Established in 1425, KU Leuven will celebrate its 600th anniversary in 2025, making it one of Europe’s oldest universities. The institution has the double honour of being the oldest university in the Low Countries and the oldest extant Catholic university in the world. Today, KU Leuven is embedded in an economically strong region, where lots of multinationals, national and international institutions, and NGO’s have their headquarters. 
 
There are three campuses across Belgium. The main campus in Leuven is 20 minutes from Brussels, a place characterized by its beautiful architecture and one of Belgium’s most attractive cities. The Antwerp and Ghent campuses are both less than an hour away. Each campus and city have its own vibe, but with large student and expat communities in all four cities, you will quickly become part of our international KU Leuven family.  
 
KU Leuven is EQUIS accredited and has been identified as Europe’s most innovative university for four years in a row by Reuters. By developing the most important drug against HIV, a new type of solar panel that converts oxygen into hydrogen and uncovering the secrets of Sagalassos, KU Leuven researchers have a profound impact on our everyday lives in nearly all fields of research. That innovative character is deeply embedded in the way we teach our students, by integrating relevant guest lectures, taking an Interdisciplinary approach and opening the most advanced research and education facilities. 

Leuven, which is located just 30 minutes east of Brussels by train, is the eighth largest city in Belgium. It is a popular student city and home to the largest university (KU Leuven) in Belgium. During term, city life in Leuven comes alive with students from all over the world. The city is very pedestrian and bicycle-friendly, with several streets off-limits to vehicles. You will find remarkable architecture, such as the Standhuis (Town Hall), which began building in 1439 and took 30 years to complete. The city is home to the famous beer Stella Artois, and when it comes to food, Muntstraat, a street of wall-to-wall restaurants caters to every budget. Leuven is well known for the Marktrock, a rock music festival held in its historic city centre the Oude Markt.

Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a sovereign state in Western Europe, bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and the North Sea. Belgium is known for being home to many different languages and communities.

Belgium has a population of more than 11.4 million people, of whom the Dutch-speaking Flemish community makes up 59%. An estimated 25% of the population come from foreign backgrounds, so this is a land used to different cultures and languages.

Belgium is renowned for some impressive contributions to art and intricate architecture throughout the centuries. In particular, the picturesque towns of Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp with their quaint atmosphere, canals and coffee culture make for charming landscapes to explore. Belgium food will also make you feel at home with incredible waffles and fries available everywhere, as well as a variety of beers for a range of tastes.

There are excellent train connections everywhere in the country as well as to the rest of Europe, with Paris and Amsterdam just a short ride away. Major cities in Belgium are bike friendly and with rich student cultures, you’ll find that everything is easily accessible. This international country ranks as one of the safest or most peaceful countries in the world.

Did you know…..?

Belgium is known as the vegetarian capital of the world. The town of Ghent is exceptionally veggie-friendly and promotes "Veggie Thursdays". Belgium is home to the famous comic character Tin-Tin! Look out for murals throughout the capital city of Brussels.

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.
 
Students are not allowed to mix courses from different campuses. 

• UniSA academic transcript 
• Passport 
• Evidence of English proficiency (if applicable) 

Credits are measured by the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and the following applies: 

• 18 units = 30 ECTS 
• 13.5 units = 22.5 ECTS 

It can sometimes be difficult to make up exactly 22.5 units (not all courses will be worth exactly 7.5 ECTS), but you should be able to get very close. Make sure you check with your Program Director if you don’t have exactly 22.5 ECTS.

Proficiency in English is required for all courses. Be aware that your level of English must be advanced (level B2 for Bachelor courses and C1 for Master courses). 

Find courses at KU Leuven

KU Leuven operates a welcome desk at Brussels Airport. On arrival, look out for the KU Leuven banner and desk in the arrivals hall on your right hand side, after you have gone through the baggage reclaim hall. Students in KU Leuven t-shirts will help you get orientated and guide you to where you need to be to travel on to your campus. 

More information on how to get to the campus can be found here. 

Leuven Campus 

KU Leuven has reserved part of the rooms in KU Leuven student residence halls for international students. These rooms are randomly located amongst rooms for Flemish students and they are spread across the city centre. You can find more information concerning these rooms on here. 

For off-campus alternative, you may want to look at houses listed on the local private housing market. Depending on the period of your stay and the time of your arrival the offer can be limited. Information regarding private accommodation in Leuven for exchange students can be found here. 

Brussels Campus 

KU Leuven, Brussels campus does not offer on-campus housing. However, the Social Services of Stuvo+ can help you in your search for a student room. 

KU Leuven refers students to BRIK, an organisation which manages and coordinates student housing for all Dutch colleges and universities in Brussels. BRIK has an online database which students can use to look for suitable accommodation in the centre of Brussels or in the surrounding area. More detailed information or a list of websites with student accommodation in Brussels can be requested by emailing housingbrussel@stuvoplus.be. 

Alternatively, more information on the private housing market is available in the welcoming package for those that apply for courses at the Brussels campus. See here for more information and should you have further questions please email housingbrussel@stuvoplus.be. 

Antwerp Campus 

Student rooms in Antwerp rent on monthly basis. A deposit of up to three months is usually paid on upon arrival. Student rooms tend to be single rooms (linen not included) with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. All institutions located within the city of Antwerp have developed a database for student accommodation, called Kotweb, offering a wide selection of studios and apartments.  

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to KU Leuven, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur: 

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  

Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 

A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 

If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678.