Faculty of Economics
and Business
International
programmes
KU Leuven. Inspiring the outstanding.
Why Belgium?
3
Why KU Leuven?
4
Why the Faculty of Economics
and Business?
6
Campuses across Belgium
8
FEB’s International Programmes
10
Study at KU Leuven
16
Learn more
19
In the heart
of Europe
AMSTERDAM
220 km
LONDON
350 km
2h30
BERLIN
2h00
750 km
PARIS
330 km
2h00
7h00
KU Leuven
Faculty of Economics
and Business
International
programmes
Why Belgium?
As a student you will discover a country full of surprising contrasts.
Belgium is a place rich in art, history and architecture, and treats you to its
local specialties in a friendly atmosphere. You will see that Belgium has
much to offer to students: a cosmopolitan lifestyle, sport facilities, libraries,
bookshops, restaurants, cafés and bustling cultural scene. Belgium is an
ideal home base from which to explore the rest of Europe. London, Paris,
Cologne, and Amsterdam are all a proverbial stone’s throw from Belgium,
easily accessible by train and budget air travel. Belgium is the headquarters
to many international organisations and companies, and is the beating
heart of the European Union. Belgium has three official languages (French,
German and Dutch) but English is rapidly becoming the business lingua
franca. For example in Brussels, over 30% of the city’s residents are nonBelgians and approximately 134 languages are spoken.
With a standard of living amongst the highest in the world, Belgians benefit
from universal health-care, social security coverage, and an excellent
education system. As an international guest, you will probably find Belgians
initially reserved, an impression usually lasting until your first visit to a
Belgian home, where you will be warmly welcomed and well-fed.
Given its focal point within the European Union, Belgian universities have
a strong international outlook and composition, as well as a strong position
in the international rankings. A total of seven universities in Belgium are
featured in the Times HE, Jiaotong and/or QS World University Rankings,
with the highest ranked Belgian university being KU Leuven.
3
16
faculties
Why KU Leuven?
“The town is wonderful,
the cost of living manageable,
the education top-level,
the location for travelling
exceptional and the country
beautiful.”
Situated in Belgium, in the heart of
Western Europe, KU Leuven has been
Sarah from Canada
a centre of learning for nearly six
centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest
and highest-ranked university and,
“It’s pure bliss!”
founded in 1425, one of the oldest and
Alexander from Australia
most renowned universities in Europe.
KU Leuven is ranked 55th in the world
in Times Higher Education (2014-15),
82nd in the world by QS (2014-15). As a leading European research university and
co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers
a wide variety of international bachelor and master’s programmes, all supported by
high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research.
4
KU Leuven. Inspiring the outstanding.
■
Students earn a degree from a top-ranked university, whose alumni do very well all
over the globe.
■
The ECTS quality label guarantees that all credits obtained at KU Leuven are
transparent and fully transferable.
■
KU Leuven is a comprehensive university, with faculties focusing on many different
interests. This ensures students are always taught by a specialist in the field and that
they are free to explore different avenues by having the option to select courses from
several different faculties. Inter- and multidisciplinary work flourishes and thrives in
this environment.
Taking advantage of its central location in the heart of Europe, KU Leuven offers a truly
international experience, high-quality education, world-class research and cutting-edge
innovation.
8 www.kuleuven.be/education
8 www.kuleuven.be/research
International orientation KU Leuven
With its central location, KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of international
scholars spread out over its campuses in Flanders and Brussels. 15% of the university’s
54,000 students are international, representing 150 countries. KU Leuven’s Doctoral
Schools provide internationally oriented PhD tracks for more than 5,000 doctoral students.
KU Leuven works with a select number of high-quality partner institutions worldwide
and stimulates purposeful international mobility and intensive research cooperation.
It continually strives to integrate the local and international student and research
communities on all its campuses through a variety of programmes and activities.
5
120+
FEB exchange partner
schools worldwide
Why the Faculty
of Economics
and Business?
As one of KU Leuven’s 16 faculties, the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) offers
Bachelor and Master programmes at four campuses: Leuven, Brussels, Antwerp and Kortrijk.
