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Programme Details
Programme Details
Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s B1 French required
Agreement Scope Chemistry department exchange
Exchange Places 1 full year place for 2026/27
Overview
Overview
About:
Brussels Free University is a French speaking university in Belgium that was founded in 1834. It is known for its research as indicated by its four scientific Nobel prizes, one Field's medal and three Wolf prizes. The university considers itself to be a multicultural university as one third of its students and researchers are from abroad.
Highlights:
The university has many highlights including the plethora of restaurants and shops on campus, as well as the culture and student societies at the university which host events such as concerts, plays, films and more. The cosmopolitan city of Brussels is another highlight as it is known for its mix of historic and 'hip' culture.
Location:
Brussels, Belgium
Academic information
Academic information
Courses / Modules:
Consult the course catalogue for information about specific modules.
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange. Brussels Free University uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.
MChem students in their fourth year take the majority of credits as a Research Project - you should discuss this with your departmental coordinator in York in the first instance. You may be able to take some taught courses at the host university to complete your credit load. Please be aware that host organisations may class students taking a research project as being on a traineeship, rather than a study placement. Please contact the host organisation with any queries and note that if you are completing a traineeship, you may not be considered a registered exchange student.
Teaching Periods:
Semester 1: September- January
Semester 2: February- June
Language:
B1 French required
Student life
Student life
Accommodation:
Brussels Free University may not have room in student halls for incoming exchange students, meaning that students will have to look for private housing. Once the university has received your details, they will email you with useful hints about how to find and rent a room in the city. You are also advised to check the website of the university's accommodation office to fully explore your housing options.
Orientation / Welcome week:
Orientation for international students takes place in September at the beginning of the academic year. Check out the Orientation Days for International Students webpage for an idea of what the programme would entail.
Support Services:
The Student Welfare Office (SWO) is there to support students throughout the year. They can help with housing, financial support and special support for students with specific needs, such as students with disabilities, illness and more. Check the Getting Support webpage for more info.
Visas:
You may need a visa to study in Belgium. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Gov.UK Travel Advice page and its Living in Belgium guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.
Brussels Free University also provide guidance on visas in their Practical information for Incoming students page
Travel insurance:
If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
Health insurance:
Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).
Brussels Free University also provides guidance on health insurance requirements in Belgium
Student experiences
Student experiences
You can be the first to share your experience of studying at the Brussels Free University!
Have a look at some student stories on the Global Opportunities website!
Top Tips for Studying in Belgium
Top Tips for Studying in Belgium
Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad in Belgium - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
Use the Monzo app!
I used the Revolut app - this is a fantastic app that allows you to hold money in multiple currencies, and uses much better rates than a UK bank would. I would highly recommend it!
Staying Connected:
My Erasmus friends and I used Whatsapp to communicate all the time so we would not have huge charges to our phone contract
Food:
For supermarket shopping, Okay and Delhaize are the cheapest.
Paperwork and bureaucracy:
Take it one by one and read through everything carefully!
What I wished I'd known...:
How expensive it is! Remember to budget and allow extra.
Useful links
Useful links
Contact Global Opportunities
Contact Global Opportunities
Global Opportunities - Drop in and see us at Derwent College D/A/023, Tuesdays-Thursdays 11-1pm
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter :@GoGlobalUOY
Book a virtual appointment with one of our advisors here, or email global-opportunities@york.ac.uk for further support.
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