Catholic University of Leuven
Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven) is a Catholic research university in the city of Leuven, Belgium. It is the largest university in Belgium and the Low Countries, with over 65,000 students enrolled.
The Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven) is the oldest and largest university in Belgium, founded in 1425 by Pope Martin V. It is one of the leading research universities in Europe, with over 10,000 researchers working on a wide range of projects. KU Leuven is also a member of the Coimbra Group, a network of leading European universities.
In 1834, the Catholic University of Malines was established and transferred into the buildings of the University of Leuven, which had been founded in 1425. The university's first mission was to train managers of the new state and of a society experiencing an industrial and cultural revolution.
KU Leuven has a long history of academic excellence and has produced many notable alumni, including five Nobel laureates. The university is known for its strong international focus, with over 20% of its students coming from outside Belgium. KU Leuven also has partnerships with universities all over the world.
During World War I, the city of Leuven was destroyed by the German army, and the university library was burned to the ground. However, the university was rebuilt after the war and continued to grow and develop.
KU Leuven is a vibrant and diverse university community. It is located in the city of Leuven, which is known for its historic center and lively student life. Leuven is also well-connected to other major cities in Belgium and Europe. Over 20% of its students are international, and it has partnerships with universities all over the world. KU Leuven is also a member of the Coimbra Group, a network of leading European universities.
Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, Catholic University of Leuven is positioned as the #63 top university in the world, which makes it the #1 top university in Belgium. The university's global rank decreased by 2 points from last year.
University Profile
Get a quick snapshot of the university's key details.
| 2025 Ranking | #63 #1 |
|---|---|
| University Name | Catholic University of Leuven |
| Name in Local Language | Katholieke Universiteit Leuven |
| Acronym | KUL |
| Year Established | 1425 |
| Motto | Sedes Sapientiae |
| Motto in English | Seat of Wisdom |
| Governing Type | Public |
| Student Body | Co-education |
| Highest Degree | Doctorate |
| Religious Affiliation | Christianity (Catholic) |
| Campus Type | Urban |
| Colors | Blue and White |
Location
The university is located in Leuven. Find the address and map of the university below.
| Address | Oude Markt 13, Leuven, Belgium |
|---|---|
Contact
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| Phone | +32 16 32 40 10 |
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| Website |
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| Click here to send email | |
| More Links |
Admission Info
The admission process at KU Leuven varies by program and level of study. International applicants are required to submit academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS scores), and program-specific documents, including recommendation letters or personal statements. For certain fields, additional entrance exams or interviews may be required. The university's international office provides comprehensive guidance to ensure a smooth application process for international students.
| Accepts International Students | Yes |
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Scholarship and Financial Aids
KU Leuven offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options for both domestic and international students. The Global Minds PhD Scholarship Program and the Science@Leuven Scholarships are designed to attract talented international students. Additionally, the Erasmus+ program and other European funding initiatives provide financial support for exchange students and those pursuing higher education in Belgium. Scholarships are often merit-based, and need-based options are also available to make education accessible for all students.
Programs and Courses
Get a quick overview of programs and courses offered at this university.
| Bachelor's Degrees | Master's Degrees | Doctorate Degrees | Diplomas | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arts & Humanities | n/a | |||
| Business & Social Sciences | n/a | |||
| Engineering | n/a | n/a | ||
| Language & Cultural Studies | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medicine & Health | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Science & Technology | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.
View Course ListGlobal Ranking History
The following chart shows how the global ranking of this university has changed over the last 5 years.