Free University of Brussels

Université libre de Bruxelles is a public research university in Brussels, Belgium.

In 1834, Brussels cradled a revolutionary idea: the Université libre de Bruxelles. Born from the vision of Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen, this free university championed independent thought and secular learning. It stood tall against religious influence, welcoming all regardless of faith or background.

ULB quickly bloomed, becoming a beacon of science and technology. It fueled Belgium's economic engine and shaped its political and cultural landscape. Its halls nurtured brilliant minds, churning out pioneers in medicine, law, and the humanities.

But life took a turn in 1969. Linguistic tensions fractured the university, birthing the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, its Dutch-speaking twin. ULB, now French-speaking, faced a daunting challenge – rebuilding its stature.

From this chrysalis emerged a vibrant phoenix. ULB poured its energy into research and innovation, reclaiming its place as a global academic powerhouse. Today, its cutting-edge research tackles the world's toughest problems, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in diverse fields.

But ULB isn't just about brainy brilliance. It's a tapestry woven with student life, a buzzing hive of cultural and sporting activities. Its diverse campuses hum with energy, a welcoming home for students from every corner of the globe.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2026, Free University of Brussels is positioned as the #227 top university in the world, which makes it the #4 top university in Belgium. The university's global rank is improved by 3 points from last year.