Université Libre de Bruxelles
Brussels: Freedom, Inquiry, Impact.
📍 Brussels, Belgium 🇧🇪
🏆 #4 in Belgium · QS World #227 · THE World #201 · ARWU #101
Quick Facts about Université Libre de Bruxelles
- Tuition: $1,000 – $7,000/year
- Intakes: Fall
About Université Libre de Bruxelles
Academics
ULB comprises 12 faculties, schools, and institutes, offering a comprehensive range of nearly 40 Bachelor's programs, 250 Master's programs (including 23 fully taught in English), and 19 Doctoral programs. The university emphasizes critical thinking and a strong connection between teaching and research, with notable strengths in social sciences, humanities, and sciences. ULB researchers have been awarded four Nobel Prizes in the sciences, a testament to its commitment to groundbreaking research.
International Students
ULB is a truly multicultural institution, with over one-third of its students and researchers coming from abroad, representing 140 different nationalities. The International Welcome Desk provides support for international students regarding administrative steps, visas, and residence permits. While French is the primary language of instruction, a growing number of Master's programs are offered entirely or partly in English. Students can engage in a vibrant campus life with over 80 student organizations covering cultural, political, and social interests, fostering cultural integration.
Campus & Location
ULB boasts three main campuses in Brussels: Solbosch, La Plaine, and Erasme, along with other facilities in Auderghem and Charleroi. The main Solbosch campus, located in the vibrant Ixelles neighborhood, is easily accessible by public transportation and features a blend of modern and historic architecture. Brussels itself offers the advantages of a capital city with a lively atmosphere, numerous cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and nearby green spaces like Bois de la Cambre.
Career Outcomes
A degree from ULB provides valuable contacts and a professional network in Brussels, a significant asset for future careers. The university's doctoral programs emphasize the development of transferable skills such as project management, problem-solving, and communication, preparing PhD holders for diverse career paths in academia, industry, and the public sector. ULB also supports student entrepreneurs through initiatives like StartLab.Brussels, an incubator that coaches and connects individuals to launch impactful startups. The university itself is a major employer in Brussels, offering a wide range of academic, scientific, and administrative positions.
Information for International Students at Université Libre de Bruxelles
Université Libre de Bruxelles in Brussels, Belgium welcomes international students.
- No visa support offered
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
Programs at Université Libre de Bruxelles (28 programs)
Université Libre de Bruxelles offers 28 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (10)
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (BA) — 36 months · French
This program explores various aspects of human communication, including media studies, public relations, and organizational communication, developing strong analytical and expressive skills.
Field: Communication Studies
Career outcomes: Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Marketing Professional, Content Creator - Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM
This program provides a foundational understanding of human biology, disease mechanisms, and medical research, preparing students for careers in healthcare or further study.
Field: Biomedical Sciences
Career outcomes: Laboratory Technician, Research Assistant, Medical Sales Representative, Further Medical Studies - Bachelor of Arts in History (BA) — 36 months · French
This program provides a comprehensive study of historical periods, events, and cultures, developing critical thinking and research skills.
Field: History
Career outcomes: Archivist, Museum Curator, Teacher, Journalist - Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (BA) — 36 months · French
This program explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language, developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
Field: Philosophy
Career outcomes: Philosopher, Writer, Educator, Analyst - Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology (BA) — 36 months · French
This program examines human societies, cultures, and social structures, providing tools for critical analysis of social phenomena and cultural diversity.
Field: Sociology and Anthropology
Career outcomes: Sociologist, Anthropologist, Social Researcher, Community Development Worker - Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BA) — 36 months · French
This program explores political systems, theories, and international relations, providing students with a critical understanding of governance and global affairs.
Field: Political Science
Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Diplomat, Journalist, Political Consultant - Bachelor of Science in Engineering: Architectural Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM
This program combines architectural design with engineering principles, preparing students to design and construct buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.
Field: Architectural Engineering
Career outcomes: Architectural Engineer, Structural Engineer, Construction Manager - Bachelor of Science in Biology (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM
This program offers a broad understanding of living organisms, their structures, functions, and interactions, covering topics from molecular biology to ecology.
Field: Biology
Career outcomes: Biologist, Environmental Scientist, Laboratory Assistant, Science Educator - Bachelor of Science in Geography (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM
This program explores the Earth's landscapes, environments, and human societies, focusing on spatial analysis, environmental issues, and urban planning.
Field: Geography
Career outcomes: Geographer, Environmental Consultant, Urban Planner, GIS Specialist - Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of drug discovery, development, and action, preparing students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry or further studies in pharmacy.
Field: Pharmaceutical Sciences
Career outcomes: Pharmaceutical Scientist, Research Assistant, Quality Control Analyst, Pharmacist (with further study)
Master Programs (9)
- Master of Arts in European Studies (MA) — 24 months · English
This interdisciplinary program focuses on the history, politics, economics, and culture of Europe, with a strong emphasis on the European Union and its institutions.
Field: European Studies
Career outcomes: EU Affairs Consultant, Policy Officer, Researcher, Lobbyist - Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program delves into the principles and applications of artificial intelligence, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing, preparing students for cutting-edge roles.
