The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) presents its latest Facts & Figures for the 2023-2024 academic year: an overview of students, research, innovation, and social impact. The core values — academic freedom, inclusion, and social engagement — run like a common thread through all the VUB's figures and activities. From growing student numbers to groundbreaking research: the VUB continues to commit itself to being a free, sustainable, and future-oriented university.
You can view the complete Facts & Figures 2023-2024 here.
Students: diversity and growth
The VUB continues to be a magnet for students from home and abroad. In 2023-2024, 22,366 students are studying at the VUB, a growth of 6.5% compared to the previous year. Of these, 2,612 are new first-year students, accounting for 11.71% of the total student population.
The international community at the VUB continues to grow. In total, the university has 5,598 international students from 151 countries. The largest groups come from the Netherlands, China, Spain, Germany, and Turkey. The Faculty of Engineering stands out, with 40% of students having an international background.
The most popular programme remains the Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School with 6,056 students, of whom 1,044 are first-years. Medicine & Pharmacy, as well as Law & Criminology, also remain key pillars of the university.
Research: knowledge as a driving force
The VUB invests in impactful research. With a research budget of over 144 million euros, the university funds groundbreaking projects that help advance society.
One of the most eye-catching research projects is that of Jan Steyaert, a pioneer in the field of nanobody technology. With an Advanced Research Grant of 2.5 million euros, he can explore new possibilities for immunotherapy. In addition, Thierry VandenDriessche and Jan Steyaert jointly received 2.1 million euros in Methusalem funding, one of the most prestigious research grants in Flanders, enabling long-term fundamental research.
The achievements of VUB researchers do not go unnoticed. For instance, mathematician Sam Mattheus solved an 85-year-old mathematical problem, earning him the prestigious EOS Pipet Prize 2024. Alba Romero-Rodriguez received the Virgo Award for her research on gravitational waves, while Ann Van Griensven was awarded an AXA Research Chair for her innovative research projects.
Innovation and infrastructure: building for the future
The VUB continues to make significant investments in modern research infrastructure. In 2023, 23 million euros were invested in facilities such as cleanrooms, microscopy instruments, and cell sorters. These core facilities are open to the entire academic community, promoting collaboration and innovation.
The VUB also supports 21 "Groups of Excellence in Applied Research" (GEARs) through the Industrial Research Fund (IOF). The GEARs focus on strategic areas such as mobility, electronics, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. By concentrating on these thematic areas, the VUB addresses the social challenges of today and tomorrow.
An open, inclusive, and critical university
The VUB’s core values — academic freedom, inclusion, and social engagement — form the foundation of everything the university undertakes. The VUB offers a home to students and researchers from around the world, regardless of their background. Diversity, critical thinking, and sustainability are central to the education, research, and social impact of the university.
These values are powerfully summarised in the words of Rector Jan Danckaert:
“Students must study, and scientists must conduct research, free from religious, political, or other external or internal pressures. No censorship, and no self-censorship either.”