Political Science: European and International Governance

Admission requirements

As a general rule, every study programme comes with its own set of conditions. You will find all the requirements for your chosen programme by clicking 'admission requirements' under the 'programme' tab.
 

Which degree is required?

Direct admission

Prospective students with a Flemish 'Bachelor of Science in de politieke wetenschappen' degree or a 'VUB Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences degree have direct admission to the programme.

Admission after screening

Prospective students with different degrees will undergo an evaluation based on their academic background, results, motivation, and language skills. Prospective students must have an academic bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Relations, and/or European Union Studies. Prospective students with a degree in a different field but who obtained a minimum of 30 credits in political science, international relations or EU studies domains may also submit an application. If you do not have this minor, you have a lower chance to be found eligible.
 

Grade requirements

As a general rule, we only accept students with a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or 70% average or higher for this programme. 

Language requirements

We accept the following proofs of English language proficiency:

• A Belgian high school degree
• A certificate from the institution where you completed secondary or higher education, attesting that English was the language of instruction
• A certificate from one of the following language tests corresponding to the Common European Framework of Reference with a minimum level of B2:
  • TOEFL (only the internet-based test is accepted) with a minimum level of 79
    • Keep in mind you’ll need a minimum score of 18/30 on all individual modules to be found eligible.
  • IELTS academic module, with a minimum level of 6.5
    • Keep in mind  you’ll need a minimum score of 6 on all the individual modules.
• Cambridge English minimum grade scale score of 170
• ITACE with a minimum level of B2

Please note that language test results cannot be older than 5 years at the time of application. You must meet the language requirements before we can accept you. We do not issue letters of acceptance without proof of language proficiency.

Required documents
 

During the online application procedure, you will need to upload the following documents to initiate the screening process:

• Proof of identity (Passport or ID card)
• Headshot photograph
• Official documents for all higher education degrees (both original and translated versions)
• Official transcripts of records for all higher education (both original and translated versions)
  • You can find more information about translating your documents via Required documents | Vrije Universiteit Brussel
• Motivational letter
  • You can find some guidelines for your motivation letter on this webpage.
• Proof of English language proficiency 

Contact us

Do you have any questions? Contact the Faculty of Social Sciences & Solvay Business School at admissions.es@vub.be. 

Apply now!

Convinced about your studies? Have you read the admission requirements? Then you can start your application! 

• Do you have questions about applying with a foreign diploma? Discover the steps you need to take here!
• Questions about the application process? Check our FAQ!

When can you apply?

Applications open mid-november! 

Deadlines

• Foreign diploma and student visa required (often non-EEA students): Apply until 1 April 2026
• Foreign diploma and no student visa required (often EEA students): Apply until 1 August 2026
• Belgian diploma: Apply until 23 September 2026

You can find more information about the deadlines here!

Start your application here!