Visiting researcher status is available to international researchers who already hold a Master's degree and who wish to carry out research work at the Université libre de Bruxelles.

Registration as visiting researcher is necessary in order to access the University’s libraries and online databases and be insured on the ULB campuses.

Registration is only possible if you are invited by a member of ULB academic staff, who will be your research supervisor. Please note that members of ULB academic staff are under no obligation to host and supervise visiting researchers.

Visiting researcher status is only available to international researchers who already hold a Master’s degree.

  • Trainees and Bachelor/Master students are not eligible.
  • Registration is not possible after the age of 65 (retirement age in Belgium).
  • It is not possible to obtain a long stay visa for Belgium or a Belgian residence permit on the basis of visiting researcher status alone.
  • If you have doubts regarding eligibility for visiting researcher status, please contact the International Welcome Desk.

Enrolment procedure

  1. Fill in this form
  1. Print out the form
  2. Ask your ULB supervisor to sign the form
  3. Get the form validated by your host faculty at ULB (signature and stamp)
  4. Send in to the International Welcome Desk:
  • The original signed form and a copy of your ID card or passport via the online form
  • A “bon vert”* for 32 euros (made out to internal account 3.000.A.000004) OR proof of bank transfer of 32 euros to IBAN account number BE79 2100 4294 0033 – BIC : GEBABEBB (indicate surname, first name and 3.000.A.000004 when making the payment)
  • Recipient:
    International Welcome Desk
    Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, CP 131/02
    1050 Bruxelles, Belgique
    * The “bon vert” is an internal payment method at ULB.

General information

  • Registration as a visiting researcher is per academic year.
  • During their research stay at ULB, the researcher is covered by civil liability and accident insurance on the ULB campuses.
  • Visiting researcher status cannot be granted beyond the age of 65.
  • The cost of registration as visiting researcher is 32 euros per academic year. If the stay extends beyond 15 September, it is necessary to reregister and pay 32 euros again.
  • Registration as a researcher can be done at any time of the year.
  • The fee of 32 euros must be paid by “bon vert” to the ULB International Welcome Desk or by bank transfer.
Updated on March 12, 2024