I. Program Overview

Program Structure

• 5-Year Dual Degree: Students complete the first 3 years of undergraduate studies at CUMT and then spend 2 years pursuing a master's degree at VUB in Belgium. Graduates will receive a CUMT Bachelor's Degree + VUB Master's Degree.

• Top Partner Universities:

• Master in Geography: Jointly offered with KU Leuven ( ranked top 50 globally ), graduates receive a master's diploma co-issued by both universities.

• Master in Chemistry: Jointly taught with Ghent University ( ranked top 100 globally ), graduates receive a master's diploma from VUB.

Program Highlights

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Covers cutting-edge fields such as geography ( climate change, urban studies, GIS technology ) and chemistry ( environmental science,applied chemistry ).

• Practice-Oriented Learning: Includes international field trips, internships at top European companies, and optional exchange semesters.

• Elite Education: Small class sizes ( around 40 students/year ), with a 1:5 student-to-professor ratio and personalized guidance from professors.

II. Program Details

1. Target Audience

• Master in Geography: Open to CUMT undergraduate students in Land Resource Management, Surveying and Mapping Engineering, Geographic Information Science, Remote Sensing Science and Technology, and Geoinformation Science and Technology.

• Master in Chemistry: Open to CUMT undergraduate students in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry.

2. Application Window

• Application Period: November 15 to March 31 each year ( early preparation is recommended ).

• Application Portal: https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/apply-and-enrol-vub ( VUB Online Application System )

3. Admission Requirements

• Academic Requirement: Completion of the first 3 years of undergraduate studies at CUMT, with an expected bachelor's degree.

• Language Requirement:

• English Proficiency: IELTS ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL ≥ 79 ( Duolingo not accepted ).

• Exemption: Having a diploma of  higher education where Enghlish was the language of instruction.

• Prerequisite Courses: The undergraduates who apply for Msc Geography program should have completed the following courses( These pre-requisite are only valid for the master in Geography. Applicants to chemistry master's programs should possess at least a foundational background in general chemistry, analytical chemistry, and organic chemistry. ):

• 6 ECTS in human geography

• 6 ECTS in physical geography

• 6 ECTS in geo-information sciences

• 9 ECTS mathematics and statistics

o 3 ECTS basic programming

Note: 6 ECTS credits are equivalent to the credit value of a core course at Chinese universities.

• A minimum Cumulative GPA above 4.0 out of 5.

4. Graduation Requirements

• Completion of 120 ECTS credits ( approximately 2 years ).

• Successful defense of a master's thesis and passing all course assessments.

5. Student Benefits

• Fee Waivers: Waived application fee ( €90 ) and APS review ( saving ¥2,500 ). Online payment is available.

• Government Subsidy: The Flemish government covers 80% of tuition fees, with students paying only €4,200-4,591/year.

• Work Permit: Students can work up to 475 hours/year with reduced social security contributions ( hourly wage: €10-15 ).

6. Study Costs

• Tuition Fees: Approximately €4,591/year for Geography and €4,200/year for Chemistry ( subject to VUB's latest announcement ).

• Living Expenses: Estimated at €1000-1,200/month in Brussels ( including accommodation, meals, and transportation ).

• Total Budget: Approximately ¥140,000-150,000/year ( based on current exchange rates ).

III. Contact Information

China University of Mining and Technology ( CUMT )

• Professor Gong Yunlong ( Director of the International Cooperation and Foreign Affairs Office, School of Public Administration )

• Email: 5779@cumt.edu.cn

• Ms. Gao Yujiao ( Foreign Affairs Secretary of the International Cooperation and Foreign Affairs Office, School of Public Administration )

• Email:gaoyujiao@cumt.edu.cn

• Phone: +86-516-83597605

• Address: No.1 Daxue Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China

Vrije Universiteit Brussel ( VUB )

• Prof. Matthieu Kervyn ( Head of Geography Department, Program Coordinator )

• Email: makervyn@vub.be

• Phone: +32 ( 0 )2 629 36 61

• Ms. Tong Xiaohong ( International Admissions Manager )

• Email: xiaohong.tong@vub.be

• Phone: +32( 0 )2 614 8101

• Address: Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels。

• Website: https://www.vub.be/en/contact/organisation/international-relations-office

IV. Advantages of Vrije Universiteit Brussel ( VUB )

• Century-Old Prestige: Founded in 1834, VUB is committed to "free inquiry", promoting research and thought without dogma or prejudice.

• Global Competitiveness: Worldwide general ranking around 200, with leading research capabilities in geography and chemistry.

• Prime Location: Located in Brussels, the heart of the EU, with easy access to Paris (1 hour) and London (2 hours) by speed train.

• Top-Notch Resources:

• 8 faculties, 158 international research teams, and 2 business incubators.

• 24% international students from 140 countries, fostering a multicultural environment.

• Research budget exceeding €97.65 million, with 2 Nobel Prize laureates.

• Life Support:

• Dutch/French language courses: It is not completely free but the fee is very low (around 180 euro per semester) thanks to the government subsidies.

• Student insurance:

• comprehensive student insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for students, costing approximately €200 per year.

• Healthcare: The medical expense reimbursement rate is approximately 75%.

Apply Now and Embark on Your Global Academic Journey!
For More Information:

• https://www.vub.be/en（VUB Official Website）

• https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/practical-info-for-students/how-much-does-studying-cost/financial-support/csc-vub-scholarship-programme（CSC-VUB Scholarship Application Guide）