Since 1425, scientists here have been relentlessly searching for answers to the questions both large and small that have captivated humankind. Yet every answer reveals a new question, one discovery following upon another. It is what drives us: pushing the boundaries of science milestone after milestone, inspiring students and applying this acquired knowledge to the world around us.
KU Leuven offers various types of programs, including bachelor’s and (advanced) master’s programs, continuing education courses, and bridging programs.
Education is organized by 15 faculties, divided into three groups.
KU Leuven provides a stimulating home for all types of research, from fundamental to applied, and from individual research projects to large-scale, international research consortia.
KU Leuven Career Zone is the online job platform for KU Leuven students and recent graduates. Students can search for entry-level jobs and student jobs, internships and volunteer work, and career events. Student associations and faculties often offer specific internships and entry-level jobs. They also provide lots of information on opportunities after graduation, career paths and the alumni network.
Student services includes a number of different counselling services whose objective is to promote the social, physical, mental and financial well-being of all students.
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 specialties 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
Housing options for students at KU Leuven depend on the city where you will be studying and when you begin your search. In Leuven, the primary choice is between private housing and University residences. Most students choose to rent a student room (a ‘kot’ in Dutch) in a privately-owned house with shared common spaces and facilities.
The University owns and manages a number of student residences in Leuven, with a limited number of rooms reserved for international students.
Students in Brussel, Ghent and Antwerp need to find housing on the private market. Stuvo housing advisors can help students get a sense of the available housing stock in each of these cities.
The twenty-three KU Leuven libraries preserve top collections, manage inspiring learning centres, and offer an extensive list of services to researchers, teachers, students, and external visitors.
The general practitioners at the Student Health Center are there to provide answers to all your health-related questions and problems. They are especially trained in common student problems.
Since its foundation, KU Leuven has been located in the city of Leuven in the region of Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. Leuven is a modern, bustling, and safe student city with a long and rich history. The city’s beautiful, charming centre, which dates from the Middle Ages, is punctuated with stately colleges and historic buildings constructed over centuries by and for the university. Cultural and recreational opportunities abound.
Most of our English-language programmes are taught in Leuven, but you can also follow English-language programmes in Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, Geel and De Nayer.
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. The majority of them are students, although staff members, recreational sports enthusiasts, elite athletes, pensioners, para athletes and families also feel right at home at the sports campus. There is a fintess center, a swimming pool, ...
There is a wide network of student associations at KU Leuven. LOKO, the student body council, acts as a representative of all students and student unions of the KU Leuven in all organs deciding on policies ranging from social issues to education. In this extend, LOKO is able to contribute to all the policies in order to make sure that the interests of the students are protected and that important issues are resolved quickly. Within LOKO, three departments are dealing with Sport, Culture and International matters. Next to LOKO, a whole range of student faculty unions exist representing students towards the different faculties.
The Faculty of Economics and Business achieved the EQUIS accreditation after an extensive accreditation process.
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 2 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | 50 | 48 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By TopUniversities
Climbed 1 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 63 | 60 | 59 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 43 | 46 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 78 | 76 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Based on 100 reviews
Studying for a bachelor's degree in European Studies at KU Leuven is not just an intercultural experience, it is genuinely mind-blowing. Right from the start, you have the freedom to choose where to begin your journey, with four universities across four different countries to pick from for your first year. Then, in the second year, the possibilities expand even further, with fourteen options across Europe to follow your chosen major. Finally, for your last year, you can choose again from four universities to complete your degree. I personally started my journey at the Universidad Complutense in Madrid, and honestly, it was the perfect place to begin. Madrid offers an incredible student life, with such a social environment, the best food, and always something going on. The vibe there is just amazing, and it was the ideal introduction to this whole adventure. Then, in my second year, I moved to the University of Bologna in Italy to follow my major in international relations and politics. Studying at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world was an incredible experience, not just academically but also because Bologna itself is such a vibrant student town with amazing food, rich architecture, and so much life. If you are there in June or early September, you even get to enjoy the tail end of the Italian summer, which is just unforgettable. In my final year, I returned to KU Leuven in Belgium, where i sent my application to. Graduating there gave me amazing opportunities thanks to its location right in the heart of Europe, surrounded by international organisations where I could eventually work in my field. Like Madrid and Bologna, Leuven is a true student town, with rich architecture, so much nightlife and culture, and you basically live just minutes away from all your friends, with house parties, weekend trips, and good food everywhere. Throughout these three years, you get to truly connect with a multicultural environment, open your mind, and push your limits, all while studying at different universities and learning a second language as you immerse yourself in the European studies field and the better part, is super affordable, European students only pay 2000� per year. In the first year, you get a broad foundation with ten compulsory courses covering law, psychology, economics, international relations, sociology, philosophy, marketing, and media, so you really get to experience a bit of everything before specialising. The environment, the people, everything is amazing. You end up making friends with people from the most diverse backgrounds, people who are always up for a trip and who have so much knowledge about the world, all contributing to this incredibly multicultural environment. I truly believe I studied in the most amazing university and program in the world, where I connected with and made friends from all over the globe, and I could not recommend it more.
Very good support along the trajectory, exams well spaced out, great and a lot of facilities. And also close to my home! in Leuven, faculties spread across the entire city centre, it is a true student experience. Everyone close to one another, makes it something different.
As a student of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at KU Leuven's Brussels campus, my experience has been both enriching and challenging. The programme offers a robust curriculum that provides in-depth insights into various facets of business, including economics, management, and entrepreneurship. The courses are well-structured and delivered by experienced faculty members, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. However, it's important to note that the Flemish examination system differs significantly from the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge systems. In the Flemish system, assessments are predominantly based on final exams, with limited emphasis on continuous assessment. This structure may require international students to adapt their study habits and time management strategies to align with the local academic expectations. The programme is rigorous and demanding, necessitating consistent effort throughout the academic year. Success hinges on maintaining steady progress and dedicating sufficient time to study, as exams typically constitute the majority of the final grade. This approach may be a shift for students accustomed to more continuous forms of assessment. Despite these challenges, KU Leuven's BBA programme offers a high-quality education that is globally recognised. The university consistently ranks among the top institutions in Europe and the world, with notable alumni holding prominent positions across various sectors. For instance, Herman Daems, a KU Leuven alumnus, serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at BNP Paribas Fortis and has been a professor at KU Leuven. Additionally, Luc Sels, another alumnus, has held the position of Rector at KU Leuven, demonstrating the calibre of leadership the institution fosters. Considering its academic rigour, international recognition, and the success of its alumni, I would recommend the KU Leuven BBA programme to prospective students. While the transition to the Flemish examination system may require some adjustment, the quality of education and the opportunities it presents make it a worthwhile endeavour for those committed to pursuing a business career.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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