Language of instruction
Limited places available. Potentially available as a second or third preference.
Situated in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. KU Leuven offers a wide variety of international Master’s programmes, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. KU Leuven is ranked among the Top 50 universities worldwide.
The city of Leuven is a pleasant, safe and bustling student town, where centuries-rich history meets cutting-edge science. The university also offers programmes in Brussels and Ghent.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Second Semester | February–July |
| Semester 2 | First Semester | September–February |
Guides and additional information
Depending on the KU Leuven campus you choose to study at, there are resources available to help get the most out of your exchange.
Exchange student information
Campuses
KU Leuven has multiple campuses, which exchange opportunities available at:
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Student testimonials
- Master of ArchitectureSemester 1, 2023
- M ArchitectureSemester 1, 2019
A rich period of my life that was full of fun, friendship, culture and new experiences.
Full-time study load
30 ECTS credits per semester at KU Leuven is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
Host university requirements
GPA
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at KU Leuven.
Study Options
KU Leuven is only available to postgraduate Architecture students. Students will be admitted to a Postgraduate Master's program and can only take courses within that program.
Semester Restrictions
Note: there are no places available for the Faculty of Architecture in UQ's Semester 1, 2024
Design: Master of Urban Design and Spatial Planning is only available for exchange during UQ semester 2.
Note: Host university eligibility criteria are at the discretion of the host and may change without notice.
Find courses
Search the KU Leuven course catalogue
Crosscheck the courses you found in the host course catalogue with the Credit Precedent Database to see if UQ credit has previously been granted. The database should be used as a general guide only. Few courses from each host will be in the database and many course precedents in the database may have expired. Note, the credit precedent database does not replace the host course catalogue. If a course is not listed in the CPD, you can still ask for it to be assessed on your study plan.
Study areas taught in English
Academic restrictions
Additional academic information
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Accommodation
There are various types of on-campus and off-campus housing available for students at KU Leuven. The University's Housing Service provides a database of rooms available for students Leuven.
Cost of living
KU Leuven provides a rough estimate of average monthly and yearly living expenses in Leuven to help students budget for exchange.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in a Semester-based Exchange are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Contact the Belgian Embassy and Consulates for visa and immigration information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, experiences to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice, and sign up to receive updates for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)