Living in Brussels

ULB and VUB are located in the heart of Brussels, a city whose international and multicultural dimension is an everyday reality. 

The city of Brussels offers to its visitors and residents a wide variety of world food, music and cultures (museums, theatres, shows). Thanks to this large panel of activities, Brussels is an ideal place to live.

Working in Brussels

Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, the de facto capital of Europe hosts all the major European institutions, economic decision-making bodies and international organisations. This is why working in Brussels is the perfect place to boost a career at the European level. 

 Find more information at: 

International Welcome Desks

The International Welcome Desks of ULB and VUB welcome International Researchers and assist them with the administrative procedures to be undertaken prior to and after arrival in Belgium. ULB and VUB have each published an online Welcome Guide for international researchers providing information about:

  • international postdoctoral bursary contracts
  • administrative procedures to be undertaken prior to arrival at the University (immigration process, visa, work permit or work permit exemption, etc.)
  • formalities to be completed once in Belgium (residence permit, health insurance, etc.)
  • practical information about their stay in Belgium (schools and crèches, cost of living, transport, language lessons, etc.)

Use these links to download the ULB Guide  and/or VUB guide  

For information: the joint ULB-VUB Brussels Institute for Advanced Studies (BrIAS) offers fully furnished and equipped autonomous apartments to IRIS COFUND fellows (subject to availability and priority for fellows from outside the EEA+) for up to 3 months as a transitional arrangement while searching for your own housing.

For further inquiries please write to contact@brias.be