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Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven): Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements
- A++ Shiksha Grade
- Private University
1 Campus- Estd. 1425
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Last updated on 31 Dec '24, by Anushree Sinha (Study Abroad Expert)KU LeuvenWhat’s new?
For KU Leuven admissions, students are advised to apply within the application deadlines listed below:
- Bachelor's programs: Varies as per the choice of course
- Master's programs: Feb 1, 2025
- Doctoral programs: Rolling
- About KU Leuven
- KU Leuven Programs
- KU Leuven Scholarships 2025
- KU Leuven Admissions 2025
- KU Leuven Fees
- KU Leuven Placements
- KU Leuven Rankings 2025
- KU Leuven College comparison
- Studying in Belgium
- KU Leuven Notable Alumni
- KU Leuven Campus Life
- KU Leuven FAQs
About KU Leuven
Established in 1425, the Catholic University of Leuven is a Catholic research university located in the city of Leuven, Belgium. KU Leuven is the oldest university in Belgium as well as in the Low Countries. Also, it is the largest Dutch-language university in the world.
According to the Shiksha grading, the overall ranking of the university is A++. Regarding the course grading, all the courses rank in the A++, which indicates the quality of education in this university is impressive. While staying true to its reputation, the institute offers world-class programs to its international students.
For KU Leuven admissions, international students must meet the English proficiency requirements as well as the entry requirements. Also, the KU Leuven acceptance rate stands at 34%, which indicates that securing admission to this university is challenging.
Things to Know about KU Leuven
Here are some interesting facts that students must know about the university:
| Particulars | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate |
Around 34% |
| Ranking |
A++ (Source: Shiksha Grading) |
| Top 5 Majors |
Law, Economics, Mathematics, Business Administration & Management, Psychology, European Studies/Civilization |
| Duration of Courses |
UG: 4 years PG: 1 - 2 years |
| Cost |
INR 86 K - 7 L (PG courses) |
| Diversity |
More than 65,000 students (approx.) International Students: 21% |
| Number of Campuses |
7 campuses Leuven Campus, Ghent Campus, Brussels Campus, Antwerp Campus, Geel Campus, De Nayer Campus and Bruges Campus |
| Top Recruiting Companies |
Conférence Olivaint Genootschap, European Commission, ING, Solidaris Vlaanderen, Ghent University |
| Top Industries |
Education, Business Development, Healthcare Services, Operations, Community & Social Services |
KU Leuven History
Founded with the papal bull ‘Sapientie immarcessibilis', the Catholic University of Leuven is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Initially, the university comprised four faculties: Humanities, Canon Law, Civil Law, and Medicine. In 1432, the Pope permitted to add theology to that list. In 2025, KU Leuven will celebrate its 600th anniversary.
Check out the below videos of the Catholic University of Leuven for more information:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Q: How hard is it for non-EU students to get admissions to KU Leuven?
With an acceptance rate of merely 34% for international students, Catholic University of Leuven is a very competitive university to get into. This figure tells us that KU Leuven accepts approximately only 34 out of every 100 applicants on an average. However, students must not feel discouraged and fulfill all the KU Leuven admission requirements, ie; academic requirements, English language requirements & more in order to boost their chances of getting admitted in Catholic University of Leuven. Candidates must be aware of the application deadlines and apply to the university correctly, along with submitting all the relevant requirements.
Note: The data is derived from unofficial sources and is subjected to changes.
Q: What are some helpful tips for students starting their first year at KU Leuven?
Catholic University of Leuven is one of the best universities in Belgium and students across the world desire to study here. Listed below are some helpful tips for students starting their first semester in Loyalist College:
- Join clubs and participate actively in co-curricular activities;
- Build a schedule and stay organized;
- Engage in part-time jobs on and off campus;
- Enjoy the beautiful city of Leuven;
- Do not procastinate studying; and
- Find out a way to de-stress and engage in fun activities/events.
