Erasmus guide Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Brussels, Belgium.
Snapshot
Brussels' Dutch-speaking research university (QS top 200) with the strongest English-only master catalogue in the city, founded 1970, located in Etterbeek next to the EU institutions.
Why students shortlist it
Belgium's leading Dutch-language research university in Brussels, known for its freethinking ethos and strong ties to EU institutions. Strong in sciences, social sciences, law, and engineering — with direct access to the European Quarter.
Teaching languages: Dutch (primary); English widely available for exchange students and at master's level
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination, online exchange application, learning agreement, valid ID/passport, transcript, and language proof when the host programme requires it.
Nomination Process
Your home university nominates you first. After nomination, complete the host online application and learning agreement by the faculty deadline; dates vary by semester and programme.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students normally do not need a student visa. Non-EU students should check Belgian long-stay visa or residence rules early and keep proof of insurance and financial means ready.
Buddy System
VUB orientation and international student services are the first route into Etterbeek campus life.
Orientation Week
International welcome days usually happen just before classes; attend them even if your course timetable is not final yet.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn intake | Usually spring; verify with the receiving faculty | Usually April-May depending on faculty and exchange type |
| Spring intake | Usually autumn; verify with the receiving faculty | Usually October-November depending on faculty and exchange type |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm campus and faculty before booking housing.
- Prepare backup courses in case your first choices are full or incompatible.
- Keep insurance, ID, nomination, and learning agreement PDFs offline.
- Register local admin steps early if your stay requires residence paperwork.
Academics
Course Registration
Course registration is usually handled after admission through the faculty or exchange platform. Build a backup shortlist because English-taught places and timetable combinations can change.
Credit System
Belgium uses ECTS. A full-time semester is normally 30 ECTS; exchange loads depend on the home university learning agreement.
Grading System
Belgian universities commonly use a 0-20 grading scale with 10/20 as the usual pass mark, though conversion is handled by the home university.
Exam Culture
Attendance, group work, and final exam dates vary by faculty. Do not book return travel until the official exam schedule is confirmed.
Library Access
Exchange students normally receive student-card access to campus libraries, study rooms, Wi-Fi, and digital learning platforms after enrolment.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 0–50) | Erasmus tuition fully covered at all Belgian universities. Administrative fees €0–50 at enrollment. EU students use EHIC for medical care; non-EU need privat… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | EUR 906–1,100/year | VUB Dutch-speaking Brussels: EU/EEA ~€906–1,100/year. Many programmes in English. Brussels location = EU institutions + NATO headquarters internship proximity. |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR 1,000–4,500/year | Non-EU: €1,000–4,500/year. Generally affordable non-EU rates for Belgium. VUB has an active scholarship office for developing-country students. |
EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 0–50)
Erasmus tuition fully covered at all Belgian universities. Administrative fees €0–50 at enrollment. EU students use EHIC for medical care; non-EU need privat…
EUR 906–1,100/year
VUB Dutch-speaking Brussels: EU/EEA ~€906–1,100/year. Many programmes in English. Brussels location = EU institutions + NATO headquarters internship proximity.
EUR 1,000–4,500/year
Non-EU: €1,000–4,500/year. Generally affordable non-EU rates for Belgium. VUB has an active scholarship office for developing-country students.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Arrive with valid health insurance for the full exchange period and keep proof available for university and residence steps.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Use the university student services or international office first; they can point you to local doctors, insurance guidance, and urgent-care procedures.
Mental Health
Student services can usually route students to counselling, wellbeing support, disability services, or external care. Ask early rather than waiting for exam period.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Useful for many EU students for medically necessary public care.
Belgian mutuelle or private insurance
Varies by status and provider
Often relevant for long stays, reimbursements, or non-EU visa/residence requirements.
Campus Services
International office
Main contact for nomination, learning agreement, arrival steps, and exchange paperwork.
Housing support
Start here before using private groups; it reduces scam risk and clarifies realistic rent ranges.
Student support
Use for insurance, wellbeing, disability support, study adjustments, and practical first-week questions.
Health & Wellbeing
University medical practice with doctors available for both physical and mental health. Student psychologists free of charge for stress, anxiety, motivation, and personal difficulties.
Career Coaching
Free career guidance including one-to-one sessions, CV reviews, cover letter help, and interview preparation. Open to all VUB students and alumni.
ESN VUB Brussels
ESN section at VUB Brussels serving international students with trips, social events, parties, and the ESNcard discount programme.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- VUB student associations
- International student events
- Campus sport and cultural groups
Buddy Program
VUB orientation and international student services are the first route into Etterbeek campus life.
Sports & Recreation
- University sport or city student sport routes
- Low-cost city events and faculty activities
Your First 2 Weeks
- Confirm campus location before choosing housing; Brussels university campuses can be 30-45 minutes apart.
- Register commune paperwork early if your stay requires it; appointments can fill quickly in September.
- Join the university international welcome and one city-level group before classes start.
- Test your commute at class time, not at noon; tram and metro crowding changes the real routine.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm that your home university has an active agreement for your subject area.
After admission
Lock housing, insurance, arrival date, and backup courses before peak September/February pressure.
Welcome week
Attend orientation, student-card setup, campus tour, and first social events.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.