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KU Leuven![](https://www.topuniversities.com/themes/custom/tu_d8/images/uniprofile/link_white.svg)
Oude Markt 13, Leuven, BE, Leuven Belgium
# 61QS World University Rankings
5Undergraduate programs
93Postgraduate programs
$2000Average tuition fee
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About KU Leuven
Founded in 1425, KU Leuven has been a centre of learning for almost six centuries and is the oldest Catholic university in the world. Today, it is Belgium’s highest-ranked university, home to a tradition of academic excellence and ethical integrity that serves as the backbone for everything we do. KU Leuven offers a wide variety of programmes in English supported by high-quality interdisciplinary research at both the university and its acclaimed hospitals. Given its history, high-quality education, world-class research and cutting-edge innovation, KU Leuven is rightly known as one of the world’s great universities.
www.kuleuven.be
High-quality Education
As a comprehensive university, KU Leuven offers a wide selection of academic programmes taught in English, all of which are within the top 100 of the world rankings for their respective fields, half of which are in the top 50. Education and in research go hand in hand at KU Leuven, where study programmes are based on the latest research performed in our labs and libraries. This approach instils academic competences in our students whilst developing critical thinking skills and a research-oriented attitude. Flexibility and state-of-the-art technology are integral to each study programme.
www.kuleuven.be/internationalprogrammes
A Global University
With its outstanding central location in the heart of Europe, KU Leuven offers a truly international experience. Of KU Leuven’s approximately 60,000 students, nearly 20% come from abroad; together, they represent over 140 countries. As a result, KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of international students and staff members. Studying in Belgium offers easy access to the best of European culture, with Paris, London and Cologne all accessible by a two-hour train ride. The university also works with a select number of top-level partner institutions worldwide, stimulating purposeful international mobility and intensive research cooperation. And as our international students soon learn when they graduate, a KU Leuven degree offers a significant competitive advantage and is highly valued around the world.
World-class Research
As a comprehensive university, KU Leuven pursues pure research at the frontier of each its academic fields, as well as targeted and demand-driven research in an interdisciplinary environment. KU Leuven has a strong record of securing funding from the most competitive research funds and is the sixth-ranked university in Europe in securing projects under the EU Horizon 2020 Programme. Heavy investment in modern facilities such as our Biosafety Level 3 lab ensures KU Leuven’s research output will continue to inspire our academic programmes and society at large.
Cutting-edge innovation and R&D
KU Leuven is a leading institution when it comes to the valorisation of research and innovation. The KU Leuven Research & Development (LRD) technology transfer office was one of the first in Europe. LRD has a long and productive tradition of patenting, licencing, collaborating with industry, and creating spin-off companies. The university’s research output consistently ranks among Europe’s best and has earned KU Leuven recognition as Europe’s most innovative university in numerous rankings.
About KU Leuven
Founded in 1425, KU Leuven has been a centre of learning for almost six centuries and is the oldest Catholic university in the world. Today, it is Belgium’s highest-ranked university, home to a tradition of academic excellence and ethical integrity that serves as the backbone for everything we do. KU Leuven offers a wide variety of programmes in English supported by high-quality interdisciplinary research at both the university and its acclaimed hospitals. Given its history, high-quality education, world-class research and cutting-edge innovation, KU Leuven is rightly known as one of the world’s great universities.
www.kuleuven.be
High-quality Education
As a comprehensive university, KU Leuven offers a wide selection of academic programmes taught in English, all of which are within the top 100 of the world rankings for their respective fields, half of which are in the top 50. Education and in research go hand in hand at KU Leuven, where study programmes are based on the latest research performed in our labs and libraries. This approach instils academic competences in our students whilst developing critical thinking skills and a research-oriented attitude. Flexibility and state-of-the-art technology are integral to each study programme.
www.kuleuven.be/internationalprogrammes
A Global University
With its outstanding central location in the heart of Europe, KU Leuven offers a truly international experience. Of KU Leuven’s approximately 60,000 students, nearly 20% come from abroad; together, they represent over 140 countries. As a result, KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of international students and staff members. Studying in Belgium offers easy access to the best of European culture, with Paris, London and Cologne all accessible by a two-hour train ride. The university also works with a select number of top-level partner institutions worldwide, stimulating purposeful international mobility and intensive research cooperation. And as our international students soon learn when they graduate, a KU Leuven degree offers a significant competitive advantage and is highly valued around the world.
World-class Research
As a comprehensive university, KU Leuven pursues pure research at the frontier of each its academic fields, as well as targeted and demand-driven research in an interdisciplinary environment. KU Leuven has a strong record of securing funding from the most competitive research funds and is the sixth-ranked university in Europe in securing projects under the EU Horizon 2020 Programme. Heavy investment in modern facilities such as our Biosafety Level 3 lab ensures KU Leuven’s research output will continue to inspire our academic programmes and society at large.
Cutting-edge innovation and R&D
KU Leuven is a leading institution when it comes to the valorisation of research and innovation. The KU Leuven Research & Development (LRD) technology transfer office was one of the first in Europe. LRD has a long and productive tradition of patenting, licencing, collaborating with industry, and creating spin-off companies. The university’s research output consistently ranks among Europe’s best and has earned KU Leuven recognition as Europe’s most innovative university in numerous rankings.
