All programmes > Programme > Course of study : Bachelor of European Studies (Leuven et al)

Bachelor of European Studies (Leuven et al) (180 ECTS) Bachelor of Arts

 

Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community

This programme is currently being reformed. There will be no new enrollments for the old version of this programme as of the academic year 2025-2026. Students can enroll for the new programme which will be available starting from the academic year 2025-2026. Details of the programme will be online on 15 July 2025.
For now, please refer to www.jointbaes.eu/programme for the adapted programme overview.


The admission requirements for the new programme are the following:

The ‘Bachelor of European Studies’ (BAES) is a demanding, multi-lingual and specializing interdisciplinary programme. In order to be admitted, each candidate has to prove that their performance and knowledge obtained in secondary education allows them to proceed with this bachelor’s degree. The programme applies strict rules regarding annual re-enrollments and mobility trajectories, based on the study progress after each academic year.

Admission to the BAES is subject to an assessment of the capacity and suitability of the student to successfully complete the BAES programme. Documents to be provided can be found hereunder and on the programme website https://www.jointbaes.eu/apply . All candidates should submit an application via https://www.jointbaes.eu/apply . You can find a list of core documents, which should be submitted with every application, here https://www.kuleuven.be/english/application/requesteddocuments.

Diploma requirements
For admission to the Joint Degree Programme the general admission requirements for a Bachelor's programme apply:
1.  a secondary education degree awarded by a Member State of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if the following conditions are met:
a)  The degree is awarded by the competent institution in one of the countries of the EEA or Switzerland;
b)  The awarding institution follows the academic educational system of an EEA member state or Switzerland;
c)  The degree conferred allows the holder to be admitted to a programme equivalent to the BAES in the country where the candidate graduated.

2.  a degree or certificate awarded within the European Union which, pursuant to a law, decree or European guideline or another international agreement is deemed equivalent to the degrees mentioned in the two foregoing categories.

In addition to this, the programme may admit applicants who have obtained a degree or certificate (i) in a State outside the EEA or Switzerland, or (ii) in a Member State of the EEA if their degree is not deemed equivalent within the meaning of paragraph 1.3. Such admission shall only be possible on the condition that such degree or certificate gives access to a Bachelor's programme in the State where it has been awarded, comparable to the BAES, and on the condition that the degree or certificate in question has been authenticated.

For the admission of these applicants, the following additional requirements apply:

- to take part in the general SAT test and submit their SAT score report. Emphasis shall be laid on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections. The recommended minimum score in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is 580. Students with a lower score can still be considered for admission based on the overall evaluation of their application file and a follow-up interview;
- alternatively, applicants may take the ACT test and submit their ACT score report, where emphasis shall be laid on the English and Reading sections, and the Writing test. The recommended minimum score for the English and Reading sections collectively is 46. Students with a lower score can still be considered for admission based on the overall evaluation of their application file and a follow-up interview;
- SAT or ACT test results shall not constitute an immediate guarantee for admission. The application file shall include previous education qualifications, which shall be evaluated as a whole. Applicants are responsible to timely make an appointment for one of either tests themselves and submit the results before the application deadline.

Applicants who have been awarded an International Baccalaureate (IB) are exempted from this requirement.

Applicants who have been awarded the General Certificate of Education (GCE) can be eligible for admission:

- if they can prove to have passed at least three A-Level subjects. The programme accepts the list of approved subjects on the website of The University of Edinburgh. Of these A-Level subjects, at least two have to be in Social Scienses or Humanities. The third subject can be unrelated if the grades are satisfactory. A minimum grade of ‘B’ is required for each of the three subjects. Applicants with a grade ‘C’ can still be considered eligible after a favourable decision taken by the programme on the basis of an evaluation of the entire application file and previous education qualifications of the applicant.

If the GCE A-Level certificates have been obtained in a State that is not a Member State of the European Union, applicants shall be required to submit an additional SAT or ACT test (cf. supra).


Language requirements
All applicants must prove their English language proficiency.

The programme accepts the following tests as a proof of English proficiency:

- TOEFL iBt (Test at test centre or Test at home). Minimum score 90 overall (with no subscore below 20)
- IELTS Academic test (taken on computer, online or paper). Minimum score 6.5 (with no subscore below 5.5)
- ESOL Cambridge (CAE/CPE). Minimum score 176 overall (with no subscore below 169)
- PTE Academic. Minimum score 59 (with no subscore below 53)
- ITACE C1 or C2.

