Founded by papal decree in 1425, Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium is one of the oldest universities in Europe . From its inception, it attracted scholars from all over Europe , including theologian and humanist Erasmus, geographer Mercator, and anatomist Vesalius in the sixteenth century. During the twentieth century, in spite of having been bombed in both world wars (and losing its entire library in the fire of 1914), the size of its student body has more than quadrupled to its current level of nearly 14,000! Originally established with just three faculties (Law, Medicine, and the Arts), the Catholic University of Louvain now boasts eleven faculties: Science, Applied Science, Agronomy, Medicine, Philosophy, Theology and Canon Law, Philosophy and Arts, Philosophical Sciences, Economics, Social and Political Science, Psychology and Educational Sciences, and Law. It also offers courses in the fields of Physical Education and Rehabilitation, Theatre, and Music.

A French-speaking university located in the largely Flemish town of Louvain , the Catholic University of Louvain yielded to political pressure and in 1971 split into two universities: a Flemish university, which remained in Louvain ( Leuven in Flemish) and a francophone university which moved from its original location in the medieval city to a new location in the Brabant Wallon countryside. Not only was a completely new campus built, but also an entire new town (the first new town in Belgium in over 400 years) renamed Louvain-la-Neuve (“New Louvain”). Approximately half of all French-speaking Belgian college students attend the Catholic University of Louvain.

Program Type
Exchange program with the Catholic University of Louvain, facilitated by Duquesne University ’s OIP.

Academic Highlights
The mission of the Catholic University of Louvain is focused on teaching, research, service to society and the interdisciplinarity of practical sciences, humanistic studies, and ethics. A wide range of cutting edge courses are offered in the sciences: engineering, agronomy and environmental studies, and healthcare, including nursing, dentistry, physical rehabilitation, and sports medicine. Liberal arts courses include classes in history, modern and classical languages and literature, archaeology, and art history. In addition to Catholic theology, courses are offered in the history of philosophy, philosophy and science, philosophy and Christianity, and philosophy in relationship to social, political, and cultural problems. There are also course offerings in the fields of political and social science, economics, communication, administration and management, population and development, psychology, speech therapy, the family and human sexuality, and law.

Courses taught in English at Louvain (French Descriptions)

Language of Instruction
French

Academic Calendar
Fall Semester: mid-September - late January
Spring Semester: Late January - late May

Housing and Board
Housing is available in the town of Louvain-la-Neuve .

Estimated Costs (Category I Program)

 For a more in depth look: www.ucl.ac.be