Q: What is the ranking of Catholic University of Leuven?
Catholic University of Leuven is the topmost university in Belgium and students across the world desire to study here. When it comes to KU Leuven rankings, in QS World University rankings 2025, it has obtained the rank #63 in Best Global Universities. According to Times Higher Education (THE), KU Leuven has been ranked #43 in World University Rankings 2025. When it comes to the US News & World Report, the Catholic University of Leuven has been awarded the rank #48 in Best Global Universities, #12 in Best Global Universities in Europe, and #1 in Best Global Universities in Belgium.
Students can refer to the table listed below for the three-year trend of KU Leuven rankings:
| Ranked By | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE World University Rankings - Global | #42 | #45 | #43 |
| QS World University Rankings - Global | #76 | #70 | #63 |
| US News & World Report - Global | NA | #50 | #48 |
Q: Does Catholic University of Leuven teach in English?
Yes, Catholic University of Leuven programs for international students are conducted in the English language, in a variety of leading fields. Students get to study courses such as Law, Business, Sciences, Software & IT, Arts, Humanities, Design, Journalism, Media, Sports, Environmental Studies and more on higher levels of education.
KU Leuven Programs
With three academic faculties in its ambit, the Catholic University of Leuven offers an extensive portfolio of nearly 100 degree programs on the undergraduate and postgraduate levels of study. As per the historical data of the university's alumni, some popular streams of study at KU Leuven include Law, Economics, Mathematics, Business Administration & Management, Psychology, European Studies/Civilization, and more.
Note: In the above pie chart, Others include International/Global Studies, Criminology, History, Business/Commerce, and Business/Managerial Economics.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
12.4K+ students got admitted through us.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Q: What is the academic specialty of KU Leuven?
Many of the Catholic University of Leuven courses are ranked among the top programs in the world. Catholic University of Leuven is officially ranked at #57 in the world for its world-leading MS courses in various fields by QS. According to QS, the programs ranked among the top in the world are listed below:
Course Name | Rank 2023 |
|---|---|
MS (Engineering and Technology) | #57 |
LLM (QS - Law Rankings) | #38 |
MS (QS - Mathematics Rankings) | #51-100 |
MS Physics and Astronomy Rankings | #101-150 |
MS QS - Biological Sciences Rankings | #51-100 |
Q: Which majors is Catholic University of Leuven known for?
Catholic University of Leuven offers a variety of courses for their overseas audience, where the medium of instruction is in English. Listed below are some of the most popular KU Leuven courses for international students:
| Engineering & Technology | Social Sciences | Natural Sciences & Mathematics |
| Business & Management | Humanities | Computer Science & IT |
| Medicine & Health | Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences | Law, Arts, Design & Architecture |
| Agriculture & Forestry | Applied Sciences & Professions | Journalism & Media |
| Education & Training | Hospitality, Leisure & Sports |
KU Leuven Scholarships 2025
Catholic University of Leuven offers a variety of generous scholarships for its international students. In order to avail financial aid, students are required to submit a scholarship application within the deadline. Listed below are some of the most popular KU Leuven scholarships for international students:
- Marc Vervenne Fund PhD Scholarship Program;
- Science@Leuven Scholarships;
- Wilfried Martens Scholarships;
- Roger Dillemans Fund;
- Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology; and
- PhD Scholarships for Researchers from the South.
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Q: Does Catholic University of Leuven offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, Catholic University of Leuven offers a variety of generous scholarships for their international students. In order to avail financial aid, students are required to submit a scholarship application within the deadline. Listed below are some of the most popular KU Leuven scholarships for international students:
- Marc Vervenne Fund PhD Scholarship Program;
- Science@Leuven Scholarships;
- Wilfried Martens Scholarships;
- Roger Dillemans Fund;
- Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology; and
- PhD Scholarships for Researchers from the South.
Q: Is studying in Catholic University of Leuven expensive for international students?
