13 Best Public Universities in Brussels for International Students
Brussels is one of the cities in Belgium you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Brussels can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
There are 19 universities you can find in Brussels, and 13 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Brussels a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Brussels, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Conservatory of Brussels | Brussels, Belgium |
| 2 | Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts | Brussels, Belgium |
| 3 | La Cambre National School of Visual Arts | Brussels, Belgium |
| 4 | LUCA School of Arts | Brussels, Belgium |
| 5 | Leonardo da Vinci University College | Brussels, Belgium |
| 6 | University College of Bruxelles Brabant | Brussels, Belgium |
| 7 | EPHEC University College | Brussels, Belgium |
| 8 | Francisco Ferrer University College | Brussels, Belgium |
| 9 | Higher National Institute of Performing Arts and Diffusion Techniques | Brussels, Belgium |
| 10 | Higher Institute of Social Training and Communication | Brussels, Belgium |
| 11 | Brussels Free University College Ilya Prigogine | Brussels, Belgium |
| 12 | Lucia de Brouckere University College | Brussels, Belgium |
| 13 | Institutes Saint-Luc de Bruxelles | Brussels, Belgium |
Public Universities in Brussels
1. Royal Conservatory of Brussels
The Royal Conservatory of Brussels is a French-speaking institution known for its long history of teaching performing arts in Belgium. Indeed, the conservatory has been operational since 1813, which has given it centuries of experience and expertise in the field. Such is evident in its long list of prominent alums, consisting of Belgium’s top directors, musicians, actors, and artists.
2. Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts (EhB) is an institution of higher learning located in Brussels, the heart of Europe. Students will experience a multicultural city while studying in an inclusive university with top-notch research and training facilities.
The university has eight campuses in Brussels and three other campuses in various locations in Flanders. All these campuses are fully loaded with amenities and the necessary infrastructure for a smooth and engaging learning experience.
3. La Cambre National School of Visual Arts
La Cambre National School of Visual Arts, an institution more shortly known as La Cambre or ENSAV, is one of Belgium’s premier art schools. It covers various disciplines, including ceramics, photography, art restoration, design, and more. It was aptly founded by Henry van de Velde, a Belgian artist who helped establish the art style called Art Nouveau in Belgium. Besides honing students’ natural inclinations, the school’s teaching also pushes them to explore other disciplines, making them multi-skilled and multi-talented graduates.
4. LUCA School of Arts
LUCA School of Arts is a college in Brussels specializing in training art and design professionals. This exceptional school is the only university in Flanders solely committed to art and design. It was formed in 1880 as a combination of four distinct art and design schools. This special history imparts four additional campuses spread across Brussels, Genk, Ghent, and Leuven, with the main campus located in Brussels.
5. Leonardo da Vinci University College
In 1996, six separate institutes came together to form the roots of a present-day, multi-campus, non-profit university called Leonardo da Vinci University College. Like the maestro himself, the university college promotes innovation, cultivates talent, and hones creativity, so its students and graduates may help provide solutions for 21st-century problems. The institution employs a program-based and project-based teaching method and focuses on three key sectors: health, human and social sciences, and science and technology.
6. University College of Bruxelles Brabant
The University College of Bruxelles-Brabant is a public, French-speaking higher education institution located in Brussels, Belgium. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and specialization programs focused on equipping students with practical skills to increase their chances of employability after graduation. The university also provides several services that support its students throughout their academic journey.Â
7. EPHEC University College
EPHEC University College is a multi-campus, French-speaking institution with four locations across Belgium’s Brussels Capital Region. EPHEC is the acronym for the institution’s French name: L’école pratique des hautes études commerciales. It primarily offers bachelor’s programs, and its teaching is guided by its values of humanism, respect, accountability, empowerment, equity, proactivity, and ambition.
8. Francisco Ferrer University College
Francisco Ferrer University College, known as Haute École Francisco Ferrer in Belgium, is a non-profit public institution. The college was founded in 1995 by merging five institutes. It is ranked among the top 50 Belgian institutions by ranking sites Edurank and 4icu. Both bachelor’s and master’s programs are available, which provide quality training students need to integrate and contribute to the working world efficiently.
9. Higher National Institute of Performing Arts and Diffusion Techniques
Higher National Institute of Performing Arts and Diffusion Techniques is dedicated to raising creative, intellectual, and critical professionals in the audiovisual and theater industry. It was established in 1962 and has been providing accessible education and training in contemporary performing arts for several decades. The university’s faculty consists of notable artists and experts with vast knowledge and experience in Belgium and abroad.
10. Higher Institute of Social Training and Communication
The Higher Institute of Social Training and Communication is a university that specializes in providing high-level training to future social workers and professionals in the communication and media industry. It greatly values and actively promotes equality and respect among its faculty and student community. The university also has several industry links where its students can undergo practical training and gain relevant industry experience.Â
11. Brussels Free University College Ilya Prigogine
Brussels Free University College-Ilya Prigogine is a public institution dedicated to producing knowledgeable, skilled, and adaptable professionals to compete in the international labor market. It is known for its strong commitment to carrying out various sustainability initiatives. Internationalization also plays a vital role in the university’s strategy and encourages its students and faculty to engage in different mobility programs.Â
12. Lucia de Brouckere University College
Haute Ecole Lucia de Brouckere is a French-speaking public school in Belgium’s capital. It is also known as Lucia de Brouckere University College in English and offers bachelor’s and master’s programs. Its namesake was a female Belgian chemist who earned a reputation as Belgium’s first female chemistry teacher and a fighter for people’s rights. Thus, it is evident that the institution has chosen an excellent figure to model and honor.
13. Institutes Saint-Luc de Bruxelles
The Institutes Saint-Luc de Bruxelles is an art school in Brussels. The founders of the Institutes Saint-Luc de Bruxelles are members of the Congregation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, founded in 1680. One of the achievements of this school is the introduction of the teaching of Architecture into the University, which has led to a higher form of learning in this school. It aims at training young people for responsible and productive citizenship, making them professionals and leaders globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Brussels?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in Brussels can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Brussels charge up to 8,462 Euros for bachelor’s and 7,464 Euros for master’s studies.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Brussels. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.