Who can apply?
Due to administrative reasons, only students not requiring a visa can apply for a start in the second semester in the following situations:
- Students enrolling with a Belgian degree, regardless of whether they started another programme at the VUB or another institution in the first semester.
- Students applying with a foreign degree, already enrolled in the current academic year at VUB and wishing to change programmes. For these students, permission from the dean is required to start in the new programme.
Starting in February: is it possible?
Bridging programmes, preparatory programmes, masters, credit- and exam contracts
From 1 December onwards you can apply here to start in the 2nd semester. Do you have questions about the courses you can take? Contact the study path counselor.
Bachelor programmes with a compulsory calibration test (start test)
For programmes with a compulsory calibration test, it is not always possible to start in the second semester. Contact ijkingstoets@vub.be for more information. Check here whether participation in a calibration test is compulsory for the programme of your choice.
Other bachelor programmes
Starting in the february is not always possible. Click on the faculty in the overview down below for more information or contact the study path counselors.
Threshold year 1
If you are a first year bachelor student starting in the second semester, the threshold system also applies to you. Read all info on the threshold here.
Threshold year 2
It's not possible to transfer to the same programme at VUB in the 2nd semester. Read all info on the threshold here.
Do you transfer from another institution or want to retake your previous studies?
If so, your subject package may differ from the proposals above. Contact your study path counselor so that they can help you to adjust your package yourself. Always keep in mind the guidelines for an individual study path.
How do you enrol?
Start your application via this link. It is possible that after signing your enrolment contract, you may be automatically registered for the full course package. The administration will rectify this as soon as possible, in accordance with the proposed course package of your programme.
Attention! Before finalising your enrolment, check which courses you can register for in the second semester in the Faculty additions to the teaching and examination regulations or take up contact with the study path counsellors.
Deviate from selected course load
Would you like to take fewer courses than the selected course load of your programme? This is only possible in case of a specific status, exceptional circumstances or if you have already obtained a Bachelor's or Master's degree. You can fill in this online exception form. The dean of your faculty will assess your exception request and decide whether or not to grant you a deviation from your study path. Once a decision has been made, you will be informed by e-mail.
Special statuses that qualify:
- Working students combining their studies with employment of at least 80h/week.
- ReFlex status: Students with a disability as well as student athletes, entrepreneurs and refugees.
- Scholarship beneficiaries combining studies with employment of at least 16h/week
- Reorientation: Students changing study programmes during the course of the academic year (at VUB or another school).
Ready to start in the 2nd semester?
Below, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about studying at VUB.
A good start at VUB - Info session from Study Guidance
Starting in the 2nd semester at VUB? Welcome!
Study Guidance helps you on your way with an info session about your study progress, learning account, class- and exam schedule,... We also discuss topics like 'Time Management' and 'Practical versus Theoretical classes'.
Want to join?
Are you a working student? Join us on February 11th at 6PM via this link.
All other students are welcome to join us on February 14th at 12PM (noon) via this link.
