Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Leuven, Belgium • Founded 1425 • QS 2027 #59
Updated May 2026 · Source: kuleuven.be
Overview
Established in 1425, the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Catholic University of Leuven) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Leuven (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Flemish Brabant.
This institution also has branch campuses in Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp. Officially recognized by the Vlaams Ministerie van Onderwijs en Vorming, België (Flemish Ministry of Education and Training of Belgium), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) is a very large-sized coeducational Belgian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 599-year-old Belgian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
KU Leuven also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address, phone, email, and online links for Katholieke Universiteit Leuven are listed below.
Academic Details
The numbers behind Katholieke Universiteit Leuven: student body, academic staff, and recognising bodies.
Academic Structures
The academic units through which Katholieke Universiteit Leuven delivers teaching are listed below.
Unit 14 items
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
- Faculty of Business and Economics
- Faculty of Canon Law
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Theology
- Institute of Philosophy
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Katholieke Universiteit Leuven offers is searchable and grouped by level below.
405 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Belgium
Bachelor's Degree 65 programmes
Showing 10 of 65.
Master's Degree 292 programmes
Showing 10 of 292.
Postgraduate Certificate 48 programmes
Showing 10 of 48.
How to apply to Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
How to apply to Katholieke Universiteit Leuven — a five-step structure.
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Research programmes at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven offers 405 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Each programme at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Lodge your application
Apply directly via Katholieke Universiteit Leuven's online portal at www.kuleuven.be. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +32 (16) 324 311. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Quick answers to common questions about Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.
In what year was Katholieke Universiteit Leuven established?
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven was founded in 1425 (approximately 601 years ago).
Where can I find Katholieke Universiteit Leuven?
The institution is located in Leuven, Belgium.
Is Katholieke Universiteit Leuven public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students does Katholieke Universiteit Leuven have?
The institution has a student body of 45,000-49,999.
How is Katholieke Universiteit Leuven ranked?
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven is ranked QS 2027 #59.
Is Katholieke Universiteit Leuven affiliated with a religion?
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven is associated with Christian-Catholic.
How many faculties does Katholieke Universiteit Leuven have?
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven has 14 academic units.
Is Katholieke Universiteit Leuven accredited?
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven is accredited by Vlaams Ministerie van Onderwijs en Vorming, België.
Where can I learn more about Katholieke Universiteit Leuven?
You can find Katholieke Universiteit Leuven online at www.kuleuven.be.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Members of European University Association (EUA), alongside Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.
Other Belgian Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Other Christian-Catholic-affiliated institutions in Belgium appear below.
Faculties at nearby universities
Universities located near Katholieke Universiteit Leuven are listed below.
Where Else to Study Medicine
Universities in Belgium with Medicine programmes appear below, alongside Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.
Universities Compared with Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
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Studying in Belgium: guides and resources
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