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Unlock your future at KU Leuven, Europe’s 6th-ranked university for career opportunities!
KU Leuven
KU Leuven Leuven Campus, Leuven Belgium
# =63QS World University Rankings
6Undergraduate programs
102Postgraduate programs
10649International students
About KU Leuven
For 600 years, KU Leuven has been driven by unending curiosity and a search for knowledge. The result is cutting-edge research that attracts the foremost minds in academia, engages our diverse student body, and ignites partnerships with industry to benefit society as a whole. Discover our programmes.
A comprehensive and independent university
The full breadth of intellectual discovery is to be found within our walls. KU Leuven is home to 15 faculties offering hundreds of degree programmes, all of which are within the top 100 of the world rankings for their respective fields. No matter where our students' curiosity leads, KU Leuven reseachers are studying, analysing and pushing the boundaries of that field. All of which is conducted with the ethical rigour and financial resources necessary for true academic freedom.
A Global University
KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of international students and staff members, with 23,8% of the university’s 63,774 students coming from outside of Belgium. Together, they represent over 150 countries, spread across our various Belgian campuses. The university also works with a select number of top-level partner institutions worldwide to stimulate 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. More on KU Leuven Global.
Research is at the heart of our University
Groundbreaking discoveries in the field, the lab, and the library go straight into the classroom and define our educational offering. 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. From Georges Lemaître's Big Bang theory to our revolutionary solar hydrogen panels, at KU Leuven curiosity is transformed into knowledge. Discover our research stories.
A timeless university town in the heart of Europe
KU Leuven's main campus is situated in Leuven, at about 30 kilometers from Brussels, the capital of Belgium and Europe. 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. Furthermore, the University has campuses in nine other Flemish cities, including Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. More on our campuses.
Almost 600 years of history
Founded in 1425, KU Leuven will celebrate its 600th anniversary in 2025, making it one of Europe's oldest universities. Our institution has the double honour of being the oldest university in the Low Countries and the oldest extant Catholic university in the world. Learn more about our history.
About KU Leuven
For 600 years, KU Leuven has been driven by unending curiosity and a search for knowledge. The result is cutting-edge research that attracts the foremost minds in academia, engages our diverse student body, and ignites partnerships with industry to benefit society as a whole. Discover our programmes.
A comprehensive and independent university
The full breadth of intellectual discovery is to be found within our walls. KU Leuven is home to 15 faculties offering hundreds of degree programmes, all of which are within the top 100 of the world rankings for their respective fields. No matter where our students' curiosity leads, KU Leuven reseachers are studying, analysing and pushing the boundaries of that field. All of which is conducted with the ethical rigour and financial resources necessary for true academic freedom.
A Global University
KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of international students and staff members, with 23,8% of the university’s 63,774 students coming from outside of Belgium. Together, they represent over 150 countries, spread across our various Belgian campuses. The university also works with a select number of top-level partner institutions worldwide to stimulate 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. More on KU Leuven Global.
Research is at the heart of our University
Groundbreaking discoveries in the field, the lab, and the library go straight into the classroom and define our educational offering. 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. From Georges Lemaître's Big Bang theory to our revolutionary solar hydrogen panels, at KU Leuven curiosity is transformed into knowledge. Discover our research stories.
A timeless university town in the heart of Europe
KU Leuven's main campus is situated in Leuven, at about 30 kilometers from Brussels, the capital of Belgium and Europe. 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. Furthermore, the University has campuses in nine other Flemish cities, including Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. More on our campuses.
Almost 600 years of history
Founded in 1425, KU Leuven will celebrate its 600th anniversary in 2025, making it one of Europe's oldest universities. Our institution has the double honour of being the oldest university in the Low Countries and the oldest extant Catholic university in the world. Learn more about our history.
