🏥 What are the university hospitals in Brussels?
Updated October 19, 2025 by Pierre
Brussels is not only the capital of Europe — it is also a international reference medical centerWith several renowned university hospitals, the city attracts thousands of patients from Belgium and abroad each year. Whether you are looking for a leading specialist, a modern maternity ward or a highly equipped emergency department, Brussels university hospitals combine research, innovation and human care.
In this article, we present the main ones University Hospitals of Brussels, their specificities and why they are among the best in the country.
🏥 1. Saint-Luc University Clinics (UCLouvain) – Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
Located a stone's throw from Boulevard de la Woluwe, the Saint-Luc University Clinics are attached to the Catholic University of Louvain (UCLouvain).
It is one of the most modern and comprehensive hospitals in Belgium. It offers cutting-edge services:
- cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, neurosurgery,
- un internationally recognized fertility center,
- and heliport for the most critical emergencies.
🎓 In addition to healing, Saint-Luc is a training center for many future doctors and researchers.
🧬 2. Erasme Hospital (ULB) – Anderlecht
Affiliated with the Free University of Brussels (ULB), TheErasmus Hospital is another medical pillar of the capital.
Its advantage: it combines clinical excellence and scientific research in a more human and accessible setting.
Erasmus houses in particular:
- le Trauma Center and Center for Experimental Surgery,
- un transplant service of reference,
- and teams active in the rare disease research.
💬 My opinion: Erasme appeals with its very “hands-on” approach — the doctors take the time to explain, and the atmosphere remains friendly despite the size of the establishment.
🧠 3. Brugmann University Hospital – Laeken / Jette
Le Brugmann University Hospital is also linked to the ULB, and is distinguished by its diversity of specialties and his multicultural anchoring.
There is a green campus in Laeken, with listed architecture, but above all:
- un 24-hour emergency service reputed,
- un reference psychiatry and geriatrics service,
- and maternity ward appreciated for its personalized support.
💡 Fun fact: it was in this hospital that the concept of social medicine in Brussels.
💉 4. Queen Fabiola Children's University Hospital (HUDERF)
Still affiliated with the ULB, the HUDERF is the only exclusively pediatric university hospital from Belgium.
Here, everything is designed for children: colorful rooms, teams trained in communicating with little ones, and adapted infrastructure.
It is a reference for the pediatric surgery, neonatology and childhood oncology.
👶 If your child needs to be hospitalized, this is a place where competence and kindness go hand in hand.
❤️ 5. University Hospital of Brussels (HUB)
In addition, research since 2021 Erasmus, HUDERF et Brugman together form the University Hospital of Brussels (HUB) — a common structure which brings together their expertise.
The objective: better coordinate care, research and medical education throughout the Brussels region.
Today, it is one of the largest university hospital centers in French-speaking Europe.
🧭 In summary: the 3 major university centers in Brussels
| University | Affiliated hospitals | Specificities |
|---|---|---|
| UCLouvain | Saint-Luc Clinics | High technological level, excellence in medical research |
| ULB | Erasmus, Brugmann, HUDERF | Integrated hospital hub (HUB), humanity and accessibility |
| VUB | UZ Brussels (Jette) | Dutch-speaking education, innovation and fertility (UZ Brussel) |
💬 My personal opinion
Brussels has this incredible luck: no matter the neighborhood, you are never far from a university hospital of excellence.
For having accompanied a loved one to Saint-Luc and visited Erasmus, I can say that the care is up to standard, but above all, the attentiveness and kindness of the staff make all the difference.
Whether you are a student, expat or parent, these hospitals represent the best of Brussels medicine : expertise, innovation and humanity.
Barely a foot in the Belgian capital, Pierre launched “InsideBrussels.be” more than 10 years ago, the idea is simple: “What to do? Where to go to eat or have a drink? “. Entrepreneur at heart, this is not his first project! Far from there. EatLocal.io; KingCard.be, Bricabrac.be … Like wine, with time the project improves!
Pierre does not hesitate to share his favorites and his best addresses of Brussels restaurants that he could recommend to you with his eyes closed.
