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In Europe's heart, just 1h20 by train from Paris, 1h30 from Amsterdam, and 1h50 from London and Cologne, Brussels offers all the advantages of a capital city and the quality of life of a large and lively town. Brussels is home to all the major European institutions. It is the EU's official seat and many other political and economic decision-making entities and boasts a growing number of businesses, organizations, and international experts. The long tradition of hospitality and exchange in Europe's greenest capital means visitors and residents alike can enjoy a broad mix of world food and music. At the same time, culture vultures can choose from a host of museums and shows. Located in the city's heart, the Université libre de Bruxelles or ULB also offers many cultural, festive, and sports activities. The university campuses and surrounding areas are beautiful, providing just the right mix between study and leisure. The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is a multicultural university with almost one-third of its students and researchers from abroad. ULB turns "international" into a daily reality, the setting for life, and work on campus, just like Brussels itself, one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. This inter-cultural approach started with Africa in the middle of the 20th century, and today involves every continent. The University has 20% of Europeans and 10% from the rest of the world in its student body. Promoted by the various European mobility programs, cooperation with industrialized and emerging countries, which always existed in research, is now undergoing a genuine boom. Beyond the many student exchanges (Erasmus in Europe, bilateral agreements elsewhere globally), ULB is setting up an increasing number of truly integrated courses with international partners, going as far as jointly granting Masters and Doctoral degrees. Some of these courses have been awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus label. ULB is a modern, acknowledged university on the international scene, which in 1990 launched the UNICA network. This network of universities in European capitals brings together 45 universities and over one million students. It is also a founding member of the International Forum of Public Universities (IFPU). This highly dynamic policy of openness to Europe and the world is reflected in many partnerships, agreements, and cooperative programs with some of the world's best universities. Privileged partnerships link us with Waseda, Cambridge, Oxford, Paris IV - UMPC, Berkeley, Montreal, Fudan, British Columbia, and the Collège de France. As a multicultural university with one-third of students and researchers from abroad, international relations is a daily reality for the Université libre de Bruxelles, just like the city of Brussels itself, one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. Collaboration with universities worldwide has been stepped up in education and research, thanks mainly to the various European mobility programs. In addition to student mobility programs, the University offers diverse integrated programs with foreign partners, including joint Master and doctoral degrees. Several of these programs have received the prestigious Erasmus Mundus accreditation. Its outward-looking position about Europe and the world has resulted in some agreements, collaborations, and unique partnerships with some of the world's top universities. With many years of experience on the international stage, the University launched UNICA, a network of 45 leading European universities that encompasses over a million students. It is also a founding member of the International Forum of Public Universities (IFPU). The Université libre de Bruxelles is determined to give everyone the chance to continue their higher education studies and has developed a range of student support initiatives: e.g., financial and psychological support, guidance, French classes, etc. The University also provides off-campus academic support. One notable example is a support program for underachieving secondary school pupils (Schola), which was awarded the UNESCO Comenius prize. Since its foundation in 1834, the Université libre de Bruxelles has been closely involved in the ongoing debate on critical thinking and freedom. This has included outspoken opposition to dictatorships and other nationalist abuses, the promotion of equal opportunities, and a raft of other social issues. After founding one of the first NGOs (CEMUBAC), the University has continued to play an active role in development aid and international cooperation. European and international, welcoming and independent, committed, and dynamic, the Université libre de Bruxelles can also count on its vast global alumni network (UAE), the University's best ambassadors. Based on the principle of free inquiry that postulates independent reasoning and the rejection of all dogma, the University has retained its original ideals as a free institution firmly engaged in defense of democratic and human values. View full university