KU Leuven

KU Leuven is an autonomous, research-intensive university founded in 1425 and based in Leuven, Belgium, with campuses across Flanders. It combines high-level education with fundamental and applied research, and positions itself as an internationally oriented comprehensive university that serves society through knowledge creation, public debate, and collaboration with industry and public partners. The university offers a broad academic portfolio across 15 faculties and hundreds of degree programmes, and it integrates research closely into teaching. KU Leuven also extends its mission through University Hospitals Leuven, where research, education, and specialised care are linked in a clinical setting. KU Leuven presents itself as a university that values academic freedom, critical reflection, diversity, and social responsibility, while maintaining a strong European and global outlook through partnerships and alliances. Core Values Curiosity and excellence : KU Leuven describes itself as driven by unending curiosity and a search for knowledge, with a strong emphasis on internationally excellent research and education. Academic freedom and critical reflection : The university highlights idea exchange, cooperation, solidarity, and academic freedom as part of its culture, alongside ethical rigour and open discussion. Social responsibility : KU Leuven aims to prepare students for social responsibility and to put its expertise at the service of society, especially its most vulnerable members. Diversity and inclusion : The university states that it pursues a proactive diversity policy for students and staff and seeks an open, welcoming environment. Sustainability : KU Leuven embeds sustainability in education, research, and operations, and presents it as a long-term institutional commitment. Unique Aspects 600-year heritage : Founded in 1425, KU Leuven is one of Europe’s oldest universities, the oldest university in the Low Countries, and the oldest extant Catholic university in the world. Large, multi-campus footprint : The university operates from Leuven and multiple other Flemish cities, giving it a broad regional presence across Belgium. Strong research and innovation profile : KU Leuven is consistently positioned among the world’s leading universities and is highly active in patents, spin-offs, and research collaboration. Deep hospital integration : Its close link with University Hospitals Leuven gives KU Leuven a distinctive combination of academic research, medical education, and specialised patient care. International alliances : KU Leuven is a founding member of LERU and an active member of Una Europa, reflecting a strong commitment to cross-border research and education. Research infrastructure and sustainability showcase : Recent investments such as the fossil-free research greenhouse in Heverlee underline the university’s ability to combine advanced research infrastructure with sustainability goals.