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1Studying in Leuven2010-2011
International students and scholars at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven - Belgium
Welcome to Leuven!
A heartfelt welcome to one of the oldest centres of knowledge and learning in Europe!
As a new student from abroad intending to come and study at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, naturally you may have
a number of practical questions in mind. Being a university that continues to open wide its doors to a growing international
community of students and researchers, we try to anticipate your concerns and present you with some important information
via this brochure for international students and scholars at K.U.Leuven.
In this brochure, you will find a concise introduction to the academic system of K.U.Leuven and the range of study options
available to international students. If and when you have a more concrete idea of the kind of academic training you would like
to pursue within our walls, you will find in a next part an explanation of the requirements for admission and, where applicable,
the language requirements for particular courses. To help you finalise your plans for study, we include concrete financial information
that covers matters from registration fees to study grants and a basic idea of the living expenses in the city of Leuven.
This booklet forms part of a group of brochures that are meant to assist international students in planning efficiently and
conveniently for their academic sojourn with K.U.Leuven. These other brochures are listed and described briefly in this booklet
as well. We hope this brochure will be helpful to you and we wish you every success in your academic endeavours.
Professor Marc Waer
Rector
Visit our website at: www.kuleuven.be/english
2Welcome to Leuven! 1
Getting to know the university of Leuven (K.U.Leuven) 4
WE TAKE A GLIMPSE AT THE PAST 4TO UNDERSTAND THE PRESENT AND FACE FUTURE 4
How is academic training organised at K.U.Leuven? 6
HOW ARE THE ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES CATEGORISED? 6Bachelors [BA] and Initial Masters [IMA] Programmes (some taught in English) 6Advanced Masters Programmes [MAS] (taught in English,Dutch and other languages) 6Programmes and Specialisations in Medicine and Dentistry 7Doctoral Education Programmes and the Doctorate 7
K.U.Leuven Doctoral Schools 7Requirements 7Promoter - Supervisor 8Topics 8Doctoral Education Programme 8Doctoral process 8Doctoral Defence 8
University Continuing Education 9WHAT WOULD MY STATUS BE AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OR FELLOW? 9
Description 9Statuses for Students and Scholars 9
Exchange Students 9Bachelors and Masters [IMA & MAS] Students 10Predoctoral Students 10Doctoral Students 10International Scholars 10Specialisation Students 10Visiting Scholars 11Postdoctoral Researchers 11Visiting Professors 11Important 11
Study Contracts for Students 11Important 11
Table: Statuses of International Students, Scholars and Professors at K.U.Leuven 12
HOW IS RESEARCH CO-ORDINATED AT K.U.LEUVEN? 14K.U.Leuven Research Co-ordination 14K.U.Leuven Research and Development 14
HOW IS THE ACADEMIC YEAR STRUCTURED? 14HOW ARE THE EXAMINATIONS ORGANISED? 15
Important 16IS STUDY GUIDANCE AVAILABLE FOR NEW, FIRST YEAR BACHELOR STUDENTS? 16IS A K.U.LEUVEN DIPLOMA RECOGNISED ABROAD? 16
What are the admission and language requirements? 17
WHAT IS THE K.U.LEUVEN ADMISSION POLICY? 17Diploma requirements for the Bachelors Programmes 17Diploma requirements for the Masters Programmes 17Diploma requirements for the Specialisation Programmes in Medicine and Dentistry 18
For new applicants for the Bachelors programme with a secondary education diploma: 18For applicants for the Bachelors/Masters programmes with a partial diploma in Medicine/Dentistry from an EEA university: 18For applicants for the Bachelors/Masters programmes with a partial diploma in Medicine/Dentistry from a non-EEA university: 18For applicants for the specialisation programmes with a full diploma in Medicine/Dentistry from an EEA university: 18For applicants for the specialisation programmes with a full diploma in Medicine/Dentistry from a non-EEA university: 18
WHAT ARE THE LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS? 19For the Bachelors Programmes taught in Dutch 19For the Masters Programmes taught in English 19Language Courses in Dutch at K.U.Leuven 20
Instituut voor Levende Talen (ILT) 20Crash Course in General English and Academic English 20Other Language Courses at K.U.Leuven 21
Centrum voor Levende Talen (CLT) 21
What can I study at K.U.Leuven? 22
SURVEY OF THE BACHELORS PROGRAMMES 22SURVEY OF THE MASTERS PROGRAMMES TAUGHT IN DUTCH 24SURVEY OF THE MASTERS PROGRAMMES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH 27
How much are the costs and what are the possibilities for scholarships? 41
HOW MUCH IS THE TUITION FEE? 41Bachelors and masters programmes 41Doctoral students 41Special tuition fees for advanced master's programmes 41Special Registration Categories: Overview for the 2009-2010 academic year 42
HOW MUCH IS A MONTHLY/YEARLY BUDGET IN LEUVEN? 42HEALTH INSURANCE FEES PARTICULARLY FOR NON-EEA STUDENTS 43IMPORTANT! 43HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS? 44
In the framework of research projects within K.U.Leuven 44Research projects posted in the Doctoral Schools 44Research projects of individual professors 44University Hospitals and the Rega Institute 44Leuven Research and Development 44IMEC 44
Table of contents
In the framework of development co-operation 44Interfaculty Council for Development Co-operation (IRO, Interfacultaire Raad voor Ontwikkelingssamenwerking) of K.U.Leuven 44Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR, Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad) 45Belgian Technical Co-operation (BTC, Belgische Technische Coperatie) (formerly ABOS) 46Flemish Office for Development Co-operation and Technical Assistance (VVOB, Vlaamse Vereniging voor Ontwikkelingssamenwerking en Technische Bijstand) 47Non-governmental Organisations 47
In the framework of the Research Council of K.U.Leuven 47In the framework of Bilateral Agreements between K.U.Leuven and other universities in Africa, America, Asia and Europe 47In the framework of the Scholarships for Excellence Programme, signed by the China Scholarship Council and K.U.Leuven 47Other possibilities outside of K.U.Leuven 48
Belgian Organisations 48European Organisations 48American Organisations 48International Organisations 48
In the framework of the LLP/ERASMUS programme 48LIST OF COUNTRIES AND CORRESPONDING ADMISSION POSSIBILITIES, REQUIRED VISAS AND TUITION FEES 49
How do I apply for admission? 54
ONLINE APPLICATION 54CORE DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED 54ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED 54HARD COPY DOCUMENTS TO BE MAILED 55REQUESTED APPLICATION FEE 55DEADLINES FOR APPLICATIONS 55
Are there any other practicalities I should know? 56
WHAT ARE THE RELEVANT UNIVERSITY SERVICES? 56International Office 56
International Admissions and Mobility Unit 56International Policy Unit 56Development Co-operation Unit 56
Study Advisory Centre 56International Housing Service 56Social Service for International Students 57Pangaea 57LOKO International 57What are other information sources about K.U.Leuven? 57
WHOS WHO AND WHERE? 58
3
Getting to know the university of Leuven (K.U.Leuven)
4
We take a glimpse at the past
Situated in the heart of Western Europe, the Katholieke
Universiteit Leuven has been a centre of knowledge for
almost six centuries. Founded in 1425 by Pope Martin V,
K.U.Leuven bears the honour of being the oldest Catholic
university in the world still in existence and the oldest
university in the Low Countries.
In its early days this University was modelled on the universities
of Paris, Cologne and Vienna. In a short time it grew into
one of the largest and most renowned universities in
Europe. Its academic fame attracted scientists who have
made valuable contributions to European culture. Let us
enumerate a few renowned names. In the 16th century
the humanist, Desiderius Erasmus, lectured here. He founded
the Collegium Trilingue in 1517 for the study of Hebrew,
Latin and Greek - the first of its kind. The tutor of the young
emperor Charles V, Adriaan Cardinal Florensz of Utrecht,
was a professor here before being elected in 1522 as
the last non-Italian Pope before Pope John Paul II.
The philologist, legal scholar and historian, Justus Lipsius,
taught here for years. The mathematician, Gemma Frisius,
helped build the foundations of modern science and tutored
many famous scientists: the cartographer, Gerard Mercator,
whose map-projection is still in current use; the botanist,
Rembert Dodoens; and the father of modern anatomy,
Andreas Vesalius. In a later period, the theses of the Leuven
theologian, Cornelius Jansenius, caused huge controversy
both inside and outside the Church. In the 17th and 18th
centuries, K.U.Leuven was an important training centre
for Roman Catholic intellectuals from Protestant countries.