Field: Artificial Intelligence
Career outcomes: AI Engineer, Machine Learning Scientist, Robotics Engineer, Data Scientist - Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program offers advanced study in various areas of computer science, including artificial intelligence, software engineering, and cybersecurity, preparing students for research or high-level industry positions.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst - Master of Laws (LL.M.) (LL.M.) — 12 months · English
This advanced law degree allows students to specialize in various legal fields, such as international law, European law, or human rights law, enhancing their legal expertise and career prospects.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Legal Counsel, International Lawyer, Judge, Policy Advisor - Master of Science in Physics (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program delves into advanced concepts of physics, including quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and condensed matter physics, preparing students for research or high-tech industries.
Field: Physics
Career outcomes: Physicist, Researcher, Engineer, Data Scientist - Master of Science in Bioengineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program integrates engineering principles with biological sciences to address challenges in medicine, biotechnology, and environmental health.
Field: Bioengineering
Career outcomes: Bioengineer, Biomedical Engineer, Biotech Researcher, Medical Device Developer - Master of Science in Management Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on quantitative methods and analytical tools for decision-making in business and organizations, covering areas like operations research and financial modeling.
Field: Management Science
Career outcomes: Business Analyst, Consultant, Operations Manager, Financial Analyst - Master of Science in Chemistry (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program offers advanced knowledge and research opportunities in various branches of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry.
Field: Chemistry
Career outcomes: Chemist, Research Scientist, Quality Control Specialist, Pharmaceutical Scientist - Master of Science in Data Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program provides comprehensive training in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling, equipping students to extract insights from complex datasets.
Field: Data Science
Career outcomes: Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Engineer
PhD Programs (9)
- PhD in Law (PhD) — 48 months · French
This program offers advanced legal research opportunities across various fields of law, leading to the production of an original doctoral thesis.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Legal Scholar, University Professor, Legal Consultant, Judge - PhD in Philosophy (PhD) — 48 months · French
This doctoral program involves advanced research into philosophical concepts, theories, and historical traditions, culminating in an original contribution to the field.
Field: Philosophy
Career outcomes: University Professor, Researcher, Ethicist, Writer - PhD in Physics (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program involves in-depth research in various subfields of physics, such as theoretical physics, condensed matter physics, or astrophysics, culminating in a dissertation.
Field: Physics
Career outcomes: University Professor, Research Scientist, Data Analyst, Physicist - PhD in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program focuses on cutting-edge research in areas such as drug discovery, pharmacology, toxicology, and molecular biology, contributing to advancements in health.
Field: Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, Pharmacologist, Biotechnologist, University Professor - PhD in Mathematics (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program offers advanced study and research opportunities in pure and applied mathematics, allowing students to contribute to theoretical developments and problem-solving.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Researcher, University Professor, Quantitative Analyst - PhD in Economics (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program offers rigorous training in economic theory and econometrics, enabling students to conduct original research and contribute to economic knowledge.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Economist, University Professor, Policy Advisor, Researcher - PhD in Biomedical Sciences (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program focuses on cutting-edge research in biomedical sciences, allowing students to contribute original knowledge to fields like molecular biology, immunology, and neuroscience.
Field: Biomedical Sciences
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, University Professor, Biotech Specialist - PhD in History (PhD) — 48 months · French
This doctoral program allows students to conduct in-depth historical research, contributing new interpretations and knowledge to specific historical periods or themes.
Field: History
Career outcomes: Historian, University Professor, Archivist, Museum Curator - PhD in Public Health (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program focuses on advanced research in public health, addressing global health challenges, epidemiology, health policy, and health promotion.
Field: Public Health
Career outcomes: Public Health Researcher, Epidemiologist, Health Policy Advisor, Global Health Specialist
Scholarships & Tuition at Université Libre de Bruxelles
Annual tuition for international students: $1,000 – $7,000/year
Visit the university's financial aid page for the latest scholarship information.
Rankings of Université Libre de Bruxelles
- National Ranking: #4 in Belgium
- QS World University Ranking: #227
- Times Higher Education (THE): #201
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #101
- Ranking tier: Top 200
Campus & Facilities at Université Libre de Bruxelles
- Student housing available
- No sports facilities
- No disability support info
Key Highlights
- Founded 1834, academic freedom
- Nobel Prize-winning research
- Diverse, multicultural community
- Many English Master's programs
- Vibrant Brussels campus life
- Strong career outcomes
Fields of Study at Université Libre de Bruxelles
- Political Science
- Physics
- Economics
- Law
- History
Frequently Asked Questions about Université Libre de Bruxelles
What is Université Libre de Bruxelles?
Université Libre de Bruxelles is a university located in Brussels, Belgium. .
How much does it cost to study at Université Libre de Bruxelles?
Tuition fees at Université Libre de Bruxelles for international students range from $1,000 – $7,000/year.
How many programs does Université Libre de Bruxelles offer?
Université Libre de Bruxelles offers 28 programs: 10 Bachelor's, 9 Master's, and 9 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Université Libre de Bruxelles ranked?
#4 in Belgium · QS World #227 · THE World #201 · ARWU #101.
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