QS World Ranking
#42
Acceptance Rate
60%
Annual Tuition (USD)
$2,500
On-Campus Housing
Available
Application Deadline
March 1
via Direct
Student Body
Total Enrollment
64,000
students
International Students
20%
US % data not publicly reported
Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.
Why This School
Belgium's top research university, Europe's most prolific patent filer, in a charming medieval city.
QS Subject Rankings 2025
Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject
Notes for US Students
Belgium's top university. Leuven is a charming university town 20 min from Brussels. Many English programs.
Admission Criteria
Key requirements for US students applying to KU Leuven
Acceptance Rate
60%
Less selective
Application System
Direct
Deadline
March 1
Instruction Language
English/Dutch
School Type
Public
Annual Tuition
$2,500
Requirements Checklist for US Applicants
- Apply directly via KU Leuven portal by March 1
- High school diploma
- IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ for English master's programs
- Many bachelor's programs in Dutch; master's widely available in English
- Motivation letter required for most programs
- Strong academic record across all subjects
Class Size
Academic Calendar
Exam periods in January and June.
Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.
Admission Details
- Language of Instruction
- English/Dutch
- Estimated Annual Tuition
- ~$2,500 / year
- Application Deadline
- March 1
- Application System
- Direct
- School Type
- Public
- Acceptance Rate
- 60%
Programs Offered
Scholarships to Explore
- ✓KU Leuven University Scholarship
- ✓VLIR-UOS Scholarship
Cost of Living — Leuven, Belgium
Moderate CostEstimated monthly total
$1,270
vs. avg US college student
33% cheaper
US avg ~$1,900/mo
Leuven is a classic Belgian university town — affordable, charming, and 20 min from Brussels. Belgium has excellent public transit.
Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.
About Studying at KU Leuven as a US Student
KU Leuven is located in Leuven, Belgium and is ranked #42in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Medicine, Engineering, Sciences, Law, Arts & Humanities, and more. Instruction is offered in English/Dutch. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$2,500 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 60%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of March 1. Scholarships available include the KU Leuven University Scholarship.