Requirements

Diploma

Oceans & Lakes is open to holders of a bachelor’s degree in :

  • biology
  • biochemistry and biotechnology
  • chemistry
  • geology
  • geography
  • geomatics
  • bio-engineer science
  • environmental sciences

For other bachelors in science, applied science and life sciences:
equivalency will be evaluated based on scientific competences and skills of the students by the Oceans & Lakes Steering Committee.

Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree of minimum 3 years with good overall scores (at least upper second class or equivalent) from a university or recognised equivalent.

 

Language requirements

Students who wish to register for a VUB programme with English as the language of instruction, need to provide a proof of sufficient knowledge of English by meeting one of the following criteria:

  • having a diploma of secondary or higher education where English was the language of instruction
  • having successfully completed secondary education in Belgium
  • having successfully completed one of the following language proficiency tests corresponding the Common European Framework of Reference with minimum level B2:
    • TOEFL (or TOEFL IBT Home Edition): minimum level: 213 for computer-based, 79 for internet-based
    • IELTS  (International English Language Testing System): minimum level: academic module 6.5
    • ITACE (Interuniversity Test of Academic English) for Students, score B2
    • Cambridge English Qualification Scale with the following minimal level: 170

The proof or certificate of language tests cannot be older than 5 years for a first enrolment.

To be admitted to Oceans & Lakes, students need to submit an application form (proof of meeting the academic, and language requirements, providing recommendation letters, …).
Students should respect the deadlines for submission of their application strictly.
Only complete application files are considered!

Belgian students with an appropriate Bachelors degree are admitted without further requirements.