Catholic University of Leuven offers a variety of courses for their overseas audience, where the medium of instruction is in English. Annual tuition fee required to pursue a degree course at KU Leuven is around 5-6L on an average, which can be considered very affordable as a study abroad option. Students can refer to the table listed below for course specific fees requirements:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MS (4 courses) | INR 88 K - 7 L |
MIM (1 course) | INR 6 L |
MBA/PGDM (1 course) | INR 4 L |
MIM (1 course) | INR 4 L |
KU Leuven Admissions 2025
Prospective international students can apply for KU Leuven admissions through the Official Application Portal available on the university's website.
Steps to apply:
KU Leuven Application Deadlines for International Students
Listed below are the important dates & deadlines:
| Course Level | Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | Varies as per the choice of course |
| Master's | Feb 1, 2025 |
| Predoctoral & Doctoral | Rolling |
KU Leuven Application Fee
While applying, candidates must pay EUR 90 (INR 8 K) as the Catholic University of Leuven application fee for the academic year 2025-26.
Conversion Rate: 1 EUR = INR 89.06
KU Leuven Acceptance Rate
With the Catholic University of Leuven acceptance rate of around 34%, the university is extremely competitive to get into, as it admits only 34/100 applicants on average.
KU Leuven Admission Requirements for International Students
In order to secure admission, all Indian students must meet the Catholic University of Leuven admission requirements listed below:
- Official academic transcripts (English translation);
- Proof of English language proficiency;
- Motivation letter;
- Academic Resume/CV;
- Proof of payment of application fee;
- Copy of passport identity page; and
- An academic paper, proving that the applicant has a firm grasp of sociological theory, social scientific research methodology, and academic writing.
KU Leuven English Language Requirements
Catholic University of Leuven accepts IELTS/TOEFL scores as proof of English language proficiency. Refer to the table below for minimum score requirements:
|
English Proficiency Exam |
Minimum Score Requirements |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT |
Overall score of 100 or higher |
|
Overall score of 7.0 - 7.5 or higher |
- Application fees :Euro 75 - 90
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Q: What are the KU Leuven application deadlines for international students?
Catholic University of Leuven accepts international students through the Official Application Portal available on the university's website. Listed below are the KU Leuven application deadlines for international students:
| KU Leuven Course Level | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | Varies as per the choice of course |
| Master's | Feb 1, 2025 |
| Predoctoral & Doctoral | Rolling |
Q: Is applying for KU Leuven admissions free for international students?
No, applying for Catholic University of Leuven admissions is not free for international students. All overseas applicants are required to pay a sum of EUR 90 = INR 8,062* as the KU Leuven application fee. Additionally, applicants must also submit the proof of payment of application fee (bank transfer or credit card) while submitting their application. Apart from the application fee, candidates are also required to upload all their academic qualifications as well as the supporting documents.
*1 EUR = INR 89.58
Q: What is the KU Leuven acceptance rate for international students?
As per the data derived from unofficial sources, only 34 out of every 100 overseas applicants get enrolled as a student at the Catholic University of Leuven. This makes it a competitive institution to get into, with the KU Leuven acceptance rate for international students of 34%. However, students must not feel discouraged and fulfill all KU Leuven admission requirements academic requirements, English language requirements & relevant documents in order to boost their chances of getting admitted in Catholic University of Leuven.
Note: The data is derived from unofficial sources and is subjected to changes.
Q: Which documents do I need to submit while applying for Catholic University of Leuven admissions?
Prospective international students can apply for KU Leuven admissions through the Official Application Portal available on the university's website. While applying, candidates are required to submit the following documents:
- Official academic transcripts (English translation);
- Official English exam scores (IELTS/TOEFL);
- Motivation letter
- Academic Resume/CV;
- Proof of payment of application fee; and
- Copy of passport identity page.