At the end of the Age of Enlightenment, in 1783, the physico -
chemist, Pieter Jan Minckelers, discovered the suitability
of coal gas for lighting. In the 19th century, at the instigation
of Pope Leo XIII, K.U.Leuven became an important centre
of Neo-Thomist philosophy.
Not all has been trouble-free, though, in the Universitys long
history. It has had its share of difficulties during the various
social and political upheavals in this region from the 16th to
the 19th centuries. Of late, the two World Wars of the 20th
century deeply scarred the University. In 1914, the University
Hall with its precious library was set to flames by German
troops and 300,000 books were reduced to ashes.
Afterwards, an international solidarity campaign with a major
American contribution helped construct a new library on
the present Msgr. Ladeuzeplein in 1928. Unfortunately this
library was burned down in 1940 during the war and this
time only 15,000 of its 900,000 volumes were saved.
Since then, the University library, and in fact the entire
University, has undergone a thorough reconstruction.
The University is located in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking
(northern) part of Belgium. With the steady rise to renewed
prominence of the Dutch language, the University was
eventually split in 1968 into two new universities.
The French-speaking Universit Catholique de Louvain
moved to the newly built campus in Louvain-la-Neuve
in Wallonia, Belgium. The Dutch-speaking Katholieke
Universiteit Leuven remained in the historic town of Leuven.
to understand the present and face future
Such rich past of almost six hundred years has provided
K.U.Leuven through the centuries with its own, dynamic
international dimension. Today international co-operation
is regarded as essential for a modern university. Top-level
research is judged according to international standards
and implies interaction, co-operation and exchange, both
of researchers and results. One European survey ranks
K.U.Leuven among the top ten European universities
in terms of its scientific output. Likewise with regard to
education, several quality surveys demonstrate that
the University of Leuven stands at par with internationally
respected institutions in a large number of fields of study.
This academic reputation attracts students from all over
the world. K.U.Leuven has been involved in the Erasmus
student exchange programme since its launch in Europe
in the late eighties; the growing success of the Erasmus
programme later on led to the launch of the Socrates
programme, and today the University of Leuven has over
300 contracts under this programme. Each year around
600 international Erasmus students spend part of their
study programme in Leuven, while more than 500 of our
students share the same European experience at another
university. The TEMPUS-PHARE programme was set up
for students and researchers from Eastern Europe, while
contacts with universities in the former Soviet Union are
being built up through the TEMPUS-TACIS programme.
The co-operation with universities in Latin America falls
within the scope of the ALFA programme.
Besides these exchange programmes, the University has
set up a number of international academic programmes
aimed both at Belgian and international students. Unlike
the regular Dutch-language programmes, the international
academic programmes are taught in English. Most of these
programmes confer Masters degrees: full Bachelors
programmes in English are offered only in the fields of
Theology and Philosophy.
As of the present, K.U.Leuven caters to more than 31,000
students around 12 % of whom are international students
(from more than 120 nations). In terms of its personnel,
there are 5,287 members in the academic staff, 2,730 in
the administrative and technical staff, 8,172 university hospital
staff. With regard to its physical facilities, the University
occupies a total area of 1,058,445 square metres and it
has a total of 26,606 rooms. On the academic side,
the University is composed of 14 faculties, 50 departments
and about 240 sub-departments. Further, its network
of 30 auxiliary libraries now houses a total of 4.3 million
volumes, 14,500 magazines and journals, and 7,492 full text
electronic magazines. And more specifically on its medical
facilities, K.U.Leuven supports 5 hospitals, 3 affiliated hospitals,
with a total of 2,057 hospital beds for the acutely ill.
Hopefully, all this has given you a more vivid picture of our
university. K.U.Leuvens rich history can be read not only
from the citys street names, but also from the dozens of
historical University buildings. The medieval Cloth Hall, near
the famous Gothic City Hall, is the Universitys administrative
centre. The beautifully restored Main Beguinage houses
students and visiting professors. And other numerous old
colleges and residence halls give Leuven its stylish face
of a university town with a tradition. Where else can you
find a university within a town, and indeed a town within
a university, so dynamically integrated? Its rich historical
tradition has served as a solid foundation on which its
top-level research and centres of academic excellence
have been constructed. In addition, K.U.Leuven thrives as
a bustling student-town, with a strong international allure,
where various cultures meet and experiences are
exchanged and enriched. While it thrives at the heart of
Europe, K.U.Leuven opens its doors and looks forward to
more years of academic and scientific service from within
Flanders, Belgium to the wider international community.
5
How are the academic programmes categorised?
Although K.U.Leuven is an independent and privately
run institution, the academic programmes and diplomas
are fully accredited by the Flemish Government.
Consequently, the structure of academic training
is stipulated by the government authorities.
In 1999, 29 countries from across Europe signed the so-called
'Bologna Declaration'. As a result, many national systems of
higher education in Europe have been reformed with a view
to increasing transparency, facilitating mutual recognition
of qualifications and broadening the international mobility
of students and staff. At K.U.Leuven, the main outcome of
these reforms is the introduction of a two-fold programme
structure and two new degree titles: the bachelor's degree
and the master's degree. PhD programmes are unaffected
by the reforms in European higher education.
Aside from formulating the principles underlying the generalized
introduction of the bachelor-master system, the Bologna
Declaration also contained a plea for the gradual introduction
of a credit system, based on the ECTS (European Credit
Transfer System), as a means of promoting the mobility
of students through programmes and institutions. Students
should have the possibility of using credits acquired via
formal and non-formal learning towards the acquisition of
diplomas in their home country and abroad.
Flanders implemented this part of the Bologna Declaration
via the Decree on the Flexibility of Higher Education issued
by the Ministry of Education on April 30, 2004. The corner-
stone of the decree is the abandonment of a year system
of higher education in favour of a credit system: a curriculum
is henceforth conceived as an ordered set of courses (each
with ECTS points) and no longer as the sum of a number
of (independent) study years. Beyond this principle and
a minimal number of mandatory elements, the Decree left
all further specific regulatory activities up to the individual
institutions of higher education. Universities had to implement
the Decree by the start of the academic year 2005-2006.
Starting in the 2009-2010 academic year, the K.U.Leuven
transferred all of its education programmes to a so-called
credit accumulation system or educational model.
The implementation of the entire concept will take
two academic years (2009-2010 and 2010-2011).
The credit accumulation system or educational model
is a new way of structuring and organising the academic
offering. Instead of deliberating each academic year,
deliberations will only be held at the end of a degree
programme. Thus, deliberations concerning one programme
year will cease in this structure. However, the programmes
will still be composed of various educational stages.
Likewise, a new tolerance regulation will replace the current
deliberation criteria.
At K.U.Leuven there are six different kinds of study
programmes: Bachelor's programmes [BA], Initial Master's
programmes [IMA], Advanced Masters programmes [MAS],
Teacher-Training programmes, Doctoral programmes and
Continuing Education.
BACHELORS [BA] AND INITIAL MASTERS [IMA]
PROGRAMMES (SOME TAUGHT IN ENGLISH)
These academic programmes constitute the basic level of
university education after completing secondary education.
In the spirit of the Bologna Declaration, all the faculties
at K.U.Leuven have provided a new orientation to their
programmes, revising and restructuring them into Bachelor's
Programmes [BA] of three years and Initial Master's
Programmes [IMA] of one or two years (or four years for
Medicine). As one of the main features of the Bologna
Declaration, the programmes include more international
mobility for students and international co-operation with
regard to curricula. In effect, K.U.Leuven aims at making
these programmes even more attractive and competitive
for international students, especially in terms of quality and
academic standards. These programmes are mostly taught
in Dutch, some in English.
How is academic training organised at K.U.Leuven?
6
ADVANCED MASTERS PROGRAMMES [MAS]
(TAUGHT IN ENGLISH, DUTCH AND OTHER LANGUAGES)
These academic programmes provide training at an advanced
level. They are aimed at students who already possess a
basic academic (initial masters) degree, or a foreign masters
diploma. Generally, they aim at providing a wider scope by
offering subjects from other academic disciplines and by
analysing academic subjects in depth. These programmes
usually take one year of study, but some may take two years.
The international academic programmes that are taught
in English fall under this category.
In the framework of the Bologna Declaration, these international
programmes will lead to (advanced) Master's degrees.
Moreover, K.U.Leuven faculties stress even more the
international character of these programmes by arranging,
among others, that they can be taught in another foreign
language (e.g. Spanish). Likewise, the programmes will be
strongly linked to the top research areas of K.U.Leuven.
