|
The LLM in International and European Law (60 ECTS – 1 year, from end September until early July) is a law degree at Advanced Master level organised at one of Belgium's premium universities in Brussels, the capital of Belgium and Europe. This LLM programme was established in 1971 and has an alumni network of over 1300 lawyers from 110 countries. International audits and the leading positions of its graduates in various international organisations attest to the programme's excellence. |
 |
This innovative LLM’s curriculum offers the best of both worlds: on the one hand, it provides solid foundations in the core areas of international and European law, building on the strengths of the programme’s 50-year history. On the other, the new curriculum offers its students a holistic approach of today’s emerging global legal challenges, focusing on the following three challenges: sustainability – social inclusiveness & human rights – digitalisation.
The new curriculum, applicable as of the 2022-2023 academic year, reinforces the skills you will need in your career in order to prepare LLM students to assume leading positions in an interconnected world where legal areas are increasingly interlinked. Students will acquire a multidisciplinary perspective and will receive a very versatile training, covering the various roles that they can take on professionally, be it legal advisor, policy maker, negotiator, data or sustainability consultant, human rights defender, or researcher.
The Brussels School of Governance (VUB) hosts important research projects funded by the EU in topics such as sustainability, climate policies, the role of the EU in the world politics, digitalisation, and migration and diversity, among other topics. This environment allows LLM students to learn about developments in these topics directly from those who are leading the field.
Studying in Brussels offers students some unique advantages that could just give them the edge in achieving their career goals. The students will benefit from the immediate vicinity of EU institutions and numerous international organisations, law firms, NGOs and companies, where several professors are working.
Limited class size ensures high interaction amongst professors and students, who are of truly versatile international backgrounds.
The Brussels School of Governance is an alliance between the Institute for European Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Vesalius College. This LLM is a programme that is organised by the Institute for European Studies, a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, and of which the degree will be awarded by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). The programme is co-directed by Prof Dr Sven Van Kerckhoven and Prof Dr Tony Joris.
Not much time to read just now? Download short flyer >>
Key features
- Innovative LLM with holistic approach of contemporary global legal challenges, focusing on sustainability – social inclusiveness & human rights – digitalisation
- Versatile training. Students will be able to assume key responsibilities in interconnected areas that require highly specialised legal knowledge, leadership skills and intercultural approaches
- Taught at the Brussels School of Governance, a leading institute in policy and fundamental research of the highest quality in an international context. Its President, former EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht, is one of the professors in the LLM.
- The Brussels School of Governance’s central location in Brussels, which allows the programme to benefit from the knowledge and networks of professors working at the EU and other institutions and law firms in Brussels. Teaching staff includes a former European Trade Commissioner, the President of the Litigation Chamber at the Belgian Data Protection Authority, a Deputy Director-General (DG Competition) in the European Commission, a Chief Legal Officer at the EEAS, a partner in an international law firm, and renowned researchers
- Cutting-edge education. It is an exclusively advanced master: basics of international and European law are a prerequisite
- Experience: programme of excellence established in 1971
- Limited class size ensures high interaction and close contacts among students and with the professors, helping create true bonds that last
- Alumni network of over 1300 lawyers from 110 countries
- Supported by the 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
The LLM in International and European law is a 60 ECTS Advanced Master’s degree obtained in one academic year. The curriculum as described below is the new curriculum applicable as of the 2022-2023 academic year.
The LLM has three components: the first block deals with core contemporary areas of international and European Law, with a total of 18 ECTS. The second block trains students on the major challenges of the interconnected global and cross-cutting areas: sustainability, social inclusiveness and human rights, and digitalisation. Each of these areas is weighted equally, i.e. 9 credits for a total of 27 ECTS. The third (research) block of 15 credits consists of writing a Master’s thesis on a topic chosen by the student, with personalised guidance during the process.
Click on 'View more' for a detailed courses overview
| Semester | ECTS | Study time | |
|
I. Core Contemporary Areas |
|
|
|
|
1 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
2 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
1 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
1 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
1 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
2 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
II. Global Legal Challenges |
|
|
|
|
II.1. Sustainability |
|
|
|
|
1 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
1 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
2 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
II.2. Social Inclusiveness and Human Rights |
|
|
|
|
1 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
2 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
1 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
II.3. Digitalisation |
|
|
|
|
2 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
2 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
2 |
3 |
90h |
|
|
III. Research |
|
|
|
|
1-2 |
15 |
450h |
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-centered, 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
-
This LLM offers theoretical and practical insights into European and International law from both practitioners and academics alike. It is academically stimulating and acts as a solid basis for those who wish to pursue a career in these areas of law, especially those who dream of a career within the European institutions. Expect to be challenged from day one, but also to reap the rewards that this LLM offers. Such rewards include the opportunity to make both life-long friends and contacts with those working in the field.
