Belgium, in the heart of Europe, boasts a rich cultural heritage and a commitment to academic excellence. In 2024, as we cast our gaze upon the educational landscape, we find ourselves drawn to the top 10 universities that define the intellectual prowess of this remarkable nation. These institutions, steeped in history and driven by innovation, stand as beacons of higher learning, setting global benchmarks for academic achievement. Let us explore the Top 10 Best Universities in Belgium Rankings 2024, celebrating the institutions that are shaping the future leaders, thinkers, and problem-solvers of our world.
About Belgian Higher Education
Belgium is a small but diverse country in Western Europe, with three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. The country's higher education is organized by the two main communities, the Flemish Community and the French Community, each with its ministry of education and quality assurance agency. German speakers typically enroll in institutions in the French Community or Germany.
Belgium has many universities that are ranked among the best in the world, according to various international rankings. These universities have a strong international outlook and attract students from all over the world. They also offer many programs taught in English, especially at the master's and doctoral levels.
The tuition fees for higher education in Belgium also depend on several factors, such as the type of institution, the community, the level of study, the program, and the student's nationality. Students from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland pay lower fees than students from other countries. The fees range from around 100 to 900 euros per year for bachelor's and master's programs, and from around 400 to 600 euros per year for doctoral programs. However, some programs may charge higher fees, especially those taught in English or those that are highly specialized or competitive.
Studying in Belgium offers many benefits for international students, such as high-quality education, a multicultural environment, a rich cultural heritage, a central location, and affordable living costs. Belgium is also home to many international organizations, such as the European Union (EU), NATO, and UNESCO, which provide opportunities for networking and career development. Students who graduate from Belgian institutions can also benefit from the recognition of their degrees within the EU and beyond.
Top 10 Best Universities in Belgium for 2024
Here are the top 10 best universities in Belgium for 2024, based on the latest rankings from Times Higher Education (THE), QS, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). We will also provide you with some information about each university, such as its location, size, reputation, and strengths.
1. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven)
THE World University Rankings: 45th | QS World University Rankings: 61st | ARWU: 86th
One of the most prestigious and influential institutions of higher education in Europe is KU Leuven, which stands for Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. The university was established in 1425, making it the oldest university in Belgium and one of the oldest in the world. It has grown to become the largest university in the country, with more than 58,000 students enrolled in various programs across 20 faculties.
KU Leuven is also recognized internationally for its academic excellence and research impact. It ranks among the top 100 universities in the world. The university offers a wide range of disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences and engineering.
Some of its notable strengths include dentistry, politics and international relations, theology and philosophy, and engineering. KU Leuven is located in the city of Leuven, which is situated in the Flemish region of Belgium. Leuven is a historic and vibrant city that offers a rich cultural and social life for students and visitors alike. The city is also well-connected to other major cities in Belgium and Europe by train and bus.
2. Ghent University
THE World University Rankings: 115th | QS World University Rankings: 159th | AARWU: 84th
Ghent University was founded in 1817 as a state-funded institution. Today, it is a comprehensive and diverse research university that offers a wide range of academic programs across 11 faculties, covering various disciplines such as life sciences, social sciences, humanities, and law. With more than 44,000 students, including over 9,000 international students, Ghent University is a dynamic and cosmopolitan academic community that fosters excellence, innovation, and social impact.
Ghent University is also highly regarded internationally, ranking among the top 200 universities in the world according to several reputable sources. It is especially renowned for its research output and impact in fields such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, plant sciences, neuroscience, and human rights. The university is situated in the city of Ghent, a historic and cultural hub in the Flemish region of Belgium.
3. Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)
THE World University Rankings: 168th | QS World University Rankings: 180th | ARWU: 201-300th
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) traces its origins back to 1425 when it was founded as a part of the Catholic University of Leuven, which was the largest and oldest university in the Low Countries. However, due to political and linguistic conflicts, UCLouvain split from its Flemish counterpart in 1968 and became an independent French-speaking institution. UCLouvain has more than 30,000 students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, who study in 14 faculties that cover a wide range of disciplines.
UCLouvain is internationally recognized for its excellence in research and education, especially in the fields of medicine, economics, law, and psychology. It collaborates with many other universities and organizations around the world and contributes to the advancement of knowledge and innovation. UCLouvain has several campuses located in different regions of Wallonia and Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the heart of Europe.
4. Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
THE World University Rankings: 201-250th | QS World University Rankings: 189th | ARWU: 101-150th
Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) was established in 1834 as a free and secular institution. Today, it is a French-speaking public university that offers a wide range of academic programs across 12 faculties, covering arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, law, and more. With over 24,000 students from more than 130 countries, ULB is a diverse and multicultural community that fosters academic excellence and social responsibility.
ULB is also a leading research university that contributes to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in various domains. It has produced four Nobel laureates in physics and chemistry, as well as prominent scholars in mathematics, biotechnology, European studies, and other fields. Moreover, it is located in Brussels, the capital of Europe and a hub of political and cultural activities. ULB has close links with many European institutions and organizations, such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, NATO, and UNESCO.
5. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
THE World University Rankings: 201-250th | QS World University Rankings: 207th | ARWU: 151-200th
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), which translates to the Free University of Brussels, traces its origins to 1834, when it was founded as a part of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), a French-speaking institution. However, due to the linguistic and political tensions in Belgium, VUB became an independent Dutch-speaking university in 1970, following a split from ULB. Today, VUB has more than 16,000 students enrolled in eight faculties that offer a wide range of academic programs.
VUB is especially renowned for its excellence in engineering, computer science, social sciences, and humanities, where it conducts cutting-edge research and provides high-quality education. The university is also situated in Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the heart of Europe, where it benefits from the rich cultural and political diversity. VUB also collaborates with many international partners and networks, such as the European University Association, the European Consortium of Innovative Universities, and the United Nations University.
6. University of Antwerp
THE World University Rankings: 161st | QS World University Rankings: 248th | ARWU: 201-300th
The University of Antwerp is one of the youngest and most vibrant public universities in Belgium, with a history that dates back to 2003 when it was formed by the merger of three existing universities. It has more than 20,000 students enrolled in nine faculties that offer a wide range of academic programs and degrees.
The university is internationally recognized for its excellence in research and education, especially in areas such as business, health sciences, linguistics, and urban studies. It collaborates with other universities, research institutes, industry partners, and civil society organizations to address global challenges and contribute to social and economic development.
The university is located in Antwerp, a diverse and cultural city that is the capital of the Flemish region of Belgium. Antwerp is known for its rich heritage, artistic scene, fashion industry, and port activities. The city offers a stimulating and inspiring environment for students, researchers, and visitors alike.
7. Hasselt University
THE World University Rankings: 351-400th | QS World University Rankings: 449th | ARWU: 601-700th
Hasselt University is a young and dynamic public institution of higher education in Belgium. It was established in 1971 as a branch of KU Leuven, but gained its independence in 2005. With more than 6,000 students and six faculties, Hasselt University offers a wide range of academic programs and degrees, from bachelor to doctoral level. It is internationally recognized for its excellence and innovation in research, especially in areas such as transportation, biostatistics, environmental sciences, and innovation management.
Hasselt University collaborates with many national and international partners, such as the Transnational University Limburg, the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology, and the European Space Agency. It also has a strong focus on social responsibility and sustainability, aiming to contribute to the well-being and development of its region and society.
Hasselt University has two campuses in Hasselt and Diepenbeek, two small and green cities in the Flemish region of Belgium. The campuses are well-equipped with modern facilities and services, such as libraries, sports centers, student housing, and restaurants. The university also organizes various cultural and social activities for its students and staff, such as concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and festivals.
8. University of Liège
THE World University Rankings: 45th | QS World University Rankings: 61st | ARWU: 86th
One of the oldest and largest universities in Belgium is the University of Liège, which was established in 1817 by King William I of the Netherlands. The university has more than 23,000 students enrolled in 11 faculties that offer a variety of academic programs, from bachelor's to doctoral degrees. It is well-known for its research excellence and innovation, especially in fields such as astronomy, veterinary medicine, architecture, and journalism. The University of Liège also has a strong international presence, with partnerships and collaborations with over 600 institutions worldwide.
It is situated in Liège, a historic and industrial city that is the cultural and economic hub of the Wallonia region. Liège is famous for its rich heritage, vibrant nightlife, and gastronomic delights. The University of Liège is a public institution that aims to provide high-quality education and research for the benefit of society.
9. Université de Mons
THE World University Rankings: 501-600th | QS World University Rankings: 691-700th | ARWU: NA
The University of Mons (UMONS) is a Belgian university located in the city of Mons, founded in 2009 by the merger of the Faculté Polytechnique de Mons (FPMs) and the University of Mons-Hainaut. It offers more than 150 university courses from bachelor to doctorate, spread across 7 faculties and 3 schools. It has approximately 11,000 students and 1,500 teachers, researchers, and administrative and technical staff.
UMONS offers training in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, law, economics, and management. It has six faculties, two schools, and three interdisciplinary research institutes. The university is part of the Pôle hainuyer, a higher education and research network that brings together university and non-university institutions in the province of Hainaut.
10. University of Namur
THE World University Rankings: 801-1000th | QS World University Rankings: 801-1000th | ARWU: NA
The University of Namur is a public university in Namur, Belgium. It was founded in 1831 as a Jesuit college and became a university in 1986. The university offers five programmes in English: Master in Economics, Master in Biomedical Sciences, Master in Molecular Microbiology, Master in Chemistry, and Specialized Master in International and Development Economics.
The university is also known for its research institutes that focus on interdisciplinary topics such as energy, environment, materials, social sciences, humanities, life sciences, and ICT. Situated in the heart of Namur, the campus offers a convenient and picturesque location, with proximity to the River Sambre and Louise-Marie Park. The institution is an active member of the Académie Universitaire Louvain and the European University Association, further connecting it to the broader academic community.
Wrapping Up
These are the top 10 best universities in Belgium for 2024, according to the most recent international rankings. As you can see, Belgium offers a diverse and high-quality academic environment for students from all over the world. Whether you prefer to study in Flemish or French, in a large or small city, or an old or new university, you will find a suitable option for your interests and goals. If you want to learn more about studying in Belgium, you can visit the websites of these universities or check out our guide on how to apply for a Master's in Belgium.
See more: 5 Best Universities in Belgium