KU Leuven (Faculty of Law)

KU Leuven’s Faculty of Law and Criminology is Belgium’s largest and one of Europe’s oldest legal institutions, known for its extensive academic tradition and commitment to public service. Consistently ranked the **No. 1 Law faculty in the EU by THE**, it maintains global prestige while preserving an open-access model. With more than 5,000 students, the faculty blends historical legacy with modern academic rigor in a vibrant international community.

Located just 20 minutes from Brussels, the faculty leverages its proximity to the EU’s institutional center. Distinguished scholars, including members of Europe’s highest courts, contribute to a learning environment that integrates advanced legal research with practical relevance.

Graduates benefit from KU Leuven’s expansive network of more than **320,000 alumni**, many of whom hold influential positions in EU institutions, high courts, international organizations, and leading law firms. The faculty’s strong industry integration ensures students engage directly with practitioners, arbitrators, and policymakers through specialized courses and events.

Career development is reinforced through internships, mobility programs, and Global Law Week, which connects students with experts from across Europe and beyond. Supported by a well-established mobility office, students enter a global job market grounded in both academic excellence and practical exposure.

Students choose KU Leuven for its **top-ranked legal education**, delivered without restrictive entrance exams or prohibitive tuition fees. Its strategic location near Brussels provides unparalleled access to EU institutions, enabling direct engagement with real-world European legal processes. Programs prioritize immersive learning through full-time, in-person instruction led by leading judges, practitioners, and researchers.

The university’s affordability, global mobility opportunities, and strong reputation make it especially attractive for students seeking impactful careers in European or international law. Combined with Leuven’s dynamic academic community, the faculty offers a unique pathway to professional advancement and global legal expertise.

The faculty drives innovation through more than **20 specialized research institutes**, including leading centers in European law, global governance, and IT & IP law. These institutes shape policy debates and advance legal thought, supported by interdisciplinary collaborations and high-profile research projects. Ethical research standards and digital transformation initiatives further enhance academic quality.

Faculty members regularly contribute to legal development at the highest levels, with judges and scholars influencing European jurisprudence. Doctoral programs, public lectures, and KU Leuven’s 600-year heritage reinforce the institution’s long-standing impact as a hub for legal scholarship and forward-looking reforms.

What are the entry requirements for the LL.M.? Applicants must hold a law degree and submit transcripts, motivation, and English proficiency. Admissions are competitive and reviewed holistically.

 Can I work full-time while studying? No. Programs are full-time, in-person, and run on weekdays, requiring full availability for classes and academic activities.

How international is the student environment? The faculty hosts a diverse body supported by dedicated mobility offices, orientation events, and global partnerships to ensure smooth integration.

Applicants submit online applications with academic documents and proof of English proficiency. Deadlines follow EU and non‑EU timelines, and reviews typically take several weeks. Tuition remains relatively low due to **Belgian government subsidies**, ensuring strong value for international students without compromising academic quality.

New students benefit from structured orientations, visa support, and housing guidance provided by international offices. Programs begin in September, run full-time through the academic year, and take place mainly at the Leuven campus. Dedicated contacts support inquiries about admissions, exchanges, and double-degree opportunities.