswetenschappen Fotonica Engineering & Technology
Biology : Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems Biology : Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (E) Biological Sciences
Applied informatics Applied informatics (E)
Specialistische geneeskunde : Gynaecologie en verloskunde Medicine
Electromechanical Engineering : Aeronautics Electromechanical Engineering : Aeronautics (E) Mechanical Engineering
Criminologische wetenschappen Natural Sciences
Rechten : Internationaal en Europees recht Law
Vertalen Linguistics & Language Studies
Specialistische geneeskunde : Stomatologie en mond-, kaak- en aangezichtschirurgie Medicine
Tolken Translation & Interpreting
Specialistische geneeskunde : Nucleaire geneeskunde Nuclear Engineering
Applied sciences and engineering: Applied computer science Applied sciences and engineering: Applied computer science (E) Information Systems & Technology
Rechten : Economisch recht Law
Industriële wetenschappen Elektromechanica : Luchtvaarttechnologie Mechanical Engineering
Rechten : Dual Master Comparative Corporate & Financial Law Rechten : Dual Master Comparative Corporate & Financial Law (E) Law
Specialistische geneeskunde : Gastro-enterologie Medicine
Chemistry : Chemical theory, (bio)molecular design and synthesis Chemistry : Chemical theory, (bio)molecular design and synthesis (E) Applied Design
Specialistische geneeskunde : Klinische biologie Medicine
Global Health Global Health (E) Public Health
Taal- en letterkunde Linguistics & Language Studies
Electromechanical Engineering : Energy Electromechanical Engineering : Energy (E) Mechanical Engineering
Psychologie : Arbeids- en organisatiepsychologie Psychology
Ingenieurswetenschappen Werktuigkunde-Elektrotechniek : Lucht- en ruimtevaart Mechanical Engineering
Specialistische geneeskunde : Klinische farmacologie en farmaceutische geneeskunde Pharmacy
International Business International Business (E) International Business
Wiskunde : Onderwijs Mathematics
Specialistische geneeskunde : Inwendige geneeskunde Medicine
Educatieve masteropleiding Gedragswetenschappen Education & Teaching
Onderwijskunde Education & Teaching
Communicatiewetenschappen : Media, strategie en marketing Natural Sciences
Bewegings- en sportwetenschappen : Sportbeleid en sportmanagement Natural Sciences
Ingenieurswetenschappen Werktuigkunde-Elektrotechniek : Duurzaam transport en voertuigtechnologie Mechanical Engineering
Business engineering: Business and Technology Business engineering: Business and Technology (E) Business Administration
Specialistische geneeskunde : Pediatrie Health Sciences
Geschiedenis History
Specialistische geneeskunde : Geriatrie Health Sciences
Electromechanical Engineering : Sustainable transport and automotive engineering Electromechanical Engineering : Sustainable transport and automotive engineering (E) Mechanical Engineering
Ingenieurswetenschappen Biomedische ingenieurstechnieken Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Specialistische geneeskunde : Anesthesie - reanimatie Health Sciences
Industriële wetenschappen Elektronica - ICT : ICT Electronics
Arbeidsgeneeskunde Medicine
Huisartsgeneeskunde Medicine
Management, zorg en beleid in de gerontologie Health Sciences
Specialistische geneeskunde : Heelkunde Medicine
Stedenbouw en ruimtelijke planning Architecture
Specialistische geneeskunde : Rntgendiagnose Medicine
Electromechanical Engineering : Robotics and mechanical onstruction Electromechanical Engineering : Robotics and mechanical onstruction (E) Mechanical Engineering
Specialistische geneeskunde : Neurochirurgie Medicine
Rechten : Publiek recht Law
Political science: European an international governance ( Political science: European an international governance ((E) Politics & International Relations
Specialistische geneeskunde : Cardiologie Medicine
Ingenieurswetenschappen Chemie en materialen Engineering & Technology
Bewegings- en sportwetenschappen : Fysieke activiteit, fitheid en gezondheid Natural Sciences
Chemie Chemistry
Industriële farmacie Pharmacy
Specialistische geneeskunde : Fysische geneeskunde en revalidatie Rehabilitation Sciences
Ingenieurswetenschappen Elektronica en informatietechnologie Electronics
Manuele therapie Health Sciences
Revalidatiewetenschappen en kinesitherapie : Neurologische aandoeningen Physiotherapy
Management en het beleid van de gezondheidszorg : zonder specifieke afstudeerrichtingen Health Sciences
Specialistische geneeskunde : Gerechtelijke geneeskunde Medicine
Rechten : Strafrecht Law
Ziekenhuisfarmacie Pharmacy
Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen Cel- en genbiotechnologie : Agrobiotechnologie Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Internationaal en Europees recht International Business
Ingenieurswetenschappen Bouwkunde Civil Engineering & Construction
