Université Catholique de Louvain
Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium • Founded 1425 • World Rank #485
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1425, the Université Catholique de Louvain (Catholic University of Louvain) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Louvain-la-Neuve (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Walloon Brabant.
This institution also has branch campuses in Brussels Woluwe, Mons, Tournai, Brussels Saint-Gilles and Charleroi. Officially recognized by the Direction générale de l'Enseignement non obligatoire et de la Recherche scientifique, Belgique (Directorate General for Non-Compulsory Education and Scientific Research), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) is a large-sized coeducational Belgian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. This 599-year-old Belgian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
UCLouvain 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
Université Catholique de Louvain's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for Université Catholique de Louvain — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Academic Structures
Below: how Université Catholique de Louvain organises its faculties and constituent units. Distance learning programmes often sit in a separate division from on-campus teaching, with different administration.
Unit 14 items
- Faculty of Architecture, Architectural Engineering and Urban Planning
- Faculty of Biological, Agricultural and Environmental Engineering
- Faculty of Economic, Social and Political Sciences and Communication
- Faculty of Law and Criminology
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
- Faculty of Motor Sciences
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
- Faculty of Public Health
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Theology
- Faculty of philosophy, arts and letters
- Louvain School of Engineering
- Louvain School of Management
Programs Offered
Search and filter Université Catholique de Louvain's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
192 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Belgium
Bachelor's Degree 29 programmes
Showing 10 of 29.
Master's Degree 140 programmes
Showing 10 of 140.
Doctorate 23 programmes
Showing 10 of 23.
How to apply to Université Catholique de Louvain
Practical steps to apply to Université Catholique de Louvain, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
-
1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Use the programme finder to browse Université Catholique de Louvain's 192 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
-
2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Programme-level requirements at Université Catholique de Louvain typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
-
3
Assemble your application package
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
-
4
Submit your application
Université Catholique de Louvain processes applications through uclouvain.be. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
-
5
Contact admissions and follow up
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +32 (10) 472 111. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Université Catholique de Louvain
Quick reference for Université Catholique de Louvain: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
In what year was Université Catholique de Louvain established?
Université Catholique de Louvain was founded in 1425 (approximately 601 years ago).
Where can I find Université Catholique de Louvain?
The institution is located in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
Is Université Catholique de Louvain public or private?
Université Catholique de Louvain is a private institution.
How many students does Université Catholique de Louvain have?
The institution has a student body of 20,000-24,999.
What is Université Catholique de Louvain's ranking?
Université Catholique de Louvain holds rank #485 globally and #4 in Belgium.
What is Université Catholique de Louvain's religious tradition?
Yes, Université Catholique de Louvain is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.
What is Université Catholique de Louvain's academic structure?
The institution comprises 14 academic units.
Is Université Catholique de Louvain accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Direction générale de l'Enseignement non obligatoire et de la Recherche scientifique, Belgique.
What is Université Catholique de Louvain's official website?
The institution's website is uclouvain.be.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Coordination on academic calendars among European University Association (EUA) members eases exchange programme logistics. Aligned terms reduce timing friction when moving between Université Catholique de Louvain and other members.
Other Belgian Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Prayer and worship space provision is generally a baseline at Christian-Catholic universities. The peers below typically maintain dedicated spaces alongside academic facilities.
Faculties at nearby universities
If Université Catholique de Louvain's location appeals to you, these nearby universities offer comparable environments and academic breadth. Local clusters tend to share cultural, linguistic, and employment context, which can matter as much as institutional choice itself.
Where Else to Study Communication Studies
Capstone projects versus dissertation requirements differ across Communication Studies programmes. The output type (project, thesis, portfolio) affects what you can show graduate schools or employers afterward.
Universities Compared with Université Catholique de Louvain
Students applying to Université Catholique de Louvain often shortlist similar institutions of comparable scale, prestige, and academic depth. These universities frequently appear alongside Université Catholique de Louvain on application lists, useful for hedging or for direct head-to-head comparison.
Studying in Belgium: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
