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The Advanced Master in European Integration (60 ECTS), or 'EuroMaster', is an interdisciplinary evening programme taught in English and based in Brussels (Belgium). This MSc degree in European studies is geared towards an international range of young and mid-level professionals as well as advanced students from across the political sciences (or related disciplines). It provides students with advanced academic training across a wide range of EU policies and concepts in order to gain a thorough understanding of the process of European integration in both its economic and political dimensions. |
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The courses are exclusively at advanced master (i.e post-graduate) level. The curriculum allows students to focus on any two of the four topical policy fields embedded in the programme, being the economy, migration, external relations & security, and environment. Our approach is consciously interdisciplinary.
This demanding and carefully designed Advanced Master European studies programme allows students to combine studies and professional activities. EuroMaster classes are organised in the evenings (6-9PM) and can be taken over 1 or 2 years.
Limited class size ensures high interaction amongst professors and students, who are of truly versatile international backgrounds.
This programme was established in 2002.
The Brussels School of Governance is an alliance between the Institute for European Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Vesalius College. This Advanced Master in European Integration is a programme that is organised by the Institute for European Studies, a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, and of which the degree is awarded by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
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Key features
- The Programme operates as a “Master after Master” in European studies, requiring students to have strong and consistent marks across a minimum of four previous years of study.
- Its curriculum offers you the choice to study two policy field specialisations
- Students have the flexibility to obtain this Advanced Master degree in 1 or 2 years.
- It’s a very international programme and has a balanced classroom mix of young professionals and full-time students.
- Moreover, its limited class size allows for a lot of classroom interaction. Teaching staff are a unique mixture of renowned EU scholars and top-level EU practitioners who combine academic rigour with the latest practical insights and cultural diversity.
- Supported by the extensive expertise of our Office for Teaching, Learning and Innovation to accommodate sophisticated blended teaching methods
Academic Calendar
The programme follows the academic calendar of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). The first day of classes of the 2023-24 academic year is Monday 25 September 2023.
Curriculum
STEP approach
Curriculum
Mandatory courses
- Economics of European Integration
- Policy Making and Interest Representation
- History and Law of the European Union
- Research Methods Lab
Optional courses (specialisations)
After the 4 mandatory courses, students have to take 2 pre-selected policy field specialisations, to be chosen from the list of 4 below. You close off the programme with a Master’s thesis.
European Economy
Migration and Europe
European External Relations and Security Policy
European Environmental Governance
MA thesis
Develop your own research topic by means of a Master's thesis, worth 18 credits. Engage in an exciting intellectual journey on the topic of your choice.
STEP approach
At the BSoG, we offer our students a unique educational experience, based on what we call the STEP approach to teaching and learning: our programmes are Student-centred, have a solid Theoretical knowledge base, their educational Excellence is guaranteed, and they are strongly Practice-oriented. It makes our School a prominent hub for the study of European and global challenges, from the BA right up to the PhD level. Find out what STEP can offer you.
Programme Director
Success stories
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The Euromaster deepens your knowledge on various policy fields of the European Union. These specialisations ensure that each student becomes an expert. After I graduated, I immediately started a new job and can really put the Euromaster-theory into practice. In addition, I can even advise my colleagues in their work. If you want a master that benefits your future, apply for Euromaster.
Demy van 't Wout (The Netherlands)EuroMaster alumna (2021) -
I moved to Brussels to immerse myself in the EU policymaking process. The Euromaster was a great way to learn about the institutions in depth, while meeting people at the Commission and various other industrial, non-profit, and academic organizations. I particularly enjoyed how professors combined theory with practical examples, and academic and professional experiences, to deliver more informed lectures. Most valuable are the specializations: I was able to study at the intersection of economics and security, paving the way to break down silos in my professional career.
Kulani Abendroth-Dias (Sri Lanka)EuroMaster alumna (2020) -
"As an American who is looking to work in the international sphere, I know I invested wisely in my career by undertaking the EuroMaster. For me, it was incredibly important to have an international qualification from a highly regarded university, that not only has allowed me to hone cross-applicable professional skills, but further develop my expertise in EU policy and security and development. This degree will provide me with the tools I need to further excel in my professional endevors."
Laura Benbow (United States of America)EuroMaster alumna (2019) -
The EuroMaster was a unique experience for a non-EU member to learn more about EU policymaking processes in the heart of the EU itself. Additionally, the choice of specialisations was a wonderful opportunity to learn more in depth about relevant European issues and to satisfy my own interests in EU migration and environmental policies. This advanced master has without doubt challenged me and enriched me, as well as facilitated for the continued path of my international career!
Margrethe Steinert (Norway)EuroMaster alumna (2020) -
"From creating unexpected network opportunities to uncovering a fascination with the green transition, this advanced master's degree has significantly changed my career trajectory. While I started this degree with a firm focus on international relations, I now find myself engrossed in climate and energy policy, which can be attributed to the excellent classes and professors."
