Top Universities in Belgium

Belgium offers many reasons for international students to take up higher studies. With the presence of world-renowned universities focusing on skill development, multicultural environment, picturesque locations, and top recruiting companies, Belgium is counted amongst the top destinations for students to pursue overseas education. Further, with a population of more than 11 million including those who hail from other countries, the European nation has become a global hotspot for experiencing a rich blend of cultures. The country is divided into two distinct areas: Flanders and Wallonia. Flemish, the inhabitants of Flanders, speak Dutch while citizens of Wallonia are majorly French-speaking. Many universities in Belgium have English as the medium of instruction but the main language is Dutch or French. Let’s now have a look at some of the top universities in Belgium which you can consider! 

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Why Study in Belgium?

Belgium is one of the most beautiful and multicultural European countries in the world. The country offers quality education, low tuition fees, an opportunity to learn at some of the best universities in Europe and a chance to experience a global culture and the dynamic local culture of Brussels. Here are some reasons why you should consider Belgium and study at the top universities in Belgium for higher education-

• Belgium offers a unique international student life and experience. The top universities in Belgium have the best infrastructure, international teaching staff and facilities. It also offers a plethora of programmes at affordable prices.
• Belgium is also one of the cheapest countries in terms of the cost of living and studying abroad. The country offers different types of accommodation options, affordable public transportation as well as an exceptional quality of life. It is also ranked amongst the safest Nordic countries for international students, especially female students.  
• Most universities in Belgium offer scholarships and financial aid to encourage students and professionals to pursue higher studies in the country.
• It offers academic courses and programmes in four languages such as English, French, German and Dutch.
• Belgium’s prime location is another reason why you should study in Belgium. It is close to beautiful countries like France, Germany, Netherlands, Austria & Sweden.
• Belgium’s capital Brussels was featured on the best student cities list of QS 2019 for providing an unforgettable and unique student life experience.
• Another reason to consider Belgium is the opportunity to enter the Belgian workforce after completing your education in the country. Universities in the country encourage students to work in the country to enhance their skills and work experience. 

Top Universities in Belgium: Rankings 2021

Student Guide on Top Universities in Belgium

Catholic University of Leuven

The highest-ranked among the top universities in Belgium, the Catholic University of Leuven or popularly called KU Leuven, which was established in 1425 is the largest university in Belgium. With around 57,000 students, Times Ranking places the university on 45th in the list of global universities. KU has 14 faculties that are categorized into 3 groups that include Humanities and Social Sciences; Science, Engineering and Technology (SET), and Biomedical Sciences. Offering quality education in almost every domain, the university pioneers in research in diverse fields. Besides globally recognized educational infrastructure, the institution has medical, housing, library and student services. 

Ghent University

One of the prestigious educational institutes, Ghent University is ranked 103rd in the QS University Rankings for the year 2021. Established in 1817, it currently houses 41,000 students out of which, more than 4,150 enrollees are international students. This has constituted Ghent as one of the largest institutions in Flanders! While the medium of instruction at the university is primarily Dutch, some of the courses are also taught in English. Considering itself a pluralist university, Ghent welcomes students from all religions and races and allows them to take part in the Erasmus exchange program. From Pharmaceutical and Engineering branches to Law and Social Sciences, the 11 faculties at the university offer bachelor’s, masters and exchange programs in diverse subjects. 

University Catholique of Louvain

A comprehensive university founded in the year 1425, University Catholique of Louvain has 14 faculties and 23 doctoral schools that offer 43 bachelor’s and 187 master’s programs. Out of all, 26 programs are taught in English. The campus is located in Wallonia which is the most economically dynamic area of the country. One-fifth of the 30,000 students hail from 120 different countries which makes the university a culturally dynamic institution. Partnering with different educational institutes around the world, UCL inculcates creative thinking in its students through various programs, different learning methods, and prepares them for future careers. Being one of the top universities in Belgium, it has 23 research institutes and 39 technology platforms besides 2 hospitals and 3 science parks. One-third of the professors at the university are women who are at the center of encouraging cross-disciplinary research, the tradition started by the professors like Georges Lemaître and Christian de Duve. 

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Located in Brussels, the heart of Belgium, VUB has an unmatched reputation in research in diverse disciplines. The university, which was established in 1970, is positioned between 201-250th rank in QS World University Rankings 2021. Around 15,800 students are enrolled in the university out of which 21.5% belong to different nationalities thus making it one of the biggest centres of knowledge in Europe! Apart from its renowned bachelor’s programs in Business Economics and Social Sciences, the university also offers a diverse range of courses at the postgraduate level that includes Engineering, Business, Science and Communication. 

Université Libre de Bruxelles

The Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is a public-funded university that has campuses in Belgian and European capital. Founded in 1834, it is one of the oldest and top universities in Belgium. As of 2019, the number of students studying at the university is 30,000 which makes it a hotspot for cultural exchange and flow of discourse. ULB offers about 40 undergraduate programs and about 250 graduate courses in diverse disciplines. Primarily, the mode of instruction at the university is French but some of the master’s level courses are taught in English also. Enjoying close links with the leaders in the industry and the top recruiters, the university also boasts of its high placement rates.  

Popular Courses

Belgium offers a wide range of courses and programmes to international students in a number of different languages. They offer bachelors, masters as well as PhD programmes. Let’s look at the most popular courses offered by top universities in Belgium:

• Business and Management
• Law
• Engineering and Technology
• Art and Design
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Life Sciences

FAQs on Top Universities in Belgium

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Thus, the top universities in Belgium offer a blend of research-backed education and modern technological infrastructure that will prepare you for the competitive job market and enhance your knowledge base. If you have made your mind to be a part of the rich Belgian culture but are unsure of the admission procedure then let our experts at Leverage Edu handhold your application process. Click Here to schedule your free career counselling session and take an informed step towards a rewarding future!