Alison O' Riordan (Ireland)LLM alumna (2021) -
“The enriching academic year I spent attending this LLM in Brussels really surpassed my expectations, revealing itself as of unparalleled quality and interest. After my legal studies in Rome, this Master has given a completely different, multifaceted and tailored dimension to my career perspectives in European and International affairs. It constitutes a strong and valuable basis for my professional future. Thanks to this LLM I look forward to the next challenges with absolute confidence!”
Eleonora Camela (Italy)LLM alumna (2019) -
"PILC was for me an eye opener as to the importance of the law for the orderly conduct of affairs between individuals and states and sparked a profound life-long interest in EU law."
Eugene ReganJudge, European Court of Justice, PILC ‘79
News about the programme
Team
Each year we make a careful selection of maximum 40 students from all over the world, based on the following requirements:
-
Students are eligible to apply when they have obtained or will obtain before the programme starts:
- an MA in Law, or
- an MA in a related area (preferably with a legal component), subject to an assessment by the selection committee.Those who obtained, in accordance with the regulations of the country where the degree is issued, a final Law degree that provides access to the legal profession or to the qualifying exams for admission to the Bar, may also apply. The equivalence of foreign degrees will be decided by the Academic Board of the Programme.
- Students are selected by the Academic Board of the Programme on the basis of an overall assessment of their profiles, including their academic qualifications, work and other relevant experience, motivation as well as the required level of proficiency in English (see below).
Language requirements
The Programme’s language of instruction is English. As a starting point, every student who applies must provide recent 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 completed his or her entire legal education in English, he or she will be waived from having to produce recent certified proof of proficiency in English. In the case of the entire legal education, 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 LLM in International and European Law 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 00058 for this LLM in International and European Law 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.
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.
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.
The tuition fee is €13,000 for academic year 2023-24 (including e.g. a field trip to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg and a visit to the European Commission). It excludes the cost for study materials. The above is applicable to both EU and non-EU students.
We have a scholarship system in place in the shape of partial tuition fee waivers that allow for a tuition fee reduction to several of our students each year. Every waiver application is assessed using the criteria of merit and financial need and waivers will be awarded to the most deserving candidates, while paying attention to the geographic balance between the students.
How does the waiver system work and how can I apply for a waiver?
Scholarships: (partial) tuition fee waivers
The LLM Programme offers several scholarships that take the form of partial tuition fee waivers. These waivers aim at ensuring that applicants with different backgrounds and financial 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 submitting the separate Waiver Application Form along with the LLM application form (See 'Deadlines and application process' section). Applications for a waiver are assessed separately from, and have no impact on the assessment of, the applicant’s admission to the programme. Every waiver application is assessed using the criteria of merit and financial need and waivers will be awarded to the most deserving candidates, while paying attention to the geographic balance between the students. The deadlines for a waiver application are 20 April (non-EEA applicants) and 21 August (EEA applicants).
If a waiver is granted, its amount will depend on the applicant's demonstrated merit and financial need. If the student accepts the waiver offer, he/she must pay the €1,000 annual registration fee within three weeks of receiving the waiver offer for the offer to remain valid.
Students who re-enroll after one year of studies can also apply for a waiver, unless they have been judged to have committed fraud during their exams or in their master thesis. A student who was granted a waiver may, as all other students, defer his/her participation in the Programme to the next academic year, but will then need to re-apply for a waiver.
University scholarships
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel yearly awards a number of scholarships for advanced studies at Master or Advanced Master level. The candidates are also advised to carefully explore the possibilities of obtaining financial assistance in their home countries. For more information, please see the Vrije Universiteit Brussel’s Scholarships webpage.
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?
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?
Can I combine work and studies?
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’ with the IES?
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 LLM in international and European law is a programme of which the degree will be awarded by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
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
Can I combine work and studies?
The LLM is a full-time daytime programme and attendance at classes is required. Therefore, studying the programme at the same time as working part-time is strongly discouraged and allowed only in exceptional circumstances, with the permission of the Programme Director. To be granted the right to work part time while studying, we also require a letter stating that your employer gives you permission to attend the courses.
Where can I find more information about campus and facilities?
The School is located on the campus of the Vrije Univeriteit 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 IES 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 LLM in International and European Law 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’ with the IES?
Yes, the IES allows 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 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.
I have not applied yet and want to book a virtual appointment.
