KU LEUVEN · BELGIUM
Bachelor of Arts in European Studies
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Study across up to three leading European universities.International Mobility
- Gain a multidisciplinary foundation in Politics, Law, Economics, History, and Philosophy.Core Curriculum
- Specialize in a chosen discipline in your second year.Specialization Options
- Develop intercultural and analytical skills for a global career.Skill Development
- Graduate with a diploma certified by four start universities.Joint Degree
- #43 in Times Higher Education World University Ranking (KU Leuven).University Ranking
The Bachelor of Arts in European Studies (BAES) is a unique, multidisciplinary program designed to help you understand and experience Europe from various perspectives, including politics, law, history, economics, and culture. This joint degree, developed by the Una Europa alliance of leading European universities, emphasizes international mobility, requiring students to study at a minimum of two different universities across three years. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of Europe's complexities and its role in the world.
Curriculum
The program features a common curriculum in the first year, followed by a specialization in the second year, and a final year for thesis research and additional courses. Mandatory mobility ensures you experience diverse academic and cultural environments.
- Year 1 (Truncus Communis)
- Courses on the European Union
- European History and Culture
- Introduction to Politics
- Introduction to Law
- Introduction to Economics
- Introduction to History
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Academic and Research Skills
- Year 2 (Specialization)
- Major Specialisation (60 ECTS) in one of the following fields:
- Law
- Politics and International Relations
- Sociology, Communication and Education
- Business and Economics
- Philosophy
- History
- Languages and Culture
- Multidisciplinary Specializations (e.g., Politics and Law)
- Year 3
- Bachelor Thesis Research
- Minor Courses (18 ECTS)
- Additional courses for Truncus Communis completion
Careers
The BAES program prepares graduates for a variety of roles related to European affairs, international organizations, policy-making, and cultural exchange. The multidisciplinary approach and international experience are highly valued in the global job market.
- International Organizations
- Diplomacy
- Policy Analysis
- Cultural Exchange
- International Business
- Research
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in European Studies?
- You need a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, or a TOEFL iBT score of 79 overall. Cambridge English tests (CAE/CPE) or ITACE (in Belgium) are also accepted.
- How long does the Bachelor of Arts in European Studies program take to complete?
- The Bachelor of Arts in European Studies is a three-year program. It includes a common curriculum in the first year, a specialization in the second, and thesis research in the third.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees are set for the duration of the program and paid centrally via KU Leuven. The exact amount depends on your specific program and nationality, so please check the tuition fee calculator.
- What kind of careers can I pursue after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles in International Organizations, Diplomacy, Policy Analysis, Cultural Exchange, International Business, and Research.
- What is the application deadline for the BAES program?
- The application deadline for non-EEA citizens is March 1, 2026, and for EEA/Belgian permit holders, it is June 1, 2026. Applications open on October 16, 2025.
- What academic qualifications are required to apply?
- Applicants must hold a High School Diploma or equivalent and meet the minimum eligibility criteria outlined in the official admission requirements. Prior knowledge of European studies is not required.
Entry requirements
High School Diploma or equivalentMust meet minimum eligibility criteria. Specific requirements are detailed in the official admission requirements.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall
TOEFL iBT79 overall
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (C1)
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) (C2)
ITACE C1 or C2 (only in Belgium)
Applicants must possess a strong motivation to understand Europe's role in the world. Prior knowledge of European studies is not required. Candidates should be adaptable, mature, and independent to thrive in international study environments. Specific program requirements or sub-scores may be higher than the general minimums; check official admission requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees are jointly determined by participating universities and paid centrally via KU Leuven. Check the tuition fee calculator for the exact amount as it depends on your specific program and nationality.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees are jointly determined by participating universities and paid centrally via KU Leuven. Check the tuition fee calculator for the exact amount as it depends on your specific program and nationality.
LivingStudy costs include yearly tuition fees and degree-specific costs. Living and transportation expenses should also be considered, especially due to mandatory mobility between countries. Consult cost of living information for Belgium and partner university countries.
Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of the program. Erasmus+ grants may partially support mobility costs.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsReview the official and current admission requirements for the BAES program. Pay attention to both academic and language prerequisites.
2. Check Application DeadlinesBe aware of the strict application deadlines for the 2026-2027 academic year, which vary for EEA and non-EEA citizens.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit your application online through the KU Leuven application portal. Ensure all required documents are included.
4. Selection ProcessApplications meeting minimum criteria will be considered for the admissions selection process.
5. RegistrationUpon acceptance, follow the registration procedures. Tuition fees are paid centrally via KU Leuven.
Scholarships
KU Leuven ScholarshipsVaries
Accreditation
The BAES is a joint degree program of the Una Europa alliance, with diplomas certified by KU Leuven, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and Uniwersytet Jagiellonski w Krakowie.
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in European Studies?
+
You need a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, or a TOEFL iBT score of 79 overall. Cambridge English tests (CAE/CPE) or ITACE (in Belgium) are also accepted.
How long does the Bachelor of Arts in European Studies program take to complete?
+
The Bachelor of Arts in European Studies is a three-year program. It includes a common curriculum in the first year, a specialization in the second, and thesis research in the third.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees are set for the duration of the program and paid centrally via KU Leuven. The exact amount depends on your specific program and nationality, so please check the tuition fee calculator.
What kind of careers can I pursue after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles in International Organizations, Diplomacy, Policy Analysis, Cultural Exchange, International Business, and Research.
What is the application deadline for the BAES program?
+
The application deadline for non-EEA citizens is March 1, 2026, and for EEA/Belgian permit holders, it is June 1, 2026. Applications open on October 16, 2025.
What academic qualifications are required to apply?
+
Applicants must hold a High School Diploma or equivalent and meet the minimum eligibility criteria outlined in the official admission requirements. Prior knowledge of European studies is not required.