Available programs
Ad Feature programs
Bachelor UG
Master PG
MBA
Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering
Master of History
Master of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Safety Engineering
Arts and Humanities (4)
Bachelor of Philosophy
Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies
Business and Management (4)
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Engineering (joint degree with Université Catholique de Louvain)
Engineering and Technology (4)
Bachelor of Engineering Technology
Social Sciences and Management (4)
Bachelor of Arts in European Studies
Arts and Humanities (7)
Master en langue et littérature françaises
Master of Architecture
Master of Canon Law
Master of Cultural Studies
Master of History
Master of Linguistics and Literature: English
Master of Multilingual Communication: Cross-Cultural Communication Management
Master of Philosophy
Master of Society, Law and Religion
Master of Theology and Religious Studies
Master of Urbanism, Landscape and Planning
Master of Western Literature
Research Master of Philosophy
Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion
Business and Management (7)
Master of Actuarial and Financial Engineering
Master of Advanced Studies in Economics
Master of Business Economics
Master of Business Engineering (incl. double degree variants)
Master of Business and Information Systems Engineering (incl. double degree variants)
Master of Economics
Master of Information Management
Master of International Business
Master of Management Engineering
Engineering and Technology (7)
EIT KIC Dual Degree Tracks in Sustainable Materials Engineering
EIT-KIC Master in Energy
Erasmus Mundus Japan - Master of Science in Imaging and Light in Extended Reality (IMLEX)
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
European Master of Science in Radiation and its Effects on Microelectronics and Photonics Technologies (RADMEP)
European Master of Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business (FOOD4S)
Master of Artificial Intelligence
Master of Artificial Intelligence in Business and Industry
Master of Biochemical Engineering Technology
Master of Biomedical Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Cellular and Genetic Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Human Health Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Sustainable Urban Bioscience-Engineering
Master of Chemical Engineering
Master of Chemical Engineering Technology
Master of Civil Engineering
Master of Civil Engineering Technology
Master of Conservation of Monuments and Sites
Master of Cybersecurity
Master of Electrical Engineering
Master of Electromechanical Engineering Technology
Master of Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology
Master of Engineering: Computer Science
Master of Engineering: Energy
Master of Engineering: Mobility and Supply Chain Engineering
Master of Food Technology
Master of Human Settlements (ICP)
Master of Innovative Health Technology
Master of Materials Engineering
Master of Mathematical Engineering
Master of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Molecular Biology
Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering
Master of Nuclear Engineering
Master of Safety Engineering
Master of Smart Operations and Maintenance in Industry
Master of Space Studies
Master of Statistics and Data Science (blended / online)
Master of Statistics and Data Science (on campus)
Master of Water Resources Engineering
Master of Welding Engineering
Life Sciences and Medicine (7)
Master of Bioethics
Master of Bioinformatics
Master of Biology
Master of Biomedical Sciences
Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Master of Deglutology
Master of Global Health
Master of Psychology: Theory and Research
Master of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy
Natural Sciences (7)
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling
Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Master of Chemistry
Master of Geography
Master of Geology
Master of Mathematics
Master of Medical Physics
Master of Physics
Master of Sustainable Development
Others (7)
MSc in Statistics
Social Sciences and Management (7)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Arts in Sports Ethics and Integrity
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance
Master of Advanced Studies in European Policies and Public Administration
Master of Communication Sciences: Digital Media and Society
Master of Criminology
Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies
Master of Digital Humanities
Master of Educational Studies
Master of European Social Security
Master of European Studies: Transnational and Global Perspectives
Master of Intellectual Property and ICT Law
Master of International Politics
Master of Law (Double degree with University of Zurich)
Master of Laws (LL.M)
Master of Social and Cultural Anthropology
Master of Sociology
Máster en Estudios Ibéricos e Iberoamericanos
Full-Time MBA (1)
Master of Business Administration (incl. double degree variants)
University information
This step-by step guide will take you through the entire process of applying to KU Leuven as a degree-seeking student.
1. Check admission requirements
Make sure to read the detailed admission requirements of the specific study programmes available at the various KU Leuven campuses, to see if you are eligible. If you want to apply for a bachelors' programme, you can check whether your secondary qualifications meet the minimum eligibility criteria.
