Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

ULB has subsidised pre-school childcare (“crèches”) on two of its campuses where the amount paid by parents depends on their income. Free schooling is provided in Belgium as from the age of 2 years 6 months/3 years. Many schools offer additional language support for children who do not yet speak French or Dutch. In addition, if you receive a salary or fellowship from the ULB or another Belgian institution, you are entitled to receive monthly child benefit (allocations familiales) for dependent children living with you and also a fixed amount on the occasion of the birth or adoption of a child.

Belgium has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe. All residents are required to register with a social security organisation, known as a “mutuelle”, at a reasonable price to receive medical care. You will be covered for medical/dental expenses, sick leave, maternity and paternity leave, physiotherapy and other benefits. In addition, the ULB offers supplementary health insurance, which covers all hospitalisation costs and many related expenses.

The campus is very dynamic and holds various services, such as university restaurants, medical and multidisciplinary health services, sports, cultural and social activities and, of course, libraries in all scientific domains and multiple scientific conferences.

The cost of living in Belgium is not exactly low but it is still cheaper than other EU countries, despite being home to the EU headquarters. The rental market is fast-moving and there are many options available at various prices.

If you are willing to improve your level of French, ULB Langues offers free language courses all year long. Conversation tables are also organised in different languages (French, Dutch, English, Italian, German, Spanish).