Belgium Study Guide: Application, Rankings, and Fees for Université catholique de Louvain

At Grove Education, we will explore the historical background of Université catholique de Louvain, analyse its rankings and advantages, and provide a comprehensive overview of the tuition fees and application process, helping you navigate the key elements to successfully embark on your study journey at UCLouvain.  

Founded in 1425, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) is one of the oldest Catholic universities in Europe. The university comprises seven campuses and 20 faculties, covering three major domains: humanities, sciences and technology, and health sciences, offering over 400 bachelor’s and master’s programmes [1] [2]. 

International students often confuse UCLouvain with KU Leuven. Since 1968, the two institutions have operated independently due to language differences. UCLouvain primarily conducts its teaching in French, with its main campus located in Louvain-la-Neuve [3]. 

Source: UCLouvain

According to the latest international rankings, UCLouvain is ranked 191st in the QS World University Rankings and 76th in Europe [4]. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings places it at 184th globally [5], while the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) consistently keeps it within the 201-300 range [6]. 

As the top-ranked university in the Francophone region of Belgium, UCLouvain boasts an excellent campus environment, comprehensive student support, and robust research capabilities, with nearly 500 exchange and internship opportunities connecting students to the global job market. Courses integrate digital technologies and emphasise multilingual and interdisciplinary learning, enhancing students' competitiveness [2]. 

UCLouvain's top-ranked programmes are highly sought after and well-resourced, including departments such as Theology and Religious Studies, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Economics and Econometrics. However, competition for these programmes tends to be quite intense. Candidates may also consider UCLouvain's top five disciplines in the QS rankings as a basis for their applications:[7] 

Tuition fees for public universities in Belgium are relatively affordable compared to those in countries such as the UK, the US, and Australia, though adjustments have been made in recent years for non-EU students. The latest fee structure for UCLouvain is as follows: 

Source: UCLouvain 

To apply to UCLouvain, applicants must use the official online admissions system. However, those seeking a degree in Business Engineering must submit their applications through the KU Leuven admissions platform and must meet different entry requirements. 

For bachelor’s degree programmes, UCLouvain requires that non-EU applicants do not hold a bachelor's degree (a bachelor's degree is required for master's applications), and their secondary school diploma must be obtained within three academic years prior to application, with an average score of at least 13/20. The final educational qualification must also be recognised by the French Community of Belgium's Ministry of Education (FWB).[9] 

UCLouvain does not have a uniform English proficiency benchmark; most courses only require students to possess a "basic" or "good" level of English.[10] Specifically, the Business Engineering programme requires a minimum score of IELTS 6.5 (with no sub-score below 6) or TOEFL 90 (with no sub-score below 20).[11] For programmes taught in French, a minimum B2 level is required. 

To apply for a master’s degree at UCLouvain, applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from a university in the French-speaking region of Belgium in the same field, or an equivalent qualification from a foreign university. The university may require supplementary preparatory courses based on the credits and course content of the degree. 

If students hold a master's or doctoral degree from the French-speaking region of Belgium, their previous academic average must have been at least 13/20, and their secondary education must have been completed no more than ten years ago. A motivation letter is also required.[9] 

UCLouvain's master's courses are predominantly taught in French, necessitating a minimum B2 level of French proficiency from students; some English-taught courses may also require a B2 level.[12] 

Source: UCLouvain 

With UCLouvain consistently ranking in the global top 200, it is essential to note the entry thresholds and quota restrictions for non-EU bachelor’s applicants. Additionally, UCLouvain's tuition fees are relatively affordable compared to those in Europe and North America, making it an ideal choice for studying in Europe. If you have any questions regarding the application thresholds for UCLouvain, please contact Grove Education. We provide comprehensive application consultation, document preparation, and application guidance to help you assess your study conditions! 

References 

1. UCLouvain - Our faculties 

2. UCLouvain - Why study at UCLouvain? 

3. UCLouvain - Our history 

4. QS TopUniversities - QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities 

5. Times Higher Education - World University Rankings 2026 

6. Shanghai Ranking - 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities 

7. QS TopUniversities - Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) 

8. UCLouvain - The amount of tuition fees 

9. UCLouvain - What are your course admission requirements? 

10. UCLouvain - Bachelor's courses in English/Dutch & activities in other languages in 2025-2026 

11. UCLouvain - Bachelor of Science in Business Engineering 

12. UCLouvain - Languages of instruction 

13. UCLouvain - Application deadlines 

14. UCLouvain - Required documents 

15. UCLouvain - Examen d'admission au programme de bachelier ingénieur civil 

16. UCLouvain - Limited enrolment courses 

17. UCLouvain - International student applications