PROGRAMMES AND SPECIALISATIONS IN MEDICINE
AND DENTISTRY
The Faculty of Medicine offers complete Bachelors and
Masters programmes taught entirely in Dutch. Likewise,
it is possible to do further specialisations in almost all fields
of medicine and dentistry. These specialisation programmes
are organised in the form of on-the-job-training, by combining
a post as a medical assistant in one of the University hospitals
with a further training in the chosen domain. An important
distinction is made, however, between specialisation
programmes that provide training for clinical practice,
and specialisation programmes that are mainly academic
in nature and do not lead to clinical practice. These
Academic Specialisation Programmes lead to masters
and doctoral degrees in Medical Sciences and Dentistry.
Note that there are special admission requirements for
these specialisation programmes. See Part 2: What are
the Admission and Language Requirements?.
DOCTORAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
AND THE DOCTORATE
Pursuing a doctorate at K.U.Leuven provides you with
the opportunity to conduct intensive research during a number
of years within an internationally competitive environment.
In an independent way, you deal with fundamental or con-
crete questions within your academic field, with the intention
of offering an original contribution to the discipline. Through
this process, you will be able to publish certain results of
your research and ultimately defend your findings before
an academic jury.
K.U.Leuven Doctoral Schools
K.U.Leuven has three doctoral schools: the Arenberg
Doctoral School for Science, Engineering and Technology;
the Doctoral School for Biomedical Sciences; and the
Doctoral School for Humanities and Arts. The responsibilities
of the doctoral schools include recruiting Ph.D. students on
the national and international levels; organising the doctoral
education programme at the respective faculties; and helping
develop the competences of Ph.D. students for their academic
or non-academic careers. The doctoral schools stand for
openness and versatility. K.U.Leuven forms young scholars
with an open view upon the world and its societies, within
which they can take up their responsibility. Such broad-thinking
scholars are undoubtedly an added value for society.
They may settle into different sectors, such as education,
science, health care, welfare, industry, economics, culture,
justice, security, mobility, and so on. More information on
the doctoral schools can be found in www.kuleuven.be/phd/.
Requirements
The admission requirements are stipulated in the Decree
on Flexibility of Higher Education in Flanders. In order to
be admitted to a doctoral programme, students should
fulfil one of the following requirements:
a) hold a Belgian Master's degree or an equivalent
Belgian or foreign degree (enrolment may be subject
to an additional aptitude check)
b) holders of Belgian or foreign degrees (e.g. Bachelor's
degrees) that are not formally equivalent to a Belgian
Master's degree can be exceptionally admitted after
having succeeded in a formal aptitude check or having
succeeded in an examination concerning established
subject matters.
Furthermore, candidate doctoral students are expected to have
excelled in their previous studies. What this means concretely
in terms of grades or results differs from faculty to faculty.
In this regard please consult the regulations for the doctoral
education programme of the respective Graduate School or
faculty. Depending on your academic background, a preparatory
/predoctoral period may be considered necessary.
A good command of English, both spoken and written, is also
needed. Applicants are required to demonstrate their proficiency
in English, either by proving that some of their previous
studies were successfully completed in English, or by submitting
the results of a recognized language proficiency test, such
as the TOEFL (minimum score: 550 pt. on the Paper-based
test or 79 -80 pt. on the Internet-based test or 213 on the
Computer-based TOEFL test) or the IELTS or another equivalent
English test. In some cases, the applicant may be asked to
provide a writing sample such as a paper, a thesis or some
publications. Note that sometimes a higher level of English
proficiency may be required.
7
Promoter - Supervisor
During your doctoral studies, you are guided by a supervisor
or a promoter, as this professor is commonly called here.
The promoter plays a central role in supervising your
research and the choice of a good promoter is then of
utmost importance. It is to your advantage to find a promoter
who will support your research, motivate you during your
work, provide you with the necessary logistics and with
whom you can discuss your findings. By accepting to be
your promoter, the professor concerned commits herself or
himself to see to the proficient progress and culmination of
your doctoral studies, just as you commit yourself to bring
your doctoral research to completion with the right motivation.
In practice, right after your masters studies you may be
approached by a professor to undertake a particular line
of research with her or him. Or, you may directly consult
a professor to request for help in deciding upon research
possibilities. If convenient, you may consult a number of
prospective promoters if you havent decided yet on a
suitable topic and/or promoter. You may also check the
research vacancies that are published in any of the three
Doctoral Schools.
Admission into a doctoral programme at K.U.Leuven for
international applicants presupposes that the candidate has
already had previous contact with and the initial approval
of a professor at K.U.Leuven who is willing to act as his or
her promoter. Consult the page Research
(www.kuleuven.be/research/) on the K.U.Leuven website
and the research pages on the three Doctoral Schools
websites (www.kuleuven.be/phd/) for an overview of the
expertise of the professors.
Topics
Choose the topic of your doctoral research wisely: you will
be working on it for the coming years and possibly even
during your career.
Your topic can be related to that of your masters thesis,
but this is not a must. Choose your topic in close co-ordination
with your promoter. You may be allowed to select a topic
that fits in with the actual research activities of a research
group in a department, or your promoter may propose
a number of themes from which you can choose.
There are two other methods of selecting a doctoral research
topic at K.U.Leuven: via the list of doctoral projects announced
in the websites of the doctoral schools (www.kuleuven.be/phd/);
or via the Research Database of K.U.Leuven (www.kuleuven.be/
research/researchdatabase/). You can search various research
topics, consult a current list of topics by doctoral students per
faculty, or consult the research expertise of K.U.Leuven professors.
Doctoral Education Programme
To earn a doctoral degree at K.U.Leuven, you are required
in principle to participate in the doctoral education programme.
This programme is now organised and managed by the
Doctoral Schools.
The doctoral programmes first goal is to broaden and deepen
your knowledge within your research field. Second, it aims
at ensuring the efficient progress of your doctoral research
by means of better guidance and follow-up. Additionally,
the doctoral programme can also serve as a preparation
for your later professional career. Finally, it further stimulates
the dynamics of research and contributes to a tradition of
doctoral training.
The regulations for doctoral programmes stipulate certain
fundamental elements, i.e. what is expected of a good
doctoral student: an international publication, presenting
and attending doctoral seminars, active participation in
international congresses, regular report and explanation
of the progress of ones doctoral research.
Doctoral process
Your doctoral research will take on a number of years
and thus one can speak of a process of doctoral studies.
The period of your doctoral studies will consist of different
phases: a planning stage, an execution stage (literature
study, data gathering, setting up tests and experiments),
and a writing/reporting stage. Usually these phases are not
chronological, but are interwoven with each other.
There will be moments of difficulty and challenge. Each doctoral
candidate will at some point no longer see the forest for
the trees. It is therefore important to discuss regularly your
doctoral research with your colleague-researchers and with your
promoter. Such contacts or discussions can be very motivating.
The support of your family and friends, who will inevitably
be confronted at varying degrees with your doctoral
research, is likewise indispensable.
Doctoral Defence
The results of your research are brought together in a doctoral
thesis: an extensive scientific report of your research and
your results. The form of your thesis and the procedures
for the doctoral defence can differ from faculty to faculty.
Again, do consult the facultys Regulations for the Doctoral
Education Programme on this matter.
8
You may be allowed to present your doctoral thesis in one
thesis form or as a collection of published articles. The thesis
is submitted to be read and evaluated by the members of your
examination commission. In some faculties the members of
the examination commission provide an extensive report of
their evaluation to the chairperson of the commission, in other
faculties you are required to take a preliminary examination.
The chairperson then examines whether certain members
have any fundamental objections that may jeopardise the
positive result of the public defence. If this is not the case,
the public defence can then be organised. In the meantime,
you prepare your thesis in its definitive form, taking into account
the requirements as to form and lay-out prescribed by the faculty.
During the public defence itself you give a presentation on
your doctoral research after which you are questioned by
the members of the examination commission. The public
defence is a unique occasion to present the result of many
years of work not only to the jury, but also to a broader
public composed of your family, friends and colleagues.
In some faculties, the chairperson may also provide
the public the opportunity to pose questions.
After the examination, the examination commission withdraws
for deliberation. After listening to the advice of the different
members, the chairperson decides whether you can be
proclaimed doctor and be awarded the doctoral degree.
