Université Catholique de Louvain

Institution Info

The University The creation of Universities as an institution was one of the best things to come out of the Middle Ages. The institution's commitment to extending the boundaries of human knowledge, transmitting this knowledge, and thereby increasing the humanity of the human race has kept it at the forefront of civilization in the 21st century. The Université catholique de Louvain has played a part in this process with pride since 1425.
But above all, UCL's mission to be a great European university is directed towards the future. It takes in teachers, researchers and students from far and wide and the need for strict quality control has never been higher. The internationalization of tertiary education brings new challenges. Inspired by a long history of welcoming others, the university campuses are developing into living communities.
UCL is a microcosm of the world it serves. It is a centre of knowledge and innovation, a place of cultural celebration and invention, of achievement and extending the limits of human accomplishment.

The story of the university is a story of, several dates, different places and two names: Université de Louvain until 1797, and Université catholique de Louvain since 1834.
However, the goal of the university has remained unchanged since it was founded in December 1425 : to spread learning throughout the world, to support a passion for knowledge and research and to train those who, generations upon generations, deal with the burning issues of their time.

Teaching and training: 37 Bachelor programmes, most of them allowing access to 73 minors: a feature of UCL's approach,
53 preparatory years,
76 Master’s programmes 120,
29 Master’s programmes 60,
20 Teacher training certificates,
65 Complementary Master’s programmes,
Advanced training and PhD programme.
UCL aims for excellence in its teaching. This is why the University is constantly concerned to develop:
well devised and thought out study programmes to offer every student high quality training,
a pedagogical approach aiming at the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills,
a professional and continued guidance.

Sites: A University at the Heart of Europe UCL is an international university at the heart of Europe:

Its headquarters are located in Louvain-la-Neuve, a brand new university town in the Brussels metropolitan area, some 30 km south of the Belgian and European capital.

The second UCL campus is located in Brussels itself and is home to the medical faculty and a major university hospital. Louvain-la-Neuve combines modernity and tradition in a town designed for pedestrians; while the Brussels site represents a true European district.
From Brussels, trains will take you to Paris or London in less than two hours and from Brussels National Airport or Brussels South Charleroi Airport you can travel anywhere in the world.
UCL has disseminated in the hinterland: research centres and information points beat its pulse in the heart of the regions (Bastogne, Charleroi, Corroyle-Grand, etc.). Landmark in Charleroi, the impressive mansion Maison Georges Lemaître, houses two research teams. UCL also provides information and enrolment services locally.

International

UCL: a window open to the world

Since its foundation in 1425, "openness to the world" has been at the core of UCL's teaching and research missions. Today, this has resulted in:

a high percentage of international students at UCL: nearly one fifth of our students come from abroad, representing over 122 nationalities from five different continents;

many exchanges of students, teachers and researchers through European networks (Erasmus programmes) and International networks (Erasmus Mundus, CEMS, TIME, Cluster, etc.): one fourth of UCL graduates benefit from an experience abroad and UCL welcomes as many students through its partnerships;

A voluntarist partnership policy with Higher Education Institutions in the developing countries, as well as from more developed countries;

An active participation in many teaching networks (CUD, Coimbra, AUF, CINDA, FUCE, FIUC, etc.) as well as research networks (6th European framework, etc.).

The International action of UCL works because of the participation of all members of the university and is dynamically coordinated by the International Relations Board (CRI) with the support of the International Relations Department (ADRI) under the supervision of the Pro-Rector for International Relations.

Mission Statement:

UCL, a university: with an international reputation in the fields of education and research,
that promotes the international mobility of people and knowledge,
where innovation in the field of education is highly valued,
with humanist values, both by choice and by tradition,
that actively contributes to regional development,
in a privileged environment.