Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Brussel -
Belgium
Abroad
General Information
The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is a major French-speaking research university located in the capital of Europe. Its medical faculty is centered on the Erasme Campus in Anderlecht, anchored by the Erasme Hospital. ULB is famous for its commitment to libre examen (free inquiry), promoting critical thinking and independence from all dogma. It is a global powerhouse in biotechnology and molecular biology, famously associated with multiple Nobel Prizes in medicine and physiology.
General Info
- Established: 1834.
- Primary Location: > Erasme Campus, Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium.
- Academic Tracks:
- Medicine (MD): A 6-year program (3y Bachelor + 3y Master). Instruction is strictly in French.
- Biomedical Sciences: Bachelor and Master levels; the Master in Biomedical Sciences (Research focus) is a bilingual program (English/French).
- Public Health: Offers English-friendly modules and inter-university Masters in Global Health.
- Pharmacy: Located on the Plaine Campus (Ixelles), featuring a 5-year track (3y Bachelor + 2y Master) in French.
- Admission Process:
- Medicine & Dentistry: Requires passing the Examen d'entrée (Entrance Exam) organized by the ARES. It is a highly competitive test of science knowledge and communication.
- Language: A C1 level in French is generally required for clinical degrees. English-taught Master's programs require proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS).
- Instruction: Primarily French (Clinical) and English/French (Research/Masters).
- Research Focus: Excellence in Neurosciences (UNI), Cancer Research (Jules Bordet Institute), Reproductive Biology, and Immunology.
Campus Facilities
The Erasme Campus is a massive, dedicated health city on the western edge of Brussels.
- Erasme Hospital (Hôpital Erasme): A 1,000-bed university hospital serving as the primary site for clinical teaching and research.
- Jules Bordet Institute: An autonomous center integrated into the campus, renowned as one of the best comprehensive cancer centers in Europe.
- ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI): A world-class hub regrouping over 20 research groups focusing on everything from molecular neurobiology to cognitive science.
- SimulULB: A high-fidelity simulation center where students practice clinical scenarios in a safe, controlled environment.
- Biomedical Library: Located directly on the Erasme campus, offering extensive study space and total access to medical journals.
- The Museum of Medicinal Plants: Located on the Plaine Campus, showcasing the history and science of pharmaceutical botany.
- Campus Health & Sport: Facilities on-site for student wellness, including fitness centers and outdoor recreation.
- Vives House: A student residence and social hub specifically for the Erasme campus community.
- Inter-University Bio-Informatics Center: Facilitates high-level data analysis for genomic and proteomic research.
- The Greenhouse: A specialized facility for pharmaceutical research and the cultivation of medicinal species on the Plaine campus.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
- H.U.B. (Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles): Since 2021, the Erasme Hospital, the Jules Bordet Institute, and the Queen Fabiola University Children's Hospital have formed this massive integrated hospital cluster.
- Clinical Network: ULB has an extensive network of affiliated hospitals across Brussels and Wallonia, ensuring students see a diverse patient population.
- Rare Disease Reference: Recognised as a Belgian center for 12 categories of rare diseases.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
Belgium’s French Community (Wallonia-Brussels Federation) offers highly subsidized education.
Scholarships
- ULB Excellence Scholarships: Merit-based grants for high-achieving international students entering Master's programs.
- F.R.S.-FNRS: The primary funding body for PhD and postdoctoral research in the French community.
- Master Mind Scholarships: A government grant of €10,000 plus a tuition waiver for top-tier international applicants.
- ARES Grants: Specifically for students from developing countries, covering all costs for specific Masters and internships.
City Details
- The Vibe: Brussels is a multicultural, international city. The Erasme campus is in Anderlecht, a more residential area that is quieter than the "City Center" or the European Quarter.
- Connectivity:
- Metro: Line 5 terminates at "Erasme," providing a direct, 20-minute link to the city center and Central Station.
- Air: Easy access to Brussels Airport (BRU) via train from the city center; Charleroi (CRL) is also accessible via shuttle.
- Language: While Brussels is bilingual (French/Dutch), ULB is the heart of the French-speaking academic community.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: Many students live on the Erasme Campus in university halls. The vibe is professional yet social. Alternatively, students live in the city center and commute via metro.
- Dining: Several university restaurants (Restos) offer subsidized hot meals (approx. €5–€8) on campus.
- Vibe: The Erasme campus feels like an autonomous "Medical Village." It is busy, high-energy, and deeply clinical, but surrounded by green spaces for relaxation.
Miscellaneous
- Accreditation: Recognized by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
- Admission Warning: International students must strictly follow the ARES deadlines (usually ending in March) for the entrance exam registration.
Collage Images Gallery
Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.
The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.
The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.
Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.
While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.
Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.
Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.
We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.
Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.
Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.
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