For complementary information on the doctoral education
programmes and the doctorate, please consult the website:
www.kuleuven.be/phd/
UNIVERSITY CONTINUING EDUCATION
Various institutes and departments of the University organise
lectures, seminars, congresses and summer schools within
the concept of lifelong learning. Because the topics of these
continuing education programmes differ from one year to another,
and because these programmes are organised in a more flexible
way, it is not really possible to give a concrete list of activities.
For more information about these programmes, please contact
the University Continuing Education Office. Information is
also available on their website: http://dpv.kuleuven.be/
What would my status be as an international student or fellow?
DESCRIPTION
The status of international students who are accepted to
study at K.U.Leuven and admitted to reside within Belgium
for a certain period of time is determined and governed
by Belgian law.
A first and most important distinction involves citizens of
European Economic Area nations and citizens of other
nations. EEA citizens are those who have the nationality
and the passport of a country that is part of the European
Economic Area (EU nations + Iceland, Liechtenstein,
Norway; special arrangements apply for Switzerland and
Monaco). Within the EEA, there is free movement of persons,
thus also of students. This means that EEA citizens are free
to travel in the different Member States and that the right to
reside is subject to only minimal conditions. Non-EEA citizens,
however, do not have this right of free movement and are
required to obtain specific visas depending on the type or
length of their stay.
The first of such visa is the so-called Schengen Visa.
Within the EEA, a number of Member States (Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland) have signed
the Schengen Agreement. The most important consequence
concerning residence rights is that non-EU citizens, who
want to travel to Belgium, for a stay of three months' time
at the most, no longer need to apply for a visa for Belgium,
but for a Schengen Visa. This Schengen Visa grants automatic
right of access to the other Schengen countries, unless
otherwise stated in the visa. The Schengen Visa is subject
to more stringent conditions than the former tourist visa.
The second type is an Authorisation for Provisional Sojourn.
This authorisation is a sort of visa which is issued by
the Belgian Ministry of Internal Affairs through its diplomatic
stations abroad to those who want to come to Belgium for
study or research purposes, meaning to say for a period
longer than three months time.
Please consult the tables listing the different countries
comprising the European Economic Area, the European Higher
Education Area and developing countries provided in Part 4.
STATUSES FOR STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS
Exchange Students
The status of Exchange Student is a special category granted
to students who take part in the European educational
programmes of Lifelong Learning Programme - Erasmus,
TEMPUS, ALFA and others. Or, these are students who
come to Leuven in the framework of a faculty exchange
agreement between their university and K.U.Leuven.
9
Lifelong Learning Programme - Erasmus is the action programme of theEuropean Commission that promotes co-operation in the area of highereducation. All European Union member states are eligible to participate in the LLP-Erasmus, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Romania,Bulgaria and Turkey.
TEMPUS (Trans-European co-operation scheme for higher education)forms part of the overall EU programmes for the economic and socialreconstruction of Central and Eastern European countries (CARDS programme) and for economic reform and recovery in the former SovietRepublics (TACIS programme) and in the Mediterranean area (MEDA programme). TEMPUS has been created as a response to the needs ofhigher education and training in the countries concerned. Priority areasare redefined yearly by each partner state, in accordance with the overallpriorities for national reform.
Students from the following countries may, in order to study at K.U.Leuven,apply for a TEMPUS grant at their home university:
TEMPUS Cards: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia & Montenegro,Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Croatia.
TEMPUS Tacis: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan,Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
TEMPUS Meda: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco,Palestine, Syria and Tunisia.
Students interested in studying at K.U.Leuven in
the framework of a European Educational Programme
(LLP-Erasmus, TEMPUS, ALFA) or in the framework of
a bilateral exchange agreement between their home
university and K.U.Leuven, should contact the particular
office in their home university for more information.
Practical information for exchange students is provided by
the following website: www.kuleuven.be/english/interrelations
Further information on the programmes themselves can
be found in the official publications of the European Union.
You may also consult the following website:
http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/index_en.html
(LLP-Erasmus)
http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/tempus/
index_en.html (TEMPUS)
http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/latin-america/
regional-cooperation/alfa/index_en.htm (ALFA)
Bachelors and Masters [IMA & MAS] Students
These are EEA citizens and non-EEA citizens who are
admitted to study at K.U.Leuven in a Bachelors programme,
an Initial Masters programme [IMA] most of which are
taught in Dutch or English, or in an Advanced Masters
programme [MAS] that is taught in English. They must be
academically admitted into a particular programme and
comply with the language requirements for that programme.
Predoctoral Students
These are EEA citizens and non-EEA citizens who are
admitted to study at K.U.Leuven in a predoctoral programme,
either with a scholarship or as self-supporting students.
Predoctoral students participate in a one-year or two-year
programme of studies and research, the purpose of which
is to evaluate the students research competence in view of
the doctorate. At the end of the programme, a permanent
evaluation of the students will determine whether or not they
are admitted to the doctoral programme. In view of their
residence permits, the Foreigners Office at Leuven City Hall
has agreed that these predoctoral students do not necessarily
participate in the ordinary examination sessions.
Doctoral Students
These are EEA citizens and non-EEA citizens who are
admitted to study and conduct research at K.U.Leuven
in a doctoral education programme, with a scholarship
or as self-supporting students. If they hold a scholarship,
the terms must comply with the Regulations for Doctoral
Scholars at K.U.Leuven. A tax-exempt scholarship may be
granted for a maximum period of four years for independent
doctoral research. Depending on the source of the scholarship,
the grant must amount to at least 75 %, or at most 100 %,
of the salary after taxes of a research assistant at K.U.Leuven.
Likewise, all doctoral scholarships are subjected to partial
(for most non-EEA citizens) or full (for EEA citizens) social-
security contributions, in compliance with the Belgian
legislation. In return, they enjoy certain benefits like child
allowance, occupational hazard and occupational illness
insurances.
International Scholars
These are EEA citizens and non-EEA citizens who are admitted
to conduct studies at K.U.Leuven either in preparation for
a doctorate, which they will obtain in their home university,
or in the framework of research or studies conducted in their
home university. Hence, these inter national scholars are still
officially affiliated to their home university. Mostly, they come
to K.U.Leuven with a scholarship in the framework of an
agreement or in the context of an exchange programme.
They may reside at K.U.Leuven for a longer period, i.e.
for more than three months but not exceeding 18 months.
Specialisation Students
These are EEA and non-EEA citizens who are admitted to
come to K.U.Leuven, with a scholarship or as self-supporting
students, in order to participate in a specialisation programme.
In the Faculty of Medicine, they are also referred to as clinical
observers.
10
Mostly, they come to K.U.Leuven in the framework of an
agreement or in the context of an exchange programme.
They may reside at K.U.Leuven for a longer period, i.e. for
more than three months but not exceeding 24 months.
Visiting Scholars
These are EEA citizens and non-EEA citizens who are
admitted to come to K.U.Leuven, with a scholarship or
as self-supporting scholars, for a short-term programme,
usually three months at the most, of studies and research,
independent of any employment contract. Usually, such
research is conducted within the context of the Universitys
bilateral agreements with other universities. Their status
in K.U.Leuven is analogous to that of Guest and they
must register as Visiting Scholar.
Non-EEA citizens must apply for a Schengen-visa if a visa
is required for citizens of their country; citizens of other
countries that are exempted from a visa for a visit of three
months at most need only present their valid passport.
With a Schengen-visa, Visiting Scholars may travel to
the other Schengen-countries, within the total period of
three months. Upon arrival, they notify Leuven City Hall
and receive a declaration of arrival.
Postdoctoral Researchers
These are EEA citizens and non-EEA citizens with high qualifi-
cations (a doctorate or equivalent qualifications) who are admitted
to conduct independent, fundamental scientific research at
K.U.Leuven, for a total period of three years at most. They
receive a scholarship, in the framework of international mobility
limited to a period of three years, which is equal to the salary
after taxes of a research assistant and subjected to social-
security contributions, in compliance with Belgian legislation.
Otherwise, they should receive a salary which is at least equal
to the salary of a research assistant at the University.
Visiting Professors
These are EEA citizens or non-EEA citizens with high
qualifications (a doctorate or equivalent qualifications) who are
appointed by K.U.Leuven as Visiting Professor on a part-time
or full-time basis, for teaching or research at the University.
For non-EEA citizens, the appointment is limited to a period
of four years. They should receive a salary that corresponds
to their appointment. This salary is not required if they
continue to receive income from their home university.
In such cases, a per diem allowance may be awarded as
unsalaried Visiting Professors. They are registered at the
Human Resources Department as Visiting Professor.