A FEB education aims to prepare students for successful entrepreneurial endeavours
and careers in the corporate world, in national and international public policy-making, or in
research. To achieve this the FEB offers high-quality, research-based degree programmes
in the fields of economics, business and management science, from Bachelor to PhD.
FEB creates a stimulating environment for students, in which they are free to develop
their innovative, entrepreneurial and ethical expertise in education, research and business.
Since many faculty members are closely linked to the EU and government agents,
the role of economic policy and business in the greater society is often discussed.
A global focus on business is further achieved through international exchanges and
cooperations with partner universities around the world.
FEB’s programmes aim to develop participants’ critical, conceptual, problem-solving
and decision-making skills. A graduate degree from KU Leuven’s Faculty of Economics
and Business equips students with fundamental and conceptual knowledge and
analytical tools to cope effectively with the problems of the current and constantlychanging business and economic
environment.
“Studying in a metropolitan
city, as Brussels, is challenging.
You do not only meet different
cultures, but are offered the
possibility to learn and practise
various languages. I chose
this programme because it
offers an international learning
environment in an international
city!”
Pål from Norway
6
A variety of teaching methods (lectures,
case discussions, exercises, computerassisted problem-solving and individual
research) is used to enhance students’
educational experience. Students are
expected to participate actively.
FEB’s academic reputation attracts
students and scholars from across the
globe, creating a vibrant, multicultural
atmosphere.
International orientation FEB
The Faculty of Economics and Business ranks amongst the top
schools of economics and business. The school acquired EQUIS
accreditation for its 4 campuses. The EQUIS accreditation is awarded by the EFMD,
recognized globally as an accreditation body of quality in management education with
established accreditation services for business schools and business school
programmes, corporate universities and technology-enhanced learning programmes.
EQUIS looks for a balance between high academic quality and the professional
relevance provided by close interaction with the corporate world. A strong interface
with the world of business is, therefore, as much a requirement as a strong research
potential. Additionally, institutions which are accredited by EQUIS must demonstrate a
high degree of internationalisation. By achieving this accreditation, FEB affirms its place
amongst a select group of accredited schools.
FEB regularly organises workshops and discussion platforms with leaders of industry
and the European Commission. Many alumni work at European institutions, and many
staff members act as advisers to various European bodies and international companies.
FEB’s worldwide alumni network offers excellent communication channels and
networking opportunities with leading figures in industry and politics all over the world.
FEB has a vast exchange network, which helps its students to explore the world.
The many destinations include top business schools and universities both in
Europe and overseas, including Copenhagen Business School, Universidad
Pompeu Fabra, University of Edinburgh, the Wharton Business School, University
of Illinois, University of Sydney, University of Adelaide, University of British Colombia,
Queen’s University, Tsinghua University, Peking University, Hitotsubashi University,
Singapore Management University, National Taiwan University, HKUST, etc.
In addition, FEB has preferential partnerships with the Cardiff Business School
and Stellenbosch Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences.
International students are offered the chance to be part of this unique experience,
by enrolling for an ‘extended master’; an extra semester with an exchange at one
of FEB’s partners. Make your experience truly international by studying in
different parts of the world.
7
Campuses across Belgium
Leuven
You will thrive in Leuven, a dynamic, vibrant city in the centre of Belgium. The city’s
beautiful, charming centre, which dates from the Middle Ages, is punctuated with
stately colleges and historic buildings constructed over centuries by and for the
university. Cultural and recreational opportunities abound. Leuven’s concentration of
intellectual capital, its excellent infrastructure and its convenient location in the heart of
Europe create an exciting and creative climate for research and innovation.
Every year, this city of about 100.000 inhabitants hosts close to 44.000 university
students, including 8.500 international students, thus rightly earning the nickname
of being the student capital of Belgium. Students in Leuven experience a safe, cozy
Oxbridge feeling, whilst receiving a world-class education.
ANTWERP
LEUVEN
KORTRIJK
BRUSSELS
4 Campuses
in Antwerp, Brussels, Kortrijk and Leuven
8
Brussels
1,468
Brussels is a modern, multicultural city and it offers
International students
many activities to residing students. Thanks to its
cinemas, theatres, museums and art galleries, Brussels
at FEB
is never likely to be tiresome, on the contrary.
