VUB continues to grow: popularity of languages and sciences on the rise
22 September 2022, Brussels - Although the enrolment period is still in full swing, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is again experiencing a positive trend in its figures. The number of new enrolments increased by just under 10% compared to the same period last year. The strongest growing bachelor’s programmes are Business Economics, Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, and Biomedical Sciences.
Bachelor’s programmes in the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, including the new Linguistics and Literary Studies programme, also attracted more new students for the second year in a row. The Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering is also doing well with a nice increase in student numbers. This increase is mainly attributable to the Biology programme and the brand-new bachelor's programme in Artificial Intelligence, the only one of its kind in Flanders. The increase continues in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, and Biomedical Sciences.
The three English-language bachelor’s programmes – Social Sciences, Business Economics and Linguistics and Literary Studies – are on the rise. Rector Jan Danckaert sees this as a real positive: “Ever since its inception, VUB has been an international university with about 25% international students due to its location in the capital of Europe. This international appeal is an enrichment for our university community, both for Belgian and international students. It broadens our view of the world, and helps us to arrive at more informed solutions to the societal challenges of our time.”
Warm welcome
81% of new students took part in the welcome days at the VUB campus in Etterbeek this week.
“A warm welcome to the university community, that’s what our new students need right now after the difficult pandemic years,” says Danckaert. “Via various information sessions and fun activities, we are introducing the new intake to VUB, its support services, student life and each other. This is how we build connections. When classes start next week, they will already be familiar with their new surroundings. That contributes to a smooth start and better study results.”
The VUB campus in Jette welcomes its students on Monday 26 September. The enrolment period for academic year 2022-2023 runs until Friday 30 September.
