Each year, students from around the world make their way to Belgium to pursue higher education. Known for its rich cultural heritage, historic cities, and renowned chocolates, this country has several of the top-ranking universities, which make it one of the ideal countries to study in. What highlights Belgium’s higher education system is its multilingual options, world-class research institutions, and simply academic excellence. Here are the seven best universities in Belgium:
1. KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
i. Founding year: 1425
ii. QS ranking 2024: 61
Ranking first in the order is KU Leuven, the most prestigious and oldest university in Belgium. It has always ranked among the top 100 universities globally, performing particularly well in engineering, technology, and the humanities. KU Leuven can be termed a powerhouse in research since it is part of the League of European Research Universities. Another attractive feature is that it offers more than 80 master’s programs in English, making it very popular among international students.
2. Ghent University
i. Founding year: 1817
ii. QS ranking 2024: 159
Another strong competitor within the higher education framework of Belgium has been Ghent University. It enjoys commendable research rankings in the areas of biotechnology, environmental sciences, and engineering, all within the historic city of Ghent. Ghent University applies an interdisciplinary approach to facilitate interaction between different fields as diverse as agriculture and medicine to sustainability.
3. Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
i. Founding year: 1834
ii. QS ranking 2024: 189
Université Libre de Bruxelles is ranked among the top universities in Belgium within the area of social sciences, humanities, and law. At ULB, academic freedom and social engagement are highly valued and reflected in its various research outputs, particularly in the fields of political science, sociology, and international relations. Situated in the capital of Belgium, Brussels, students at ULB have opportunities to connect with European institutions and policy actors since this lies close to the heart of the European Union.
4. University of Antwerp
i. Founding year: 2003
ii. QS ranking 2024: 248
The University of Antwerp was founded through the merger of three smaller universities and has rapidly found its place within the ranks of globally acknowledged best universities in Belgium. This university is among the top-ranked in the world’s best 200 universities, especially for business, economics, and social sciences. Antwerp Management School is one of the renowned schools within the institution. It has strong industry links and focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation. Programs in the arts and humanities, particularly linguistics and cultural studies, are equally strong at the university.
5. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
i. Founding year: 1970
ii. QS ranking 2024: 259
Vrije Universiteit Brussel is one of the key players in the academic landscape of Belgium. Complementing ULB from 1970, VUB advances by means of strong research and innovative positions in a number of areas: computer science, engineering, and natural sciences. The academic environment at VUB is acknowledged to be of high repute with respect to social concerns and freedom. It is because of its central position in Brussels, which allows it to engage in numerous internships and projects with the European institutions and international organisations.
6. Université de Liège (ULiège)
i. Founding year: 1817
ii. QS ranking 2024: 421
Created in 1817, French-speaking Université de Liège has a strong reputation in teaching and research. ULiège shows a strong profile in the fields of natural sciences, veterinary medicine, and engineering. Strongly oriented towards research, the university boasts numerous industrial and academic partnerships and government collaborations. Many programs in the arts and humanities complete ULiège’s offerings, earning it its worldwide reputation.
7. Hasselt University
i. Founding year: 1971
ii. QS ranking 2024: 551
Hasselt University is one of the younger top universities in Belgium. Still, it has acquired quite a reputation over recent years, particularly regarding life sciences, environmental science, and information technology. It emphasizes innovation in education and research and often works together with industry and international partners to advance state-of-the-art developments. Due to its relatively small size, Hasselt University offers a personal experience in education with close contact between students and staff.
Conclusion
From the extensive research facilities at KU Leuven to the personalised learning environment at Hasselt University, each of them prioritise the student’s success and well-being. They provide not only academic knowledge but also life skills and global exposure necessary to excel in today’s interdependent world.
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09 October 2024
4 mins read
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