Master of Biology in Ecology & Biodiversity

Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Biology in Ecology & Biodiversity
Masters
Life Sciences
Public University
Belgium

The Master of Biology in Ecology & Biodiversity 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 Life Sciences and covers ecology, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. 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 Main Campus Etterbeek
Duration	2
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/biology
Deadline Link	https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/all-study-programmes-vub/bachelors-and-masters-programmes-vub/biology
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 in one of the following (or closely related field): Biology (general, organismal, ecology, evolution) Ecology / Environmental Biology Conservation Biology / Biodiversity Zoology / Botany Environmental Science (with strong biology focus) Marine Biology / Aquatic Biology Evolutionary Biology

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates of the Master of Biology in Ecology & Biodiversity can find work in conservation agencies, environmental consultancies and research. Typical roles include ecologist, conservation biologist, environmental 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	If you have an academic Bachelor's degree in engineering (university level) with specialization in bioengineering or biomedical engineering (university level) you can directly enter the programme. You can also apply if you have an academic Bachelor's degree in engineering or exact/ applied sciences (university level)--in this case, your background will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and admission is based on acceptance . Based on the evaluation, and you might need to follow a preparatory program accounting for approximately 15/18 to maximum 90 ECTS credits, depending on your diploma.
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 eligibility requirements for the Master of Biology in Ecology & Biodiversity at VUB?

To be eligible for the Master of Biology in Ecology & Biodiversity at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, you need a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Biology, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or related disciplines. Depending on your background, additional preparatory programs may be required for admission.

What is the application process for VUB's Master's program?

The application process includes submitting academic transcripts and certificates, a personal statement or motivation letter, and proof of language proficiency. Once you receive an acceptance letter, you will need to pay the tuition fee and apply for a long-stay student visa.

How much does it cost to live as a student in Belgium?

The average cost of living for international students in Belgium ranges between €700 and €800 per month, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. Students may find costs can exceed €1,000 depending on their lifestyle and housing choices.

Are international students allowed to work part-time in Belgium?

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

What post-study work opportunities are available for graduates in Belgium?

After completing their studies, graduates in Belgium can explore various job opportunities, especially in conservation, ecology, and environmental consultancy. The immigration reforms of 2018 have improved options for post-study work, allowing graduates to seek employment within Belgium or the wider European job market.