Master of Applied Informatics in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (Big Data Technology)

Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Applied Informatics in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (Big Data Technology)
Masters
Computer & It
Public University
Belgium

The Master of Applied Informatics in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (Big Data Technology) at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a 1-year, 60-credit full-time master’s programme taught in English at the VUB Main Campus Etterbeek. It sits within Computer & IT and covers big data architectures, scalable data processing and analytics. Students combine core courses with specialised electives, and the programme builds toward an independent master’s thesis or research project. VUB is a Brussels-based university with an international student community, and its location in the capital gives access to European institutions and companies. The programme is aimed at students who want a rigorous grounding in this field in an international classroom. Listed tuition is about €4,960 per year.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	VUB Main Campus Etterbeek
Duration	1
Deadline-Date	31-March,
Fee Per Year	4960
Application Fee	public universities charging between €50 and €200 (or no fee at all), while private institutions and business schools generally charge higher fees ranging from €100 to €300+
Currency	euro
Intake Link	https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/all-study-programmes-vub/bachelors-and-masters-programmes-vub/applied-informatics-artificial-intelligence-data-science
Deadline Link	https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/all-study-programmes-vub/bachelors-and-masters-programmes-vub/applied-informatics-artificial-intelligence-data-science
Intakes	September
Program language requirement	English B2, Belgian high school degree, English-taught secondary or higher education, TOEFL iBT 79 (min 18 each component), IELTS 6.5 (academic, min 6.0 each component), Cambridge B2 First (FCE) 170, ITACE B2 (min 4 of 5 components)

Who can Choose this program?

A Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3–4 years) from an HEC‑recognized Pakistani university. VUB strongly prefers a 4-year bachelor’s degree, but 3‑year Pakistani bachelor’s degrees may be accepted on a case-by-case basis if the program is highly relevant and grades are excellent. Accepted Bachelor’s Degrees (must be in a highly relevant quantitative field): Computer Science / Informatics Software Engineering Applied Mathematics (with strong CS and AI coursework) Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering (with strong CS and AI) Information Technology (only if very strong theoretical CS) Data Science / Artificial Intelligence Physics (with strong computational focus)