Tim Bogaert (Belgium)EuroMaster alumnus (2019)
News about the programme
Team
Academic requirements
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A Master’s degree, or equivalent of at least 240 ECTS in Social, Economic or Political Sciences, Business, Law and/or Contemporary History. If your degree is not within these disciplines, relevant work experience in these or related fields may qualify.
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Excellent study results for both prior degrees of 70% (2nd class honours upper division, Belgian equivalent; upper 2:1 UK equivalent, 2.8/4 GPA).
Language requirements
The Programme’s language of instruction is English. As a starting point, every student who applies must provide recent (within two years) certified proof of proficiency in English, by means of one of the 5 tests with the required minimum level or score indicated below:
- TOEFL test [min. score 233 (computer-based) min. score 90 (internet-based) min.score 577 (paper-based)]
- Academic IELTS: 7.0
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English – CPE
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English – CAE (grade B)
- ITACE (at the VUB) – C1
Certificates and other proof of language tests may not pre-date the first enrolment by more than five years.
If English is the candidate’s mother tongue or if the candidate has obtained a previous degree of at least 60 ECTS entirely taught in English, he or she will be waived from having to produce recent certified proof of proficiency in English. In the case of the previous degree, please include in your application a document issued by the university proving that all courses were taught in English. We also reserve the right to assess the level of language skills separately in unclear cases.
Can I already apply when the result of the English test is not yet known or if I have not yet obtained my degree?
Yes. Even if you are still in the process of obtaining your previous degree, you can already apply and should indicate this information in the ‘Current and previous higher education section’ of the application form, mentioning the date (as precisely as possible) by which you will obtain the degree. If the Selection Committee then decides that you meet all other admission criteria you will be accepted on the condition that you provide us with your diploma and transcript at the very latest before the Programme starts and that you obtain the required grades to start the programme.
The same applies to the English language test certificate: if you have not obtained this certificate yet, you can nevertheless already apply. If the Selection Committee then decides that you meet all other admission criteria you will be accepted on the condition that you provide us with your English certificate, theoretically at the very latest before the Programme starts, but preferably as soon as possible, as your place in the programme is only confirmed once you have sent us this certificate.
We advise strongly against leaving this to the last minute, however, as there are for example only limited dates when the official language tests are organised. As soon as you have obtained your diploma or certificate, please send a certified copy of it to us by e-mail. In addition, please send us details of your grades from the previous academic years and mention on the application form the precise date by which you will obtain the degree and/or when you will sit the English test.
Before you apply: check our admission requirements!
Before applying, be sure to check the admission requirements above. It is essential that you make sure that you meet these requirements before applying (or are in the process of meeting them in your current studies). Failure to meet these requirements will in any case lead to a rejected application.
Important guidelines and recommendations
- The application process for the Advanced Master in European Integration at the Brussels School of Governance (BSoG) is done via the Vrije Universiteit Brussel’s (VUB) online application platform, CaLi.
- For an application to be considered as completed and ready for review, students must pay a non-refundable 50 EUR application fee. Instructions on how to pay the fee will be provided in one of the sections of the online application platform.
- Please note that in one of the steps of the online application, you will be asked to provide the name and contact details of two referees (no reference letter required), one of which should be academic.
- When filling out your application on the VUB’s online application platform CaLi, please choose ‘standaard traject’ in the academic plan and choose the code MNM 00151 for this Advanced Master in European Integration programme.
- We recommend prospective students to apply as soon as possible to maximise the chances of being admitted. You can apply even if you will receive your degree or English language test certificate only later. You need to have completed all the requirements prior to the start of the Programme in September.
- We accept and review applications starting in October. Example: students can apply for the 2023-24 academic year as of October 2022.
- The entry requirements applicable to this Programme are stipulated on this Programme’s page on the website of the Brussels School of Governance.
- Our application deadlines (see below) are strict, meaning that all late applications will lead to the applicant not being able to start the Programme.
- Students who have submitted a completed application via the online application platform CaLi, will be invited by email to submit some additional information related to their previous academic and/or professional activities in a separate webform. In this same webform, students will be able to indicate if they wish to apply for a (partial) tuition fee waiver and can submit any supporting documents to that end. Also, students will be asked in this form if they opt for the 1-year or 2-year option of the programme.
Deadlines to be observed
- Non-EEA students: In order to qualify for September enrolment, online registration at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) must be completed by 31 March (23:59 in the CEST time zone at the latest). Non-EEA students with a valid Belgian residence permit, however, can apply until 31 August (23:59 in the CEST time zone at the latest). If you have such residence permit, please make sure to upload a scan of it when submitting your online application in CaLi.
