Information for Prospective Students

About the University

KU Leuven was founded in 1425 and is the oldest Catholic university in the world. Throughout the centuries the university remained an important centre of thought with a strong commitment to the international dimension of education.

• Read more about the KU Leuven.

The Institute of Philosophy

Philosophy has been studied at Leuven since the foundation of the university in 1425. In 1889 the Institute of Philosophy attained an independent status due to the efforts of Cardinal Désiré Mercier.
 

• Read more about the Institute of Philosophy
• Upcoming events at the Institute

Programmes

The Insitute of Philosophy offers a complete programme of philosophical studies in English, in addition to a complete programme in Dutch.

• Undergraduate studies
  • Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
  • Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy - Abridged Programme
• Graduate studies
  • Master of Arts in Philosophy
  • Master of Philosophy - MPhil
    (advanced research master)
• Doctor in Philosophy (PhD)
  • Doctoral Programme

Applications

Applications are invited from motivated students of demonstrated academic excellence. The cost of studies is moderate. Tuition for a full academic year is less than 600 Euro. The deadline for application is March 1 for non-EEA citizens and June 1 for EEA citizens. Late applications are allowed in particular instances.

Enrolled students from countries in the European Union may also participate in the Socrates scheme, which allows a period of study at other European universities.

• Application Procedures and Admissions Policy for Programmes of the Institute
• KU Leuven International Admissions
• KU Leuven Registration Fees
• Socrates-Erasmus Applications

Library

The Library of the Institute of Philosophy is one of the finest philosophical libraries in northern Europe. It contains more than 80,000 volumes and subscribes to more than 300 journals in philosophy. It houses special collections on phenomenology, ancient and medieval philosophy and logic. It is very user-friendly, with open stacks, a liberal lending policy and an online catalogue. Students also have access to collections in other faculties, as well as in the main library of the university.

• Library of the Institute of Philosophy (FBIB)

Student Life

Leuven's student life is very lively and the KU Leuven offers a wide range of student services covering the different aspects of living and studying in Leuven.

Within a university of around 40,000 students, the Institute retains the rather intimate atmosphere of a small college. For foreign students coming from every continent, this sense of community proves to be very stimulating. For many foreign students their study at the Institute is also a gateway to the cultural riches of Belgium and Europe.

• Campus Life and Student Services
• Living Expenses
• Information about Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, and Europe