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates of the Master of Applied Informatics in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (Big Data Technology) can find work in technology, telecom, finance and consulting. Typical roles include big data engineer, data engineer, analytics developer. Graduates can pursue doctoral research at VUB or other institutions, or enter the job market directly. International graduates can explore both the Belgian and wider European job markets, with Brussels as a major hub for EU and international employers. The degree builds analytical thinking, subject expertise and the ability to work in international, interdisciplinary teams.
Program entry requirement	f you don't have a Flemish degree you will need to submit an online application for permission to study. Application prerequisite for the programme Master of Science in Applied Informatics is an academic bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Informatics, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or equivalent. Equivalency and admission to the programme will be based on a review of the student’s academic record and will be evaluated case by case.
Required GPA	Master's: A recognized 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 or equivalent. Competitive universities generally prefer 3.0/4.0 or higher.
GRE Required	No
GMAT Required	No
Application Process	1. Apply to a Belgian university or higher education institution by submitting academic transcripts and certificates, a personal statement or motivation letter, and proof of language proficiency (English/French/Dutch, such as IELTS or institutional requirements). 2. Receive an official admission/acceptance letter from a recognized Belgian institution. 3. Pay the required tuition fee or enrollment fee (if requested by the institution). Proof of payment is often required before or during the visa application process. 4. Start your long-stay (Type D) student visa application through the Belgian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global in your country (Belgium does not use an online system like AVATS). 5. Prepare and submit all required supporting documents, including a passport valid for at least 12 months, an acceptance letter from a Belgian institution, proof of sufficient financial means (blocked account, sponsorship, or scholarship), proof of accommodation in Belgium, a medical certificate, a police clearance certificate (if required), health/medical insurance, a motivation letter / Statement of Purpose (SOP), and recent passport-sized photographs. 6. Pay the visa application fee as instructed by the Belgian Embassy or VFS Global. 7. Submit your application, documents, and biometrics at the nearest Belgian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global Visa Application Centre. 8. Track your application using the reference number provided after submission and wait for the visa decision.
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/scholarships/
Program accreditation	Accredited by NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders), the Flemish programme accreditation body
Living expenses	Cost of Living in Belgium The cost of living for international students in Belgium depends on the city and your lifestyle. On average, students spend between €700–€800, and in some cases over €1,000 per month. Accommodation  €300–€500 per month for student housing  Private apartments or studios cost more  Brussels is relatively affordable compared to cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin Food  Around €250–€300 per month  Cooking at home helps save money  Eating out regularly increases costs Transportation  Students get discounted public transport passes  Leuven: yearly bus pass costs about €25  Brussels: under-24 students can get a yearly pass for as low as €12 Overall Monthly Budget  Average: €700–€800  Higher end (private housing & lifestyle): €1,000
Visa Process Details	1. Passport: Valid passport with old ones if available (Mandatory). 2. CNIC / B-Form / FRC: ID and family relation documents (Mandatory). 3. Photographs: Biometric/passport-sized photo (Mandatory). 4. Offer Letter: Official unconditional admission letter (Mandatory). 5. Tuition Fee Receipt: Deposit, payment, or scholarship proof (Mandatory/Conditional). 6. Academic Documents: Transcripts and degrees with attestations (Mandatory). 7. Language Certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, or language proof (Conditional). 8. CV / Resume: Updated resume with gap details (Mandatory/Conditional). 9. SOP / Motivation Letter: Study plan and home ties explanation (Mandatory/Conditional). 10. Financial Documents: Bank statements, income, and funds proof (Mandatory). 11. Sponsor Documents: Sponsor ID, relation, affidavit, and income proof (Conditional). 12. Accommodation Proof: Housing booking or address (Mandatory/Conditional). 13. Insurance: Travel/health insurance (Mandatory/Conditional). 14. Police Certificate: Character certificate if required (Conditional). 15. Medical Certificate: Medical/TB/polio clear certificate (Conditional). 16. Translations / Legalization: Certified translations or attestations (Conditional). 17. Previous Refusals: Refusal letters with explanations (Mandatory if applicable). 18. Travel History: Visas, stamps, and travel proof (Conditional). 19. Family / Home Ties: Property, business, or family return proof (Recommended). 20. Country-Specific: Blocked account / Annex 32 / solvency proof (Country-specific). 21. Country-Specific: Medical and police clearance (Country-specific). 22. Country-Specific: Belgian institution enrolment evidence (Country-specific).
Part timework	Part-Time Job Options for International Students in Belgium International students in Belgium are allowed to work part-time while studying, subject to visa conditions. Common Part-Time Job Options Retail jobs: supermarkets, clothing stores, shopping centers Hospitality sector: cafés, restaurants, hotels, fast-food outlets Customer service: call centers, front desk assistants Campus jobs: library assistant, administrative support, student ambassador Delivery & logistics: food delivery, warehouse assistant (where legally permitted) Tutoring: academic tutoring or language support (subject-based skills) Working Hours  Up to 20 hours per week during term time •Full-time work allowed during official holidays (summer, winter, and Easter breaks) Wages  Minimum wage depends on age and experience  Average student earnings range from €11–€13 per hour Requirements  Valid Belgian residence permit (student status)  Student employment contract  Registration with the National Social Security Office (NSSO)  Belgian bank account (recommended)
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunities Belgium's post-study work situation improved significantly with 2018 immigration reforms, but it's still not as straightforward as Canada or Australia's graduate visa programs. Students can work 20 hours/week during their studies (outside class hours).

What are the requirements for the Master of Applied Informatics in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at VUB?

Applicants need a recognized Bachelor's degree (minimum 3–4 years) in a highly relevant quantitative field like Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Applied Mathematics, among others. A minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 is required, and VUB prefers a 4-year Bachelor's degree.

How much does the Master of Applied Informatics program cost at VUB?

The tuition fee for the Master of Applied Informatics in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science is approximately €4,960 per year.

What is the duration of the Master's program in Applied Informatics at VUB?

The Master's program is a full-time course with a duration of 1 year, totaling 60 credits.

What are the living expenses for international students in Belgium?

On average, international students spend between €700 and €800 per month on living expenses, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other costs. In some cases, it may exceed €1,000 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.

What part-time job opportunities are available for international students in Belgium?

International students in Belgium are allowed to work part-time while studying. Common job options include retail, hospitality, customer service, campus jobs, delivery services, and tutoring. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term, and full-time work is permitted during official holidays.