Universities of Belgium: A Closer Look at the Nation’s Premier Schools

As a country that prides itself on its linguistic diversity, Belgium is a great place to study and has a broad range of world-class universities and programs to offer students from all over the world.

The following are the top-ranking universities in Belgium and some of the highlights of each of them.

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KU Leuven

One of the oldest and most esteemed colleges in Belgium is KU Leuven (Catholic University of Leuven), founded in 1425. It is well-known for its teaching effectiveness and research productivity in many different academic fields.

Ghent University

An additional notable institution in Belgium is Ghent University, founded in 1817. It was actually the first Dutch-speaking university and provides a wide range of degrees in numerous disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, engineering, and natural sciences, and places a substantial focus on research.

Université Catholique de Louvain

Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) – Originally established in 1425 and divided into two institutions in 1968, UCLouvain is a French-speaking university. It is renowned for its teaching and research in disciplines like engineering, social sciences, and humanities.

University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a relatively new school, having only been founded in 2003. Despite this, it has already established a solid reputation for the caliber of its research and instruction. In academic fields like the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, it provides a wide choice of programs.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Dutch-speaking university Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) was established in 1970. It is renowned for its teaching in a variety of subjects, including the humanities, social sciences, and engineering, as well as for its research output.

Université Libre de Bruxelles

French-language university Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) was established in 1834. Programs in the humanities, social sciences, and scientific sciences are among the many subjects it provides, and it has a strong research emphasis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are universities in Belgium free?

No, universities are not completely free in Belgium. Local students pay a minimal tuition fee of around €800-900 per year. International students pay significantly more depending on the university with fees ranging from €1000 – €10,000 depending on the school and country you are from.

Are there English-speaking universities in Belgium?

Yes, there are quite a few English-speaking universities and courses in Belgium. The most notable is KU Leuven, however, others like Ghent University, Catholic University of Louvain, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & University of Antwerp also have programs in English.

What is the number 1 university in Belgium?

The number 1 university in Belgium is consistently Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven).

Is Belgium good for international students?

Belgium is a great location for international students because not only does the majority of the population speak English, but as the location of both NATO and European Union parliament, it is also a hub for people from all over Europe and the world.