All applicants who have not obtained a previous diploma in a programme taught in English in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America must submit a certificate proving their proficiency in English.
The English proficiency test scores accepted by KU Leuven are the TOEFL iBT certificate, IELTS Academic certificate, Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) certificate, and the ITACE for Students C1 or C2 certificate. More information on English Proficiency tests.
2. Check the application window for your programme
Our admissions process works on a rolling basis, but apply in time to start in the following academic year. Some specific programmes have a strict deadline. You can check the specific deadline of your programme by using our application window tool.
3. Check the tuition fees and scholarship options for your programme
You can check the tuition fee and scholarship options for your programme for the current and next academic year using our tuition fee calculator and scholarships database.
4. Collect the required documents
The required documents depend on the programme you applied for. Some programmes request additional documents, if so, they are mentioned in the admission requirements.
5. Start your application
To start your application at KU Leuven, login to the web app via your browser and complete your personal data, upload the required documents and pay the application fee. You will be notified by email when a decision about your application has been taken.
Student life
Welcome Activities
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. Look out for the KU Leuven banner and desk in the Arrivals Hall at Brussels Airport. After you have gone through baggage claim, the Welcome Desk is located on your right-hand side.
Orientation Days is a special programme to help students settle in during their first days in Belgium 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.
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.
During the first weeks of the academic year, Leuven will be buzzing with activities to welcome you and show you around. An ideal chance to get to know your new friends, new city and student life. Kick off the academic year together with a week of Student Welcome activities taking place all over the city.
Leisure and Living
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 participate in student initiatives.
Sportcampus Arenberg is the ultimate sports location for everyone living in Leuven and far beyond. Every year we welcome several tens of thousands of people, all of whom show themselves from their most athletic side. 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. More on KU Leuven sport.
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
KU Leuven is home to many different student organisations. As an international student, you are more than welcome to join in and get a taste of student life in Leuven.
KU Leuven hosts a whole range of 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.
Each study programme has its own body of elected student representatives. Find out which kring is linked to your programme.
Would you like to actively contribute to society? Engage as a student of KU Leuven. Make a difference for, together with and starting from people and groups in vulnerable situations. More on KU Leuven Engage.
Student Support
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.
In our libraries and learning centres, many facilities are at your disposal as a researcher or student. You can reserve group studyrooms, borrow laptops and tablets, top up your print credit, make use of special software and much more… More on our facilities.
Tuition fee and scholarships
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 #=63 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
QS World University Rankings
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS Sustainability Ranking
Europe University Rankings - Western Europe
QS World University Rankings
KU Leuven
Videos & media
Videos & media
Campus locations
open the map
FAQs
It is worth noting that our tuition fees are cheaper than in many other European countries thanks to the generous financing of the higher education system by our government. Although all of our programmes are very affordable compared to equivalent universities around the world, the fees for any individual student are contingent upon their choice of academic programme and the nationality of the student. Calculate your tuition fee now.
You can find an overview of scholarship opportunities for studying at KU Leuven here. This webpage is exhaustive, so if no scholarship is mentioned that meets your needs, you can assume we do not offer this type of scholarship.
As a general rule, there are limited scholarship options available at our University. The reason for this is that our government’s generous support for higher education ensures that tuition fees at KU Leuven are lower than many other comparable universities around the world. In effect, every student receives governmental support so that they do not pay the full price of their programme, no matter where in the world they come from, and with no extra applications needed. The result is less need for scholarships and more educational opportunity for everyone.
You can check the specific deadline for the programme you are interested in using our online tool. Please select the academic year, your nationality, the type of degree and the name of your programme of interest.
Some programmes have a strict deadline. Late submission of applications for programmes with strict deadlines will not be considered.
If it states: “We also accept admission files that come in after the deadline, but candidates are responsible for evaluating whether they can still travel to Belgium and register in a timely manner.”, this means that there is no strict deadline and you can still apply even if the date has already passed.