Important
For more detailed information regarding these different
categories, please refer to the following website:
www.kuleuven.be/english/admission/index.htm
STUDY CONTRACTS FOR STUDENTS
The following information concerns those with the status of
student at K.U.Leuven. On the basis of the Decree on the
Flexibility of Higher Education and the new credit system,
the student chooses one of three types of study contracts
when registering:
a diploma contract towards obtaining a bachelors or
a masters diploma;
a credit contract towards obtaining credits for one
or more individual courses;
an exam contract towards obtaining a diploma or
independent credits, based exclusively on exams
(without participation in class activities).
Within a diploma contract, the student can choose between
one of several model study trajectories (full time, half time
and/or in some cases other part time variants) and an
individual study trajectory (adjusted to an individual students
needs, following an assessment of his or her case).
Important notice for international students: students from
countries not belonging to the European Economic Area, i.e.
students coming from countries other than the European Union
countries, Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland, can only register
for a full time diploma contract. They will not be granted a resi-
dence permit by the City Hall upon attempting to obtain any
other type of registration (a part time or individual trajectory
diploma contract, a credit contract, or an exam contract).
Important
For more detailed information regarding the study contracts,
please refer to the following website:
www.kuleuven.be/english/teaching/index.htm
11
12
Table: Statuses of International Students, Scholars and Professors at K.U.Leuven
In summary, the different official statuses for international students, scholars and professors at K.U.Leuven are presented
in the table below. The first two columns list the titles and official statuses. These are further elaborated in the next columns
according to the corresponding type of financing based on the type of research or programme, according to their subjection
to social security and taxes based on nationality, and according to the coordinating office at K.U.Leuven that is responsible for
the administration of their respective files.
TITLES
Exchange Students
Visiting Scholar/Fellow
Bachelors/Masters Student
International Scholar
Specialisation Student
Predoctoral Student
Doctoral Student
Researcher
Visiting Professor
STATUS IN BELGIUM AND IN K.U.LEUVEN
Student
Visiting Scholar/FellowShort term: max. 3 months(EEA: 6 months)
Student
Student
Student
Student
Student
Scientific Collaborator
Postdoctoral Fellow in international mobility
Research Associate
Self-Supporting Researcher or Free Associate
Visiting Lecturer or VisitingProfessor
Unsalaried Visiting Lecturer orVisiting Professor
RESEARCH
Exchange programme
A
Academic programme
A
Specialisation and clinicalobservers programme
A
A
B
A
B
A&B
Research and/or Teaching
Research and/or Teaching
SCALE
Usually determined by exchangeprogramme
None
Min. 750
Min. 750
Min. 750
Min. 750
EEA: 100%Non-EEA: min. 75 %,or 90 % or 95 % ormax.100 %1
Min. scale Assistant
Min. 100 % net salary Assistant
Min. scale of Assistant
EEA: NoneNon-EEA: Min. 100 % net salaryAssistant
Ordinary professor scales
None
FINANCING
Scholarship
Scholarship or daily allowancepossible
Scholarship possible
Scholarship possible
Scholarship possible
Scholarship possible
Doctoral scholarship possible
Salary mandatory
Postdoctoral grant in international mobility
Salary
Grant or salary from home university or elsewhere, but not from K.U.Leuven
Salary
Possible daily allowance andcontinued salary by institution
TYPE OF RESEARCHA = INDEPENDENT, FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH (TYPE BOF, IUAP, FWO)
B = PROJECT ORIENTED RESEARCH UNDER SUPERVISION (TYPE INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS IWT AND EU)
1 In conformity with the regulations on the doctorate: minimum 90 % net salary of an Assistant; maximum 100 % net salary of an Assistant.2 Reduced social security contributions are paid if no social security agreement exists with the country of origin. This applies to almost
all non-EEA scholarship holders.
13
EEA= EU + LIECHTENSTEIN, NORWAY, ICELAND
NON-EEA= FROM OTHER COUNTRIES OUTSIDE THE EEA WITH ONLY A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT IN BELGIUM
COORDINATING OFFICE
International Office
International Office
International Office
International Office
International Office
International Office
EEA:Human ResourcesDepartment
Non-EEA:International Office
Human ResourcesDepartment
Human ResourcesDepartment
Human ResourcesDepartment
Human ResourcesDepartment
Human ResourcesDepartment
Human ResourcesDepartment
SOCIAL SECURITY
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
NA
Yes
Not applicable
TAXES
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted for a max. of 4 years
Yes
Exempted in Belgium
Yes
NA
Yes
Not applicable
WORK PERMIT
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No, except for citizens from newestEU countries
No
No, except for citizens from newestEU countries
No, except for citizens from newestEU countries
No, except for citizens from newestEU countries
No, except for citizens from newestEU countries
SOCIAL SECURITY
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Subjected to Social Security2
Yes
Subjected to SocialSecurity2
Yes
NA
Yes
Not applicable
TAXES
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted for a max. of 4 years
Yes
Exempted in Belgium
Yes
NA
Yes
Not applicable
WORK PERMIT
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No, since Belgianlaw of 27/02/03; viaHosting Agreement
No, since Belgianlaw of 27/02/03; viaHosting Agreement
Yes
Yes
Yes
How is research co-ordinated atK.U.Leuven?
At K.U.Leuven, both basic and pre-competitive research
is conducted in all academic and scientific disciplines.
In the past few years in particular, K.U.Leuvens research
effort and output have increased considerably, both
quantitatively and qualitatively, thus positioning itself
at the level of other leading European universities.
Research at this University is characterised by originality and
innovation, successful application, and virtual disappearance
of interdisciplinary boundaries. Its basic orientation has always
been and will remain fundamental research, in accordance
with the Universitys mission. At the same time, however,
our University should remain open to contemporary cultural,
economic, and industrial realities, or to the communitys
corresponding needs and expectations. For obvious reasons,
the community referred to is in the first place our own, but
competitive research at this University is to a large extent
internationalised and geared towards the whole world.
K.U.Leuven is ready to face the continuing challenge from
European and world-wide Research and Development.
K.U.LEUVEN RESEARCH CO-ORDINATION
The Research Co-ordination Office (RCO) is a central office
of K.U.Leuven. The RCO carries out various advisory and
supportive tasks with regard to the policy and the functioning
of scientific research in its national and international dimensions.
This includes the evaluation of this research, and the entire
responsibility covering inventory, administration, information
and support that goes hand in hand with research
in K.U.Leuven. This task is carried out on behalf of
the Academic Administration, but likewise in service
of all scholars at K.U.Leuven.
More specifically, its mission involves:
The preparation and elaboration of the K.U.Leuven
research policy
The optimisation of the research potential
The promotion and the use of research results for
the greater benefit of society, economy and industry
Supporting the K.U.Leuven Research Council, which
advises the Academic Council on research policy and
on the allocation of the Universitys own research funds
Follow-up of all research projects and contracts;
projects with industry are managed in collaboration
with K.U.Leuven Research and Development
To provide the K.U.Leuven research community
with information and practical help about research
programmes, academic prizes, new initiatives, etc.
For more information, please refer to the website:
www.kuleuven.be/english/research/
K.U.LEUVEN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
In 1970, K.U.Leuven Board of Governors founded the Leuven
Research and Development, Inc., a non-profit organisation
providing services to the industrial and commercial
operation and development of University research.
For further information, please refer to their website:
www.kuleuven.be/lrd/about/mission.html
How is the academic year structured?
K.U.Leuven adopts a semester structure for its academic
year. Basically, the academic year is divided into two semesters.
Each semester comprises 13 weeks of class lectures,
followed by a review period of one or two weeks, and then
an examination period. The examination period of the First
Semester is composed of three weeks. The examination
period of the Second Semester is composed of three to four
14
weeks, depending on the needs of the faculty. A remedial
examination period is also provided from mid-August
through begin-September.
After the First Semester examination period, students get
a semester break of one week. After the Second Semester
examination period and the deliberations, summer vacation
begins.
During the First Semester, students get a two-week break
for Christmas and New Year. During the Second Semester,
a two-week break for Easter is provided.
For the new students, Orientation Days are organised by
the International Office in co-ordination with the social and
central services of the University (visit the website:
www.kuleuven.be/orientation/). Two Orientation Days sessions
are offered yearly: during the week before the beginning
of the First Semester in September and before the beginning
of the Second Semester in February. The academic year
formally opens on the last Monday of September.
How are the examinations organised?
Starting in 2010-2011, with the implementation of the
credit accumulation system, the examination schedule will
be made available at the beginning of the academic year.
