UCLL University of Applied Sciences (Leuven campus)

UC Leuven-Limburg is a University of Applied Sciences that takes internationalization to heart by, among others, attracting foreign students for degree and exchange programs. UCLL consists of 8 campuses in and around the cities of Leuven and Hasselt (Diepenbeek) in the Dutch-speaking part of Flanders. An ancient capital, Leuven is in the heart of Europe with fast, easy access to Belgium’s surrounding countries as well as home to one of Europe’s oldest universities.  Together with UCLL, these institutions make for a vibrant student community. Home to a picturesque city center and upbeat, creative atmosphere, Leuven offers a rich history and amazing architecture. Much of the local economy is concentrated on research, including high-tech fields such as robotics, IT and biotech. The headquarters of the world’s largest brewery, Anheuser-Busch InBev, is also located in Leuven.

Bachelor Courses in English

Business Management & Marketing; Chemistry; Applied Computer Science.  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.

Students who would like to enroll in Chemistry program courses during the fall semester may take their final exams early (before the Christmas break) rather than remaining in January for the usual examination period.

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 Leuven has received the ESF-label as recognition of its project work. Its business programs also have an accreditation by the Network of International Business Schools (NIBS).

Orientation
At UC Leuven, Welcome Days is a one-week program offered at the beginning of September and the beginning of February.  Participants receive information on living in Leuven (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 and Pangaea (Leuven only).

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, but students in Leuven can utilize the Student Career Center as a resource.

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.

Orientation Fee
10 EUR. This covers the breakfast and brewery visit and can be paid at the kick-off meeting.

International Week
*Students interested in participating in an international week do so based on their study area.*

60 EUR – Faculty of Management.  Business Management students who spend the spring semester at UC Leuven have the possibility to participate in an international week during the semester in one of these fields: Accounting & Taxes, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Law, Organization Management, Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, or Marketing. Attend special lectures, work in international student teams on real-life case studies and enjoy cultural activities.

100 EUR – Faculty of Technology.  Applied Computer Science students who spend the spring semester at UC Leuven have the possibility to participate in the international IT week during the semester. This week brings together students from all over Europe to work on ‘The AI for Winning an Unfair Game’. The registration fee includes several meals, cultural activities and a formal dinner.

Free – Faculty of Technology. Chemistry students who spend the spring semester at UC Leuven are required to participate in this international week during the semester. This week brings together students from all over Europe to work on a chemistry project.

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

Culture Card (optional)
25 EUR/year.  This card offers a variety of discounts for things such as theatre tickets, events and cultural hotspots.

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

Bike Rental (optional)
30 EUR/semester (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
Off-Campus Residence Hall or Apartment. UCLL does not own residence halls, but as a member of the KU Leuven Association, it does have access to a number of rooms in the residence halls of the university of Leuven, including private rooms downtown. Students coming to Leuven can, therefore, apply for such a room during the Welcome Days. Rooms are limited and the prices start at 380 EUR/month. UCLL also assists students with off-campus options in Leuven and 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 15 minutes to Leuven).

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

Entertainment
Belgium is noted for its variety and quality of beer, and Leuven is a prominent brewing center (home to Stella Artois brewery and the Anheuser Busch InBev headquarters). The picturesque city center of Leuven provides for a variety of activities, including shopping, pubs and good-value dining. Enjoy museums, architecture, nightlife, theatre, festivals, the Oude Markt, and more! In addition, UC Leuven-Limburg is a member of the KU Leuven Association, which means UCLL has access to all the facilities of the university and can offer a wide variety of sports and cultural activities.

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 Weeks: Business

The Faculty of Management offers several International Weeks, each with a different study focus: accounting & taxes, entrepreneurship, finance, law, organization management, human resources management, or marketing. Attend special lectures and enjoy cultural activities during one of these exciting programs. More information is available here.

Target audience: Second-year, third-year or fourth-year bachelor students in the majors relevant to the chosen international business week.

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

Cost: 300 EUR for external participants who are not studying at UCLL for a semester or full academic year.  This fee includes accommodation, 5 breakfasts, lunches, 1 gala dinner, cultural activities, project materials, and local transport.

International Week: Chemistry

Target audience: Second-year bachelor students of chemistry or environmental sciences.

Meals and Accommodations: Some meals are included. Accommodation and all other meals are the student’s responsibility.

Cost: 150 EUR for external participants who are not studying at UCLL for a semester or full academic year.  This fee includes lunches, cultural activities, and local transport.

International Week: Applied Computer Science

Target audience: Second-year bachelor students of applied computer science, multimedia, electronics-ICT, or other IT-related majors.

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

Cost: 300 EUR for external participants who are not studying at UCLL for a semester or full academic year.  This fee includes accommodation, lunches, cultural activities, and local transport.

Spirit of Europe

Details on the 2025 program are not yet available. The 2024 program offered students an opportunity for on-site lectures as well as exploration of a variety of European destinations. There were on-site lectures covering content such as leadership skills through equine assisted learning, interculturality in doing business, WWII history, human rights, lean manufacturing, economic and market considerations of international mergers and acquisitions, economic opportunities of alternative energy, and doing business in France.  In addition, students enjoyed guided tours in Paris, France, as well as guided tours and company visits in Ghent and Leuven, Belgium; Aachen, Monschau and Vogelsang, Germany; and Maastricht and Margraten, Netherlands.

Prerequisites: None

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

Arrival and Departure: The 2024 program started from the Brussels, Belgium, airport and ended in Paris, France.

Cost: 2,362 USD (in 2024).  This fee includes accommodations, some meals, guided tours, museums, and ground transportation.