An exemption from the proof of English proficiency by means of the above mentioned tests is only possible in one of the following cases:
1.  Applicants who hold a secondary education degree or higher education degree obtained in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the USA: the degree and transcripts suffice, provided they can prove that the entire study was completed in English
2.  Applicants holding an American secondary education degree obtained outside the USA but accredited by the four accreditation bodies four accreditation bodies indicated here: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/apply/requested-documents/eligibility-bachelor.


Additional requirements
In addition to the core documents, which all candidates have to upload, the BAES programme includes a number of programme-specific application documents that all candidates need to submit:

- an academic reading and writing assignment (500-750 words);
- a video pitch explaining the key components of the writing assignment (max 120 seconds);
- a video pitch, in which the candidate elaborates on their motivation to study in the BAES (max 120 seconds);
- a copy of the completed start university form;
- a copy of the completed mobility form.

All abovementioned documents can be accessed via the programme website https://www.jointbaes.eu/apply. The video pitches must be uploaded via the links indicated on the programme website, and a proof of a successful upload must be attached to the application file.

In case of follow-up questions based on the assignment and/or the videos, applicants may be invited for an interview by the BAES programme after the application deadline.

Additional information

On the basis of these documents, in particular the transcript(s), the academic reading and writing assignment, the video pitches, the language certificate test result and the possible interview, the Admission Board will conduct an assessment of the capacity and suitability of the student for the BAES programme. Please note that evaluation of applications is based on complete files only and that the criteria published are basic (eligibility) criteria only.
Only applications that meet the minimum eligibility criteria and adhere to the specified deadline are taken into consideration for the admissions selection process.



Students with a degree not obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community

This programme is currently being reformed. There will be no new enrollments for the old version of this programme as of the academic year 2025-2026. Students can enroll for the new programme which will be available starting from the academic year 2025-2026. Details of the programme will be online on 15 July 2025.
For now, please refer to www.jointbaes.eu/programme for the adapted programme overview.


The admission requirements for the new programme are the following:


The ‘Bachelor of European Studies’ (BAES) is a demanding, multi-lingual and specializing interdisciplinary programme. In order to be admitted, each candidate has to prove that their performance and knowledge obtained in secondary education allows them to proceed with this bachelor’s degree. The programme applies strict rules regarding annual re-enrollments and mobility trajectories, based on the study progress after each academic year.

Admission to the BAES is subject to an assessment of the capacity and suitability of the student to successfully complete the BAES programme. Documents to be provided can be found hereunder and on the programme website https://www.jointbaes.eu/apply . All candidates should submit an application via https://www.jointbaes.eu/apply . You can find a list of core documents, which should be submitted with every application, here: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/application/requesteddocuments.


Diploma Requirements

For admission to the Joint Degree Programme the general admission requirements for a Bachelor's programme apply:

1. a secondary education degree awarded by a Member State of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if the following conditions are met:
a)  The degree is awarded by the competent institution in one of the countries of the EEA or Switzerland;
b)  The awarding institution follows the academic educational system of an EEA member state or Switzerland;
c)  The degree conferred allows the holder to be admitted to a programme equivalent to the BAES in the country where the candidate graduated.
  
2. a degree or certificate awarded within the European Union which, pursuant to a law, decree or European guideline or another international agreement is deemed equivalent to the degrees mentioned in the two foregoing categories.


In addition to this, the programme may admit applicants who have obtained a degree or certificate (i) in a State outside the EEA or Switzerland, or (ii) in a Member State of the EEA if their degree is not deemed equivalent within the meaning of paragraph 1.3. Such admission shall only be possible on the condition that such degree or certificate gives access to a Bachelor's programme in the State where it has been awarded, comparable to the BAES, and on the condition that the degree or certificate in question has been authenticated.