- EEA students: In order to qualify for September enrolment, online registration at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) must be completed by 31 August (23:59 in the CEST time zone at the latest).
- Students with a Belgian higher education diploma: regardless of their nationality (EEA or non-EEA), students who have obtained a previous diploma from a Belgian higher education institution can apply until 30 September (23:59 in the CEST time zone at the latest). Please note that the Programme starts in the last week of September and that we therefore advise against submitting your application beyond the Programme’s starting date.
To apply, please click the ‘Apply here’ button at the top of this page
For the academic year 2023-24, students taking the programme in one year pay €6,000 (60 Study Points). Students taking the programme in two years pay €3,500 per academic year, so €7,000 in total. These tuition fees are applicable to both EU and non-EU students.
Please note that when applying, a 50 EUR application fee is due, which is not refundable but will be deducted from your tuition fee when you enrol in the programme.
What are the possibilities for scholarships or tuition fee waivers?
Scholarships: (partial) tuition fee waivers
The EuroMaster Programme offers a number of scholarships that take the form of tuition fee waivers. The waivers aim at ensuring that applicants with different backgrounds and means are able to access the Programme. As such, they are an important element in the Programme’s diversity from viewpoints such as gender, culture and geography. A waiver can be applied for by writing a personal statement in the relevant section of the application form. Applications for a waiver are assessed separately from, and have no impact on the assessment of, the applicant’s admission to the Programme. The waiver application is assessed on the basis of the statement and supporting evidence on the merit and financial need. The waiver covers the entire cost of the tuition, deducted by the annual registration fees (€1.000) payable to the VUB and the Brussels School of Governance, so for students taking the Programme in one year it amounts to €5.000 – €1000 = €4.000. For Euromaster students following the programme over two years, the waiver is split in two (€2.000 + €2.000), leaving an annual registration fee of 1,000 EUR on the charge of the student. The second year’s waiver will be subject to an evaluation after the first year in the Programme. The fee of €1.000, remaining on the charge of the student, is to be paid within three weeks of receiving the waiver offer for the offer to remain valid. For the 2023-24 enrolments, the deadline to apply for waivers is 15 April 2023. The Academic Board will award these waivers shortly after that deadline. After 15 April, applicants may still apply for waivers, which can be granted in case an already offered waiver is not used by a previous applicant.
Other scholarships may be available from the following sources:
- Rotary Foundation Fellowships may be available. Candidates should contact the Rotary Foundation within their district.
- Within the framework of bilateral cultural agreements concluded by Belgium or the Flemish Community, fellowships are offered to students in a number of countries. Interested students should inquire directly with the relevant Ministry in their home country or the Belgian Embassy.
Which entity awards the degree of this programme?
In which months and on which weekdays are the classes usually organised?
How to apply for a visa?
What happens after I applied?
When do I get a VUB student card?
Is accommodation provided by the University or should it be arranged individually?
Where can I find more information about campus and facilities?
Is there a possibility to follow language courses at the VUB?
Will I get career advice as a student?
Which teaching and exam regulations are applicable?
What are the cancellation terms?
May I demonstrate sufficient financial support for visa purposes using a ‘blocked account’?
Which entity awards the degree of this programme?
The Brussels School of Governance is an alliance between the Institute for European Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Vesalius College. This Advanced MA in European integration is a programme of which the degree will be awarded by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
In which months and on which weekdays are the classes usually organised?
The EuroMaster can be followed over a period of one or two years. Students taking the programme in 1 year have classes daily from 6pm-9pm. Students taking the 2-year option will have classes two to three times a week, although this may somewhat differ in certain periods.
The compulsory courses are organised in the 1st semester (Sept – end Oct) and are in general on fixed days of the week, with the exception of the Research Methods Lab, which is organised throughout the academic year on different days of the week. The courses of the chosen specialisation options are organised in the 1st semester (Nov – Dec) as well as in the 2nd semester (Feb – 1st week of May). In general, these courses are also on fixed days of the week. For both the compulsory and optional courses, the information about which days they are held exactly is provided to students 6 weeks before the courses start.
How to apply for a visa?
As you will undoubtedly want to travel during your stay in Brussels, we strongly recommend that you ask for a long-stay Schengen Visa, or ‘Type D’ Schengen Visa, which will allow you to travel hassle-free to any of the countries within the Schengen region and to make multiple entries into Belgium. This type of visa is not issued by all embassies/consulates. Please contact the Belgian embassy or consulate nearest to you for details on specific procedures and requirements. Click here for more information about visa regulations.
What happens after I applied?
The Selection Committee will review your file and will let you know the outcome of the review process, which typically takes up to 2-3 weeks but in busy periods can be longer. If you have submitted your complete application, please make sure to pay the 50 EUR application fee, which is a condition to start the review process. You will receive our decision by email. In case of acceptance to the Programme, this email will contain practical information about the next steps.
