Erasmus guide Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Brussels, Belgium.
Study abroad at Vrije Universiteit Brussel: overview
Study abroad at Vrije Universiteit Brussel means choosing Brussels through a specific academic fit: 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. It works best when your courses, language and housing align with the faculty, not only with the university name.
Enrollment
200
International Mix
Visible international community; availability depends on faculty and agreement.
Why students choose 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.
Language of instruction: Dutch (primary); English widely available for exchange students and at master's level
Exchange & application at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Exchange at Vrije Universiteit Brussel starts with nomination, official calendar and course confirmation. Check seats, language and prerequisites before promising yourself a fixed timetable.
✅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.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 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 & courses at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Academics are anchored in Law and Criminology, Economics and Management (Solvay Brussels School), Sciences and Engineering, Social Sciences and Political Science. Bring backup courses and confirm credit conversion with your home university.
📝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 at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Costs at Vrije Universiteit Brussel combine exchange agreement, housing, insurance, transport and materials. Always separate partner exchange from full-degree admission because the financial rules differ.
| 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
Student housing at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Housing should be chosen by safe campus route, contract and arrival timing. Start with official channels and avoid deposits before verifying identity and conditions.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Brussels
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
The international office, student services and faculty coordinators are the route for arrival, courses and documents. Use them early before small doubts become blockers.
🛡️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 at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Student life at Vrije Universiteit Brussel depends on orientation, clubs, faculty groups and neighbourhood routine. Integration improves when you repeat plans instead of staying only in international circles.
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 exchange dates at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Vrije Universiteit Brussel dates change by semester and agreement. Save official emails, confirm nomination and application windows, and leave room for course changes after arrival.
-
1
Before nomination
Confirm that your home university has an active agreement for your subject area.
-
2
After admission
Lock housing, insurance, arrival date, and backup courses before peak September/February pressure.
-
3
Welcome week
Attend orientation, student-card setup, campus tour, and first social events.