International student

Free enquiry

"The Université Libre de Bruxelles bases education and research on the principle of free enquiry, whereby dogmatic preconceptions are rejected and independent judgement is encouraged in all matters."
(1st article in the ULB statutes)

What does the French word 'libre' mean to us? It refers to the notion of free enquiry and the freedom of individuals who refuse all forms of authoritarian thought and totalitarian ideas. The word 'libre' therefore means that we are morally committed to having a free conscience. It means that in their teaching, the professors at the university encourage critical thinking and an attitude of free enquiry.

Since its creation, our university has kept the flame of freedom burning, has always been independent and has always defended the major issues of democracy, individual freedoms and the respect for human rights.