Master of Applied Sciences & Engineering in Applied Computer Science

Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Applied Sciences & Engineering in Applied Computer Science
Masters
Computer & It
Public University
Belgium

The Master of Applied Sciences & Engineering in Applied Computer Science at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a 2-year, 120-credit full-time master’s programme taught in English at the VUB Main Campus Etterbeek. It sits within Computer & IT and covers software engineering, systems, data and applied computing. 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 €4,000 per year.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	VUB Main Campus Etterbeek
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	31-March,
Fee Per Year	4000
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-sciences-and-engineering-applied-computer-science
Deadline Link	https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/all-study-programmes-vub/bachelors-and-masters-programmes-vub/applied-sciences-and-engineering-applied-computer-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 engineering or CS field): Computer Science / Informatics Computer Engineering Software Engineering Information Technology (only if very strong theoretical CS and engineering content) Electrical Engineering (with strong CS and programming) Applied Mathematics (with strong CS and engineering focus)

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates of the Master of Applied Sciences & Engineering in Applied Computer Science can find work in software, technology, finance and industry. Typical roles include software engineer, systems developer, IT consultant. 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	o participate in this programme you will need an academic bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or applied sciences. Admission is based on acceptance and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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 entry requirements for the Master of Applied Sciences & Engineering in Applied Computer Science at VUB?

To apply for this program, you will need an academic bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or applied sciences. Admission is case-by-case and requires a recognized 4-year bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 or equivalent.

How much does the Master of Applied Sciences & Engineering in Applied Computer Science program cost?

The tuition fee for the program is approximately €4,000 per year, with additional costs for living expenses which average between €700 and €800 per month.

What is the application process for international students at VUB?

The application process involves submitting academic transcripts, a personal statement, proof of language proficiency, receiving an admission letter from VUB, paying the required tuition fee, and applying for a long-stay student visa.

Can international students work while studying in Belgium?

Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time while studying, up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during official holidays. Common job options include retail, hospitality, and tutoring.

What is the post-study work opportunity for graduates of the program?

Graduates can work in Belgium after completing their studies, as the country has improved its post-study work situation since 2018. Students can work 20 hours per week during their studies and seek employment in the Belgian or European job markets after graduation.