KU Leuven Fees
Catholic University of Leuven Fees for Indian Students: Studying at the college can be considered affordable for Indian students as the first-year KU Leuven fee for postgraduate courses is approximately INR 86 K - 7 L.
KU Leuven Cost of Attendance
Based on the candidate's choice of accommodation and lifestyle, the cost of living varies. On average, the monthly Catholic University of Leuven cost of living for international students is around EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,350 (INR 89 K - 1.2 L). Note that this amount is inclusive of study materials, housing costs (rent, heating, water, electricity, etc.), food, clothing, laundry, medical & insurance costs, and other expenses (leisure, groceries, transport, etc.).
Listed below is the average monthly cost of living in Belgium for international students:
| Expenses | Monthly Cost of Living in Belgium | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 300 - EUR 1,000 | INR 26.7 K - 89 K |
| Food | EUR 300 - EUR 400 | INR 26.7 K - 35.6 K |
| Books & Study Material | EUR 400 - EUR 800 | INR 35.6 K - 71.2 K |
| Entertainment & Recreation | EUR 100 - EUR 140 | INR 8.9 K - 12.4 K |
| Miscellaneous | EUR 130 - EUR 290 | INR 11.5 K - 25.8 K |
Conversion Rate: 1 EUR = INR 89.06
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(4 courses) | INR 87 K - 7 L | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 90 - 94 |
MEng(1 course) | INR 6 L | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL |
M.Sc.(1 course) | INR 4 L | Duration: 1 year Exam Accepted: GMAT, GRE, IELTS |
MBA/PGDM(1 course) | INR 4 L | Duration: 1 year Exam Accepted: GMAT, GRE, IELTS |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Q: What are the KU Leuven admission requirements for international students?
In order to secure an admission, all the Indian students must fulfill the Catholic University of Leuven admission requirements listed below:
- Official academic transcripts (English translation);
- Proof of English language proficiency;
- Motivation letter
- Academic Resume/CV;
- Proof of payment of application fee;
- Copy of passport identity page; and
- An academic paper, proving that the applicant has a firm grasp of sociological theory, social scientific research methodology, and academic writing.
Q: How much does Catholic University of Leuven cost for Indian students?
Studying in Catholic University of Leuven can be considered very affordable for Indian students as the cost sums up to be around 5-6L on an average. Students can refer to the table for course-specific fees requirements:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MS (4 courses) | INR 88 K - 7 L |
MEng (1 course) | INR 6 L |
MBA/PGDM (1 course) | INR 4 L |
MIM (1 course) | INR 4 L |
Q: What are the KU Leuven English language requirements?
Fulfilling the English language requirements is one of the major KU Leuven admission requirements for international students. Catholic University of Leuven accepts IELTS/TOEFL scores as proof of English language proficiency. Students can refer to the table below for minimum score requirements:
English Proficiency Exam | Minimum Score Requirements |
|---|---|
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 100 or higher |
Overall score of 7.0 - 7.5 or higher |
KU Leuven Placements
Catholic University of Leuven placements are one of the major attractions for international students and offer a huge return on investment to graduates of the university. Also, the university has its Careers and Employability Centre that focuses on supporting students throughout their careers by providing advice and opportunities to them. Some of the services offered at the are as follows:
- Explore career options;
- Vacancies for part-time jobs and internships;
- Prepare CV, cover letter, and application forms;
- Prepare for interviews and assessments; and
- Develop a personal statement and elevator pitch.
KU Leuven Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
According to the data sourced from the web, the alumni of KU Leuven are currently working with some of the top organizations in the world across multiple industries. Listed below are the details:
- Catholic University of Leuven Belgium alumni members are working at the university campus and in organizations such as Conférence Olivaint Genootschap, European Commission, ING, Solidaris Vlaanderen, Ghent University, etc.
- Graduates are working in industries such as Education, Business Development, Healthcare Services, Operations, Community & Social Services, etc.
- Some of the courses preferred by the alumni are Law, Economics, Mathematics, Business Administration & Management, Psychology, European Studies/Civilization, etc.
