Master of Photonics Engineering

Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Photonics Engineering
Masters
Engineering & Technology
Public University
Belgium

The Master of Photonics Engineering at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a 2-year, 120-credit full-time master’s programme taught in English at the VUB Photonics Campus Gooik. It sits within Engineering & Technology and covers optics, lasers, photonic devices and optical communication. 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 €1,157 per year.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	VUB Photonics Campus Gooik
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	31-March,
Fee Per Year	1157
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/master-science-in-photonics-engineering
Deadline Link	https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/all-study-programmes-vub/bachelors-and-masters-programmes-vub/master-science-in-photonics-engineering
Intakes	September
Program language requirement	English B2, Belgian secondary school diploma, English-taught secondary or higher education, TOEFL iBT 79, TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, IELTS 6.5 (academic), IELTS Indicator, Cambridge English 170, ITACE B2

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s degree (14–16 years of education) in one of the following or related fields: Physics (with optics/photonics focus – ideal) Photonics / Optoelectronics (ideal) Electrical Engineering (with photonics/optics focus) Electronics Engineering (with optoelectronics) Telecommunications Engineering (with fiber optics) Materials Science (with optical materials focus) Applied Physics Nanotechnology (with photonics focus)

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates of the Master of Photonics Engineering can find work in telecom, semiconductors, sensing and R&D. Typical roles include photonics engineer, optical engineer, R&D specialist. 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	Specific admission criteria 1. for international students preferred background: bachelor or master degree in (Applied) Physics/Photonics/Optics/Electrical Engineering/Materials Science or related bachelor or master degree in another scientific field will also be considered based on pre-knowledge ALL international applicants must submit their initial application through the MSPE pre-admission platform. All files will be evaluated on academic background and excellence. Each applicant who meets the academic threshold will be invited for a technical interview. Only the applicants who pass the interview will be allowed to start the pre-enrolment process at VUB. 2. for Belgian degree holders bachelor or master degree in Electrical or (Applied) Physics Engineering/Materials Science have direct access bachelor or master degree in Architecture, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, industrial Science - Electronics/ICT, Engineering Science or KMS Polytechnical Department can apply for the preparatory programme of 30 ECTS Belgian degree holders can apply directly via the central admissions platform. 1. for international students preferred background: bachelor or master degree in (Applied) Physics/Photonics/Optics/Electrical Engineering/Materials Science or related bachelor or master degree in another scientific field will also be considered based on pre-knowledge ALL international applicants must submit their initial application through the MSPE pre-admission platform. All files will be evaluated on academic background and excellence. Each applicant who meets the academic threshold will be invited for a technical interview. Only the applicants who pass the interview will be allowed to start the pre-enrolment process at VUB. 2. for Belgian degree holders bachelor or master degree in Electrical or (Applied) Physics Engineering/Materials Science have direct access bachelor or master degree in Architecture, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, industrial Science - Electronics/ICT, Engineering Science or KMS Polytechnical Department can apply for the preparatory programme of 30 ECTS Belgian degree holders can apply directly via the central admissions platform.
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 admission requirements for the Master of Photonics Engineering at VUB?

International students typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field such as Applied Physics, Photonics, or Electrical Engineering. They must submit an application through the MSPE pre-admission platform and pass a technical interview. Belgian degree holders with specific qualifications can apply directly through the central admissions platform.

What is the duration and structure of the Master of Photonics Engineering program?

The Master of Photonics Engineering at VUB is a 2-year full-time program that requires students to complete 120 credits. The curriculum includes core courses, specialized electives, and an independent master's thesis or research project.

What are the living expenses for international students in Belgium?

On average, international students in Belgium spend between €700 and €800 per month. This includes costs for accommodation, food, and transportation. Accommodation costs range from €300 to €500 per month, while food expenses average €250 to €300 per month.

Are there part-time job opportunities for international students while studying in Belgium?

Yes, international students in Belgium are allowed to work part-time while studying, with a maximum of 20 hours per week during the semester. Common job options include retail, hospitality, customer service, and tutoring.

What is the application process for the Master of Photonics Engineering at VUB?

The application process includes submitting academic transcripts, a personal statement, and proof of language proficiency. After receiving an admission letter, students must pay the tuition fee and apply for a long-stay student visa. Additional documents, such as financial proof and medical certificates, are also required.