Master of Disaster Medicine (Advanced)

Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Disaster Medicine
Masters
Health & Medicine
Public University
Belgium

The Master of Disaster Medicine (Advanced) at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a 1-year, 60-credit full-time advanced master’s programme taught in English at the VUB Health Campus Jette. It sits within Health & Medicine and covers emergency and disaster medical response, planning and crisis management. 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. Check the programme page for current tuition and fees.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	VUB Health Campus Jette
Duration	1
Deadline-Date	31-March,
Fee Per Year
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/disaster-medicine
Deadline Link	https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/all-study-programmes-vub/bachelors-and-masters-programmes-vub/disaster-medicine
Intakes	September
Program language requirement	TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5 overall (min 6.0 each section)

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as: Medicine (MBBS) Nursing (BSc Nursing) Paramedicine / Emergency Medical Services Public Health / Epidemiology Disaster Management / Emergency Management Pharmacy (PharmD) – with emergency/public health focus (evaluated case by case)

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates of the Master of Disaster Medicine (Advanced) can find work in hospitals, emergency services, NGOs and international organisations. Typical roles include disaster-medicine specialist, emergency planner, humanitarian health officer. 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	You must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university/institution to apply for a master’s programme. After you submit your application, VUB will verify your diploma and transcript of records to determine eligibility.
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 Disaster Medicine at VUB?

To apply for the Master of Disaster Medicine, you must hold a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university/institution. VUB will verify your diploma and transcript of records to determine eligibility. A minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 is required, although competitive universities generally prefer a score of 3.0/4.0 or higher.

What is the duration and structure of the Master of Disaster Medicine program?

The Master of Disaster Medicine is a 1-year, 60-credit full-time program. It combines core courses with specialized electives and culminates in an independent master's thesis or research project.

Are there scholarships available for international students at VUB?

Yes, VUB offers various scholarships for international students. You can find more information about available scholarships at this link.

What are the living expenses for international students in Belgium?

The average cost of living for international students in Belgium is between €700 and €800 per month, with some students spending over €1,000, depending on their lifestyle. Accommodation typically costs between €300 and €500 per month, and food expenses are around €250 to €300 monthly.

Can international students work part-time while studying in Belgium?

Yes, international students in Belgium are allowed to work part-time while studying, subject to visa conditions. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holidays.