Master of Urban Studies

Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Urban Studies
Masters
Arts & Humanities
Public University
Belgium

The Master of Urban Studies 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 Arts & Humanities and covers urban theory, cities, governance and spatial planning. 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/urban-studies
Deadline Link	https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/all-study-programmes-vub/bachelors-and-masters-programmes-vub/urban-studies
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?

You must have a minimum 3-year (180 ECTS equivalent) bachelor’s degree Your degree should be in a relevant field, such as: Urban planning / architecture Geography Sociology / political science History / cultural studies Communication / media Criminology or similar

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates of the Master of Urban Studies can find work in planning bodies, municipalities, NGOs and research. Typical roles include urban analyst, planner, policy adviser. 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	Applicants are eligible for the MSc in Urban Studies if they have completed a 180 ECTS academic bachelor's degree or its equivalent in geography, planning, architecture, history, criminology, political science, sociology, demography, media and communication studies, cultural studies, or a similar discipline. Prospective applicants with a degree from a field not mentioned above should contact us. Please explain how your degree has helped prepare you for the MSc in Urban Studies and provide more information on the specific coursework you have undertaken (including transcripts of your course units). Students who have not completed their undergraduate degree at the time of applying but will do so before the enrolment deadline are also eligible. In such cases offers of admission are conditional, meaning that successful completion of an undergraduate degree must be demonstrated before the offer of admission can be finalised.
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's in Urban Studies at VUB?

Applicants must have a minimum 3-year (180 ECTS equivalent) bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as urban planning, geography, sociology, or a similar discipline. Prospective applicants with different degrees should explain how their education has prepared them for the program.

How long is the Master's program in Urban Studies at VUB?

The Master of Urban Studies at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a 2-year full-time program.

What are the tuition fees for the Master's program at VUB?

Public universities charge between €50 and €200 for application fees, while private institutions may charge higher fees. Specific tuition fees for the Master's program can be checked on the program page.

What are the living expenses for international students in Belgium?

International students in Belgium typically spend between €700 and €800 per month, with costs potentially exceeding €1,000 depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

Can international students work while studying in Belgium?

Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time while studying, with the ability to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holidays.