When do I get my VUB student card?
Upon your registration with the academic administration, you will get a VUB student card.
Is accommodation provided by the University or should it be arranged individually?
Due to a limited number of rooms on campus, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel cannot provide housing for all international students and scholars. Hence they are advised to find other means of accommodation in Belgium, preferably prior to departure.
The Br(ik organisation aims to create a network of safe, reliable housing. The landlords and the accommodations linked to Br(ik, must meet criteria set by Br(ik and in case of problems between the landlord and the tenant, the Br(ik organisation can intervene.
Prearranged housing is only available for VLIR-UOS scholars who are registered for one or two year master programmes. All other students and scholars are advised to seek transit, short term or long term housing prior to departure. It is recommended that the search for accommodation is started as soon as the letter of acceptance or invitation has been received.
For more information, please visit: https://student.vub.be/en/housing#housing-in-brussels
Contact: international.relations@vub.ac.be
Where can I find more information about campus and facilities?
The School is located on the campus of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), a green campus in Etterbeek in Brussels. Modern sports facilities with sports halls, tennis and squash courts, and a swimming pool can all be found on site. Monthly gym subscriptions are available at Basic Fit, a modern and well-equipped gym right on campus. The student restaurant offers a large choice of meals and snacks at self-service counters. The campus is easy to reach by train, tram, bus or metro from the city centre or the outskirts of Brussels. Also the school offers the opportunity to attend career seminars and individual coaching sessions and psychological counselling (free of charge) as well. Click here for more informations about campus life, services & facilities and Living in Brussels.
Is there a possibility to follow language courses at the VUB?
Yes. There are two possibilities:
BRUSSELS EDUCATION CENTER C.V.O – Day and evening language courses: VUB Campus – Pleinlaan 2 – Building D (Room D.1.33)
phone : +32 (0)2/629.39.08
website : https://www.cvosemper.be/en/?en
OR
ITO : University Language Institute – Pleinlaan 5 – 3° floor
phone : +32 (0)2/629.26.07
e-mail : secritow@vub.ac.be
Will I get career advice as a student?
The VUB offers our students a unique career advice service. Its Career Centre’s clients include the European Commission. Its services include CV editing, interview preparation and general career advice.
For more information:
e-mail: info@vubcareercenter.be
tel: +32 2 629 11 88
or immediately sign up here.
Which teaching and exam regulations are applicable?
The Brussels School of Governance is an alliance between the Institute for European Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel - VUB) and Vesalius College. This Advanced Master in European Integration is a programme of which the degree will be awarded by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). Hence, the VUB Teaching and Exam Regulations apply, complemented by a set of regulations specifically applicable to programmes organised by the Institute for European Studies / Brussels School of Governance. The latest version of the VUB Teaching and Exam Regulations can be consulted here (in Dutch) and here (in English). The latest version of the VUB Teaching and Exam Regulations with Institute for European Studies / Brussels School of Governance complements can be consulted here (in Dutch). Please note that English versions of Teaching and Exam Regulations are made available for information only. They are not official documents and no rights can be derived from them.
What are the cancellation terms?
In case of cancellation before the start of the academic year, any tuition fees already paid will be reimbursed, with the exception of the 1,000€ pre-registration fee. Cancellations after the start of the academic year but before 1 December will result in a reimbursement of 50% of the total tuition fee minus the 1,000€ pre-registration fee, unless the student has received a maximum waiver in which case no tuition fees will be reimbursed. Cancellations after 1 December will not be reimbursed.
The pre-registration fee (1.000€) on any Brussels School of Governance programme is non-refundable, unless cancellation in a programme is due to events beyond the control of the applicant, otherwise known as force majeure (for example, if the student applied for a visa but was unable to obtain it, or if due to medical reasons the required previous degree was not obtained). In those cases, the full pre-registration fee will be refunded.
May I demonstrate sufficient financial support for visa purposes using a ‘blocked account’?
Yes, we allow students to opt for a blocked account for visa purposes. The amount is linked to the duration of the student’s stay in Belgium and it is proof that you have sufficient financial income or support for the duration of your stay. This must cover your healthcare, living, study and accommodation costs as well as the cost of your return ticket. This can be in the form of a certificate stating you have received a grant or scholarship, an agreement of financial responsibility from your sponsor, or your personal bank statement showing sufficient funds. More information can be found on the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, here. Students who have been accepted to one of our programmes can inquire more about this option directly with our Financial Department at ies.finances@vub.be.
Have a question about this programme? Ask our alumni…
If you want to know more about our EuroMaster programme, who better to ask than the people who have recently finished it? The alumni below are available to provide you with their honest, first-hand feedback!
…or get in touch with us directly!
I have already applied and have a question about my application.
If you have not submitted an application yet, use the Contact Form on this page, or
one of the other contact options below.
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