Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven)
KU Leuven has a nearly six centuries-old tradition of learning and research. It is the 6th European university in the competitive European Framework Programme for research (5th interim FP7 report), and a charter member of the League of European Research Universities. Surveys rank KU Leuven among the top European universities in terms of output: more than 640 PhD degrees in 2012-13 (one third by foreign students), over 17.000 international peer-reviewed publications (2010-2012), nearly 100 spin-offs and an active patent portfolio of ca. 500 patent families; annual research expenditures (2012) of ca. 418 million euro, over 6,600 researchers (measured in FTE), with one third international scholars. To strenghten international collaboration, KU Leuven has an international research fellowship programme. Applied research is supported by KU Leuven Research & Development, one of Europe`s oldest and most renown technology transfer offices.
KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition. From its Christian view of the world and the human, KU Leuven endeavours to be a place for open discussion of social, philosophical and ethical issues and a critical centre of reflection in and for the Catholic community. KU Leuven offers its students an academic education based on high-level research, with the aim of preparing them to assume their social responsibilities. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally oriented university that carries out both fundamental and applied research. It is strongly inter- and multidisciplinary in focus and strives for international excellence. To this end, KU Leuven works together actively with its research partners at home and abroad. KU Leuven encourages personal initiative and critical reflection in a culture of idea exchange, Copperation, solidarity and academic freedom. It pursues a proactive diversity policy for its students and staff. KU Leuven aims to actively participate in public and cultural debate and in the advancement of a knowledge-based society. It puts its expertise to the service of society, with particular consideration for its most vulnerable members. From a basis of social responsibility and scientific expertise, KU Leuven provides high-quality, comprehensive health care, including specialised tertiary care, in its University Hospitals. In doing so it strives toward optimum accessibility and respect for all patients. KU Leuven carries out its academic activities at various campuses, research parks and hospital facilities in close Copperation with the members of the KU Leuven Association and with its hospital partners.
Foundation year: 1970
Short name: KU Leuven
Type: Public
Students: 44720
Faculty: 1230
Faculty/Students Ratio: 36:1
Region: Europe
Location: Leuven
