KU Leuven

KU Leuven, inspiring the outstanding

KU Leuven is an institution for research and education with international appeal. All programs at this University are based on the innovative research of its scientists and professors.

KU Leuven ranks among the best 50 universities worldwide!

From Renaissance philosophy to cutting-edge nanotechnology: as one of Europe’s oldest universities, KU Leuven boasts a long tradition of ground-breaking research and high-quality education.

What sets us apart as a university?

A highly ranked university

KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.

Research-based education

Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their own research. In our FabLab, students can use a number of high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.

Affordable tuition fees

Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programmes as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.

International student life with respect for diversity

According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student centre is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.

KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field.

This step-by-step guide will take you through the entire process of applying to KU Leuven as a degree-seeking student.

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 bachelor's 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.

Check the application window for your programme.

Our admissions process works on a rolling basis, but applies 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.

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.

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.

Start your application

To start your application at KU Leuven, log in to the web app via your browser complete your 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.

Whether as a student or researcher, you’ll discover in Belgium a country full of surprising contrasts. A country rich in art, history, and architecture. You’ll be treated to its local specialities in a friendly atmosphere. Belgian cities have so much to offer to students: a cosmopolitan lifestyle, great sports facilities, libraries, bookshops, restaurants, cafés, and a dynamic cultural scene.e

As an international guest, you might find Belgians initially reserved – an impression that will only last until you share a round of beers at an outdoor café or make your first visit to a Belgian home, where you will be warmly welcomed and well fed. Belgium is also an ideal base for exploring the rest of Europe. London, Paris, Cologne, and Amsterdam are all a proverbial stone’s throw away. It is the headquarters of many international organizations and companies and the beating heart of the European Union.

As an internationally oriented university, it is our aim to support our international students the best we can. When coming to Belgium, you may need a visa or entry document. Which specific documents you need, and how to apply for them, depends on your situation. Once you are admitted to study at KU Leuven, you will receive specific information and guidance for your situation from our international expert services.