In short
KU Leuven, established in 1425, is a premier research university in Belgium offering over 100 English-taught programs. It provides a high-quality education rooted in innovation and fosters a vibrant international community across multiple campuses.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1425
- Students
- 62,693
- International students
- 11,000
- Acceptance rate
- 55%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–14k/yr
- Languages
- EN, NL
- Location
- Leuven, Belgium
KU Leuven is a leading European research university located in Belgium, with a rich history dating back to 1425. It is known for its high-quality education and pioneering research across a wide range of disciplines, fostering an international community where driven researchers and curious students collaborate to address contemporary challenges. The university emphasizes innovative research as the foundation for all its study programmes, offering over 100 English-taught programmes across 15 faculties. KU Leuven is dedicated to both fundamental and applied research, contributing to scientific advancements and societal impact through various institutes and collaborations. With multiple campuses across Belgium, including its main hub in Leuven, the university provides a dynamic learning and living environment. It actively participates in international networks and projects, offering students opportunities for global engagement and professional development.
Why study here
- Gain a high-quality education rooted in innovative research at a top-ranked European university.
- Choose from over 100 English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes across diverse fields.
- Join a vibrant international community in a historic and student-friendly city.
- Benefit from interdisciplinary research opportunities and strong links with industry and healthcare.
- Engage in cutting-edge research through various institutes like the Rega Institute for Medical Research and advanced doctoral schools.
Student life
KU Leuven offers a rich student experience. The University Library, with its iconic tower, serves as a central point for study and historical tours. Students can explore various campus facilities, engage in research projects, and participate in a wide range of social and cultural activities. The university encourages an active academic and personal life, with opportunities to connect with peers and faculty, and to engage with the broader community in Leuven and other campus locations.
Fees
InternationalNon-EEA students pay institutional tuition fees ranging from approximately €2,500 for some master's programs to €14,200 per year for programs in medicine and dentistry. EU/EEA students typically pay €1,092–€4,175 depending on program type and load.
HomeBelgian and EU/EEA students pay a registration fee calculated per study point, generally ranging from €1,092 (60 ECTS, reduced) to ~€4,175 (full non-reduced fee).
LivingLiving costs in Leuven average €900–€1,100 per month including student housing, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Scholarship opportunities include the KU Leuven Doctoral Mandate, Erasmus+ grants, and various government-funded scholarships. Fees are invoiced at registration with a two-week payment window.
Admissions
Application Deadline (Non-EEA citizens)March 1, 2026
Application Deadline (EEA citizens and non-EEA citizens with valid Belgian residence permit)June 1, 2026
Application Deadline (Students with recent KU Leuven degree)September 1, 2026
Doctoral Programme (Institute of Philosophy)Research Master of Philosophy from KU Leuven with at least 75% overall, or equivalent higher education degree from abroad with distinction, high-quality scientific publications, or design-oriented achievements.
TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition and Paper Edition)Minimum overall score 79. MyBest scores not accepted.
IELTS Academic (including paper, computer, and online test)Minimum overall score 6.5. IELTS One Skill Retake scores not accepted.
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (C1)Accepted
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) (C2)Accepted
ITACE for studentsC1 or C2 certificate (must be taken in Belgium)
TOEFL (Institute of Philosophy PhD)Minimum overall 100 (no subscore below 20, or equivalent new score scale: Reading 4, Listening 4.5, Speaking 4, Writing 4)
IELTS (Institute of Philosophy PhD)Minimum overall 7.0 (no subscore below 6.0)
ESOL Cambridge (CAE/CPE) (Institute of Philosophy PhD)Minimum overall 185 (no subscore below 169)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2026#60
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025Top 60
Reuters Most Innovative Universities in Europe#1
CWTS Leiden RankingTop European research university
University scholarships
Postdoctoral Mandates (PDM)—
Research Professorships (BOFZAP)—
Short Term IOF Valorization Trajectories—
Accreditation
KU Leuven is recognized by the Flemish government and is a member of prominent international networks like LERU, EUCEN, EADTU, and Coimbra Group, and is part of the European University Alliance UNA Europa.