A presentation of the sectors where the alumni of the Catholic University of Leuven are currently working is as follows:
Note: In the above pie chart, Others include Arts & Design, Consulting, Administrative, Information Technology, and Human Resources.
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Q: What are the career opportunities for KU Leuven graduates?
Most of the Liverpool University Management School graduates get placed in industries such as Education, Business Development, Healthcare Services, Operations, Community & Social Services, and more, as per the historical data of the university's alumni. Given below is a graphical representation of the top industries in which the graduates work:
KU Leuven Rankings 2025
As per the Shiksha grading, the Catholic University of Leuven Belgium has obtained an overall ranking of A++. When it comes to course rankings, all of the KU Leuven courses also rank in the A++ category, which indicates that the quality of education at this university is highly impressive.
Given below are the comprehensive Catholic University of Leuven rankings, as per the Shiksha grading system:
| Particulars | Grade |
|---|---|
| Overall University Rank | A++ |
| Biology | A++ |
|
Business Economics |
A++ |
| Computer Science Engineering | A++ |
|
Mathematics |
A++ |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
A++ |
|
Physics |
A++ |
|
Politics |
A++ |
NOTE: What makes Shiksha Grading stand out is that the website uses the aggregate of all the publicly available university and course rankings from top-ranking publishers and maps it into 9 buckets - A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C++, C+, C. In this method, universities are graded by country and courses are graded by availability at the college in a particular country.
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Q: How is the Catholic University of Leuven ranked?
Catholic University of Leuven is the topmost university in Belgium and students across the world desire to study here. When it comes to KU Leuven rankings, in QS World University rankings 2024, it has obtained the rank #61 in Best Global Universities. According to Times Higher Education (THE), KU Leuven has been ranked #45 in World University Rankings 2024. When it comes to the US News & World Report, Catholic University of Leuven has been awarded the rank #50 in Best Global Universities, #14 in Best Global Universities in Europe, and #1 in Best Global Universities in Belgium.
Q: What is the rank of Catholic University of Leuven in MS?
According to QS Rankings, the Catholic University of Leuven is ranked among top global MS universities. As per the QS - Mathematics Rankings, the Catholic University of Leuven was ranked #51-100 in 2023 and #51-100 in 2022.
KU LeuvenCollege comparison
Compare KU Leuven with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Shiksha Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
KU Leuven | INR 86.6 K - 7.07 L | A++ | #27 QS, 2025 |
Ghent University  Compare | INR 5.2 L - 6.12 L | A | #47 QS, 2025 |
AU Compare | INR 12.81 L - 13.52 L | A | #53 QS, 2025 |
UAntwerp Compare | INR 5.13 L | B+ | #109 QS, 2025 |
UCLouvain Compare | INR 2.21 L | B++ | #75 QS, 2025 |
Aalto Compare | INR 7.07 L - 17.67 L | A | #41 QS, 2025 |
KU LeuvenStudying in Belgium
KU Leuven Notable Alumni
KU Leuven Belgium has a remarkable alumni network of more than 320,000 graduates worldwide, which further adds to its rising popularity. It has proved conducive to launching the dreams of many notable personalities. Some of the well-known names include:
| Alumni Name | Profession/Designation | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Hosur Narayan Murthy | An Indian Clinical Psychologist, Writer, Philosopher, Sanskrit Scholar and Teacher |  |
| Otto von Habsburg |
The Last Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary from 1916 until the dissolution of the empire in November 1918 |
 |
| Simon Luc Hildebert Mignolet | A Belgian Professional Footballer |  |
|
Abdul Qadeer Khan (also known as A. Q. Khan) |
A Pakistani Nuclear Physicist and Metallurgical Engineer He is colloquially known as the "father of Pakistan's atomic weapons program" |
 |
| Selah Sue | A Belgian Musician and Songwriter |  |
| Herman Van Rompuy |
A Belgian Politician He served as the Prime Minister of Belgium from 2008 to 2009, and then as the First Permanent President of the European Council from 2009 to 2014 |
 |
| Gloria Álvarez Cross |
A Guatemalan Radio and Television Presenter, Author, and Libertarian Political Commentator |
 |
KU Leuven Campus Life
Located in the heart of the vibrant city of Leuven, Belgium, the Catholic University of Leuven Campus is one of the best campuses around the globe. With seven campuses in its spectrum, the university offers facilities such as clubs & organisations, housing, campus dining, health & wellness, fitness & recreation, civic engagement, arts & culture, athletics & e-sports, and more. KU Leuven is known for offering state-of-the-art facilities and providing its students with an experiential learning environment. Students get to study in a very safe, affordable and welcoming environment.