New measures will be introduced concerning the monitoring
of study progress and limiting the period of study.
After each examination period, students will receive clear
information concerning the level of their individual results.
The criteria for obtaining a degree, including the new
tolerance regulation, will also be communicated to
the students in a comprehensible manner.
There are two ordinary examination periods per academic
year. The first is held in January, after the First Semester.
The second is held in June, after the Second Semester.
Students who do not pass in the January or June examination
periods may re-take their examinations during the make-up
examination period starting from mid-August until the
beginning of September. Furthermore, students are not
allowed to sit the same examination or part of the examination
more than twice in the course of one academic year.
On the basis of a students examination results after the first
and second semesters (including the September examination
session), the respective faculties will then determine the
courses and corresponding credits to be taken during the next
academic year. To pass a specific programme, the student
must obtain all the 180 credits for Bachelors programmes,
or 120 credits for a two-year Masters programme or
60 credits for a one-year Masters programme.
The examinations are administered orally (with an opportunity
for a written preparation) or in writing. The dates and times
of the examinations are set by the respective faculties,
within the specified examination periods during the academic
year. The examinations for each course are graded on
a scale of 20 points. At least 10 points must be obtained
to pass.
A student obtaining the degree of Bachelor or Master shall
be the awarded with the following levels of achievement:
distinction (cum laude), on condition that 68 % of
the marks have been obtained;
great distinction (magna cum laude), on condition
that 77 % of the marks have been obtained;
greatest distinction (summa cum laude), on condition
that 85 % of the marks have been obtained;
greatest distinction (summa cum laude) with the con-
gratulations of examination committee, on condition
that 90 % of the marks have been obtained.
The semester examinations are obligatory and final.
If a student does not participate in the January session,
he/she cannot (unless in case of illness) take the exams
you missed in the June session.
The results will be communicated to the student after
the course of the examination sessions.
If the results of a students examinations after the first
semester are not so good, then during the second semester
he/she can avail of guidance to develop more efficient
study habits.
A student obtains the degree that he/she is enrolled for
in the event that he/she has obtained a passing result
(10/20 or above) or an exemption for every course in
the curriculum. However, tolerances are possible.
Students decide themselves which tolerances they apply
and which they do not, within the boundaries of the
tolerance conditions specified in the official examination
regulations.
15
Important
This brief description merely acts as an illustration of the way
examinations are administered. The full text of the K.U.Leuven
Examination Regulations can be read at the following
website: www.kuleuven.be/english/teaching/index.htm
Is study guidance available for new, first year bachelor students?
Yes, your faculty is prepared to help you if you are not
so sure if you would have sufficient knowledge to begin
a certain academic programme. For each course,
a didactic team is set up. This team consists of the lecturer,
the collaborator(s), and a monitor. Each team is prepared
to help with guidance over the learning process, over
psycho-social matters, and with the study direction.
During the first year of a bachelors programme, the didactic
teams help you in assimilating the course material. By so
doing, you would also be prepared for the examinations.
The results of your study tests and of your January
examinations can be discussed with the didactic team.
In this way you can know early on whether you are on
the right track. If not, then the teams can help you with
certain study difficulties.
If you are not certain how you should assimilate the course
material, if you find the study programme too heavy, if you
become too anxious because of the examinations, or if you
are having difficulties balancing your studies and relaxation,
then you can also pass by the Study Advisory Centre
where they offer guidance. Along with a psychologist or
pedagogist, you will be helped in assessing your academic
capabilities and prospects for the future.
Is a K.U.Leuven diploma recognised abroad?
Since Belgium is a member state of the European Union,
the EU directives on the recognition of academic degrees
are applicable.
In addition, some of the Council of Europe treaties relate
to the equivalence of university diplomas. However, as
equivalence is a very difficult and complex matter, you should
seek advice from the authorities in the country where you want
to use your diploma. The most appropriate bodies are the
information centres on recognition of the National Academic
Recognition Information Centres (NARIC) network and the
European Network of Information Centres (ENIC).
Please consult the following websites:
http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/rec_qual/recognition/
index_en.html
www.enic-naric.net/
16
What is the K.U.Leuven admission policy?
The Flemish Government upholds a democratic admission
policy that guarantees easy access to university education
for qualified Flemish students. It goes without saying that
K.U.Leuven must comply with Flemish Government legislation
regarding admission in order to guarantee the legality of its
diplomas. While upholding a long tradition of welcoming
international students, both from Europe and from other
continents, the University has set up a number of provisions
regulating the admission of international students,
with a view to maximising their chances of success.
DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE BACHELORS PROGRAMMES
International students who hold a Belgian secondary-school
diploma are legally eligible to register directly for a bachelor's
programme in K.U.Leuven, even without previous application.
However, most international students will hold a foreign
diploma or certificate, and these must be officially recog-
nized as equivalent to the Flemish diploma by law, decree,
European directive or international agreement.
If a student's foreign diploma is not officially recognized,
K.U.Leuven may still grant admission to a bachelor's
programme if the diploma of secondary education gives
access to university studies in ones home country.
Council of Europe: Citizens from member states of
the Council of Europe should be able to prove that they
can be admitted to an equal university programme in
their home country (e.g. they are allowed to participate
in entrance examinations or be added to waiting lists)
and thus have the right to admission.
Non-Council of Europe: Citizens not from member states
of the Council of Europe must be able to prove that their
secondary-school diploma gives access to university
studies in their home country.
Legal Residents: Non-EEA citizens with a permanent residence
permit in Belgium (e.g. through marriage) remain non-EEA
citizens, and in terms of admission to higher education they
are considered as non-EEA citizens when they obtained their
secondary-school diploma in their home country. If this
diploma was obtained in Belgium, then they definitely can
be granted admission.
In addition, there are entrance examinations organised by
Belgian law for the programmes in medicine and dentistry.
When admitted to the Bachelors programme, a preparatory
year is likewise granted to learn the Dutch language.
DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE MASTERS PROGRAMMES
Initial Masters Programmes [IMA] will require a previous
Bachelors degree in the same field of study or, where
indicated by the specific programme, in a related field
of study. Candidates applying for admission should also
consult the academic prerequisites for details.
The Advanced Masters Programmes [MAS], however,
are intended for students who already possess a master's
degree. Further, most programmes require one year of
full-time study, while others take two years full-time.
Candidates applying for admission into the advanced
programmes should consult the academic prerequisites
for details. Under these advanced programmes, some may
require general aptitude evaluations, tests and, in some
cases, a limit to the number of candidates accepted in
a particular programme. All of these provisions may be
cumulative: even if an applicant is eligible e.g. from a strictly
legal point of view, admission may still be denied for
academic or other reasons. Together, these provisions
make admission for international students quite competitive
and, for some advanced programmes, rather strictly selective.
In these cases, the University will decide on each application
individually, taking into account the academic qualifications
of the candidate.
What are the admission and language requirements?
17
DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SPECIALISATION
PROGRAMMES IN MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY
Note that Belgian law and K.U.Leuven make an important
distinction between specialisation programmes in Medicine
and Dentistry that provide training for clinical practice,
and specialisation programmes that are mainly academic in
nature and do not lead to clinical practice. These academic
specialisation programmes lead to Masters and Ph.D.
degrees in Medical Sciences and Dentistry.
For new applicants for the Bachelors programme
with a secondary education diploma:
EEA and non-EEA citizens who have a valid secondary
education diploma and wish to enrol in the Bachelors
programmes in Medicine/Dentistry, may do so on condition
that they master the Dutch language and pass the entrance
examinations. When admitted to the Bachelors programme,
a preparatory year is likewise granted to learn the Dutch
language.
For applicants for the Bachelors/Masters programmes
with a partial diploma in Medicine/Dentistry from
an EEA university:
Students with a partial diploma who wish to continue in our
Bachelors or Masters programmes will have to be assessed
by the Faculty as to which particular year the students may
begin. They must have mastered the Dutch language and
passed the entrance examinations (except when they can
provide proof that they have successfully finished one year
of Medicine/Dentistry before the academic year 1997-1998).
On successful completion of the programme, they are
permitted to practise their profession in any EEA country.
If they wish to enrol in a Clinical Specialisation Programme
or an Academic Specialisation Programme (MA or Ph.D.),
they automatically qualify for the selection procedure like
EEA citizens.
For applicants for the Bachelors/Masters programmes
with a partial diploma in Medicine/Dentistry from
a non-EEA university:
Students with a partial diploma who wish to continue in
our Bachelors or Masters programmes will have to be
evaluated by the Flemish Inter-University Council (VLIR,
Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad) by means of theoretical
and practical tests. These tests will assess in which particular
year the students may begin.
