Master of Science in Urban Studies (Classical)

Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Urban Studies
Masters
Public University
Belgium

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full-Time
Campus	VUB Usquare Campus
Duration	2
Deadline-Date
Fee Per Year	€ 4,284.00
Application Fee	Usually REQUIRED (€50 - €200)
Currency	euro
Intake Link	https://www.vub.be/sites/default/files/2024-09/2025-2026_academische_kalender_EN.pdf
Deadline Link	https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/apply-and-enrol-vub/admission-requirements-and-deadlines/when-can-you-apply
Intakes	Aug
Program language requirement	IELTS (Academic): Minimum overall band of 6.5. TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 79. Cambridge English: C1 Advanced (CAE) - Grade C, or C2 Proficiency (CPE). ITACE: Minimum score of B2.

Who can Choose this program?

A Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a closely related social/spatial science from a recognized university.

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program
Program entry requirement	A 4-year Bachelor's degree (BA/BSc) in a relevant field (e.g., Urban Planning, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, Architecture) from a recognized Pakistani university.
Required GPA	A CGPA of 3.0/4.0, 75%, or 7.5/10 or higher is typically the competitive baseline.
GRE Required
GMAT Required
Application Process	Belgium Application Process Details Apply to a Belgian university or higher education institution by submitting:  Academic transcripts and certificates  Personal statement or motivation letter  Proof of language proficiency (English/French/Dutch, such as IELTS or institutional requirements) Receive an official admission/acceptance letter from a recognized Belgian institution. 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. 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). Prepare and submit all required supporting documents, including:  Passport valid for at least 12 months  Acceptance letter from a Belgian institution  Proof of sufficient financial means (blocked account, sponsorship, or scholarship)  Proof of accommodation in Belgium  Medical certificate  Police clearance certificate (if required)  Health/medical insurance  Motivation letter / Statement of Purpose (SOP)  Recent passport-sized photographs Pay the visa application fee as instructed by the Belgian Embassy or VFS Global. Submit your application, documents, and biometrics at the nearest Belgian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global Visa Application Centre. Track your application using the reference number provided after submission and wait for the visa decision.
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/study-in-belgium/
Program accreditation
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	Belgium Student Visa Processing Details 1. Gather Required Documents: o Visa application form o Two passport-size photos o Valid passport o Academic documents o Proof of accommodation in Belgium o Bank statement o National Identity Card (NIC) o Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or other) o Health insurance o FRC (Family Registration Certificate) document 2. Complete Visa Application Form: Accurately fill out the visa application form. 3. Schedule Appointment: Book an appointment with the Belgian consulate or visa application centre in Pakistan. 4. Submit Application: Attend the appointment, submit your documents, and pay the visa fee. Financial Requirements • Bank Statements: Provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses in Belgium. • Sponsorship Letters: If someone is sponsoring your studies, submit their financial documents and a sponsorship letter. Health Insurance • Why It’s Needed: Health insurance is mandatory to cover medical expenses during your stay. • Recommended Providers: Choose an insurance provider offering student coverage and meeting Belgian requirements. Language Proficiency • Accepted Tests: IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized language tests, depending on your course’s language of instruction. • Minimum Scores: Check the specific language proficiency requirements of your institution.
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). After graduation, international students may apply for a 12-month job-search permit to find employment. Once employed, students can transition to a work permit or EU Blue Card. Belgium’s central location and connection to European institutions make it ideal for careers in international organizations, consulting, research, and multinational companies. Belgium’s job market strongly values multilingual skills, giving students an advantage in the European workforce.

What are the language proficiency requirements for the Master's in Urban Studies at VUB?

The Master's program in Urban Studies at VUB requires a minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5, a TOEFL iBT score of 79, or a grade of C in C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE). Additionally, a minimum score of B2 in ITACE is also accepted.

How much does it cost to study at the VUB for a Master's degree?

The annual tuition fee for the Master's degree at VUB is €4,284. Additionally, there is usually an application fee that ranges from €50 to €200.

What documents are required for the Belgium student visa application?

For a Belgium student visa application, you need to submit a visa application form, two passport-sized photos, a valid passport, academic documents, proof of accommodation, a bank statement, a language proficiency certificate, health insurance, and possibly more depending on individual circumstances.

Can international students work while studying in Belgium?

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

What are the post-study work opportunities for international students in Belgium?

International students in Belgium can apply for a 12-month job-search permit after graduation. Once employed, they may transition to a work permit or an EU Blue Card. Belgium also offers a strong job market for multilingual graduates in international organizations and consulting fields.