Available programs
Bachelor UG
Master PG
MBA
KU Leuven currently offers four Bachelor programmes in English:
- Bachelor of Philosophy
- Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology
Discover all our international programmes:
www.kuleuven.be/internationalprogrammes
Faculty of Economics and Business (4)
Bachelor of Business Administration (Brussels)
Bachelor of Business Engineering (Brussels et al)
Faculty of Engineering Technology (4)
BSc in Engineering Technology
Faculty of Theology (4)
Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies (Leuven)
Institute of Philosophy (4)
Bachelor of Philosophy (Leuven)
KU Leuven offers over 120 master's programmes. 66 of them are completely in English, 1 of them is taught in French. These programmes take one or two years to complete. Find the overview of our international master programmes on our website: www.kuleuven.be/internationalprogrammes
Faculty of Architecture (17)
Master of Architecture (Brussels)
Master of Architecture (Ghent)
Faculty of Arts (17)
MA in Cultural Studies
MA in Western Literature
Master of Advanced Studies in Linguistics (Leuven et al)
Master of History (Leuven)
Master of Linguistics and Literature: English (Leuven)
Faculty of Bioscience Engineering (17)
MSc in Water Resources Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Cellular and Genetic Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Human Health Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Food Technology (Leuven et al)
Master of Molecular Biology (Leuven et al)
Faculty of Canon Law (17)
Master of Canon Law (Iuris Canonici Licentiatus) (Leuven)
Master of Society, Law and Religion (Leuven)
Faculty of Economics and Business (17)
Master of Actuarial and Financial Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Advanced Studies in Economics (Leuven)
Master of Business Economics (Leuven)
Master of Business Engineering (Brussels)
Master of Business Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Business and Information Systems Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Economics (Leuven)
Master of Information Management (Leuven)
Master of International Business Economics and Management (Brussels)
Faculty of Engineering Science (17)
EIT-KIC Master in Energy (Leuven et al)
MSc in Electrical Engineering
Master of Artificial Intelligence (Leuven)
Master of Biomedical Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Chemical Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Conservation of Monuments and Sites (Leuven)
Master of Engineering: Energy (Leuven)
Master of Human Settlements (Leuven)
Master of Materials Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Mathematical Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Mechanical Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Mobility and Supply Chain Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Nuclear Engineering (Leuven et al)
Master of Safety Engineering (Leuven)
Master of Urbanism, Landscape and Planning (Leuven)
Faculty of Engineering Technology (17)
Erasmus Mundus Japan - Master of Science in Imaging and Light in Extended Reality (Ghent et al)
European Master of Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business (Ghent et al)
MSc in Chemical Engineering Technology
Master of Biochemical Engineering Technology (Leuven)
Master of Civil Engineering Technology (Ghent)
Master of Electromechanical Engineering Technology (Leuven)
Master of Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology (Leuven)
Master of Innovative Health Technology (Leuven)
Master of Welding Engineering (Sint-Katelijne-Waver)
Faculty of Law (17)
MSc in Criminology
Master of Intellectual Property and ICT Law (Brussels)
Master of Law (Leuven et al)
Master of Laws (LLM) (Leuven)
Master of Laws in European Social Security
Faculty of Medicine (17)
MSc in Bioethics
MSc in Biomedical Sciences
MSc in Deglutology
Master of Global Health (Leuven et al)
Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences (17)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Arts in Sports Ethics and Integrity (Leuven et al) (120 ECTS)
International Master of Adapted Physical Activity (Leuven et al)
MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy
Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (17)
Master of Educational Studies (Leuven)
Master of Psychology: Theory and Research (Leuven)
Faculty of Science (17)
Master of Digital Humanities (Leuven)
Master of Space Studies (Leuven et al)
Faculty of Science Leuven (17)
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Leuven et al)
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling (Leuven et al)
MSc in Geography
MSc in Geology
MSc in Mathematics
Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics (Leuven)
Master of Bioinformatics (Leuven)
Master of Biology (Leuven)
Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Leuven)
Master of Chemistry (Leuven)
Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering (Leuven)
Master of Physics (Leuven)
Master of Statistics and Data Science (Leuven)
Master of Sustainable Development (Leuven et al)
Faculty of Social Sciences (17)
Master of Communication Sciences: Digital Media and Society (Leuven)
Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (Leuven)
Master of European Politics and Policies (Leuven et al)
Master of European Studies: Transnational and Global Perspectives (Leuven)
Master of International Politics (Leuven)
Master of Social and Cultural Anthropology (Leuven)
Master of Sociology (Leuven)
Faculty of Theology (17)
Master of Theology and Religious Studies (Leuven)
Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion (Leuven)
Institute of Philosophy (17)
Master of Philosophy (Leuven)
Research Master of Philosophy (Leuven)
International Office (17)
MSc in Statistics
Master of Engineering: Computer Science (Leuven)
Full-Time MBA (1)
Master of Business Administration (Antwerp)
Master of Business Administration (Brussels)
University information
Graduate study programmes at KU Leuven are divided into three categories: initial master’s programmes, advanced master’s programmes, and doctoral studies. Degree requirements vary by category and programme.
