BELGIUM · BRUSSELS
Université libre de Bruxelles
public · Founded 1969 · Languages: fr, en
In short
The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is a leading French-speaking research university in Brussels, Belgium, offering a diverse range of programs with a growing number of English-taught master's degrees. Situated in the EU's capital, it provides excellent opportunities for international students seeking academic excellence and global career prospects.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1969
- Students
- 24,000
- International students
- 7,500
- Acceptance rate
- 55%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–5k/yr
- Languages
- FR, EN
- Location
- Brussels, Belgium
The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is a major French-speaking research university founded in 1834 in Brussels, Belgium on the principle of free inquiry. Home to around 30,000 students including over 7,000 internationals, ULB has five Nobel laureates among its alumni and faculty. The university spans faculties in science, medicine, law, engineering, social sciences, and the arts, and offers a growing number of English-taught master's programs. Located in the EU capital, ULB provides exceptional access to European institutions and international careers.
Why study here
- Home to five Nobel Prize laureates and two Fields Medal winners, reflecting world-class research culture.
- Located in Brussels, the political heart of the EU, offering unique access to international organizations and careers.
- Growing portfolio of English-taught master's programs alongside comprehensive French offerings.
- Founding member of the EUA network with strong partnerships across Europe and globally.
- Vibrant multilingual student community in one of Europe's most livable and culturally rich cities.
Student life
ULB's campuses in Brussels buzz with student life, from cultural associations and sports clubs to political and academic societies reflecting the university's tradition of free thought. The Solbosch campus is particularly lively with student cafes, a sports center, and proximity to the vibrant Ixelles neighborhood. Brussels itself offers world-class museums, EU institutions, multinational company headquarters, and a rich international social scene. Public transport links make it easy to explore the city and country.
Fees
InternationalEU students pay the same fees as Belgian students, roughly €835 per year. Non-EU international students typically pay €835–€9,000 per year depending on the program. Professional master's and executive programs can be higher.
HomeBelgian and EU students pay approximately €835 per academic year in tuition.
LivingMonthly living costs in Brussels for a student run approximately €900–€1,300, including accommodation (€400–€700/month), food, transport, and personal expenses.
Belgium offers social student status with reduced fees for eligible students. Some continuing education certificates have separate pricing. Scholarship programs are available through the Université and the Belgian government.
Admissions
UndergraduateBelgian secondary education diploma (CESS) or recognized equivalent; international baccalaureate accepted; some programs require entrance exams.
Master'sRelevant bachelor's degree; some programs require a minimum grade or specific background; portfolio or interview may be required for creative programs.
Non-EU studentsApply via the ULB international admissions portal; equivalence assessment of foreign diplomas required.
IELTS6.0–6.5 depending on program
TOEFL iBT80–90 depending on program
Cambridge B2 FirstB grade or above
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025224
Times Higher Education World Rankings 2025201
Shanghai ARWU 2024151
National (Belgium)4
University scholarships
ULB International Mobility Scholarship€1,000–€3,000 per year
Belgian Federal Government Scholarship (ARES)Full scholarship covering tuition and living costs
Erasmus+ Incoming Grants€700–€900/month for exchange students
Accreditation
ULB is accredited by the Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (AEQES) of the French Community of Belgium, and is a member of the European University Association (EUA).
Programs
a selectionUniversité libre de Bruxelles · Belgium
AdminMed - Administrative Assistant in the Health Sector
The AdminMed program is a continuing education certificate designed to train administrative assistants for the health sector. It provides the skills needed to work effectively in various healthcare environments. The program is organized by the Continuing Education Centre in Health and Life Sciences in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Université libre de Bruxelles · Belgium
Alter4Steam – Certificat en Alternance, Spécialisation en culture et thérapie cellulaire
The Alter4Steam program is a professional development certificate focused on cell culture and cell therapy. It is designed for individuals seeking specialized knowledge in these rapidly advancing fields. The program is organized by the Continuing Education Centre for Health and Life Sciences at the Université libre de Bruxelles.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Université libre de Bruxelles · Belgium
Bachelor in Engineering Sciences, Option Charleroi
This Bachelor's program in Engineering Sciences, with a specialization in Charleroi, offers a broad foundation in the diverse aspects of engineering. You will develop skills in creation, design, production, optimization, and security, combining scientific rigor with practical application. The program emphasizes both technical knowledge and interpersonal skills, preparing students for further specialization in Master's degrees. It provides a comprehensive, generalist engineering education, offering insights into theoretical and applied principles within the field.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Université libre de Bruxelles · Belgium
Centre de Formation Continue en Santé et Sciences de la vie
The Centre for Continuing Education in Health and Life Sciences (FC-809) at Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) offers continuing education programs designed for professionals in health and life science fields. These programs aim to update and deepen knowledge and skills in specialized areas. The schedule is typically daytime, and the program is organized by the Centre de Formation Continue en Santé et Sciences de la vie in collaboration with ULB.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Université libre de Bruxelles · Belgium
Certificat d'inter-universités en Plaies et cicatrisation
This inter-university certificate program focuses on the comprehensive management of wounds and their healing. It is designed for healthcare professionals seeking to gain specialized expertise in wound care. The program aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for the prevention, analysis, diagnosis, and treatment of both acute and chronic wounds. Upon completion, students will be equipped to manage multidisciplinary treatment plans for patients with wounds, master therapeutic choices, and develop personalized care strategies.