Educational sciences Educational sciences (E) Education & Teaching
Psychologie : Klinische psychologie Clinical Psychology
Politieke wetenschappen : Democratie en innovatie Natural Sciences
Biology : Ecology and biodiversity Biology : Ecology and biodiversity (E) Biological Sciences
Specialistische geneeskunde : Radiotherapie en oncologie Health Sciences
Industriële wetenschappen Elektromechanica : zonder specifieke afstudeerrichtingen Mechanical Engineering
Biomedical research Biomedical research (E) Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Educatieve masteropleiding Wetenschappen en Technologie Education & Teaching
Specialistische geneeskunde : Volwassenenpsychiatrie Medicine
Geneesmiddelenontwikkeling : Apotheker
Jeugdgezondheidszorg Health Sciences
Communication studies : Journalism and Media in Europe Communication studies : Journalism and Media in Europe (E) Communication Studies
Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen Chemie en bioprocestechnologie : Chemische biotechnologie Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Specialistische geneeskunde : Kinder- en jeugdpsychiatrie Medicine
Wiskunde : Fundamentele wiskunde Mathematics
Molecular biology Molecular biology (E) Biological Sciences
Urban studies Urban studies (E)
Educatieve masteropleiding Maatschappijwetenschappen Education & Teaching
Geography Geography (E)
Specialistische geneeskunde : Orthopedische heelkunde Medicine
Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen Chemie en bioprocestechnologie : Voedingsbiotechnologie Nutrition & Dietetics
European Governance
Gender en diversiteit Gender & Sexuality Studies
Educatieve masteropleiding Gezondheidswetenschappen Education & Teaching
Specialistische geneeskunde : Neurologie Medicine
Ingenieurswetenschappen Computerwetenschappen : Artificiële intelligentie AI & Machine Learning
Educatieve masteropleiding Cultuurwetenschappen Education & Teaching
Wijsbegeerte en moraalwetenschappen : Wijsbegeerte Natural Sciences
Ingenieurswetenschappen Toegepaste computerwetenschappen Computer Sciences
European Integration European Integration (E)
Biomedische wetenschappen : Klinische biomedische wetenschappen Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Specialistische geneeskunde : Urologie Medicine
Wiskunde : Financiële en toegepaste wiskunde Mathematics
Specialistische geneeskunde Medicine
Physics and Astronomy Physics and Astronomy (E) Physics & Astronomy
Basisonderwijs Education & Teaching
Specialistische geneeskunde : Urgentiegeneeskunde Medicine
Educatieve masteropleiding Lichamelijke opvoeding Education & Teaching
Specialistische geneeskunde : Klinische genetica Medicine
Biology : Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences Biology : Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences (E) Biological Sciences
Toegepaste informatica : Big data technology Data Science & Analytics
Notariaat Law
Architectural engineering Architectural engineering (E) Architecture
Ziekenhuishygiëne Health Sciences
Rechten : Burgerlijk en procesrecht Law
Specialistische geneeskunde : Otorhinolaryngologie Medicine
Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen Cel- en genbiotechnologie : Synthetische biotechnologie Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Farmaceutische zorg Pharmacy
Photonics engineering Photonics engineering (E)
Specialistische geneeskunde : Pneumologie Medicine
Geografie Geography
Ingenieurswetenschappen Computerwetenschappen : Multimedia Computer Sciences
Specialistische geneeskunde : Reumatologie Medicine
Civil engineering Civil engineering (E) Civil Engineering & Construction
Ingenieurswetenschappen Computerwetenschappen : Software languages and software engineering Software Engineering
Chemical and materials engineering Chemical and materials engineering (E)
Rechten : Sociaal recht Law
Biologie : Ecologie en biodiversiteit Gender & Sexuality Studies
Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen Chemie en bioprocestechnologie : Micro- en nanobiotechnologie Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Specialistische geneeskunde : Medische oncologie Health Sciences
Educatieve masteropleiding Talen Education & Teaching
Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen Cel- en genbiotechnologie : Medische biotechnologie Medicine
Rechten : Law and technology Law
Toegepaste informatica : Artificiële intelligentie AI & Machine Learning
Wijsbegeerte en moraalwetenschappen : Moraalwetenschappen en humanistiek Natural Sciences
Handelsingenieur : zonder specifieke afstudeerrichtingen Business Administration
Revalidatiewetenschappen en kinesitherapie : Musculoskeletale aandoeningen Physiotherapy
Sociaal recht
Toegepaste economische wetenschappen : zonder specifieke afstudeerrichtingen Natural Sciences
Manual therapy Manual therapy (E)
