Overview
KU Leuven is renowned for its high academic standards and research excellence, making it the best university in Belgium and one of the top-ranked globally for its academic research.
- Business Administration: This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the global business environment. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, all taught in English. You can learn more about their Business Administration program here.
- Business Engineering: This unique program combines business studies with engineering principles, preparing students for careers that require both managerial and technical expertise. The program is also taught in English, making it accessible to international students. You can learn more about their Business Engineering program here.
Academic Excellence
KU Leuven is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for its research output and academic quality. It is recognized for its contributions to various fields of study and its strong emphasis on innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Limitation
The only drawback of KU Leuven is that it currently offers only two undergraduate programs in English, which are the Business Administration and Business Engineering programs mentioned above. However, the university also provides a wide range of other undergraduate programs in Dutch and French, which you can check out here.
Research Universities vs. Universities of Applied Sciences in Belgium
In Belgium, students can choose between two main types of higher education institutions: research universities and universities of applied sciences. Each offers distinct advantages tailored to different career paths and learning preferences.
Research Universities
- Focus: Research universities in Belgium emphasize theoretical knowledge, academic research, and critical thinking. They offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
- Programs: These institutions typically have an extensive list of programs across various disciplines. They provide opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and are known for their academic rigor.
- Ideal For: Students interested in pursuing careers in research-heavy fields, academia, or those planning to continue their studies with a master's or PhD. Research universities are well-suited for those who enjoy theoretical exploration and long-term academic projects.
- Examples: KU Leuven, University of Ghent, and Université libre de Bruxelles are some of the prominent research universities in Belgium.
Universities of Applied Sciences
- Focus: Universities of applied sciences focus on practical skills and hands-on experience, preparing students directly for the job market. They offer a more practice-oriented curriculum with strong industry ties.
- Programs: Typically, these institutions offer a smaller selection of programs, usually 6-7, that are specifically designed to meet industry needs. The programs often include internships, projects, and direct interaction with professionals.
- Ideal For: Students who prefer a practical approach to learning and aim to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. These institutions are ideal for those looking to develop specific technical skills and gain immediate industry experience.
- Examples: Howest University of Applied Sciences and Thomas More University of Applied Sciences.
Application
For all these universities, the admissions process is quite standard and includes the following steps and requirements:
- Required Documents: Application form, high school transcripts, diploma or provisional certificate of graduation, proof of English language proficiency (usually IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5), and a copy of your passport.
Deadlines and Additional Requirements: The admissions deadline for non-European students is generally May 1st. It is advisable to apply earlier due to potentially lengthy visa processing times at certain Belgian consulates. Some universities may also require a personal statement or "letter of motivation" as part of the application process.
1. What is the duration of undergraduate programs in Belgium?Most undergraduate programs in Belgium are three years long, offering a streamlined path to earning a degree.
2. Who is eligible to apply for universities in Belgium?Students from all educational systems are eligible. There are no SAT or AP requirements. As long as you have completed a 12 or 13-year educational system, you can apply.
3. What are the admission requirements for Belgian universities?While universities may have specific grade requirements, for most institutions, simply graduating from high school is sufficient for admission. Students from the British system should have three A-level subjects with passing marks.
