UCLL University of Applied Sciences
Leuven
About
Entry qualification
Accommodation
UCLL – study in Leuven, one of Europes most famous student cities
UCLL University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Belgium, with about 16,000 students and campuses in Leuven and the province of Limburg (Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Genk and Diest). Its motto, Moving Minds, describes the goal: graduates who are ready for the real world from day one.
UCLL is a member of the KU Leuven Association, which means its students study in the ecosystem of one of Europe’s top universities and can use many KU Leuven services – from libraries to the housing service. Education is practice-oriented: real projects, internships and more than 500 research and service projects with companies and organisations.
Why students choose UCLL
Live in a true student city. Leuven is compact, lively and filled with students.
Turn practice into a first job. Complete internships and real company projects. An internship can lead to a job after graduation.
Study beyond Belgium. UCLL partners offer opportunities in Denmark, France, the UK and Spain.
Use KU Leuven services. Access shared libraries, housing support and other student services.
Feel at home on campus. Study, meet friends and join activities in one welcoming place.
Keep study costs manageable. Belgian tuition is among Western Europe’s most affordable.
Study at UCLL
What can you study in English?
UCLL offers English-taught professional Bachelor’s programs in fields such as business management and applied technology. The studies combine international classrooms, company projects and internships, so you build a European CV while you study. The exact list of study programs available through the Kastu platform can be found at the top of this university description, next to the logo.
Leuven – a city that lives for students
Leuven is only about 25 minutes by train from Brussels, but feels like a world of its own: the city centre is just two kilometres across, everyone cycles, and tens of thousands of students fill the squares, cafés and libraries. It is regularly ranked among the best student cities in Europe – safe, green and full of events all year round. UCLL’s Limburg campuses offer a quieter, more affordable alternative with the same quality of teaching.
Quick facts about UCLL
| Students | About 16,000 |
|---|---|
| Cities | Leuven (25 min from Brussels) and Limburg province |
| Specialty | Practice-oriented business and technology programs |
| Network | Member of the KU Leuven Association |
| Research | More than 500 practice-oriented research and service projects |
FAQ
Is UCLL the same as KU Leuven?
No – UCLL is a university of applied sciences offering practical professional bachelor programs, while KU Leuven is a research university. They belong to the same association, so UCLL students study in the same city and can use several KU Leuven services, such as the housing service.
How long does the admission process take?
UCLL usually processes complete applications within 2–4 weeks. You can apply before receiving your final school diploma – the diploma is submitted later, before enrolment.
Bachelor
Entry qualification
- Transcript of Records – If you have not yet completed Secondary School, you must upload a transcript showing your current grades. You can find the transcript template here.
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate – If you have already completed Secondary School, you do not need to upload a separate transcript. Simply upload your Secondary School Leaving Certificate to the application.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you completed your previous education.
Note:
- Motivation Letter – A motivation letter is not a required document when applying to the programmes at this university.
- Application Fee – UCLL charges a €50 application administration fee.
English language requirements
You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Top-up
Entry qualification
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
Note:
- Motivation Letter – A motivation letter is a required document when applying to the programmes at this university.
- Application Fee – UCLL charges a €50 application administration fee.
English language requirements
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Housing at UCLL – thousands of student rooms near every campus
Leuven has thousands of student rooms, known locally as “kots”. KU Leuven Housing Service also supports international UCLL students.
Most students rent on the private market. Some rooms in KU Leuven residences are reserved for UCLL students. These places are limited, so apply early.
Standard room: about €490 per month, including utilities.
Room with private facilities: about €620 per month.
Private studio: about €720 per month.
Housing is usually cheaper and easier to find near UCLL’s Limburg campuses.
Where to search for a room
Leuven: use Kotwijs. Filter by price, location, rental period and private facilities. Listed landlords work with the university housing service. Rooms meet minimum quality and fire-safety standards. This reduces the risk of scams.
Limburg campuses: use Kot at Limburg. It lists rooms near Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Genk and Diest.
University residences: a limited number of KU Leuven residence rooms are reserved for UCLL students.
Secure your room before travelling to Belgium. Do not wait until you arrive.
Contracts and safety
Rental agreements in Belgium are always written and signed, and the contract may be in Dutch – the housing service can help you understand it before signing. Be careful with offers that seem too good to be true and never send money before you have a signed contract; the housing counselors can verify any offer for you.
FAQ
How much does a student room in Leuven cost?
A single student room in Leuven usually costs between €490 and €800 per month, including utilities. Rooms on the Limburg campuses are cheaper. The earlier you start searching, the better the price and choice.
Can I get a room in a student residence?
Yes – although UCLL has no residence halls of its own, a number of rooms in KU Leuven residence halls are reserved for UCLL students. Apply early through the KU Leuven Housing Service, because these rooms are limited and popular.
How do I get around Leuven without a car?
Very easily – the whole city centre is only about two kilometres across, so most students walk or cycle. Bike rental is cheap, and students get discounted bus passes. All UCLL campuses are reachable by public transport in under 30 minutes.
