Study costs, financial aid & donations

Study Costs

Financing quality education is expensive and sometimes prohibitive, especially for those who cannot rely on an already over-stretched parental budget or are dependant upon student loans. While university level education in Belgium costs roughly the same as in other Western societies, thus guaranteeing the highest standards, Belgium’s insistence on equal opportunity and democratic access for all to a university education has created a different approach to the financial burden it places on students. Students at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies of the Catholic University of Leuven are expected to pay an annual registration fee of around 600 Euro, which includes all course and examination fees.

The remaining student fees are subsidised by the Belgian State, in accordance with its desire to share its centuries old academic tradition and internationally recognised expertise with the global community. For a relatively limited registration fee, it is possible to enrol at one of the oldest and most prestigious theology schools in the world and to enjoy the experience of student life in a lively and cosmopolitan university-city in the heart of Europe.

Financial Aid

Through its Committee for Study Allowances and in close association with partner funding organisations, the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies provides financial assistance to a limited number of students, mainly at Master level. While priority is given to the Third World and Central and Eastern Europe, support is offered on occasion to students from other parts of the world. Particular attention is given in this regard to applications from women.

Applicants should add their request for financial support to their application for admission. Presided over by the Chair of the Theology Programmes in English, the Committee for Study Allowances meets at regular intervals throughout the academic year. It establishes a ranking list amongst the students who have been admitted to study at the Faculty and have filed an application for financial support. It decides on who will or will not receive financial support from Faculty funds, as well as on whose applications will be submitted to partner funding organisations.

The amount of financial support offered to students varies from case to case, depending on the funding organisations. Generally speaking, however, a contribution is made to largely cover the following expenses: basic living costs in Leuven, registration fees at the university, insurance, and a small amount for personal expenses.

The KU Leuven services offer an estimation of the amount required to live and study in Leuven on an annual basis (click here for further details). Students in the Doctoral Programme also receive some financial support for research purposes and for the administration of the defence of their doctoral dissertation. Potential applicants should note that the standard package of financial support offered by the Faculty cannot cover all the financial requirements of studying in Leuven. Students are generally expected to supplement financial support with personal funds.

Donations

Precise determination of study and living expenses is impossible, due to the ever-rising cost of living and individual differences in life style. Our Faculty annually provides financial support for a number of qualifying students. The Faculty is only able to offer financial assistance because individual people and organisations generously contribute to the Faculty's Committee for Study Allowances. Anyone who wishes to contribute to and support the efforts of the Faculty can do so by donating to the Committee for Study Allowances. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Information

Deposits and transfers can be made to the following account: IBAN: BE45734019417789

Address Bank:

KBC
Bedrijvenkantoor Leuven
Brusselsesteenweg 100
3000 Leuven
SWIFT code: KREDBEBB

It is essential that you mention the following reference: “ALE-BEURZ1-P3610-gift”