VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL · BELGIUM
Vrije Universiteit Brussel Programs
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€5k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) offers a range of programs for international students. To be admitted, you must meet specific academic and language requirements. The university evaluates your previous qualifications to determine your eligibility for your chosen program. For bachelor's programs, you generally need a secondary school diploma that grants access to higher education in your home country. For master's programs, a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) is typically required. Each program may have unique entry requirements, so it's essential to check the specific program page. Admission to VUB also requires proof of sufficient language proficiency in the language of instruction, which is typically English or Dutch. Several options are available to demonstrate this proficiency, including standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL, or previous diplomas obtained in English or Dutch. Specific details on academic and language requirements can be found on the VUB admissions website.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for bachelor's programs at Vrije Universiteit Brussel?
- To be admitted to a bachelor's program, you generally need a secondary school diploma that grants access to higher education in your home country. Some programs may require prior knowledge, positioning tests, or a university entrance examination certificate.
- How can I prove my English language proficiency for admission?
- You can demonstrate proficiency through IELTS (overall 6.5, min 6.0 in each component), TOEFL iBT (overall 79, min 18 in each component for exams before Jan 21, 2026, or overall 4.5, min 4 in each component for exams on or after Jan 21, 2026), ITACE (B2 in at least 4 components), or Cambridge English Qualification (B2 First with min 170).
- What are the tuition fees for non-EEA students?
- For non-EEA students, the tuition fee is calculated as a fixed amount plus a variable amount per credit. For example, in 2025-2026, a Bachelor in Social Sciences costs €4960 for one academic year (60 credits).
- When is the application period for the 2026-2027 academic year?
- The application period for the 2026-2027 academic year opens on November 15, 2025. The deadline for submitting applications with a Belgian diploma is September 23, 2026.
- How do I apply to Vrije Universiteit Brussel?
- You need to submit an online application with all required documents by the specified deadline. After approval, you will sign an online study contract, typically starting from July, with a deadline usually around October 8th.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's ProgramsBelgian secondary school diploma or equivalent credentials that grant access to a bachelor's degree in your home country. Some programs may require prior knowledge or positioning tests. A university entrance examination certificate may also be required.
Master's ProgramsBachelor's degree or equivalent. Specific program requirements may apply.
IELTS (Academic Test and One Skill Retake)Overall band score of at least 6.5, with a minimum subscore of 6.0 in each of the 4 components.
TOEFL iBT (home edition)For exams taken before January 21, 2026: Minimum overall score of 79, with a minimum subscore of 18 in each of the 4 components. For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: Minimum overall score of 4.5, with a minimum subscore of 4 in each of the 4 components. MyBest™ scores are not accepted.
ITACEB2 in at least 4 of the 5 components of the test.
Cambridge English QualificationB2 First (FCE) with a minimum score of 170.
Students with a Flemish high school diploma do not need to prove English proficiency for English-taught programs. Students with a Walloon high school diploma do not need to prove English proficiency for English-taught programs. Certificates and other proof of language tests may not pre-date the first enrolment by more than five years.
Fees
Tuition (international)The tuition fee is calculated as: fixed amount + (variable amount x number of registered credits). For a non-EEA student enrolling in a Bachelor in Social Sciences in 2025-2026, the total cost for 1 academic year (60 credits) is €4960 (€1900 fixed + (€51 x 60 credits)).
Tuition (home)The tuition fee for EEA students is the same as the fixed amount plus the variable amount per credit, but may be lower depending on nationality and other factors.
Living—
The amount paid depends on the program, nationality (EEA or non-EEA), number of registered credits, and eligibility for scholarships. Non-EEA students may pay the same amount as EEA students if they meet specific nationality requirements. Tuition fees are subject to change and can be found in the Teaching and Examination Regulations.
How to apply
1. Submit Online ApplicationComplete the online application form and upload all necessary documents by the specified deadline. For a Belgian diploma, the deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is September 23, 2026.
2. Document VerificationVUB will verify your uploaded diploma and transcripts to determine your eligibility for the program.
3. Sign Study ContractIf your application is approved and all is in order, you will be invited to sign your online study contract, typically starting from July for the following academic year. The deadline to sign the contract is usually around October 8th. Failure to sign by this date may result in cancellation of your application.
Scholarships
Master Mind Scholarship—
Scholarship from the Flemish Government—
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for bachelor's programs at Vrije Universiteit Brussel?
+
To be admitted to a bachelor's program, you generally need a secondary school diploma that grants access to higher education in your home country. Some programs may require prior knowledge, positioning tests, or a university entrance examination certificate.
How can I prove my English language proficiency for admission?
+
You can demonstrate proficiency through IELTS (overall 6.5, min 6.0 in each component), TOEFL iBT (overall 79, min 18 in each component for exams before Jan 21, 2026, or overall 4.5, min 4 in each component for exams on or after Jan 21, 2026), ITACE (B2 in at least 4 components), or Cambridge English Qualification (B2 First with min 170).
What are the tuition fees for non-EEA students?
+
For non-EEA students, the tuition fee is calculated as a fixed amount plus a variable amount per credit. For example, in 2025-2026, a Bachelor in Social Sciences costs €4960 for one academic year (60 credits).
When is the application period for the 2026-2027 academic year?
+
The application period for the 2026-2027 academic year opens on November 15, 2025. The deadline for submitting applications with a Belgian diploma is September 23, 2026.
How do I apply to Vrije Universiteit Brussel?
+
You need to submit an online application with all required documents by the specified deadline. After approval, you will sign an online study contract, typically starting from July, with a deadline usually around October 8th.