> In most cases, to qualify for admission to an initial master’s programme, you must hold an appropriate undergraduate degree (usually a bachelor’s degree) consisting of at least three years of full-time, university-level studies.
> To qualify for admission to an advanced master’s programme, you are expected to hold a master’s degree.
> To qualify for admission to a doctoral programme, you must hold a master’s degree and have a doctoral advisor (in Dutch, a ‘promotor’) willing to supervise your doctoral studies.
Final admission decisions are made on a per-programme basis by the board responsible for that particular programme. Students must meet the admission requirements specific to their chosen programme of study.
Students are expected to be proficient in English. All non-native English speakers are required to submit proof of English proficiency. KU Leuven currently accepts TOEFL (iBT) and, IELTS and Cambridge English Examination results. Minimum language requirements vary by programme, so it’s best to consult the language requirements specific to your chosen programme for more information.
www.kuleuven.be/admissions
Master
In order to consolidate its position as most innovative university of Europe, KU Leuven continues to invest in its infrastructure. After all, the importance of high-tech facilities is recognised by researchers from all domains. The following examples are only a selection of KU Leuven’s current and future facilities and underline the university’s efforts and investments.
Student life
During their studies, students can participate in various welcome and leisure activities. Whenever they need it, they can also count on the support of Student Services.
Welcoming activities:
- Welcome Desk -
Each year, the KU Leuven Welcome Desk at Brussels Airport welcomes new international students. This desk is set up two weeks before the start of the Orientation Days in September and is open from early in the morning until late in the evening. Staff members and volunteers help the students get to campus, make sure they know their way around and help them with any other urgent questions.
- Orientation Days -
To help new international students get settled during their first days and to help them learn more about the university, Student Services offers a special orientation programme before the start of every semester. The programme of these Orientation Days includes tips and tricks, guided city tours, visits in and around Leuven, information and enrolment sessions and lots of opportunities to meet fellow Belgian and/or foreign students from the different faculties.
- Buddy Programme -
International students can request a personal buddy. This is a KU Leuven student or staff member who volunteers to introduce them to the Belgian way of (university) life. The Buddy Kick-Off helps the pairs get off to a good start, while buddy workshops throughout the semester encourage them to stay in touch.
- Student Welcome -
The academic year officially starts at the end of September. During the first weeks, there are numerous welcome activities for and by students, such as the Student Welcome: a festival with performances, stands, ...
Leisure and living
- Culture -
KU Leuven has a broad offer of cultural activities for its students to enjoy. There are discounts for museums and performances, for example, and students can also articipate in student initiatives.
- Sport -
KU Leuven students can practice over 70 sports in the sports centres, and/or join a sports club. The 24-hour Relay Race, for instance, is the biggest sports event for students at the university. It has been organised every year since 1972 by the student association LOKO.
- Pangaea Intercultural Meeting Centre -
In the spirit of hospitality and intercultural understanding, Pangaea aims to create a home-away-from- home for Belgian and international students, and wants to support collaboration within the Leuven university community. Coffee and board games, lively debates and lectures on intercultural topics, a wide variety of social activities, volunteering opportunities: all organised by and for students.
Student Participation
- LOKO -
LOKO represents students in all student-related matters, from housing, food, mobility, diversity, and culture to sustainability, health, student services and student life.
- STURA -
The KU Leuven Student Council represents all students of KU Leuven at university level. It contributes to the Education and Examination Regulations, study counselling and quality of education, among other things. Apart from educational matters, the council is also involved in other relevant policy domains of the university such as sustainability, diversity, internationalisation and IT.
- International Student Associations -
A lot of international students participate in associations to give students from their country a warm welcome, share their culture and background with the university community and organise activities where students can meet. These associations can be linked to specific countries or can be centred around a certain theme.
- PHD Society -
The PhD Society is an international interfaculty organisation of doctoral students that aims to promote interaction and cooperation between Belgian and international doctoral students.
Student Support
- Places to study, do some research or read -
The University Library is strongly aware of its responsibility in providing educational support. Its efforts towards the integration of information skills in bachelor’s and master’s programmes are just one example of this, as is providing adequate infrastructure for students.
- Student Services -
Student Services offers a unique and comprehensive support system where students can ask for help on anything related to living and studying. The system features an in-house medical centre with GPs and psychologists, professional career guidance by the Student Career Centre, an extensive housing database with student-friendly housing, counselling in case of social or financial problems, expert legal advice and extra support for specific target groups, e.g. students with a disability.
Tuition fee and scholarships
Domestic Students
International Students
One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.
In this guide you will find:
Where to look for scholarship opportunities
How to apply to scholarships relevant to you
A list of available scholarships around the world
A scholarship application checklist
Rankings & ratings
KU Leuven is one of the top public universities in Leuven, Belgium. It is ranked #61 in QS World University Rankings 2024.
QS World University Rankings
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
Europe University Rankings - Western Europe
Europe University Rankings
QS World University Rankings
KU Leuven
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