In addition, every year it welcomes a great number of
international students, giving the city a cosmopolitan feel.
Brussels is the economic beating heart of Europe. As a business hub, it has a central
position in Europe and it hosts the EU and the NATO, as well as a diverse range of
international trade and finance organisations. Many Chamber of Commerce organisations
from around the world have offices in Brussels. Hundreds of multinational corporations
have their head offices in Brussels and many important political and economic
decisions are made here. As a business student, you’ll be living and studying in the
middle of this decision-making centre: a head start for launching your career.
Antwerp
Antwerp is a energetic and innovative city. It enjoys a strategic location in Europe,
sitting at the crossroads of major traffic and trade routes. Foreign investors flourish in
Antwerp. Antwerp’s openness to new ideas and concepts also makes it an ideal
breeding ground for start-ups and spin-offs. Antwerp Headquarters attracts head
offices of logistics companies, shipping companies, (petro-)chemical companies and
major maritime service providers, such as lawyers, banks and insurers.
The city can look back on a fascinating and rich history, and the historical center bears
witness to this. At the same time, Antwerp is a very modern city, with innovative
architecture and cultural events ranging from local avant-garde theatre and visual arts to
performances from top international names in music, dance, theatre, Antwerp has it all.
The FEB campuses in Antwerp and Kortrijk do not offer any English-taught programmes yet.
9
International Programmes
BACHELOR PROGRAMME
BSc in Business Administration
180 credits
Brussels
8 www.kuleuven.be/ba/BBA
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BBA) has a strong international focus.
It is a three-year programme that is both hands-on and academic. It follows a practice as
orientation and science as foundation approach. You will develop both your analytical skills
and academic and professional communication abilities. You will acquire critical thinking
methods, and the ability to present your findings in a concrete and concise manner.
Entrepreneurial Learning
Business orientation is the focal point of the programme, but it is particularly and explicitly
noticeable in the business projects. There is one business project every year, in which you
develop specific skills that are important to business people: entrepreneurship,
interdisciplinary thinking, management skills (e.g. teamwork, meeting skills, negotiating,
and professional reporting), languages and, of course, business contents and academic
skills.
Learning Tracks
The BBA is organised in learning tracks: Strategy & Business Sciences, Economics &
International Business, Research & Methods and Human Behaviour, Law & Society.
These four tracks continue throughout the three bachelor years gradually becoming more
specialised.
“I have excellent memories from my BBA
experience. Not that the programme was
easy, but because it challenged me to
grow. The programme was designed to
benefit students. It takes full advantage
of the ‘team approach’ and still equips
the individual with the ability to make
educated business decisions.”
Nkora from Tanzania
10
MASTER PROGRAMMES
MSc in Business Administration
60 credits
Brussels
8 www.kuleuven.be/ma/MBABX
The Master of Science in Business Administration (MBA) is a master degree programme for
business graduates with an international focus. It is designed to provide you with academic
knowledge as well as hands-on expertise, enabling you to be successful in international
management positions.
You have an option for one of three majors:
International Business Management
The MBA with a focus on International Business Management provides a wide range of
intensive and specialized courses in all fields of relevance to managers. It helps you acquire
the hands-on skills you need to pursue a management career in business.
Business Information Management
The MBA with a focus on Business Information Management is a mix of ICT strategy,
information systems development, information systems management and infrastructure.
It covers the development and management of information systems and related technologies
in a business context.
International Relations
The MBA with a focus on International Relations is embedded in the context of global
economics and business life. It analyzes strategies of multinationals theoretically and
practically.
“Working on different projects in small groups in the MBA was
the usual way lecturers made us work together. This helped me
become a highly energetic team player with a flexible, pragmatic,
and problem-solving attitude - a skill highly rated by employers.
I would definitely recommend this programme to all who want to
acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge of business
management.”
Tsveta from Bulgaria
11
MSc in Business Economics
60 credits
Leuven
8 www.kuleuven.be/ma/MBEL
The Master of Science in Business Economics programme emphasises the acquisition of
fundamental knowledge and skills in an area of specialisation related to the corporate
world. By combining this programme with initial specialisations from your bachelor’s
programme, you will develop deeper insight into a broad range of fields and fine-tune your
personal graduation profile. By the end of this programme, you will be able to apply
scientific frameworks independently and critically, allowing you to continuously evolve as
a professional in a dynamic society and workplace.
