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Université Catholique de Louvain

Ranked
Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
175th in World University Rankings 2025
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About

Basic information and contact details for Université Catholique de Louvain

institution

Founded via decree by Pope Martin V in 1425, Université Catholique de Louvain, often abbreviated as UCLouvain, is one of the oldest Catholic universities in Europe.

UCLouvain is the biggest French-speaking university in Belgium, and was separated in 1968 into two institutions. Today UCLouvain's sister university Katholieke Universiteit Leuven operates independently in Leuven, while UCLouvain remains in Wallonia and Brussels.

With campuses spread across six locations in Belgium including Louvain-la-Neuve, Woluwe, Mons, Tournai, Brussels and Charleroi Saint-Gilles, Université Catholique de Louvain plays host to 15 schools and faculties focusing its degree programmes and research in various subjects such as: theology, law and criminology, management, psychology and educational science, public health and architecture.

The university, which is known for its stringent selection process including entrance exams, remains an appealing prospect for local and international students who from a wide range of countries. The majority of courses are taught in French, but the university is taking steps towards offering English courses as well.

To help newcomers successfully adapt to their new surroundings, student associations (often called Cercles and Régionales) arrange cultural activities such as conferences, trips and museum visits.

Students have the unique chance to live with up to 10 other flatmates in theme-based shared apartments called kots with the intention being to work on a project, but also to challenge negative cultural, religious or gender stereotypes.

UCLouvain's most famous alumni include mathematician Vitold Belevich, Queen Mathilde of Belgium and economist Vera Songwe.

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Rankings

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Impact Rankings

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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at Université Catholique de Louvain

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
55 F : 45 M (1)
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International student percentage
20% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
39.9 (1)
student
Student total
27440 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2025

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Subjects Taught at Université Catholique de Louvain

See below for a range of subjects taught at Université Catholique de Louvain

Life Sciences176–200th

  • Agriculture and Forestry
  • Sport Science
  • Veterinary Science
  • Biological Sciences

Law101–125th

  • Law

Education101–125th

  • Education

Arts and Humanities79th

  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Archaeology
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • Architecture

Business and Economics176–200th

  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Business and Management
  • Accounting and Finance

Clinical and Health126–150th

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Computer Science201–250th

  • Computer Science

Engineering251–300th

  • General Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Social Sciences151–175th

  • Sociology
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Geography
  • Communication and Media Studies

Psychology79th

  • Psychology

Physical Sciences126–150th

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Mathematics and Statistics

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