KU Leuven (reviews)

Studying for a bachelor’s degree in European Studies at KU Leuven is not just an intercultural experience, it is genuinely mind-blowing. Right from the start, you have the freedom to choose where to begin your journey, with four universities across four different countries to pick from for your first year. Then, in the second year, the possibilities expand even further, with fourteen options across Europe to follow your chosen major. Finally, for your last year, you can choose again from four universities to complete your degree.

I personally started my journey at the Universidad Complutense in Madrid, and honestly, it was the perfect place to begin. Madrid offers an incredible student life, with such a social environment, the best food, and always something going on. The vibe there is just amazing, and it was the ideal introduction to this whole adventure.

Then, in my second year, I moved to the University of Bologna in Italy to follow my major in international relations and politics. Studying at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world was an incredible experience, not just academically but also because Bologna itself is such a vibrant student town with amazing food, rich architecture, and so much life. If you are there in June or early September, you even get to enjoy the tail end of the Italian summer, which is just unforgettable.

In my final year, I returned to KU Leuven in Belgium, where i sent my application to. Graduating there gave me amazing opportunities thanks to its location right in the heart of Europe, surrounded by international organisations where I could eventually work in my field. Like Madrid and Bologna, Leuven is a true student town, with rich architecture, so much nightlife and culture, and you basically live just minutes away from all your friends, with house parties, weekend trips, and good food everywhere.

Throughout these three years, you get to truly connect with a multicultural environment, open your mind, and push your limits, all while studying at different universities and learning a second language as you immerse yourself in the European studies field and the better part, is super affordable, European students only pay 2000€ per year. In the first year, you get a broad foundation with ten compulsory courses covering law, psychology, economics, international relations, sociology, philosophy, marketing, and media, so you really get to experience a bit of everything before specialising.

The environment, the people, everything is amazing. You end up making friends with people from the most diverse backgrounds, people who are always up for a trip and who have so much knowledge about the world, all contributing to this incredibly multicultural environment. I truly believe I studied in the most amazing university and program in the world, where I connected with and made friends from all over the globe, and I could not recommend it more.

This is a very wellrounded university. They offer a ton of opportunities to help guide students the best they can. Campus life is active. The canteen had decent food and it was easy to connect with other students.

As a student of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at KU Leuven’s Brussels campus, my experience has been both enriching and challenging. The programme offers a robust curriculum that provides in-depth insights into various facets of business, including economics, management, and entrepreneurship. The courses are well-structured and delivered by experienced faculty members, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

However, it’s important to note that the Flemish examination system differs significantly from the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge systems. In the Flemish system, assessments are predominantly based on final exams, with limited emphasis on continuous assessment. This structure may require international students to adapt their study habits and time management strategies to align with the local academic expectations.

The programme is rigorous and demanding, necessitating consistent effort throughout the academic year. Success hinges on maintaining steady progress and dedicating sufficient time to study, as exams typically constitute the majority of the final grade. This approach may be a shift for students accustomed to more continuous forms of assessment.

Despite these challenges, KU Leuven’s BBA programme offers a high-quality education that is globally recognised. The university consistently ranks among the top institutions in Europe and the world, with notable alumni holding prominent positions across various sectors. For instance, Herman Daems, a KU Leuven alumnus, serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at BNP Paribas Fortis and has been a professor at KU Leuven. Additionally, Luc Sels, another alumnus, has held the position of Rector at KU Leuven, demonstrating the calibre of leadership the institution fosters.

Considering its academic rigour, international recognition, and the success of its alumni, I would recommend the KU Leuven BBA programme to prospective students. While the transition to the Flemish examination system may require some adjustment, the quality of education and the opportunities it presents make it a worthwhile endeavour for those committed to pursuing a business career.

KU Leuven provides a rigorous academic experience with a strong international atmosphere. The programs are demanding but intellectually enriching, encouraging independent study. While administrative processes can be complex, the overall environment supports growth for motivated and self-driven students.