Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB) – Full Review

Overview

The Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB) is a Dutch-speaking university located in Brussels, Belgium. It was established in 1970 and has since been a hub for academic excellence and innovation. The university offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs in various fields of study, with a focus on research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

History

The VUB was founded as a result of the linguistic tensions between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities in Belgium. The university was established to provide a high-quality education in Dutch, which was considered a minority language at the time. The first academic year began in 1970 with just 3 faculties: Law and Criminology, Applied Sciences and Engineering, and Economic, Social and Political Sciences.

Over the years, the university has continued to grow and diversify, adding several new faculties and research centers. Today, the VUB is recognized as a leading research university in Europe, with a strong international reputation.

Organization

The VUB is structured into different faculties and schools, each with its own academic programs and research centers. The current faculties include:

• Faculty of Law and Criminology
• Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences and Solvay Business School
• Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences
• Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
• Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy
• Faculty of Arts and Philosophy

Campus

The VUB campus is located in the Etterbeek neighborhood of Brussels, in the southeast of the city. It is easily accessible by public transportation and is surrounded by numerous parks and green spaces. The campus itself is modern and features state-of-the-art facilities, including lecture halls, research labs, and student housing.

Academics

The VUB offers a wide range of academic programs in various fields of study. The university is particularly known for its research-oriented approach and interdisciplinary collaborations. Some of the most popular programs at the VUB include Law, Economics, Business, Engineering, Medicine, and Psychology.

Colleges and schools

As mentioned earlier, the VUB is structured into different faculties and schools, each with its own academic programs and research centers. These include:

• Faculty of Law and Criminology
• Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences and Solvay Business School
• Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences
• Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
• Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy
• Faculty of Arts and Philosophy

Student life

The VUB has a vibrant student community, with numerous clubs and organizations catering to various interests. The university also offers a range of sports facilities and activities, including a gym, a swimming pool, and a sports center. Additionally, the university has a student-run radio station and magazine, providing opportunities for creativity and expression.

Athletics

The VUB has a range of sports facilities and activities available to students and faculty. This includes a gym, a swimming pool, a sports center, and a range of outdoor sports fields. The university also participates in various intercollegiate sports competitions.

Notable alumni

The VUB has produced many notable alumni in various fields, including:

• Mark Eyskens – former Prime Minister of Belgium
• Luc Coene – former Governor of the National Bank of Belgium
• Adeline Marcos – member of the European Parliament
• Luc Van den Brande – former Minister-President of Flanders
• Marleen Temmerman – Director of the Department of Reproductive Health and Research at the World Health Organization

University Profile