You can opt for one of four majors:
International Business, Strategy and Innovation
The MBE with a focus on International Business, Strategy and Innovation helps students
to develop an insight in management and business skills needed to analyse the current
international business context.
Entrepreneurship
The MBE with a focus on Entrepreneurship offers courses which help form the budding
entrepreneur and intrapreneur in an international business environment. It equips students with
skills to set up their own company or develop new ideas from within an existing organization.
Financial Economics
The MBE with a focus on Financial Economics develops the students’ interest in several
different aspects of finance, such as banking, security pricing and portfolio selection and
macro finance.
Marketing
The MBE with a focus on Marketing further develops the interest in marketing strategy,
brand management, consumer behavior and social marketing in an international context.
In addition, students choose one minor: Strategy and Innovation, International Business,
Entrepreneurship, Financial Economics, Marketing, Accounting and Auditing, Business
Research, Production and Logistics, Economics, Informatics for Business Economics,
Personnel and Organisation.
MBE students are offered the chance to take
part in FEB's vast exchange network, by opting
for an 'extended master', an extra semester
abroad at one of FEB's partner universities.
Make your experience truly international by
studying in different parts of the world.
12
55
Times Higher Education
World University Ranking
MSc in Economics
60 credits
Leuven
8 www.kuleuven.be/ma/MECONL
As an economist, you will observe the various players (individuals, companies, domestic
and foreign governments) and their interactions within the global economy. You will be able
to interpret the general economic situation in a wider social and legal context. The programme
offers students with a bachelor’s degree a theoretical framework, allowing them to provide
well-grounded answers to socio-economic questions. By the end of this master programme,
you will have thoroughly mastered key economic principles. You will learn to interpret
individual, interpersonal and social phenomena from a global economic perspective.
You can opt for one of three majors:
General Economics
The ME with a focus on General Economics further develops the interest in econometric
methods and models without losing sight of the broad field of economics, with electives in
for example health economics, macro finance, labour economics, welfare economics,
trade, public economics, etc.
Research in Economics
The ME with a focus on Research in Economics offers courses in dynamic methods,
advanced econometrics and advanced time series analysis. The programme contains
electives from a wide range of subjects such as health economics, macro finance, labour
economics, welfare economics, trade, public economics, etc.
Financial Economics
The ME with a focus on Financial Economics develops the students’ interest in econometric
methods and models and macro finance without losing sight of the international markets,
financial management, trade theory, etc.
ME students are offered the chance
to take part in FEB's vast exchange
network, by opting for an 'extended
master', an extra semester abroad
at one of FEB's partner universities.
Make your experience truly international by studying in different
parts of the world.
“It’s a great opportunity to have
a choice from so many majors,
minors and electives. I could
tailor my study choice to my
interests. The KU Leuven also
has a great reputation
internationally and the
professors are top-notch.”
Nikita from Russia
13
MSc in Information Management
60 credits
Leuven
8 www.kuleuven.be/ma/MIMEL
This programme offers students with a bachelor or master degree advanced non-technical
training in information management, with an emphasis on the efficient and effective
application and management of information technology in various business contexts
(e.g. finance, marketing, HR, production and logistics, etc.). Following basic training in
technology, the programme explores specific management issues in greater depth,
particularly in order to develop the skills required to analyse information needs, design and
manage information systems and fine-tune an IT strategy as an integral part of an overall
business strategy. The key focus is the preliminary design needed to develop and set up
an information system.
In completing your master thesis, you can apply these skills within a specific business
context. Finally, a wide range of electives enables you to explore specific areas in greater
depth (e.g. business intelligence, data science, software engineering, management).
MSc in International Business Economics and Management
60 credits
Brussels
8 www.kuleuven.be/ma/MIBEMBX
The Master of Science in International Business Economics and Management is a tailor-made
master programme for non-economic graduates. It offers insight into all major disciplines
of business economics and management at an academic level.
