Application procedure and deadlines
The main application for the Master Oceans & Lakes should be done in the application tool of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). All info about the online VUB application can be found here. Prospective students are advised to apply as soon as possible. If you are obtaining your bachelor degree in the year of applying, you can submit your application already, and send the diploma copy after the application is submitted, from as soon as it's available.
Belgian students:
Belgian students must apply here by the deadline of 31 August.
International students (EEA and non-EEA)
International students must apply here.
The deadline for EEA is: 30 June.
The deadline for non-EEA is: 31 March.
The application procedure consists of several steps.
Step 1: Apply online
The online application consists of a number of steps.You will be asked to fill out your:
- personal details
- privacy preference
- prior education (secondary and higher)
- social services
- intake survey
- program request
- documents
The last step is to finish and submit your application, before the deadline.
If you have any questions: check the 'How to apply' page and the FAQ, contact the Admission Office, or contact the Oceans & Lakes office.
After you have applied online, you can follow up on your file via your Student Self Service with the login you created via the application tool.
Students with a non-Belgian diploma should pay an application fee of 50 EURO. The application is processed from as soon as the fee is deposited into the account of admissions. This fee can only be paid via bank transfer. Creditcards or other forms of payment are not accepted. Please note that all costs related to this transfer are the applicants resposibility. After the payment has been received your file will be screened by our offices. If you are accepted and you then decide to enrol, the application fee you paid will be deducted from your tuition fees. Students who obtained a scholarship via our International Relations office will receive an application fee waiver via IRMO.
Step 2: Check if file is complete
The Admission Office will check wether your file has all required documents. Make sure your file is complete. Should you encounter issues via the application website to upload your document you should e-mail your documents without delay to admissions@otrs.vub.be. If your file remains incomplete it will be rejected.
Step 3: Academic screening by faculty
If approved by the Admission Office, your file will be sent to the faculty. The faculty’s Selection Committee will screen your application and decide on its continuation. You will be notified of this result by e-mail.
Step 4: Result
If your file is accepted, you will receive a (conditional) Letter of Acceptance by e-mail. You need the Letter of Acceptance to start your visa application (if applicable). Please note we only offer conditional letters of acceptance.
Step 5: Verify diploma
After having received the conditional acceptance letter, you will have to verify your diploma to the VUB, so that they can check the authenticity of your diploma. All students with a diploma that is not from Flanders, have to do this step. Make sure to do the diploma verification only once you have obtained your diploma. The VUB doesn't accept any verifications while your programme is still in progress.