Certificate
Level
€1k
Tuition
—
Duration
Université libre de Bruxelles · Belgium
Certificat inter universités en Evaluation des Politiques publiques
This inter-university certificate program is designed to equip participants with the skills needed to manage, prepare, commission, organize, monitor, and conduct evaluations of public and non-profit policies, projects, and programs. It aims to enable participants to take on roles where they will oversee evaluation processes, contribute to their design and implementation, and support evaluators and stakeholders. The goal is to maximize the value derived from evaluations in terms of knowledge gained and concrete recommendations for improving public policies.
Certificate
Level
€3k
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Belgium
partial fundingKU Leuven
KU Leuven ASEAN Scholarship
For students from ASEAN member countries applying for an eligible master's programme at KU Leuven, with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based; you apply for it in connection with your master's admission to KU Leuven, by the relevant deadline.
partial
Funding
€30k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingVLIR-UOS (Flemish Interuniversity Council – University Development Cooperation)
VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships
For students from a defined list of developing countries applying to one of the eligible International Course Programmes (ICP) master's at Flemish (Belgian) universities and university colleges. Applicants usually need relevant academic and/or professional background and apply directly to the chosen ICP programme.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingGhent University (funded by the Government of Flanders)
Ghent University Master Mind Scholarship
Open to incoming international master's students of all nationalities at Ghent University who hold a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 and can provide evidence of English language proficiency. A bank statement is not required for the visa application. The scholarship is funded by the Government of Flanders and is awarded to top international applicants enrolling in an English-taught master's programme.
partial
Funding
€10k
Max
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingKU Leuven — Faculty of Science
Science@Leuven Scholarship
For international students with a strong academic record who are admitted to a master's programme in the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven. The scholarship is awarded at several levels (full and partial) and is renewable for the second year only if the holder passes all credits and maintains the required academic results.
partial
Funding
€10k
Max
Feb 15, 2027
Deadline
full fundingFlemish Ministry of Education and Training
Master Mind Scholarships (Flanders, Belgium)
Open to international students of all nationalities applying to a Master's programme at a participating Flemish university or university college in Belgium. Applicants must hold a strong academic record, meet the English language requirement through IELTS, TOEFL, or a university exemption letter, and apply to the host institution before its internal deadline. The host university preselects candidates and submits the complete application through the Mobility-Online portal; late submissions are not accepted.
full
Funding
€10k
Max
Apr 27, 2027
Deadline
full fundingGovernment of Flanders (Flemish Ministry of Education and Training)
Government of Flanders Master Mind Scholarships
Open to international students of all nationalities except Russian nationals, who must apply through a participating Flemish host institution rather than directly. Candidates need strong academic performance (typically a GPA around 3.5 out of 4.0) and English proficiency of at least IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 94 (lower for Schools of Arts). Previous degrees must be obtained outside Flanders, and each applicant can be nominated by only one Flemish institution.
full
Funding
€10k
Max
Apr 28, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Université libre de Bruxelles?
+
Tuition fees for EU students are approximately €835 per year. Non-EU international students can expect to pay between €835 and €9,000 annually, depending on the program. Professional master's and executive programs may have higher fees.
Does ULB offer programs taught in English?
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Yes, ULB offers a growing number of master's programs taught in English, alongside its comprehensive French-taught offerings. This provides more options for international students.
What are the living costs for students in Brussels?
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Monthly living costs in Brussels are estimated to be between €900 and €1,300. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses, with accommodation typically costing €400–€700 per month.
What kind of scholarships are available for international students?
+
ULB offers the ULB International Mobility Scholarship, and international students may also be eligible for the Belgian Federal Government Scholarship (ARES) or Erasmus+ Incoming Grants for exchange students.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for admission?
+
For programs taught in English, applicants generally need an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80–90, depending on the specific program. Cambridge B2 First with a grade of B or above is also accepted.
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