This business-oriented programme focuses on critical and problem-based learning in a
multicultural and multidisciplinary environment. You will acquire knowledge of and insights
into the core contents of international business economics and management at an
academic level. The programme curriculum includes courses covering human resources
management, international economics and managerial accounting.
“The MIBEM programme is well-designed with a practical case
study-based approach along with guest lectures and workshops.
Also the extensive range of subjects helps to develop a strong
foundation in business, economics and management. It was
exciting to be part of a class where diversity was the norm;
students from different countries, educational backgrounds
and professional experience.”
Tapashree from India
14
ADVANCED MASTER PROGAMMES &
DOCTORAL PROGAMMES
MSc in Financial and Actuarial Engineering
60 credits
Leuven
8 www.kuleuven.be/ma/mnmfael
This intensive, advanced, one-year programme is tailored to university graduates interested
in a career in the insurance sector. You will learn up-to-date, sound and advanced financial,
actuarial and statistical skills and will gain insights into the actuarial aspects of life insurance,
general insurance, risk theory as well as financial mathematics and the interrelationship
and integration of actuarial sciences and finance. The programme is offered jointly by the
Faculty of Economics and Business and the Faculty of Science in collaboration with
the Université Catholique de Louvain.
Graduates holding both the degree of MSc in Financial and Actuarial Engineering and
‘Master (of Science) in de verzekeringen’ (Dutch-language initial master programme at
KU Leuven) are eligible for membership in the professional body of actuaries in Belgium
(IA|BE), and the international actuarial professional body (IAA).
MSc in Advanced Studies in Economics
60 credits
Leuven
8 www.kuleuven.be/ma/mnmasel
The Master of Science in Advanced Studies in Economics offers students with a master
degree a broad economic background as well as deeper insights into recent developments
in economic theory in a specific field of interest. The programme reflects this development
in its quantitative approach, which is used as a means of strengthening economic intuition.
The programme provides excellent preparation for undertaking a PhD in Economics, but it
is also ideal for students seeking research-oriented
positions outside the university.
>275
PhD students
at FEB
15
PhD in Economics
8 www.kuleuven.be/phd
The doctoral programme in Economics is an advanced, four-year programme designed to
train future researchers in one of the key fields of economics: econometrics, public
economics, economic history, international economics, development economics, monetary
and information economics, energy, transportation and environmental economics.
The programme aims to develop and nurture young talent and prepare PhD graduates
for careers in both academia and international business. Currently, about 75 students with
diverse backgrounds and nationalities are enrolled in the doctoral programme in
Economics, creating an energetic and stimulating work environment. PhD students obtain
the degree of Doctor in Economics after successfully defending a doctoral dissertation.
PhD in Business Economics
8 www.kuleuven.be/phd
The doctoral programme in Business Economics is an advanced, four-year programme
designed to train future researchers in one of the key fields of Business Economics:
marketing, organisation studies, operations management, operations research and business
statistics, management informatics, finance, accountancy, actuarial science or managerial
economics and strategy and innovation. The programme aims to develop and nurture
young talent and to prepare PhD graduates for careers in both academia and international
business. Currently, about 200 students with diverse backgrounds and nationalities
are enrolled in the doctoral programme, creating an energetic and stimulating work
environment. PhD students obtain the degree of Doctor in Business Economics after
successfully defending a doctoral dissertation.
“The PhD programme in economics at KU Leuven has been a great
opportunity for me to face the responsibility of developing my own
research, since doctoral students are free to follow their own
interests. This freedom is combined with pertinent support from
the professors. In fact, my supervisor is not the only person willing
to offer me research guidance – other professors have also spent
time giving useful comments on my work.”
Blanca from Italy
16
Study at KU Leuven
Admission requirements
Studies at KU Leuven are divided into three
categories:
■
■
■
initial bachelor or master degrees
advanced master degrees
doctoral studies
Degree requirements vary by category and
programme.
In most cases, to qualify for admission to an
initial master programme, you must hold an
appropriate undergraduate degree (usually a bachelor’s degree) consisting of at least
three years of full-time, university-level studies.
To qualify for admission to an advanced master programme, you are expected to hold
a master degree.
To qualify for admission to a doctoral programme, you must hold a master degree
and have sought out a doctoral advisor (in Dutch, a ‘promotor’) willing to supervise your
doctoral studies. Academic performance should be above average.