For the admission of these applicants, the following additional requirements apply:

-  to take part in the general SAT test and submit their SAT score report. Emphasis shall be laid on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections. The recommended minimum score in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is 580. Students with a lower score can still be considered for admission based on the overall evaluation of their application file and a follow-up interview;
-  alternatively, applicants may take the ACT test and submit their ACT score report, where emphasis shall be laid on the English and Reading sections, and the Writing test. The recommended minimum score for the English and Reading sections collectively is 46. Students with a lower score can still be considered for admission based on the overall evaluation of their application file and a follow-up interview;
-  SAT or ACT test results shall not constitute an immediate guarantee for admission. The application file shall include previous education qualifications, which shall be evaluated as a whole. Applicants are responsible to timely make an appointment for one of either tests themselves and submit the results before the application deadline.

Applicants who have been awarded an International Baccalaureate (IB) are exempted from this requirement.

Applicants who have been awarded the General Certificate of Education (GCE) can be eligible for admission:

- if they can prove to have passed at least three A-Level subjects. The programme accepts the list of approved subjects on the website of The University of Edinburgh. Of these A-Level subjects, at least two have to be in Social Sciences or Humanities. The third subject can be unrelated if the grades are satisfactory. A minimum grade of ‘B’ is required for each of the three subjects. Applicants with a grade ‘C’ can still be considered eligible after a favourable decision taken by the programme on the basis of an evaluation of the entire application file and previous education qualifications of the applicant.

If the GCE A-Level certificates have been obtained in a State that is not a Member State of the European Union, applicants shall be required to submit an additional SAT or ACT test (cf. supra).


Language Requirements

All applicants must prove their English language proficiency.

The programme accepts the following tests as a proof of English proficiency:

-  TOEFL iBt (Test at test centre or Test at home). Minimum score 90 overall (with no subscore below 20)
-  IELTS Academic test (taken on computer, online or paper). Minimum score 6.5 (with no subscore below 5.5)
-  ESOL Cambridge (CAE/CPE). Minimum score 176 overall (with no subscore below 169)
-  PTE Academic. Minimum score 59 (with no subscore below 53)
-  ITACE C1 or C2.

An exemption from the proof of English proficiency by means of the above mentioned tests is only possible in one of the following cases:


1. Applicants who hold a secondary education degree or higher education degree obtained in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the USA; the degree and transcripts suffice, provided they can prove that the entire study was completed in English.

2. Applicants holding an American secondary education degree obtained outside the USA but accredited by the four accreditation bodies indicated here: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/apply/requested-documents/eligibility-bachelor.



Additional Requirements

In addition to the core documents, which all candidates have to upload, the BAES programme includes a number of programme-specific application documents that all candidates need to submit:

-  an academic reading and writing assignment (500-750 words);
-  a video pitch explaining the key components of the writing assignment (max 120 seconds);
-  a video pitch, in which the candidate elaborates on their motivation to study in the BAES (max 120 seconds);
-  a copy of the completed start university form;
-  a copy of the completed mobility form.

All abovementioned documents can be accessed via the programme website https://www.jointbaes.eu/apply . The video pitches must be uploaded via the links indicated on the programme website, and a proof of a successful upload must be attached to the application file.

In case of follow-up questions based on the assignment and/or the videos, applicants may be invited for an interview by the BAES programme after the application deadline.

Additional Information

On the basis of these documents, in particular the transcript(s), the academic reading and writing assignment, the video pitches, the language certificate test result and the possible interview, the Admission Board will conduct an assessment of the capacity and suitability of the student for the BAES programme. Please note that evaluation of applications is based on complete files only and that the criteria published are basic (eligibility) criteria only.

Only applications that meet the minimum eligibility criteria and adhere to the specified deadline are taken into consideration for the admissions selection process.

Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community

For admission to this programme, all students (students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community included) should submit an application via www.jointbaes.eu/apply.
For more detailed information about the specific admission requirements and procedure, see ‘Students with a degree not obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community’.



Students with a degree not obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community

The ‘Bachelor of European Studies’ (BAES) is a demanding, multi-lingual and specializing interdisciplinary programme. In order to be admitted, each candidate has to prove that their performance and knowledge obtained in secondary education allows them to proceed with this bachelor’s degree. The programme applies strict rules regarding annual re-enrollments and mobility trajectories, based on the study progress after each academic year.

Admission to the BAES is subject to an assessment of the capacity and suitability of the student to successfully complete the BAES programme. Documents to be provided can be found hereunder and on the programme website https://www.jointbaes.eu/apply . All candidates should submit an application via https://www.jointbaes.eu/apply . You can find a list of core documents, which should be submitted with every application, here: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/application/requesteddocuments.