KU Leuven Campus Location
Catholic University of Leuven operates on seven campuses, namely the Leuven Campus, Ghent Campus, Brussels Campus, Antwerp Campus, Geel Campus, De Nayer Campus and Bruges Campus. Listed below are the details of the address:
| Campus | Address |
|---|---|
| Leuven Campus | Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium |
| Ghent Campus | Hoogstraat 51, 9000 Gent, Belgium |
| Brussels Campus | Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères 26, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium |
| Antwerp Campus | Hendrik Conscienceplein 8, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium |
| Geel Campus | Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium |
| De Nayer Campus | Jan Pieter de Nayerlaan 5, 2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium |
| Bruges Campus | Spoorwegstraat 12, 8200 Brugge, Belgium |
KU Leuven FAQs
Q: What is the KU Leuven ranking in the world?
Catholic University of Leuven is the #1 University in Belgium and one of the top 50 global universities. Listed below are the KU Leuven rankings:
| Ranking Body, Category & Year | KU Leuven Rankings |
|---|---|
| Times Higher Education - World University Rankings 2025 | #43 |
| US News & World Report - Best Global Universities 2025 | #48 |
| US News & World Report - Best Global Universities in Europe 2025 | #12 |
| US News & World Report - Best Global Universities in Belgium 2025 | #1 |
QS World University Rankings - Best Global Universities 2025 | #63 |
KU Leuven
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
The university provides almost 100 degress to the students. the university is the oldest university of belgium. The academic specialty of Catholic University of Leuven are as follows
1) Engineering & Technology 2) Social Sciences 3) Humanities 4) Computer Science & IT 5) Life Sciences & Medicine
A
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a week ago
The university provides almost 100 degress to the students. the university is the oldest university of belgium. The academic specialty of Catholic University of Leuven are as follows
1) Engineering & Technology 2) Social Sciences 3) Humanities 4) Computer Science & IT 5) Life Sciences & Medicine
A
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 10 months ago
KU Leuven is a popular university in Belgium and Ludwig Maximilians University Munich is a popular university in Germany. Mentioned below is the comparision between these two university for MSc in Artificial Intelligence at KU Leuven (Belgium) and MSc in Data Science program at LMU Munich:
- MSc in Art
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 10 months ago
Studying in the Catholic University of Leuven is a memorable experience and students have a lot of fun things to do weekends. For instance, international students can explore the beautiful city of Leuven. Students can also hang out with their friends or utilise the weekend to study for their exams.
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 10 months ago
Many of the Catholic University of Leuven courses are ranked among the top programs in the world. Catholic University of Leuven is officially ranked at #57 in the world for its world-leading MS courses in various fields by QS. According to QS, the programs ranked among the top in the world are liste
Contributor-Level 10
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KU Leuven
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Catholic University of Leuven
Catholic University of Leuven
Catholic University of Leuven
KU LeuvenLocation
| University City | Leuven, Other - Belgium, Belgium |
KU LeuvenCampuses
Oude Markt, 13 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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KU Leuven Popular & recent articles
What is the academic specialty of Catholic University of Leuven?