Applied sciences and engineering: Computer science Applied sciences and engineering: Computer science (E) Computer Sciences
Educatieve masteropleiding Economie Education & Teaching
Sociologie Social & Cultural Studies
Sustainable land management : Urban land engineering Sustainable land management : Urban land engineering (E) Sustainable Development
Chemistry : Analytical and environmental chemistry Chemistry : Analytical and environmental chemistry (E) Chemistry
Linguistics and literary studies Linguistics and literary studies (E)
Management Management (E) Business Administration
Specialistische geneeskunde : Pathologische anatomie Medicine
Rechten : Fiscaal recht Law
Water Resources Engineering Water Resources Engineering (E)
Rechten : Criminologie Criminal Law & Justice
Biomedical engineering Biomedical engineering (E) Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Communication studies : Digital Media in Europe Communication studies : Digital Media in Europe (E) Communication Studies
Biomedische wetenschappen : Management en bedrijfsleven Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Specialistische geneeskunde : Oftalmologie Medicine
Bewegings- en sportwetenschappen : Sporttraining en coaching Natural Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
19 programmes
Vrije Universiteit Brussel offers 19 programmes as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.
Clinical anatomy Clinical anatomy (E)
AI for the common good AI for the common good (E)
EU policy making EU policy making (E)
International Football business International Football business (E) Business Administration
Sportmanagement Business Administration
Praktisch Humanisme
Sportkinesitherapie Physiotherapy
School of thinking School of thinking (E)
Expert in Medical Physics Expert in Medical Physics (E) Physics & Astronomy
Manuele therapie Health Sciences
Rampenmanagement Business Administration
Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing (E)
Radioprotectie Health Sciences
Multidisciplinaire arterioveneuze, lymfatische en oncologische kinesitherapie Health Sciences
International trade and investment International trade and investment (E)
Critical Embedded Systems
Oncoplastic surgery Oncoplastic surgery (E)
Economic diplomacy Economic diplomacy (E)
Algology Algology (E) Health Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Vrije Universiteit Brussel
A short guide to applying to Vrije Universiteit Brussel — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Vrije Universiteit Brussel's catalogue includes 232 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Vrije Universiteit Brussel's admissions process.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Submit your completed application through Vrije Universiteit Brussel's official website at www.vub.be. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +32 (2) 629 2111. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Vrije Universiteit Brussel, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
How old is Vrije Universiteit Brussel?
The institution opened in 1970 (approximately 56 years ago).
Where is Vrije Universiteit Brussel located?
Vrije Universiteit Brussel is located in Brussels, Belgium.
Is Vrije Universiteit Brussel a public or private institution?
Vrije Universiteit Brussel operates as a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Vrije Universiteit Brussel?
Student enrolment at Vrije Universiteit Brussel is around 20,000-24,999.
Where does Vrije Universiteit Brussel stand in university rankings?
It ranks #520 globally and #5 in Belgium.
How is Vrije Universiteit Brussel organised academically?
The institution comprises 8 academic units.
Is Vrije Universiteit Brussel accredited?
Yes, Vrije Universiteit Brussel is recognised by Vlaams Ministerie van Onderwijs en Vorming, België.
Where can I learn more about Vrije Universiteit Brussel?
The institution's website is www.vub.be.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Below: European University Association (EUA) member institutions alongside Vrije Universiteit Brussel, useful for shortlists weighted toward partnerships. Partnership-driven shortlisting works well when post-graduate mobility is part of your plan.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Cost of living varies meaningfully across cities and towns hosting the universities below. Even within a single region, accommodation and transit costs can differ by 30–50%.
Where Else to Study Medicine
Industry partnership exclusives on Medicine programmes vary — some Belgium institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.
Universities Often Compared with Vrije Universiteit Brussel
International branch campuses are common among universities at Vrije Universiteit Brussel's tier. Peer institutions often operate in similar geographies, signalling comparable global ambition.
