The objectives and final attainment levels of a Bachelor degree in Economics or Business are guiding.

With respect to general competences:
-   ability to analyse, synthesise and interpret
-   well developed memory
-   ability to observe
-   communication skills (orally, and in writing)
-   active knowledge of English
With respect to attitudes:
-   positive-scientific attitude
-   inquisitiveness
-   critical attitude
-   creative attitude
-   punctuality
-   regular work habits
-   willingness to cooperate
-   ethical notion
-   interested in the dynamics of economy and society

More specifically a solid education in economics or business is expected from future students. This education covers the most important domains in economics and fits into a more general education framework that helps students to understand the evolutions in the economic world and to relate these evolutions to the broader societal, juridical, political and social context

 

PRIOR EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

*   Applicants with a Belgian university diploma: See admission requirements Master of Science in de Economische Wetenschappen
*   Applicants with a non-Belgian university diploma: Applicants should hold a university Bachelor's degree in Economics or Business Economics comparable to a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Applied Economics or Business Engineering from the Faculty of Business and Economics at K.U.Leuven. Comparability is evaluated by the Admissions Board on the basis of information provided by the applicant, including certified copies of diploma and transcripts and possibly other documentation (see below).
By a degree in Business or Economics we mean a broad-based education, not a technical training in e.g. marketing or hotel management. Also, our Faculty has a far more analytical/mathematical approach than the average European or American programme. For more information about the prerequisites for this programme, click here.

PROOF OF PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH

Applicants who are non-native speakers of English must provide evidence of English language proficiency.
*   Applicants with a K.U.Leuven degree: Applicants that already successfully completed an English-taught programme at K.U.Leuven, do not have to take an English proficiency test.
*   Applicants with a university degree earned in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the USA: the certified diploma and transcripts suffice, provided they confirm that the entire university study was completed in English. Absolutely no other diplomas will be accepted as evidence even if the applicant has followed an exclusively English-taught programme.
*   Other applicants should submit a satisfactory score on an internationally recognized test of English language proficiency: TOEFL (minimum score 575 paper-based, 233 computer-based, 90 internet-based) or IELTS (minimum score 7). No other proficiency tests will be accepted, and absolutely no application will be considered without such a test certificate.

 CREDENTIALS REGARDING PRIOR EDUCATION

For applicants from outside Belgium, comparability of the diploma is not always easily established.

 Certified copies of transcripts and diplomas are required for all applicants. These documents also suffice for applicants from
*   universities that have an exchange agreement with the Faculty of Business and Economics of K.U.Leuven (click here)
*   universities that are in the global top 200 in the most recent Times Higher Education or QS rankings

 Additional documentation is required for applicants from other universities as it is impossible for us to reliably assess the comparability. In those cases the admission board will take a positive decision only if supporting information is provided:

*   a GMAT- or GRE-score. A GRE- or a GMAT-test result above the 90th percentile on the quantitative part (or on average) normally entails immediate admission, provided all other requirements are met as well, but this is not an absolute minimum.
*   two recommendation forms, downloadable here, filled out and signed, and mailed in a closed envelope signed over the lid by the referee to the Faculty of Business and Economics. Forms not provided in a closed envelope signed across the lid by the referee will be regarded as void. The recommendation forms can also be mailed directly by the referee to fbe@econ.kuleuven.be.
*   a letter of motivation written and signed by the applicant, explaining the choice for Leuven and for this particular programme

The Admissions Board evaluates all applications and has the final say on the admissibility of the student, taking into account the relevant information.

 

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