Diploma requirements

I. For admission to the Joint Degree Programme the general admission requirements for a Bachelor's programme apply:

1. a degree of secondary education awarded by a Member State of the European Union, provided that the student can be admitted in that Member State to a programme equivalent to the BAES;

2. a degree of higher education awarded within the European Union;

3. a degree or certificate awarded within the European Union which, pursuant to a law, decree or European guideline or another international agreement is deemed equivalent to the degrees mentioned in the two foregoing categories.

II. In addition to this, the programme may admit applicants who have obtained a degree or certificate (i) in a State outside the European Union, or (ii) in a Member State of the European Union if their degree is not deemed equivalent within the meaning of paragraph I.3. Such admission shall only be possible on the condition that such degree or certificate gives access to a Bachelor's programme in the State where it has been awarded, comparable to the BAES, and on the condition that the degree or certificate in question has been authenticated.

For the admission of these applicants, the following additional requirements apply:

-  to take part in the general SAT test and submit their SAT score report. Emphasis shall be laid on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections. The recommended minimum score in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is 580. Students with a lower score can still be considered for admission based on the overall evaluation of their application file and a follow-up interview;
-  alternatively, applicants may take the ACT test and submit their ACT score report, where emphasis shall be laid on the English and Reading sections, and the Writing test. The recommended minimum score for the English and Reading sections collectively is 46. Students with a lower score can still be considered for admission based on the overall evaluation of their application file and a follow-up interview;
-  SAT or ACT test results shall not constitute an immediate guarantee for admission. The application file shall include previous education qualifications, which shall be evaluated as a whole. Applicants are responsible to timely make an appointment for one of either tests themselves and submit the results before the application deadline.

Applicants who have been awarded an International Baccalaureate (IB) are exempted from this requirement.

III. Applicants who have been awarded the General Certificate of Education (GCE) can be eligible for admission:

- if they can prove to have passed at least three A-Level subjects. The programme accepts the list of approved subjects on the website of The University of Edinburgh. Of these A-Level subjects, at least two have to be relevant for the BAES. The third subject can be unrelated if the grades are satisfactory. A minimum grade of ‘B’ is required for each of the three subjects. Applicants with a grade ‘C’ can still be considered eligible after a favourable decision taken by the programme on the basis of an evaluation of the entire application file and previous education qualifications of the applicant.

If the GCE A-Level certificates have been obtained in a State that is not a Member State of the European Union, applicants shall be required to submit an additional SAT or ACT test (cf. supra).

Language requirements

All applicants must prove their English language proficiency.

The programme accepts the following tests as a proof of English proficiency:

-  TOEFL (internet based or paper delivered). Minimum score 90 overall (with no subscore below 20)
-  IELTS. Minimum score 6.5 (with no subscore below 5.5)
-  ESOL Cambridge (CAE/CPE). Minimum score 176 overall (with no subscore below 169)
-  PTE Academic. Minimum score 59 (with no subscore below 53)
-  ITACE C1 or C2.

Applicants who hold a prior secondary education degree or higher education degree awarded by an English-speaking programme from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the USA, shall automatically be exempted from the language requirement.

Additional requirements

In addition to the core documents, which all candidates have to upload, the BAES programme includes a number of programme-specific application documents that all candidates need to submit:

-  an academic reading and writing assignment (500-750 words);
-  a video pitch explaining the key components of the writing assignment (max 120 seconds);
-  a video pitch, in which the candidate elaborates on their motivation to study in the BAES (max 120 seconds);
-  a copy of the completed start university form;
-  a copy of the completed mobility form.

All abovementioned documents can be accessed via the programme website https://www.jointbaes.eu/apply . The video pitches must be uploaded via the links indicated on the programme website, and a proof of a successful upload must be attached to the application file.

In case of follow-up questions based on the assignment and/or the videos, applicants may be invited for an interview by the BAES programme after the application deadline.

On the basis of these documents, in particular the transcript(s), the academic reading and writing assignment, the video pitches, the language certificate test result and the possible interview, the Admission Board will conduct an assessment of the capacity and suitability of the student for the BAES programme. Please note that evaluation of applications is based on complete files only and that the criteria published are basic (eligibility) criteria only.
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