They must have mastered the Dutch language and passed
the entrance examinations (except when they can provide
proof that they have successfully finished one year of
Medicine/Dentistry before the academic year 1997-1998).
Upon successful completion of their programme, they are
permitted to practise their profession on condition that at
least half of their academic training was taken in an EEA
university. If they wish to enrol in a Clinical Specialisation
Programme or an Academic Specialisation Programme
(MA or Ph.D.), they automatically qualify for the selection
procedure like EEA citizens.
For applicants for the specialisation programmes with a
full diploma in Medicine/Dentistry from an EEA university:
Graduates with a full diploma in Medicine/Dentistry from
an EEA university, in order to practise their profession in
Belgium, need to apply first for a permit from the Provincial
Commission for Medicine and then for the approval of
the Provincial Order of Medical Doctors.
Those who wish to begin a Clinical Specialisation Programme
must have mastered the Dutch language and undergo
the selection procedure by the Faculty.
Those who wish to begin an Academic Specialisation
Programme must undergo the selection procedure by the
Doctoral Commission of the Faculty. However, they cannot
perform clinical practice.
For applicants for the specialisation programmes with a full
diploma in Medicine/Dentistry from a non-EEA university:
Graduates with a full diploma in Medicine/Dentistry from
a non-EEA university who wish to practise their profession
in Belgium must have the permission of the Provincial
Commission for Medicine. However, applying for this
permission is most difficult and applicants are generally
required to follow nonetheless a certain part of the Bachelors/
Masters programme (see above, the applicants for
the Bachelors/Masters programmes with a partial diploma).
Those who wish to have their diploma evaluated as to
its academic equivalence with Flemish diplomas need to
contact the Ministry of Education.
Those who wish to begin a Clinical Specialisation Programme
can do so on condition that they have mastered the Dutch
language, that they undergo the selection procedure by the
Faculty, and that their diploma is recognised as fully equivalent
to the Flemish diploma by the Ministry of Education.
18
There are two exemptions to this condition on diploma
equivalency:
1. Doctors/Dentists who come to perform clinical practise
in the framework of joint co-operations or projects
approved by the Commission on Appointments for
International Doctors of the University Hospital and
the Royal Academy for Medicine are allowed to perform
clinical practise for a temporary period in a specified
place.
2. Doctors/Dentists with a diploma from a South African
university do not need the permission from the Royal
Academy for Medicine, but must submit an application
at the Ministry of Public Health and Environment;
they are allowed to perform clinical practice in Belgium.
Those who wish to begin an Academic Specialisation
Programme must undergo the selection procedure by
the Doctoral Commission of the Faculty. However,
they cannot perform clinical practice and are recognised
as Clinical Observers. Applicants for the programme
on Clinical Observation (which does not include any
clinical practice) may send their applications to or apply
at the International Office.
What are the language requirements?
FOR THE BACHELORS PROGRAMMES TAUGHT IN DUTCH
The University offers complete bachelors programmes
in Dutch in practically all of the traditional and recently
developed areas of education and research. The high
quality of the programmes requires a good command
of the Dutch language, both spoken and written.
Applicants for these bachelors programmes should therefore
be aware that a superficial knowledge of Dutch is certainly
not sufficient for attending lectures or taking examinations.
It is also an illusion to think that one can acquire the necessary
skills overnight or by just going to the lectures. In order to
avoid disappointment in this respect, the University further
requires those who have been admitted academically into
a bachelors programme, but are non-Dutch speakers,
to prove their proficiency in the Dutch language by passing
a Proficiency Test, administered by the Instituut voor Levende
Talen (Institute for Modern Languages) at K.U.Leuven.
After one full year of studying Dutch, all candidates are
required to pass Level 5.
Candidates who have no background at all in Dutch must
therefore take the one-year preparatory course at the
Institute for Modern Languages. In order to participate
in this course, candidates must also present a certificate
or proof that they master at least one Western language,
e.g. English, French, Spanish, German. In this regard,
the Belgian Government has stipulated that non-EEA citizens
who will participate in this preparatory course may obtain
the student visa (Authorisation for Provisional Sojourn) from
the Belgian Embassy and a one-year residence permit from
the City Hall of Leuven to master the Dutch language.
To summarise: international candidates must first apply for and
be admitted academically to a bachelors programme taught in
Dutch before they can participate in the one-year preparatory
Dutch language course. After passing the Level 5 Proficiency
Test, they can enrol for the bachelors programme. International
candidates cannot apply directly for the one-year Dutch
language course, in order to obtain a Student Visa or
Authorisation for Temporary Residence in Belgium.
FOR THE MASTERS PROGRAMMES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH
For its international students, K.U.Leuven has established
a substantial number of programmes in English. Practically
all faculties accept English-speaking international students
into their programmes.
It is clear that only students who have a good command of
the English language, both spoken and written, have a chance
of completing the academic requirements successfully.
Candidates are therefore required to demonstrate their
proficiency, either by proving that at least part of their
previous studies were successfully taken in English,
or by submitting the results of international proficiency tests.
One such test is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign
Language) where the required minimum score is 550 pt.
on the Paper-based test or 79 to 80 pt. on the Internet-
based test or 213 pt. on the Computer-based test.
Candidates are thus required to request TOEFL to send
their official test scores to the International Office, International
Admissions and Mobility Unit, Atrechtcollege, Naamsestraat 63,
3000 LEUVEN. Our TOEFL Institution Code is 0749.
K.U.Leuven will not accept any TOEFL scores legalised
photocopies or originals sent by the candidates themselves.
19
Another test is the IELTS (International English Language
Testing System) where the required minimum band score
ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 pt. Candidates are thus required
to request IELTS to send their official test scores
to the International Admissions and Mobility Unit,
Atrechtcollege, Naamsestraat 63, 3000 LEUVEN.
K.U.Leuven will not accept any IELTS scores legalised
photocopies or originals sent by the candidates themselves.
Other programmes may require materials written by
the candidate such as papers, a thesis or publications.
Note that some programmes may require an even higher
level of English proficiency in order to be admitted.
Other programmes may also require students to follow
the special Crash Course in English and/or the Course
in Academic English offered at the Instituut voor Levende
Talen (Interfaculty Institute for Modern Languages) as
a condition for admission.
LANGUAGE COURSES IN DUTCH AT K.U.LEUVEN
Instituut voor Levende Talen (ILT)
The ILT mainly organises language courses in Dutch
for international students. In order to be admitted to any
of the basic academic programmes at K.U.Leuven which
are taught only in Dutch, they need to pass Level 5 of
the Dutch language course. The ILT organises language
courses throughout the academic year, and during
the summer month of August.
For further information on the language courses and
for the registration, please visit their website:
www.kuleuven.be/ilt/
Language courses during the academic year:
In the ILTs programme Dutch as a Foreign Language, five
basic levels of Dutch are taught. Each basic level consists
of a module of 80 contact hours. These modules can be
followed either intensively (12 hours/week) or in a regular
way (6 hours/week). Intensive courses are held during
the morning, whilst regular courses can be followed
either in the afternoon or in the evening.
Registration: Online registrations and regular registrations are
possible. See the ILT website for exact dates of enrolment.
Registration fees: The ordinary courses all cost 60 per
module (textbooks not included).
Summer Course Joos Florquin:
Dutch Language and Culture
Each year in August, the ILT organises Dutch courses for
international students. All the levels (1 to 5) are offered
during this summer course. Students with an elementary
knowledge will be given the possibility of improving their
Dutch. Lectures are given 20 hours a week from Monday
to Thursday.
Registration: See the ILT website for the deadline.
Registration fee: 300 (not including textbook).
Cancellation of enrolment is possible only until a specified
date. The administration costs for such cancellation is 25.
After a certain date, no more refunds of the enrolment fee
will be made. See the ILT website for payment instructions.
Proficiency Test in Dutch
For those who have already studied Dutch elsewhere
before coming to Leuven, the ILT likewise organises
a Proficiency Test. Passing this test would mean that
ones knowledge of Dutch is equivalent to the ILTs level 5
requirements. This Proficiency Test is organised during
the third Monday of September (1) and on the third
Monday of January (2) from 9-11 am.
