The number of enrolments at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is up 8% compared to the same period last year, with an increase of 11% generation students. This means the university is growing for the tenth year in a row. The strongest rising bachelor's programmes are Business Economics, Social Sciences, Linguistics and Literary Studies, Medicine and Biology.
The growth in English undergraduate courses is remarkable. Business Economics and Social Sciences both increase by 20%. Linguistics and Literary Studies enters its second year with a doubling of students. A total of 657 new students in these fields, with about two-thirds non-Belgian and one-third Belgian students.
A good thing, thinks VUB rector Jan Danckaert:
"Ever since its founding, VUB's location in the capital of Europe has made it an international university with around 25% international students. Our international appeal is an enrichment for the university community, both for Belgian and international students. We are convinced that bringing students together across borders helps combat the polarisation we experience every day. After all, this way they are confronted with the local colour of each other's views, and are encouraged to work together respectfully. Without prejudice or fanaticism."
Medicine and Biology are also on the rise. Both programmes managed to double their student numbers. In addition, the Dutch undergraduate programmes Biomedical Sciences, Law, Criminological Sciences, Commercial Engineering and Applied Economics, Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences and Psychology remain popular.