Jurist at Vrije Universiteit Brussel

The Quiet Rise of University Legal Counsel: Why This VUB Role Matters

For law graduates and professionals watching the European legal job market, Belgium has long been a magnet—home to the EU institutions, NATO, and an impressive array of international law firms. But beyond the glittering corridors of international private practice lies a lesser-known yet equally compelling legal career path: the in-house legal advisor at a major university. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is currently seeking a Jurist to join its Department of Education and Student Affairs, a role that blends administrative law, contract law, migration law, and higher education policy in one fascinating remit.

This is not a back-office job. It is a frontline position that shapes how thousands of students move across borders, how international partnerships are formed, and how the university ensures fair, lawful treatment in academic decisions. For Indian legal professionals with an eye on global careers, this vacancy offers a rare chance to enter the European institutional legal sector without starting as a trainee in a corporate law firm. It is a career-defining opportunity for those who understand that law does not only live in courtrooms—it lives in the policies, agreements, and procedures that make institutions function.

Inside the Job: Where Education Law Meets International Student Mobility

The successful candidate will become part of a small, expert legal team of three jurists and one paralegal. The team provides comprehensive legal backup for education and student affairs across the university. But this particular role comes with a clear specialisation: internationalisation. That means you will be the first point of contact for legal questions involving international cooperation, student mobility, and the residence of international students in Belgium.

Concretely, your responsibilities will include:

• Advising on the legal aspects of international education and collaboration initiatives
• Developing and reviewing cooperation agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), mobility agreements, and other international contracts
• Guiding internal stakeholders through legal issues connected to international student mobility
• Tracking Belgian, European, and international regulations affecting higher education
• Advising on migration and residence law, visas, admission procedures, family reunification, guarantees, housing, and related matters for international students
• Ensuring legal quality, consistency, and uniformity in internationalisation processes

Beyond this specialisation, you will also support the wider education and student affairs agenda. The role includes monitoring legal developments in higher education, translating them into internal regulations and clear communication, and helping to manage central documents such as the Education and Examination Regulations (OER). You will track internal and external appeal procedures against study progress decisions, prepare policy proposals, and take part in university councils and committees.

This is a role for a lawyer who is comfortable switching between high-stakes international agreement drafting and the meticulous world of academic regulatory compliance.

The Ideal Candidate: Not Just a Law Degree, But a Multilingual Legal Navigator

The core requirement is a Master's degree in Law. But the job description makes it clear that academic credentials alone will not suffice. Practical knowledge of administrative law, contract law, and migration or residence law will give you an edge. A working knowledge of higher education law is a plus—and if you do not have it yet, you must be willing to acquire it quickly.

The role demands excellent communication in Dutch and English, both oral and written. Since the university is based in Brussels, and the internationalisation portfolio involves English speaking partners worldwide, you will need to draft precise legal documents in both languages and advise stakeholders clearly. The university also expects a structured, deadline-driven work style, the ability to manage peak periods, and a natural feel for weighing competing interests.

For Indian lawyers interested in applying, it is essential to note the work permit condition. As a non-EEA national, you must satisfy the conditions for obtaining a lawful permit to work for VUB and meet VUB's residence requirements. The university explicitly states this in the vacancy, so applicants should assess their immigration status early and be prepared to support a work permit application.

Internationalisation as a Legal Specialisation: Career Currency for the Global Lawyer

One of the most valuable aspects of this role is the chance to develop deep expertise in international student law—a niche that is still relatively underrepresented in the legal market. As universities worldwide expand their global footprint and student mobility continues to rise, legal professionals who understand the intersection of education, migration, and international cooperation are becoming increasingly important.

By joining VUB, you gain hands-on experience negotiating international agreements, interpreting European regulations, and solving complex visa and residence issues. These are transferable skills that apply far beyond academia. They open doors to legal roles in international organisations, NGOs, government agencies, and multinational companies. Moreover, working within a proud member of the EUTOPIA network—a European alliance of universities—gives you access to a vast international community and a front-row seat to the future of higher education integration.

What VUB Offers: A Compensation Package Built for Long-Term Growth

This is a full-time, permanent contract. The gross monthly salary is linked to grade 7 or grade 8, depending on your competencies and years of relevant experience. VUB does not stop at a competitive salary; it invests heavily in employee well-being.

• An exceptional leave arrangement with 35 holiday days, plus closure between Christmas and New Year and 3 extra days
• Extensive telework possibilities with a telework allowance and necessary tools (smartphone and subscription OR internet allowance)
• Free hospitalisation and an excellent group insurance package with guaranteed income
• Maximum reimbursement of commuting expenses by public transport or a bicycle allowance
• Subsidised meals in campus restaurants
• Sport facilities, Benefits@Work discounts, and ecocheques
• A child care centre near campus and discounts on holiday camps
• Ongoing learning opportunities through VUB's platforms and training courses

VUB is also committed to being a reflection of society, welcoming talent regardless of gender, age, religion, skin colour, migration background, disability, or neurodiversity. For those who value an open, informal, and diverse workplace, VUB is an employer that practises what it preaches.

How to Apply: Deadlines, Selection Steps, and Insider Tips

The application deadline is 31 August 2026, and applications must be submitted via jobs.vub.be. Do not wait until the last minute—this posting has already attracted attention, and the selection process moves quickly.

The process is structured in three stages:

1. CV screening by one of VUB's recruiters
2. A comparative test on 4 September, designed to assess your approach and insight. You can take it at home.
3. A job interview scheduled for 17 September in the afternoon, though the timing is subject to change.

If you have any questions about the role itself, you can contact Sarah Heyl at Sarah.Heyl@vub.be. For questions about the selection procedure or the offer, reach out to Sammy-Jo Van Tendeloo at SammyJo.Van.Tendeloo@vub.be. It is wise to read the full vacancy on jobs.vub.be and explore the EUTOPIA network at eutopia-university.eu to tailor your application effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Indian citizens apply for this legal position at VUB?
Yes, anyone with a recognised Master's degree in Law can apply. However, non-EEA citizens must be eligible for a Belgian work and residence permit. VUB will sponsor, but eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis according to Belgian regulations. Applicants should consult Belgian immigration rules before applying.

2. Is fluency in Dutch mandatory, or is English enough?
The vacancy explicitly states excellent knowledge of both Dutch and English in oral and written communication. Since the role supports education and student affairs in a Dutch-speaking university environment, Dutch is a hard requirement. English is essential for internationalisation tasks.

3. What makes this role different from a regular in-house counsel position?
It combines a broad range of legal work—contracts, appeals, regulatory compliance—with a dedicated specialisation in internationalisation. You are not merely a contract reviewer; you shape university policy, support student mobility, and ensure legal fairness in academic decisions. It is a highly varied and intellectually engaging job.

4. What career paths can this role lead to?
Lawyers from higher education institutions often move into senior legal roles in international organisations, public administration, educational bodies, or the private sector. The expertise in migration and international cooperation is particularly valuable for EU institutions and NGOs. VUB's connection to the EUTOPIA network further enhances international mobility.