UCLL University of Applied Sciences (Diepenbeek campus)

UCLL consists of 8 campuses in and around the cities of Leuven and Hasselt (Diepenbeek) in the Dutch-speaking part of Flanders. Located in the province of Limburg, Diepenbeek is part of the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion with fast, easy access to Germany and Netherlands. The Euroregion acts as a catalyst and facilitator for trade as well as industry and attracts many international companies.  The neighboring city of Hasselt is known as the ‘capital of good taste’ where fashion and gastronomy meet. It is a city that has elevated seeing and being seen to an art form. Hasselt also exemplifies quality care, pioneering research, knowledge and innovation.

Bachelor Courses in English
Business & Law; Chemistry; Electromechanics, Electronics-ICT & Energy Technology.  Students must enroll in 20-30 ECTS units of credit (10-15 credit hours) per semester, which represents 3-6 courses. Courses taught in English in the Faculty of Management can be found here, while courses in the Faculty of Technology can be found here.

During the spring semester, students also have the option of a unique and innovative transdisciplinary international program, which uses state-of-the-art teaching techniques (such as design thinking). Students studying in UC Leuven can follow the transdisciplinary program of UC Limburg and vice versa, providing there is no overlap in the timetables.

Master Courses in English
Master-level students are not able to be accepted.

Language Courses
To help students integrate, UCLL offers a Dutch Language & Culture module (3 ECTS/1.5 US credits) which is open to all exchange students and introduces all international students to the local language and culture.

Accreditations
UC Limburg has received the ESF-label as recognition of its project work.

Orientation
At UC Limburg, Orientation Days is a two-day program offered at the beginning of September and the beginning of February.  Participants receive information on living in Limburg (including housing, facilities and insurance) as well as on higher education in Belgium (including education and evaluation guidelines). The program also includes social activities so that participants can meet other exchange students prior to the start of the semester.

Buddy Program
A buddy program is offered at both UC Leuven and UC Limburg. This program allows international students to easily be in contact with local students. International students can also be in contact with other international students through organizations such as the Erasmus Student Network.

Internships
Unpaid on- and off-campus internships are generally available in the areas of web design, institutional marketing, finance, research and for non-profits; however, only on-campus internships will be supervised by UCLL (off-campus internships must be supervised by the home institution).  Usually, internships require 32-40 hours per week for 10-12 weeks. If a learning agreement is drawn up, internships can be granted 14-17 ECTS (approximately 7-9 credit hours); a D visa is required.

Part-time Employment
Non-EEA incoming students must apply for a D visa, which is converted into a residence permit upon arrival in Belgium. This D visa includes a work permit which allows students to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year; there is no limit on working hours during school holidays. Students must locate their own part-time employment.

Students with Disabilities
Students with a disability are entitled to the same facilities as regular students and will be connected to student services, where they will receive all necessary guidance.

Grades & Transcripts

The university uses the ECTS grading and credit system, which consists of letter grades from “A” to “F”, with “E” being the minimum passing grade.  For additional details on transfer of credits, please refer to the Student Guidebook.

Health Insurance
Students are not required to purchase insurance through the university, but they should have adequate coverage for their time abroad.

International Week
Free – Faculty of Technology.  Technology students who spend the spring semester at UC Limburg are required to participate in this international week during the semester. This week brings together students from all over the world to work on projects related to ‘Sustainability: Challenges & Opportunities.’

Sports Card (optional)
25 EUR/year. This provides access to all sports facilities.

Bus Pass (optional)
20 EUR/year. This provides for discounts on several bus lines.

Bike Rental (optional)
25 EUR/year (plus a 70 EUR deposit)

Textbooks
Approximately 75 EUR per semester.  Actual costs vary depending on the courses.

Students planning to study in Belgium for more than 3 months must obtain a student visa prior to arrival. UCLL also provides additional information.

Housing
Apartment. UCLL assists students with off-campus options in Limburg, which start at 380 EUR/month. Most students prefer privately-owned accommodation. If required, UCLL can assist in regard to the legal aspects of the rental agreement.

Meals
Students can prepare their own meals at home or enjoy student restaurants. Meal plans are not available.

Transportation

Fly to Brussels Airport and take the train to your final destination (approximately 1 hour to Limburg).

There is extensive public transportation, and students can also rent a bicycle to get around during the semester.

Entertainment
Hasselt (Diepenbeek) also has a cozy city center and offers several student activities, cultural centers, museums and festivals. The campuses in the vicinity of the city of Hasselt have, for example, a long-standing partnership with the international festival Pukkelpop with innovative and sustainable projects.

Shopping
You’ll find a variety of shops, including fashion, vintage, secondhand, trinkets and chain stores, as well as open air markets. The pedestrian area of the city centers also serves as a relaxing and recreational environment.

Climate
The area has a mild, temperate climate with precipitation distributed throughout the year. On average, low temperatures during the winter are typically 32ºF, while high temperatures during the winter are typically 42ºF, with snow likely. Summer temperatures average 70ºF for highs and 50ºF for lows.

International Technology Week

Target audience: Second-year bachelor students in the majors relevant to the international technology week: architecture, electronics-ICT, electromechanics, energy technology, chemistry or environmental sciences.

Meals and Accommodations: Accommodations are included in the program fee. Some meals are also included. All other meals are the student’s responsibility.

Cost: 250 EUR for external participants not studying at UCLL for the semester or full academic year. This fee includes accommodation, 5 breakfasts, lunches, cultural activities, and local transport.