Quick Summary
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) is a private (state-subsidized catholic university) founded in 1425, located in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. Ranked #203 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 33500 students including 25% from outside Belgium. Known for strengths in Theology, Philosophy, Economics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45-55%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
UCLouvain offers a unique pedestrian campus environment, world-class research, and a strategic location in the heart of Europe near Brussels.
Subject Strengths
TheologyPhilosophyEconomicsStatisticsPharmacyCivil EngineeringPsychology
Founded1425
TypePrivate (State-subsidized Catholic University)
Total Students33500
Intl Students25%
Faculty Ratio41:1
CampusPedestrian City Campus
Campus Size921 acres
Affiliated HospitalsCliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, CHU UCLouvain Namur
AccreditationEQUIS, AACSB, AEQES, EUR-ACE
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#203
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#171
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#201-300
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor, Master, Specialized Master, PhD, Certificates
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Yes (LouvainX via edX)
Online Programs
22 Research Institutes, 2 Science Parks
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
EQUIS, AACSB, AEQES, EUR-ACE
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45-55%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA3.0
GRERequired for Louvain School of Management (certain profiles)
GMATRequired for Louvain School of Management (certain profiles)
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · February 1st (Non-EU), August 31st (EU)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Demonstrate strong French proficiency (B2/C1) for most programs; research specific credit requirements for equivalence early.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€835/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€12,500/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€835/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$215
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€13,335/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableARES, WBI, Master Mind, UCLouvain International Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$5,400
Financial AidYes (Needs-based grants for local and EU students)
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor, Master, Specialized Master, PhD, Certificates programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Management | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| International Relations | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$48,000
Average Salary After Graduation
89%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong (integrated into Master programs)
Industry Connections
Strong links with BiowinGreenwinand companies in the Louvain-la-Neuve Science Park
Notable Alumni
Georges Lemaître, Rafael Correa, Alexander De Croo, Sophie Wilmès
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Blocry Sports Center (largest in French-speaking Belgium)
Student Clubs
Kot-à-Projets (KAPs), Cercles, Student Unions
Library Resources
10+ specialized libraries, vast digital repositories
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Circle U. Alliance, Mercator Exchange
Summer Programs
Available