Final admission decisions are made on a per-programme basis by the Board responsible
for that particular programme.
Students must meet the admission requirements specific to their chosen programme
of study.
Students are expected to be proficient in English. All non-native English speakers are
required to submit proof of English proficiency. KU Leuven currently accepts TOEFL (iBT)
and IELTS test scores. Minimum language requirements vary by programme. See the
language requirements specific to your chosen programme for more information.
8 www.kuleuven.be/internationalprogrammes
17
Application procedure and deadlines
Application deadlines can be found at
8 www.kuleuven.be/application
Some programmes have a limited number of places and are very selective. We therefore
recommend that you apply as soon as possible.
KU Leuven began accepting applications for the 2015-2016 academic year on 1 November
2014. For international students in the bachelor and initial master programmes, there are
specific deadlines depending on your nationality.
For detailed instructions on compiling your application and deadlines, see
8 www.kuleuven.be/application or 8 www.kuleuven.be/admissions
Tuition fees
The Flemish government’s generous co-financing system ensures that tuition fees for
bachelor and initial master programmes remain low. For the academic year 2015-2016
the fee is €890 per academic year (subject to change without notice). For non-EEA
students, tuition fees may be slightly higher per programme, ranging from € 1250 per
academic year for a Bachelor programme to € 1750 per academic year for an initial
Master degree. Please visit our website to confirm the tuition for this academic year for
your programme.
Fees for advanced or specialised master programmes
range from €1000 to €8000 (subject to change without
notice).
8 www.kuleuven.be/tuitionfees
18
150+
nationalities
at KU Leuven
Scholarships
For certain programmes eligible candidates can apply for an Erasmus Plus or VLIR-UOS
scholarship. The EU-funded Erasmus Plus programme aims to enhance quality in higher
education through scholarships and academic cooperation.
VLIR-UOS, the Flemish Interuniversity Council for Development Cooperation, awards
scholarships to students from developing countries to follow one of the International
Course Programmes (ICPs) offered at KU Leuven.
8 www.kuleuven.be/international
8 www.scholarships.vliruos.be
For general information on scholarship opportunities, visit
8 www.kuleuven.be/scholarships
Housing
There are a wide range of housing options at reasonable prices. Most students choose
to rent a room (a ‘kot’) in a privately-owned student house with shared common spaces
and facilities. The University Housing Office on each campus offers assistance regarding
housing. The university in Leuven owns and manages a number of student residences
but space is limited. Only international students holding specific scholarships are eligible
for rooms in subsidised university residences near the Leuven campus. Please see the
following link for more information on this:
8 www.kuleuven.be/accommodation
Welcome to Belgium
Our central location in Europe offers a truly international experience. Major European
capitals such as Paris, London and Amsterdam are only a (very) short train journey
away. To help you settle in to your home away from home, KU Leuven organises a full
programme of welcome and orientation activities.
8 www.kuleuven.be/welcome
The university also boasts a rich offering of cultural activities as well as fully-equipped
sport facilities:
8 www.kuleuven.be/culture/english
8 www.kuleuven.be/sport/english
For more information, contact: admissions@kuleuven.be
KU LEUVEN
INTERNATIONAL
ADMISSIONS AND
MOBILITY UNIT
Naamsestraat 63 box 5001
3000 LEUVEN, Belgium
admissions@kuleuven.be
www.kuleuven.be/english
Learn more
General information
8 www.kuleuven.be/english
8 www.kuleuven.be/internationalprogrammes
Publications
8 www.masterskuleuven.be/publications
Campuses
Faculty of Economics and Business
Campus Leuven
Naamsestraat 69 box 3500
3000 LEUVEN
tel. + 32 16 32 66 12
Campus Brussels
Warmoesberg 26
1000 BRUSSELS
tel. +32 2 210 16 34
8 www.feb.kuleuven.be/eng
8 www.feb.kuleuven.be/onderwijshelpdesk/#english
8 www.feb.kuleuven.be/eng/prospectivestudent
v.u.: Martine Torfs, International Office, Naamsestraat 63 box 5001, 3000 LEUVEN, Belgium.
8 www.kuleuven.be/campuses