Registration:
ILT Secretariat
before the second week of September (1)
before the second week of January (2)
Registration fee: 60
CRASH COURSE IN GENERAL ENGLISH AND
ACADEMIC ENGLISH
International students enrolling for a programme taught in
English at K.U.Leuven are now given the opportunity to
upgrade their English language skills. From September until
December and from February until May, two complementary
courses are offered by the Instituut voor levende talen,
ILT (Interfaculty Institute of Modern Languages). These aim
at improving the students knowledge of general as well
as academic English. They are a useful preparation to
a successful academic career.
Registration: See the ILT website for the deadline
Registration fee: 235 (General English) and 215
(Academic English). See the ILT website for payment
instructions.
20
Your registration will only be accepted after payment.
In case of cancellation, 10 % of the fee will be charged for
administration costs. The registration fee is only refundable
until the first week after the start of the course.
For further information concerning the courses, send an
e-mail to: [email protected] or you may call
tel. + 32 16 32 56 60.
OTHER LANGUAGE COURSES AT K.U.LEUVEN
For those who have already been accepted for enrolment
and have arrived in Leuven, the University also provides
the opportunity to study other modern languages for
the students own personal enrichment.
Centrum voor Levende Talen (CLT)
The CLT (Centre for Modern Languages) is an institution
for adult education that operates in connection with the
K.U.Leuven. The CLT is by and large an evening school
and during the course of the academic year it organises
language classes in English, French, German, Italian,
Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Portuguese, Russian,
Arabic, Turkish and Swedish.
Registration:
During the third week of September
From the last week of September through October,
during regular Office hours
Once the quota available for a class has been reached,
no further enrolment for that class will be accepted.
Registration fee: The fee varies between 135 and 150
depending on the language and the level.
For further information as to the organisation of the language
courses, please refer to the following website: www.clt.be
Or you may write to the CLT Secretariat.
21
K.U.Leuven uses Dutch as its main language of instruction. Consequently, most of the Bachelors [BA] and Initial Masters
programmes [IMA] are organised only in Dutch, with some exceptions. For example, the Faculty of Theology and the Institute
of Philosophy have full Bachelors programmes taught in English. Aside from these programmes taught in Dutch, the University
has set up a number of Advanced Masters programmes [MAS] aimed at both Belgian as well as international students.
These programmes are taught in English, Dutch or in another language.
Survey of the Bachelors Programmes
FACULTY (FACULTEIT) CREDITS LANGUAGE
FACULTY OF THEOLOGY (FACULTEIT GODGELEERDHEID)
Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies (Bachelor in de Godgeleerdheid en Godsdienstwetenschappen) 180 D & E
INSTITUTE OF PHILOSOPHY (HOGER INSTITUUT VOOR WIJSBEGEERTE)
Bachelor of Philosophy (Bachelor in de Filosofie) 180 D & E
FACULTY OF CANON LAW (FACULTEIT KERKELIJK RECHT)
FACULTY OF LAW (FACULTEIT RECHTSGELEERDHEID)
Bachelor of Laws (Bachelor in de Rechten) 180 D
Bachelor of Criminology (Bachelor in de Criminologie) 180 D
FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND APPLIED ECONOMICS (FACULTEIT ECONOMIE EN BEDRIJFSWETENSCHAPPEN)
Bachelor of Economics (Bachelor in de Economie) 180 D
Bachelor of Business Economics (Bachelor in de Bedrijfseconomie) 180 D
Bachelor of Business Economics: Information Systems Engineering
(Bachelor in de Toegepaste Economische Wetenschappen: Handelsingenieur in de beleidsinformatica) 180 D
Bachelor of Business Economics: Business Engineering
(Bachelor in de Toegepaste Economische Wetenschappen: Handelsingenieur) 180 D
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES (FACULTEIT SOCIALE WETENSCHAPPEN)
Bachelor of Communication Sciences (Bachelor in de Communicatiewetenschappen) 180 D
Bachelor of Political and Social Sciences (Bachelor in de Politieke en Sociale Wetenschappen) 180 D
FACULTY OF ARTS (FACULTEIT LETTEREN)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literature (Dutch, French, English, Latin, German, Greek, Italian, Spanish)
(Bachelor in Taal- en Letterkunde: Nederlands, Frans, Engels, Latijn, Duits, Grieks, Italiaans, Spaans) 180 D
Bachelor of Language and Area Studies: Ancient Near East East (Bachelor in de Taal- en Regiostudies:
Oude Nabije Oosten) 180 D
Bachelor of Language and Area Studies: Arab and Islamic Studies (Bachelor in de Taal- en Regiostudies:
Arabistiek en Islamkunde) 180 D
Bachelor of Language and Area Studies: Sinology (Bachelor in de Taal- en Regiostudies: Sinologie) 180 D
Bachelor of Language and Area Studies: Japanology (Bachelor in de Taal- en Regiostudies: Japanologie) 180 D
What can I study at K.U.Leuven?
22
Bachelor of Language and Area Studies: Slavic and East European Studies
(Bachelor in de Taal- en Regiostudies: Slavistiek en Oost-Europakunde) 180 D
Bachelor of History (Bachelor in de Geschiedenis) 180 D
Bachelor of Archaeology (Bachelor in de Archeologie) 180 D
Bachelor of Art Studies (Bachelor in de Kunstwetenschappen) 180 D
Bachelor of Musicology (Bachelor in de Musicologie) 180 D
FACULTY OF PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES (FACULTEIT PSYCHOLOGIE EN PEDAGOGISCHE WETENSCHAPPEN)
Bachelor of Psychology (Bachelor in de Psychologie) 180 D
Bachelor of Educational Sciences (Bachelor in de Pedagogische Wetenschappen) 180 D
Bachelor of Educational Studies (Kortrijk) (Bachelor in de Onderwijskunde) 180 D
FACULTY OF SCIENCE (FACULTEIT WETENSCHAPPEN)
Bachelor of Mathematics (Bachelor in de Wiskunde) 180 D
Bachelor of Physics (Bachelor in de Fysica) 180 D
Bachelor of Informatics (Bachelor in de Informatica) 180 D
Bachelor of Chemistry (Bachelor in de Chemie) 180 D
Bachelor of Biology (Bachelor in de Biologie) 180 D
Bachelor of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Bachelor in de Biochemie en Biotechnologie) 180 D
Bachelor of Geology (Bachelor in de Geologie) 180 D
Bachelor of Geography (Bachelor in de Geografie) 180 D
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING (FACULTEIT INGENIEURSWETENSCHAPPEN)
Bachelor of Applied Sciences and Engineering: (Bachelor in de Toegepaste Wetenschappen
en Ingenieurswetenschappen)
- Civil Engineering (Bouwkunde) 180 D
- Mechanical Engineering (Werktuigkunde) 180 D
- Electrical Engineering (Elektrotechniek) 180 D
- Geotechnical and Mining Engineering (Geotechniek en Mijnbouwkunde) 180 D
- Computer Science (Computerwetenschappen) 180 D
- Chemical Engineering (Chemische Technologie) 180 D
- Materials Engineering (Materiaalkunde) 180 D
- Architecture (Architectuur) 180 D
FACULTY OF BIOSCIENCE ENGINEERING (FACULTEIT BIO-INGENIEURSWETENSCHAPPEN)
Bachelor of Bioscience Engineering (Bachelor in de Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen) 180 D
FACULTY OF MEDICINE (FACULTEIT GENEESKUNDE)
Bachelor of Medicine (Bachelor in de Geneeskunde) 180 D
Bachelor of Dentistry (Bachelor in de Tandheelkunde) 180 D
Bachelor of Speech Therapy and Audiology Sciences (Bachelor in de Logopedische en
Audiologische Wetenschappen) 180 D
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Bachelor in de Bio-medische Wetenschappen) 180 D
FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES (FACULTEIT FARMACEUTISCHE WETENSCHAPPEN)
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Bachelor in de Farmaceutische Wetenschappen) 180 D
FACULTY OF KINESIOLOGY AND REHABILITATION SCIENCES (FACULTEIT BEWEGINGS- EN REVALIDATIEWETENSCHAPPEN)
Bachelor of Physical Education and Kinesiology (Bachelor in de Lichamelijke Opvoeding
en Bewegingswetenschappen) 180 D
Bachelor of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (Bachelor in de Revalidatiewetenschappen
en Kinesitherapie) 180 D
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Survey of the Masters Programmes taught in Dutch
FACULTY (FACULTEIT) CREDITS LANGUAGE TYPE
FACULTY OF THEOLOGY (FACULTEIT GODGELEERDHEID)
Master of Theology and Religious Studies (Master in de Godgeleerdheid en
de Godsdienstwetenschappen) 60 D & E IMA
Mas