Application strategy
The biggest gate for international applicants is language: undergraduate study is in French and typically requires a recognised French proficiency certificate (e.g. DALF/TCF) plus a secondary diploma equivalence. English-taught master's (notably at LSM, EPL, ISBA and some science programmes) are the realistic entry point for non-Francophones — apply directly to the programme and check English requirements (IELTS/TOEFL). IB and A-Levels are accepted with equivalence assessment; AP credit is not a standard pathway. Tuition is low, so look to Belgian/EU and Wallonie-Bruxelles International scholarships, ARES development scholarships, and Erasmus+ for funding rather than large internal merit awards.
Who fits
- French-speaking students (Belgian, French, Francophone-African) seeking a top regional research university
- International students fluent in French wanting an affordable, high-quality EU degree
- Master's and PhD students targeting English-taught research programmes in management, engineering or science
- Students drawn to a close-knit, immersive, car-free student-town experience
- Theology, philosophy, economics and management applicants seeking historic disciplinary strength
Who should think twice
- Non-French-speaking students wanting an English-medium undergraduate degree
- Students prioritising elite global brand recognition over substance and value
- Those who want a large, vibrant cosmopolitan city campus rather than a small purpose-built town
- Applicants comparing it head-to-head with KU Leuven purely on international ranking
- Students needing extensive US-style AP-based admission pathways
Visa and application system in Belgium
- Student visa / post-study work: Student residence permit; 12-month 'search year' (zoekjaar / année de recherche) post-study job-seeking permit for non-EU graduates
- Application system: Direct to each university; Dutch-medium (Flanders) or French-medium (Wallonia/Brussels) bachelor's, with English-taught master's the main international route