Language of instruction
The Université Libre de Bruxelles (Free University Brussels or ULB) bases its teaching and research on the principles of free enquiry and critical thinking. It is ranked among the Top 200 universities worldwide.
Brussels is in the heart of Europe, just 1.5 hours by train from Paris and Amsterdam. The long tradition of hospitality and exchange in Europe's greenest capital means visitors can enjoy a broad mix of world food and music, while culture vultures can choose from a host of museums and shows.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Spring Term | February–June |
| Semester 2 | Autumn Term | September–January |
View the ULB academic calendar.
Guides and additional information
ULB has online resources to help get more out of your exchange:
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Full-time study load
30 ECTS credits per semester at ULB is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
Minimum academic requirements
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at ULB.
Find courses
Search the Credit Precedent Database to find courses offered by your host university that have been previously approved for credit at UQ. The database should be used as a general guide only.
Search the ULB course catalogue for undergraduate (mostly in French) and postgraduate courses (both English and French) if they do not appear in the database.
Study areas taught in English
Course restrictions
Exchange students will be attached to one particular faculty at Free University Brussels, but are allowed to study up to 40% of their full time study load outside of that Faculty.
Additional academic information
ULB has online resources to help navigate their academic policies:
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Accommodation
Through university residences and private partners, ULB offers students a variety of living options both on- and off-campus.
Cost of living
ULB recommends budgeting approximately €900 per month to live in Brussels. Practical information about life in Belgium can be found in ULB's guide for exchange students.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in the Student Exchange Program are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Contact the Belgian Embassy and Consulates for visa and immigration information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, Global Experience programs to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Register your travel plans
We recommend that you register your travel plans on the Smartraveller website so that the Australian Government can contact you or your family in an emergency.
Non-Australian citizens should register with their closest consulate.
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.