Verified

University of Leuven Catolic

The University of Leuven, often referred to as KU Leuven, is a prestigious research university located in Leuven, Belgium. Founded in 1425, it is one of the oldest universities in the world and consistently ranks among the world's top universities. KU Leuven is renowned for its academic excellence, innovative research, and commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. With a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across a variety of disciplines, the university attracts students and scholars from around the world. The historic campus, vibrant student life, and strong international partnerships contribute to the university's reputation as a leading institution of higher education.

Belgium, Leuven
The university is located in the historical center of Leuven, 30 km from the capital.
Acceptance rate - 73%
Number of students - 65,189 Number of students - 65,189
International students - 22% International students - 22%
Apply
#61 in the World QS World University Rankings 2024
#45 in the World Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
#50 Best Global Universities Rankings U.S. News & World Report 2023

Quick Facts

The university is located in the historical center of Leuven, 30 km from the capital. The university is located in the historical center of Leuven, 30 km from the capital.
Acceptance rate - 73% Acceptance rate - 73%
Number of students - 65,189 Number of students - 65,189
International students - 22% International students - 22%

About University

The University of Leuven, known as KU Leuven, is a beacon of academic excellence and innovation in Belgium and beyond. Founded in 1425, it is one of the oldest universities in the world. Throughout its rich history, KU Leuven has continually evolved, embracing modernity while maintaining a tradition of scientific inquiry and intellectual exploration. Comprising numerous faculties and research institutes, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes covering a variety of fields, including the humanities, natural sciences, engineering, medicine and social sciences. The university’s commitment to cutting-edge scientific research is demonstrated by numerous groundbreaking discoveries and contributions to global knowledge.
At KU Leuven, students not only receive a world-class education, but are also immersed in a vibrant and inclusive academic community. The university’s historic campus, located in the heart of Leuven, provides an inspiring backdrop for learning and collaboration. State-of-the-art facilities, research centres and libraries provide students with access to resources that enable them to excel in their studies and research. In addition, KU Leuven’s international outlook is reflected in its diverse student body and strong network of global partnerships that foster intercultural understanding and collaboration. As a pioneer in education and research, the University of Leuven continues to shape the future through its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and societal impact.

Academic Programs

Taught in English

Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB)

2+ programs
Bachelor of Business Engineering (Brussels et al) Bachelor of Business Administration (Brussels)

Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies

1+ programs
Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies (Leuven)

Faculty of Social Sciences

1+ programs
Bachelor of European Studies (Leuven et al)

Faculty of Engineering Technology

1+ programs
Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Leuven)

Institute of Philosophy

1+ programs
Bachelor of Philosophy

Intakes & Deadlines

Available intake periods for application

Closed

Fall 2025

Fall 2025

Deadline: 01 May, 2025
Open

Fall 2026

Fall 2026

Deadline: 01 May, 2026

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

Basic Requirements

Motivation Letter Required

English Language Level

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL iBT

79

How to Enroll

Follow these steps to apply University of Leuven Catolic

1

Register in the web application

To start applying to KU Leuven, log in to the web application via your browser and fill in your personal data (personal details, addresses, study plans and languages). Fields marked with * are mandatory. After saving your data, return to the main page (button "<" at the top of the page) and check that each section is complete. Login to web application

2

Adding a request

Add an application by clicking the "+" button in the "Applications" section on the main page of the web application. Select program type Select an academic year Select a specific program using the search tool Please fill in all additional information requested. Save the data

3

Loading attachments

After saving your application, you must upload all required documents as attachments in the "Documents" section. The documents requested depend on your status and the program you applied to. Upload a file for each document type by selecting the arrow button on the right. Note that you can only upload files in PDF or JPG format.

4

Payment of application fee

An application fee of 90 EUR (excluding any bank transfer fees) will be charged for each application submitted. This amount is non-refundable. The application fee can be paid via 1. Online payment by credit card in the web application (tab "Application fee"). If you pay the fee by credit card, there is no need to upload proof of payment; the system will automatically record the fact of payment. 2. Bank transfer When paying by bank transfer, please upload a detailed proof of payment indicating the account holder's name and account details to the application file (attachment type: "Proof of payment of the application fee").

5

Waiting for results

The approval process consists of several steps and takes some time, approximately four to eight weeks.

6

Receiving an Admission Letter

If you are accepted unconditionally or on completion-only terms, you will immediately receive an admission letter by email and the status of your application will change to &quot;Admission letter uploaded&quot;.

7

Registration

Please note that having an admission letter does not mean that you are automatically registered! The registration process includes a mandatory verification of your previous degree(s). For more information on how to register for the training program (please note that there are specific dates and procedures), please visit the following web page .

8

Obtaining a visa

Once you have received official permission to study at KU Leuven, you can start applying for a visa. The application process depends on your type of registration at KU Leuven. Please note that embassies/consulates only accept acceptance letters or invitations issued by either the admissions office or the human resources department of KU Leuven. According to Belgian immigration law, most non-EEA nationals must obtain a visa before travelling to Belgium. This visa ensures that you have the appropriate permission to enter Belgium. You can apply for a visa at a Belgian consular office in the country where you are legally residing (for more than 90 days). In some countries, a visa application centre, such as VFS Global and TLS, will handle the Belgian visa application process.

9

Preparing for departure

Preparing for departure includes booking tickets and accommodation, medical preparation, collecting necessary documents, financial preparation, packing luggage, learning local rules and customs, and familiarizing yourself with transportation.

Cost of Study

Full breakdown of tuition and living costs

Annual tuition fee
$1,536/year
Includes academic materials
Accommodation (per year)
$8,623/year
Transport (per year)
$420/year
Nutrition (per year)
$3,233/year
Telecommunications (per year)
$200/year

Campus Life

Facilities and student experience

• From Nayer Campus

World-class facility

• Yellow Campus

World-class facility

• Antwerp Campus

World-class facility

• Brussels Campus

World-class facility

• Ghent Campus

World-class facility

• Leuven Campus

World-class facility