Catholic University of Louvain (UCLouvain) is a private university in Belgium.
The history of the Catholic University of Louvain (UCLouvain) can be traced back to 1425, when the original University of Leuven was founded. This university was one of the most prominent in Europe, and it played a major role in the development of Renaissance thought.
In 1797, the original University of Leuven was abolished by the French Republic. However, in 1834, the Belgian bishops established a new Catholic university in Mechelen. This university was moved to Leuven in 1835, and it was renamed the Catholic University of Leuven.
The Catholic University of Leuven quickly became one of the leading universities in Belgium. It was known for its strong academic programs in theology, law, medicine, and the arts. The university also attracted a number of distinguished scholars, including the physicist Georges Lemaître, who proposed the Big Bang theory.
In 1968, the Catholic University of Leuven was split into two institutions, the French-speaking Université catholique de Louvain and the Dutch-speaking Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. The French-speaking university moved to Louvain-la-Neuve in 1971.
UCLouvain has continued to thrive since its founding. In addition to its academic excellence, UCLouvain is also known for its commitment to social justice. The university has a long history of promoting human rights and democracy. UCLouvain has also been involved in a number of international development projects.
Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2024, Catholic University of Louvain is positioned as the #180 top university in the world, which makes it the #3 top university in Belgium. The university's global rank is improved by 15 points from last year.
University Profile
Get a quick snapshot of the university's key details.
2024 Ranking
#3
University Name
Catholic University of Louvain
Name in Local Language
Université Catholique de Louvain
Acronym
UCL
Year Established
1425
Motto
Sedes Sapientiae
Motto in English
Seat of Wisdom
Colors
Blue and white
Location
The university is located in Louvain-la-Neuve, Brabant wallon. Find the address and map of the university below.
Address
Place de l'Université, 1, Louvain-la-Neuve, Brabant wallon, Belgium
Map
Contact
Connect with the university easily! Find their contact details.
Catholic University of Louvain has persistently ranked as the 3rd top university in Belgium throughout the last 4 years.
Admission Info
Find information below on admission to Catholic University of Louvain.
International Students Allowed
Yes
Student Body
Men and Women
Related Articles
Stay informed with the following article related to the university or higher education in Belgium.
Alternative credentials like bootcamps and online courses are gaining popularity in Nigeria for their quick, cost-effective approach to skill acquisition. These programs align closely with industry needs, offering flexible learning options that cater to diverse career aspirations across the country. [Read More]