Programs
a selectionKU Leuven · Belgium
Bachelor of Arts in European Studies
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.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
KU Leuven · Belgium
Bachelor of Business Administration
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at KU Leuven prepares you for the dynamic global business environment. This three-year program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, focusing on core business concepts within social, legal, and political frameworks. You'll learn to navigate market changes, understand complex operations, and develop strategic decision-making skills. The curriculum emphasizes entrepreneurship, teamwork, professional communication, and time management through case studies, business games, and a potential internship. All courses are taught in English, enhancing your language proficiency and preparing you for international careers.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
KU Leuven · Belgium
Bachelor of Engineering Technology
This Bachelor of Engineering Technology programme equips you with the skills to critically and methodically address technological challenges. You will build a strong scientific foundation and gain practical experience through labs, projects, and real-world problems. The curriculum focuses on four key pillars: Engineers and Science, Engineers and Technology, Engineers and the World, and Engineering Experiences. You will develop essential engineering skills alongside an entrepreneurial mindset, preparing you for a rapidly changing world. The programme is taught entirely in English and allows you to specialize in areas like Chemical, Electromechanical, or Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology. It is designed for students who are fascinated by how things work, enjoy problem-solving, and are eager to apply scientific knowledge to create better solutions.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
KU Leuven · Belgium
Bachelor of Science in Bioscience Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Bioscience Engineering focuses on biological processes and the mechanisms found in nature. You will explore plant and animal environments, and the production of high-quality, sustainable food within an ecological, green, and liveable world. This program equips you with scientific knowledge and a hands-on approach to make the world more sustainable, greener, and liveable. You will gain a broad scientific foundation in biology, engineering sciences (mathematics, chemistry, physics), and an understanding of societal aspects like sustainability and entrepreneurship.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
KU Leuven · Belgium
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration provides a comprehensive foundation in business principles, preparing students for a variety of roles in the global marketplace. The program emphasizes a strong understanding of core business functions, analytical skills, and strategic thinking. Admission is competitive and based on demonstrated readiness to succeed in the program. Applicants must meet general higher education access requirements in their home country, along with specific English and Mathematics proficiency standards.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
KU Leuven · Belgium
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance
This Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree is a prestigious, EU-funded program designed for aspiring professionals in public sector innovation and eGovernance. It addresses the growing need for experts who can bridge public administration with information systems and digital technologies. The program is jointly organized by KU Leuven (Belgium), the University of Münster (Germany), and Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia), offering a unique interdisciplinary and international learning experience across three European countries. You will gain specialized competencies to drive the modernization and innovation of public services by understanding both the technological potential and the unique organizational, cultural, and social aspects of the public sector.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Belgiumpartial fundingKU Leuven
KU Leuven ASEAN Scholarship
For students from ASEAN member countries applying for an eligible master's programme at KU Leuven, with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based; you apply for it in connection with your master's admission to KU Leuven, by the relevant deadline.
partial
Funding
€30k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingVLIR-UOS (Flemish Interuniversity Council – University Development Cooperation)
VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships
For students from a defined list of developing countries applying to one of the eligible International Course Programmes (ICP) master's at Flemish (Belgian) universities and university colleges. Applicants usually need relevant academic and/or professional background and apply directly to the chosen ICP programme.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingGhent University (funded by the Government of Flanders)
Ghent University Master Mind Scholarship
Open to incoming international master's students of all nationalities at Ghent University who hold a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 and can provide evidence of English language proficiency. A bank statement is not required for the visa application. The scholarship is funded by the Government of Flanders and is awarded to top international applicants enrolling in an English-taught master's programme.
partial
Funding
€10k
Max
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingKU Leuven — Faculty of Science
Science@Leuven Scholarship
For international students with a strong academic record who are admitted to a master's programme in the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven. The scholarship is awarded at several levels (full and partial) and is renewable for the second year only if the holder passes all credits and maintains the required academic results.
partial
Funding
€10k
Max
Feb 15, 2027
Deadline
full fundingFlemish Ministry of Education and Training
Master Mind Scholarships (Flanders, Belgium)
Open to international students of all nationalities applying to a Master's programme at a participating Flemish university or university college in Belgium. Applicants must hold a strong academic record, meet the English language requirement through IELTS, TOEFL, or a university exemption letter, and apply to the host institution before its internal deadline. The host university preselects candidates and submits the complete application through the Mobility-Online portal; late submissions are not accepted.
full
Funding
€10k
Max
Apr 27, 2027
Deadline
full fundingGovernment of Flanders (Flemish Ministry of Education and Training)
Government of Flanders Master Mind Scholarships
Open to international students of all nationalities except Russian nationals, who must apply through a participating Flemish host institution rather than directly. Candidates need strong academic performance (typically a GPA around 3.5 out of 4.0) and English proficiency of at least IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 94 (lower for Schools of Arts). Previous degrees must be obtained outside Flanders, and each applicant can be nominated by only one Flemish institution.
full
Funding
€10k
Max
Apr 28, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at KU Leuven?
+
Non-EEA students can expect institutional tuition fees ranging from approximately €2,500 for some master's programs to €14,200 per year for medicine and dentistry programs. EU/EEA students generally pay between €1,092 and €4,175.
Does KU Leuven offer programs taught in English?
+
Yes, KU Leuven offers over 100 English-taught programs across its 15 faculties, making it accessible for international students seeking higher education in Belgium.
What are the general admission requirements for English-taught programs?
+
While specific program requirements vary, international applicants usually need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like TOEFL iBT (minimum 79) or IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5). The application deadlines differ for EEA and non-EEA citizens.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Leuven?
+
Students living in Leuven should budget approximately €900–€1,100 per month. This typically covers accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
What is KU Leuven known for?
+
KU Leuven is recognized as a leading European research university, founded in 1425, and is particularly renowned for its innovative research, high-quality education, and strong international community.
Last updated