Vrije Universiteit Brussel

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), or Free University of Brussels, is a Dutch- and English-speaking research university in Brussels, Belgium. Founded in 1970 after the split of the original Free University of Brussels, which dates back to 1834, VUB was created on the principle of academic freedom and remains committed to pluralism, equality, democratic participation, and free inquiry. Its motto, Scientia vincere tenebras (“Conquering darkness by science”), reflects this mission, as does its more recent slogan Redelijk eigenzinnig (“Reasonably opinionated”). VUB is an urban engaged university that combines high-quality education, research, and social impact. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes across a broad range of disciplines through nine faculties, including Medicine and Pharmacy, Engineering, Languages and Humanities, Social Sciences and Solvay Business School, Psychology and Educational Sciences, Law and Criminology, Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Physical Education and Physiotherapy, and the Multidisciplinary Institute for Teacher Education. The university is strongly research-oriented and also shares scientific knowledge through public programmes and community-oriented initiatives. The university has several campuses and learning sites, including: the Main Campus in Etterbeek the Health Campus in Jette the Photonics Campus in Pajottegem additional classrooms in Brussels On its Health Campus, VUB works together with UZ Brussel, its university hospital, with cross-fertilisation between care, education, and research. VUB is home to nearly 25,000 students, including many international students, and it places strong emphasis on sustainability, climate action, and social engagement. It is a founding member of EUTOPIA, a European university alliance that promotes collaboration, mobility, and joint opportunities in education and research across Europe. Contact information: Address: Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium