FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS

BRUSSELS

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS
ENGINEERING
KU Leuven. Inspiring the outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME TO THE FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS 3

KU LEUVEN: A GLOBAL UNIVERSITY 4

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 6

Student profile 6
Programme 6
First year course units 9
Student guidance 11
Master of Business Administration 12
Career perspectives 12
Admissions 13

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ENGINEERING 14

Student profile 14
Programme 15
First year course units 18
Student guidance 20
Master of Business Engineering 21
Career perspectives 21
Admissions 22

MORE INFORMATION 23
Application procedure 23
Application deadline 23
Tuition fees 23
Housing opportunities 23
Welcome activities 24

STUDY IN BRUSSELS 26
 3

WELCOME TO THE FACULTY

OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS

Dear prospective student,

Will you become one of the 2000 students of more than 100
different nationalities that give our campus a unique, vibrant
9,880
students
atmosphere where diversity is embraced? Did you know that
more and more Belgian students are also choosing to study
including
in English and benefit from this ‘internationalization at home’
experience? Studying at our campus allows you to perfect
your language skills in a natural way: a huge asset on the job
2,522
market. But the benefits go so much further. Your study will international students,
be one big, international experience. study exchange agree-
ments with more than
Our school is ideally located in the heart of Belgium’s living
210 institutions in
capital Brussels right in the middle of the bustling decision-
47 countries
making of both Belgian and European politics and business.
Many companies including multinationals with headquarters in
Brussels collaborate with our faculty in research and education
which allows students to experience economic developments at
first hand, with major decisions being made around the corner.
2 BACHELOR’S PROGRAMMES (IN ENGLISH)

Being part of the highly regarded faculty of Economics and

Business of KU Leuven, our programs aim at developing each
student's unique future self. Our faculty offers top-level,
9 MASTER’S PROGRAMMES (IN ENGLISH)

research-based education in the same spirit as Michelangelo

who minimized his own merit in shaping the famous David
claiming that the sculpture was already inside the block and
1 ADVANCED MASTER’S PROGRAMMES
(IN ENGLISH)

the only thing he did was freeing him. Studying at our campus
requires commitment and dedication, but also gives a lot in
return: a strong education and a degree that will help you for
the rest of your life. Despite Bachelor Business Administration
and Bachelor Business Engineering graduates being highly
wanted profiles on the job market, many students choose to
do a subsequent Master's degree, at KU Leuven or elsewhere.
> 80%
of the faculty’s students has a job within
Let me end with some good advice. Choose a field of study 3 months of graduating
for which you are intrinsically motivated, so that you maximize
your chances of successful and above all happy years during
and after your studies. Work hard, attend classes, and connect
to other students. Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy that
wonderful student time ahead of you!
206 professors

EQUIS accreditation
The EQUIS accreditation places our
faculty amongst an international elite
circle of accredited business schools
and faculties

Prof. dr. Jeroen Belien

Campus Dean, Faculty of Economics and Business
4

KU LEUVEN:
A GLOBAL UNIVERSITY
 5

Founded in 1425, KU Leuven has been a

centre of learning for almost six centuries.
Today, it is Belgium’s highest-ranked university
KU LEUVEN UP CLOSE as well as one of the oldest and most renowned
universities in Europe.

The university offers a wide variety of internationally

oriented programmes. These programmes are
Truly supported by high-quality interdisciplinary research
conducted at both the university and its inter-
international nationally acclaimed hospitals. Boasting an
outstanding central location in the capital of
Europe, KU Leuven offers a truly international
experience, high-quality education, world-class
research and cutting-edge innovation.

63,774 KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of

international students and staff members spread
students
across its various campuses. Twenty-three per
cent of the university’s 63,774 students come
of which
from abroad, representing more than 150 countries.

15,179 KU Leuven is member of several highly esteemed

international university consortiums, and is a
international students,
founding member of the League of European
over 150 countries
Research Universities (LERU), a select group
of distinguished research-intensive universities
that sets the standard for research in Europe.
The university also works with a select number of
top-level partner institutions worldwide and
stimulates purposeful international mobility

49 BACHELOR’S PROGRAMMES
(6 IN ENGLISH)
and intensive research cooperation. It continuously
strives to integrate the local and international
student and research communities on all its
campuses through a variety of programmes

137 MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

(74 IN ENGLISH)
and activities.

43 ADVANCED MASTER’S
PROGRAMMES (24 IN ENGLISH)

°1425
six centuries of academic Located in the heart
excellence of Europe

9 150+
locations throughout
Belgium
nationalities of students
and researchers
# 45 in Times Higher Education
World University Rankings
6
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION
DURATION
3 years (full-time), 180 ECTS
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
1st semester: third week of September
> end of January (exams in January)
2nd semester: mid-February
> end of June (exams in June)
www.kuleuven.be/academiccalendar
TUITION FEES
www.kuleuven.be/tuitionfees
Today, companies have to find their way in an increasingly complex economy.
Globalisation has extended markets far beyond national borders and technology
keeps global commerce moving 24 hours a day. Some products and services become
increasingly complex, while others are becoming obsolete. Consumers demand
prompt and customised service at the best price. Businesses require complex
networks of distribution. These are just some examples of the issues you will address
as a student in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
The Bachelor of Business Administration programme is taught in English and has a strong
international focus. It is both hands-on and academic. It follows a practice-as-orientation
and science-as-foundation approach. It teaches you the academic skills you need to
complete assignments and research and write your bachelor’s thesis. You will develop both
your analytical skills and your academic and professional communication skills. You will learn
to think critically and to present your findings in a concrete and concise manner.
STUDENT PROFILE
You are interested in the world of business and are looking for a well-rounded programme that
provides you with academic knowledge as well as hands-on expertise. This programme will
sharpen your entrepreneurial skills and prepare you for various roles in international companies.
PROGRAMME
Truly international
Located within two hours from London, Paris or Amsterdam, Brussels offers you a unique
opportunity to study in the heart of Europe. Both on and off campus, you will live and
study in a truly international and multicultural environment enabling you to build a strong
personal network.
Our Bachelor of Business Administration will challenge you to meet and work closely with
students from other cultures and nationalities. The diversity of our programme is impressive:
roughly 80 nationalities are represented in the programme.
Interdisciplinary
Our interdisciplinary approach prepares you to address and solve business problems by
drawing on insights and experiences from multiple disciplines and perspectives – often as
a member of a team. In this way, the programme simulates the real world of business and
leverages input from a multitude of cultural backgrounds and worldviews.

Student exchange opportunities -
Double Degree
Studying abroad introduces you to new people, languages, cultures
and ways of doing business. That’s why we encourage our students
to do a part of their studies abroad. Employers are increasingly
looking for young professionals who are ‘at home’ when doing
business in a multicultural, multilingual workplace. We have established
Erasmus agreements all over Europe. For students looking to go
further afield, we have exchange opportunities in 16 countries, including
the US, Canada, China, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Russia
and South-Africa. Moreover, you can also participate in the Double
Degree programme with Kedge Business School in France which
allows you to obtain a degree from two highly ranked universities.
feb.kuleuven.be/eng/doubledegreebba
Business orientation and
entrepreneurial learning
Business orientation is the leitmotiv in the programme. We invite
international managers and government officials to share their
experiences with students at guest lectures held throughout the
year. You will acquire valuable managerial skills through management
projects in each of the three stages of the curriculum. You will
develop the skills that are important to business professionals:
entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary thinking, management skills
(e.g. teamwork, meeting skills, negotiating, professional reporting
and time management), your knowledge of languages and, of course,
business contents and academic skills.
7
The management projects are ideal opportunities to start working
on your career while completing your studies. On top, you can
participate in an internship where you will acquire relevant professional
experience in a work environment.
Mathematics: an important element
of the programme
Today’s business administrators often use mathematical models to
describe reality in a logical way. The language of mathematics
provides powerful tools to describe and explore such models.
By learning this language you develop skills in recognising structure,
systematic problem-solving, and checking the plausibility of an
obtained result. You will also refine your knowledge of mathematics
in courses such as statistics, economics, financial algebra,
and econometrics.
We offer a range of tools to help you develop your mathematical
skills during the academic year, including additional hours, exercise
groups, and study sessions.
In the build-up to the beginning of the academic year we organise
a mathematics brushing-up course. The one-week course reviews
a number of important topics and concludes with an assessment
test. After this test you receive personal feedback. Information on
the brushing-up course, including dates and registration, and a
detailed description of the mathematical topics you are expected
to have covered in secondary school can be found on our website:
www.feb.kuleuven.be/eng/mathematics-bba.
8

Language skills COURSES ECTS

You will graduate with an excellent command of English as all the STAGE 2 60
courses are taught in English. Intensive language courses in Dutch, Financial Statement Analysis 3
French, Spanish and German are also offered for students wishing Strategic Management 3
to improve their command of a foreign language. It is even possible Personnel and Organization 2 6
to follow courses in French in an exchange programme with a Operational Management 3
French-speaking university in Brussels. Marketing1 6
Management Project 2 6
Research Methods 2 3
Programme structure Statistics for Business 2 3
Introduction to Methods in Operational Research 3
The Bachelor of Business Administration programme is structured Macro-economics and Economic Policy 6
along five domains: Economic Sociology 3
Corporate Law and Accounting 3
• Management of Business Domains Languages2 6
• Economic Analysis and International Orientation Elective modules3, 4
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Professional Skills and - Languages and Management 6
Employability - European Studies 6
• Mathematical and Statistical Techniques - Research skills
STAGE 3 60
• Behaviour, Society and Law
Management Accounting 3
Corporate Finance 6
You are taught by researchers as well as business managers.
Entrepreneurship and Business Planning 3
In each of the three stages (years) you work on a management
Principles of Taxation 3
project to develop the management and communication skills that
ICT Management 6
are important to business professionals.
Multinationals and European Institutions 6
Research Methods 3 6
International Economics 3
Programme Economics and Ethics 3
Languages2 3
Elective modules3, 4
COURSES ECTS
- Languages and Management 9
STAGE 1 60 - European Studies 9
Financial Accounting 6 Bachelor’s Thesis:
Financial Institutions and Markets 6 - Business Project 6
Management 6 - Career Development 3
Management Project 1 6
Research Methods 1 3
Statistics for Business 1 3
1 Language immersion track French: students can choose to take up
Mathematics for Business 6 courses equivalent to ‘Marketing’ and ‘Personnel and Organization’ in
Managerial Economics 6 French at the Université Saint-Louis - Bruxelles.
Philosophy 3 2 English and one foreign language are obligatory. Students who take up
Psychology 3 the elective module 'Languages and Management' can choose a second
language.
Introduction to Law 6
3 Students choose one elective module and take up 15 ECTS from the
English 6 same module.
4 Certain courses can be replaced by an internship or by a validated
Summer School. A foreign language course may be replaced by a
validated Summer School provided it is taught in the language concerned.

For detailed descriptions of the courses and for the course

timetable, please consult:
www.kuleuven.be/programmes/bachelor-business-
administration
 9

FIRST YEAR COURSE UNITS

Economic analysis – Mathematical and statistical
International Orientation techniques – Research skills
MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS MATHEMATICS FOR BUSINESS

You become familiar with the basic principles and theories of
economics, such as how supply and demand work in the market,
consumer decisions or welfare analysis. The role of government
in the functioning of the economy is also covered.
You will apply basic mathematical concepts and skills to (business)
economic situations. In the first part, you cover functions with one
variable, multiple variables, rows and linear algebra. The main focus
is on formulating and solving (business) economics problems, with an
emphasis on optimisation models.

Management of business domains STATISTICS FOR BUSINESS 1

You learn methods for understanding different types of data.

MANAGEMENT
You summarise and interpret data clearly. You get a general
You are introduced to many dimensions of organisational overview of descriptive techniques to perform univariate and
management. This will later enable you to contribute in a balanced bivariate analyses, using statistical software. In addition, you will
manner to the development of an effective strategic policy. This is learn the basics of probability theory and theoretical probability
a general introduction to various facets of business management, distributions and be introduced to explanatory statistics.
which you will deepen in other courses. You become familiar with
organisational, commercial, financial and operational policy within RESEARCH METHODS 1
an organisation.
You will learn about and apply the essential characteristics of applied
research within business studies. You will learn what research entails
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
and how it is designed and conducted in an academic environment.
The registration and analysis of financial information are essential
competences for business students. Reliable financial information
is the basis for numerous business decisions to be taken by various Behaviour and society
internal and external stakeholders of the organization (e.g. current
and/or future shareholders, management of the organization, financial PSYCHOLOGY
institutions, creditors, etc.). You are introduced to the fundamentals
You will be introduced to psychology as a science. You learn to
of double-entry bookkeeping, based on general accounting principles
explain individual behaviours and processes (sensation, perception,
and Belgian accounting law. You learn to deal critically with the
learning, memory, thinking, intelligence, creativity, emotion, motivation
relative importance of accounting information and with the impact
and personality) as well as social behaviours and processes (social
that certain accounting choices have on the annual accounts.
perception, social influence, social interaction, behaviour in groups,
behaviour between groups, behaviour and society). You will later
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND MARKETS
build on these elements in various course units (human resources
In the course Financial Institutions and Markets, you are introduced and organisation, marketing, banking and scholarship).
into the basic principles and terminology of banking, finance and
investment. The starting point is the study of the organization PHILOSOPHY
and operation of a financial institution. The course examines the
It is difficult to answer essential questions about the core of economics
variety of funding sources and the use of those funds. In this way,
without a philosophical background. Drawing on a whole range of
you student will be made familiar with the various types of accounts,
theoretical frameworks, you tackle current social and economic
investment products and loans offered by a bank. It will also discuss
problems in an ethical and philosophical way. You will explore a
the valuation of the various products and the calculation of costs
number of themes such as logic, philosophy of science and
and/or returns. In addition, the course will introduce you into
the limits of science and technology.
the working of financial markets in which a bank and other financial
institutions as well as institutional and retail investors operate.
The course will explain stocks and bonds in detail and discuss their
valuation. This is illustrated with practical examples and frequent
reference to current events, media and numbers so that students
can solve concrete financial issues using the correct terminology
and formulas.
10

covered. Finally, you will be introduced to economic law, which

FIRST YEAR includes commercial law and market law. This course is good
preparation for the later legal course units in your degree programme.

COURSE UNITS
Languages
Economic analysis –
ENGLISH 1 & 2
International Orientation
Graduates at the Faculty of Economics & Business will have to be
MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS communicatively active ánd skillful as working professionals. English
has a unique position as an international language in that respect,
You become familiar with the basic principles and theories of
and is an obvious object of study for students in an international
economics, such as how supply and demand work in the market,
programme. In this respect, it also serves an instrumental purpose
consumer decisions or welfare analysis. The role of government
that may result immediate effect in the students' educational context
in the functioning of the economy is also covered.
as all communication on, for and in their courses is in English.

English 1 aims to equip students with the linguistic tools necessary

Management of business domains
MANAGEMENT
You are introduced to many dimensions of organisational
management. This will later enable you to contribute in a balanced
manner to the development of an effective strategic policy. This is
a general introduction to various facets of business management,
which you will deepen in other courses. You become familiar with
organisational, commercial, financial and operational policy within
an organisation.
to perform adequately in an academic programme that is taught in
English. Therefore, it especially focuses on writing skills, brushes up
the students' grammar, and tackles topics that allow students to
broaden their horizons and their knowledge of the English lexicon.
English 2 focuses on presentation skills and academic writing. In
the process of the preparation of the presentation and academic
writing, students will further enhance their knowledge of academic,
business and general English vocabulary.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING Professional skills and employability

The registration and analysis of financial information are essential
MANAGEMENT PROJECT 1
competences for business students. Reliable financial information
is the basis for numerous business decisions to be taken by various In the management project, you work on essential professional skills
internal and external stakeholders of the organization (e.g. current (such as Excel, teamwork, reflecting critically and taking initiative)
and/or future shareholders, management of the organization, financial and communication skills (such as academic writing, giving
institutions, creditors, etc.). You are introduced to the fundamentals feedback). During a group project, you apply those skills and reflect
of double-entry bookkeeping, based on general accounting principles on how those skills shape you as a person.
and Belgian accounting law. You learn to deal critically with the
relative importance of accounting information and with the impact
that certain accounting choices have on the annual accounts.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND MARKETS

In the course Financial Institutions and Markets, you are introduced

into the basic principles and terminology of banking, finance and
investment. The starting point is the study of the organization
and operation of a financial institution. The course examines the
variety of funding sources and the use of those funds. In this way,
you student will be made familiar with the various types of accounts,
investment products and loans offered by a bank. It will also discuss
the valuation of the various products and the calculation of costs
and/or returns. In addition, the course will introduce you into
the working of financial markets in which a bank and other financial
institutions as well as institutional and retail investors operate.
The course will explain stocks and bonds in detail and discuss their
valuation. This is illustrated with practical examples and frequent
reference to current events, media and numbers so that students
can solve concrete financial issues using the correct terminology
and formulas.

Law
 11

STUDENT GUIDANCE
During your programme at KU Leuven, you will be supported and guided in many ways. We are committed to creating
optimal study conditions for you with a dedicated team ready to help you with making decisions about your study
career, including your admission into the programme and reception at the campus, learning progress, study career,
well-being and various administrative or practical matters. In all of this, personal contact plays a significant role.

Help with your studies Study Career Guidance

During your studies at the Faculty of Economics and
Business, there are a number of counseling and advice
options to help you with your studies.
Depending on your questions or wishes, there are different
formulas for you to use. Research shows that students
that use these help lines, highten their succes rates.
Throughout your entire study career, it's important to
think about who you are, where you are and where you
want to go. Your study career consultant can support
you in figuring out your optimal study programme. You can
contact your study career consultant via the febadvisor.
MATHEMATICS IN THE BBA

Mathematics is essential in the BBA. Today’s managers

SUBJECT-RELATED GUIDANCE:
During the first phase of your bachelor programme you
can apply for subject-related study guidance in a group
or individually. We organize free contact hours, mock
exams, facilitated study sessions, tutorials, …
More information on our website.
www.feb.kuleuven.be/eng/student-platform/
advising/subject-related-guidance-brussels
LEARNING PROCESS COACHING:
We help you study more effectively and efficiently.
The following topics will be discussed:
often use mathematical models to describe reality in a
logical way. The language of mathematics provides
powerful tools to define and explore such models.
Moreover, by learning this language, you will develop
skills like recognizing structure and systematic problem-
solving. Your mathematics knowledge will be applied in
courses like statistics, finance and econometrics.
We offer a range of opportunities to help you assess
and develop your mathematical/statistical skills even
before starting your bachelor’s degree, through online
assessment tests and an on-campus brushing-up
course at the start of the academic year.

• Good study planning and time management Find out more about the brushing-up course, the assess-
• Study method ment test and the basic mathematical knowledge we
• Fear of failure and stress assume you to have before starting your studies here:
• Postponement behaviour and social media www.feb.kuleuven.be/eng/mathematics-bba
• Preparing for examinations
12

MASTER OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION
The Master of Business Administration allows students to tailor their
programme according to their individual needs and career goals.
The programme builds on solid academic knowledge as well as on
hands-on experience. The programme's core courses focus on the
development of leadership skills and the ethical, sustainability and
corporate responsibility aspects of the business world. The track
modules offer students the ability to focus on one specific
management domain or develop their knowledge and skills in one
general management track. The optional courses allow students to
further deepen their knowledge within their track or to expand their
knowledge base by choosing courses in other fields. The master's
thesis and business research methods develop the student's
research and analytical skills. The programme offers an optional
internship and allows students to participate in business projects.

CAREER PERSPECTIVES
Business administrators are managers who can make informed
strategic decisions in response to economic challenges and
opportunities. The majority of students continue their education in
KU Leuven’s MBA programme in Antwerp or Brussels. Although
many graduates go on to graduate-level studies, the Bachelor of
Business Administration certainly has value in its own right in today’s
job market. We are well-equipped to support you in this respect:
Students and young alumni can consult relevant job vacancies
and internships via our online career platform Career Corner. And,
you will also have the opportunity to meet with potential employers
at job fairs, panel talks or other career activities organised throughout
the year on and off campus.

As a graduate, you possess knowledge that can be successfully

applied in a wide range of careers and sectors. Depending on your
personal interests and career goals, your degree will give you
access to positions in purchasing, sales, marketing, production
control, planning and budgeting, financial management and ICT.
Graduates also find employment in banks and insurance companies,
join the civil service or one of the European institutions, or start their
own company.

feb.careercorner.be
 13

ADMISSIONS
To be eligible for the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration,
you must have access to higher education in your home country.
You also have to provide evidence of your proficiency:

• in Mathematics, by means of a satisfactory SAT, ACT, AP

Calculus AB or SOWISO OMPT-A test result;
• in English language, by means of a satisfactory TOEFL, IELTS,
CPE or CAE certificate.

For the required scores as well as exemptions from the aforementioned

requirements, consult the webpage below.

For most recent – and only official – information on application

deadlines, check: www.kuleuven.be/programmes/
bachelor-business-administration

General admission: www.kuleuven.be/admissions

If you wish to register for a bachelor's programme and obtained a

secondary school diploma issued within the Flemish Community,
you are not required to fulfill these requirements.
14
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS
ENGINEERING
DURATION
3 years (full-time), 180 ECTS
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
1st semester: third week of September
> end of January (exams in January)
2nd semester: mid-February
> end of June (exams in June)
www.kuleuven.be/academiccalendar
TUITION FEES
www.kuleuven.be/tuitionfees
The Bachelor of Science in Business Engineering is a joint programme organised by
the Faculty of Economics and Business of KU Leuven and the Faculty of Economics,
Social and Political Sciences and Communication of the UCLouvain Saint-Louis –
Bruxelles. Both institutions are situated in the heart of the city, near Brussels Central
Station. Students will attend courses and take exams at both institutions and obtain
a joint degree.
In the Business Engineering programme, you will focus on managing and optimising
business processes. You will become acquainted with business economics as well as the
different functional domains in companies (e.g. accountancy, financial management,
marketing, operations management, human resources management, strategic management).
You will learn how a company operates on a daily basis and how its processes are organised.
Designing business processes is often at the core of the business engineer’s activities, e.g.
in companies looking to launch a new production process, optimise it or make their service
process run more efficiently. In doing so, you will pay attention to human behaviour and
the social phenomena that determine the way we think and act. As you need to know how
the economic world surrounding the organisation works, you will learn about important
economic concepts and methods through economic analysis. Topics dealing with law and
tax regulations are also a crucial part of the programme, seeing they can have a major impact
on business.
In addition to advancing your managerial skills, you will also sharpen your analytical skills.
You will master the necessary mathematical and statistical techniques to analyse business
problems and work out optimal solutions (e.g. staff planning, organisation of a production
process, sales predictions for the next quarter, measuring the impact of an advertising
campaign). Considering information is more important than ever, you will also acquire a solid
background in ICT skills and information management. As a business engineer, you need to
know how companies can manage and analyse information. After an introduction to natural
and applied sciences, you will understand critical technological processes and are able to
assess the impact of innovation on companies, their environment and sustainability.
The combination of business economics, quantitative methods and technology offers you
the opportunity to develop a unique multi-disciplinary approach towards business, which
makes the Business Engineering programme extremely relevant in today’s world.
The Bachelor of Science in Business Engineering programme also has a strong international
focus. Students can participate in exchange programmes with numerous partners both
within and outside Europe.
STUDENT PROFILE
• Gaining insight into the roles various business domains play in organisations and into the
economic world surrounding organisations.
• Mastering the necessary mathematical and statistical techniques to analyse and solve
business problems.
• Acquiring a solid background in ICT and information management.
• Developing a business perspective on science and engineering.
• Having an analytical and abstract thinking ability. A thorough training in mathematics is
a necessity.
 15

PROGRAMME
Two institutions, one programme, Interdisciplinary
one degree The combination of business economics, quantitative methods and
technology makes the Business Engineering programme very
KU LEUVEN
relevant to current trends in society. Moreover, the integration of
Founded in 1425, KU Leuven has been an acclaimed centre for these disciplines is a priority for many companies, both in production
learning and teaching for almost six centuries. Today, it is Belgium’s environments and in the service sector (e.g. consultancy).
highest-ranked university as well as one of the oldest and most
renowned universities in Europe. After all, many solutions to complex business problems require input
from various disciplines. A few examples:
As a leading European research university and co-founder of the
League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven has • In order to determine the risk profile of their clients, risk managers
a wide variety of programmes in English on offer, supported by high- at financial and insurance institutions use statistical models;
quality interdisciplinary research. Boasting an outstanding central • Using mathematical techniques, a production manager can
location in the heart of Europe, KU Leuven provides students with make sure an assembly line functions optimally. This way,
a truly international experience, high-quality education, world-class sufficient high-quality products can be produced to meet the
research and cutting-edge innovation. customers’ demand, costs can be kept under control and staff
are able to work in optimal conditions;
UCLOUVAIN SAINT-LOUIS – BRUXELLES • In order to develop a technological innovation and bring it to market
at the right price, you need a thoroughly developed strategy;
Established in 1858, Université Saint-Louis – Bruxelles merged in
• To build a wind farm at sea, an investment analysis is required in
September 2023 with UCLouvain to become one of its campuses
which technological alternatives are compared to each other in
specialized in human and social sciences. Saint-Louis - Bruxelles
terms of profitability, feasibility, sustainability, costs and returns.
is a campus on a human scale, with a strong emphasis on welcoming
students and providing them with personalized support and guidance.
It is also recognized for the quality of its bilingual and trilingual
programmes, which have been organized for over thirty years, and for
the innovative facilities provided for intensive foreign language
learning. Conveniently located in the capital’s centre, it is just a
ten-minute walk away from KU Leuven Brussels campus.
16

Mathematics and statistics: Language skills

crucial building blocks You will graduate with an excellent level of English as all the courses
are taught in English. The programme also offers intensive language
Today’s business engineers often use mathematical and statistical
courses in Dutch, French, Spanish or German so students can
models to describe reality in a logical way. The language of
improve their proficiency in a foreign language.
mathematics and statistics is a powerful tool to describe and
explore those models. By learning this language you develop your
skills in recognising structures, systematic problem-solving and
checking the plausibility of the obtained result. You will also refine
Student exchange opportunities
and apply your knowledge of mathematics and statistics in various
Studying abroad equals meeting new people, languages, cultures
courses, including linear optimisation, operations research, econo-
and ways of doing business. That is why we encourage our
metrics, accounting, finance, science and technology courses.
students to spend part of their studies abroad. Employers are
increasingly looking for young professionals who feel ‘at home’
In order to brush up your maths skills, a refresher course and a
doing business in a multicultural, multilingual workplace. We have
mathematics assessment test are organised in the run-up to the
approximately 150 partners across Europe. For students looking
beginning of the academic year. The one-week course reviews a
to go further afield, we offer exchange opportunities in countries
number of important topics and is a great way to meet your teachers
such as the US, Canada, China, Australia, Peru, Thailand, Russia
and fellow students. Information on the refresher course and the
and South Korea.
assessment test – including dates and registration – can be found at
www.feb.kuleuven.be/eng/prospective-students/
bbeng-mathematics

Please consult the website in advance for a detailed description of

the mathematical topics you are expected to have covered before
entering the Bachelor of Business Engineering programme. On the
website, you can consult some sample questions to check if your
level of mathematics is adequate.
 17

Programme structure Programme

The Bachelor of Business Engineering programme is a multi-disciplinary
programme, consisting of courses within the domains of: COURSES ECTS

STAGE 1 60
• Management of Business Domains
Economics I 5
• Design of Business Processes
Economics II 6
• Mathematical and Statistical Techniques - Research Skills
Introduction to Financial Markets 4
• Natural and Applied Sciences
Financial Accounting A 3
• Economic Analysis and International Orientation
Financial Accounting B 3
Marketing 6
The combination of these domains makes the Business Engineering
Introduction to Law 6
programme very relevant in today’s world. The unique combination
Mathematics for Business Engineers I 6
of business economics, quantitative methods and technology will
Mathematics for Business Engineers II 6
offer you the opportunity to cultivate a much sought after multi-
Foundations of Business Information Management 4
disciplinary approach towards business.
Global Economic History 5
English 1 3
English 2 3

STAGE 2 60
Microeconomics 6
Human Resource Management 5
Financial Statement Analysis 3
Corporate Law and Accounting 3
Production and Logistics Management 6
Linear Optimisation 3
Probability Theory and Descriptive Statistics 3
Statistics for Data Science 6
Software Development 3
Conceptual Physics with Technical Applications 6
Electronic Circuits, Systems and Data Processing 5
Geopolitics 5
Spanish 1 – German 1 – Dutch 1 – French 1* 3
Spanish 2 – German 2 – Dutch 2 – French 2* 3

STAGE 3 60
Macroeconomics 5
Business Project 6
Management and Strategy 5
Management Accounting 3
Corporate Finance 5
Operations Research 6
Business Information Systems 6
Econometrics 3
Materials: Properties, Selection and Sustainability 5
Ethics and the Economy 5
Spanish 3 – German 3 – Dutch 3 – French 3* 3
Elective Courses 8

* You will take one language choice from the second bachelor year onwards.
The language of your secondary school diploma cannot be chosen.

For detailed descriptions of the courses and for the course

timetable, please consult:
www.kuleuven.be/programmes/bachelor-business-
engineering
18
FIRST YEAR COURSE UNITS
Economic Analysis
ECONOMICS I
This course will give you an insight into the micro-economic
mechanisms of a market economy. You will study the theoretical
frameworks of supply and demand, consumer and producer
behaviour, government policies and different forms of markets.
You will learn to use these microeconomic concepts and
mechanisms to carry out a rigorous analysis of real-life economic
problems and economic policy recommendations.
ECONOMICS II
You will acquire a conceptual framework for analysing macro-
economic questions, by studying topics such as the national
accounts, the monetary system, the financial markets and the
labour market. Combined with recent factual knowledge on global
growth and economic activity, this will enable you to understand
and critically analyse macroeconomic phenomena and problems in
their various dimensions.
GLOBAL ECONOMIC HISTORY
This course offers you a general knowledge of world economic
history and, thanks to a long economic historical perspective,
gives you a better understanding of current economic realities
and challenges. The course focuses on the different waves of
globalisation in past and contemporary periods and their impact on
the transformation of human societies (wealth, institutions…).
Management of Business Domains –
Design of Business Processes
INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL MARKETS
In this course, you will study interest rate products and model
related problems including the present and future value of cash flow
streams, annuities and perpetuities. You will look into the pricing of
financial instruments and the risks involved. Finally the importance
of financial intermediaries is covered, focusing on the structure of
the financial industry, the general principles of bank management
and the logic of supervision and standards imposed on banks
around the world.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING A & B
Registering and analysing financial information are essential
competences for business students, since reliable financial
information is the basis for numerous business decisions taken by
various internal and external stakeholders of the organisation (e.g.
current and/or future shareholders, management of the
organisation, financial institutions, creditors…). You will learn to
apply double-entry accounting, based on general accounting
principles and Belgian accounting law, and to translate the
accounting information into financial statements.
MARKETING
By acquiring the basic concepts of consumer behaviour, product
management, distribution, communication, promotion and pricing,
you will develop a general overview of the conceptual framework,
methods and management principles of marketing. In addition,
there will be a first introduction to online, international and
sustainable marketing.
ICT-skills and Information Management
FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
The first part of this course will give you an insight into the current
state of the art in information and communication technology
and information systems, and their use in a business context.
Topics include information systems and strategy, global e-business
and collaboration, fundamentals of business intelligence and
securing information systems. The second part of the course
provides an introduction to programming using Python.
Mathematical and Statistical
Techniques
MATHEMATICS FOR BUSINESS ENGINEERS I & II
A sound knowledge of mathematical concepts and techniques
enables business engineers to quantitatively formulate, model and
solve economic and business problems. You will study univariate
and multivariate analysis (limits and continuity, derivatives and partial
derivatives, Taylor expansions, unconstrained and constrained
optimisation problems, differential equations, univariate and
multivariate integrals…) and linear algebra (linear systems, matrix
calculus, determinants, vector spaces, linear difference equations…).

Law
INTRODUCTION TO LAW
The course is an introduction to legal science, basic structures of
legal systems, legal terminology and legal reasoning. You will get
an overview of the legal rules that govern economic life. After a
general introduction, business law and contract law are covered.
Finally, you will be introduced to economic law, which includes
commercial law and market law.
19
Languages
ENGLISH 1 & ENGLISH 2
Graduates of the Faculty of Economics & Business will need to be
communicatively active ánd skillful as working professionals. The
English courses focus on critical reading and discussion of
academic and business texts and case studies, on academic
writing and on presentation skills. Through the various assignments,
students will enhance their knowledge of academic, business and
general English vocabulary.
20

STUDENT GUIDANCE
During your programme at KU Leuven, you will be supported and guided in many ways. We are committed to creating
optimal study conditions for you with a dedicated team ready to help you with making decisions about your study
career, including your admission into the programme and reception at the campus, learning progress, study career,
well-being and various administrative or practical matters. In all of this, personal contact plays a significant role.

Help with your studies Study Career Guidance

During your studies at the Faculty of Economics and
Business, there are a number of counseling and advice
options to help you with your studies.
Depending on your questions or wishes, there are different
formulas for you to use. Research shows that students
that use these help lines, highten their succes rates.
Throughout your entire study career, it's important to
think about who you are, where you are and where you
want to go. Your study career consultant can support
you in figuring out your optimal study programme. You can
contact your study career consultant via the febadvisor.
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS IN THE BBENG

Mathematics and Statistics are crucial building blocks

SUBJECT-RELATED GUIDANCE:
During the first phase of your bachelor programme you
can apply for subject-related study guidance in a group
or individually. We organize free contact hours, mock
exams, facilitated study sessions, tutorials, …
More information on our website.
www.feb.kuleuven.be/eng/student-platform/
advising/subject-related-guidance-brussels
for this programme. A business engineer uses
mathematical and statistical models to recognise
structures, systematic problem-solving, and checking
the plausibility of the obtained result. You will also refine
and apply your knowledge of mathematics and statistics
in various courses, including linear optimisation, operations
research, econometrics, accounting, finance, sciences
and technologies.

We offer a range of opportunities to help you assess

LEARNING PROCESS COACHING:
We help you study more effectively and efficiently.
The following topics will be discussed:
• Good study planning and time management
• Study method
• Fear of failure and stress
• Postponement behaviour and social media
• Preparing for examinations
and develop your mathematical/statistical skills even
before starting your bachelor’s degree, through online
assessment tests and an on-campus brushing-up course
at the start of the academic year.
Find out more about the brushing-up course, the assess-
ment test and the basic mathematical knowledge we
assume you to have before starting your studies here:
www.feb.kuleuven.be/eng/prospective-students/
bbeng-mathematics
 21

MASTER OF BUSINESS
ENGINEERING
The Business Engineering programme offers an advanced
quantitative and science-based training in business economics and
its various business disciplines. The managerial focus is combined
with developing strong analytical skills and a profound under-
standing of how business and (technological) innovation processes
work. The programme has strong foundations in engineering sciences,
but also has tight connections to humanities. This integration of
disciplines is highly relevant to production environments as well
as to service companies (e.g. consultancy or ICT). Furthermore,
an exchange during the second master's year is possible.

CAREER PERSPECTIVES
After obtaining the Bachelor's degree in Business Engineering, you can
continue your studies in this field by completing the Master’s degree
in Business Engineering. However, you are also prepared for many
other master's degrees in Economics and Business with a strong
quantitative focus.

A degree in Business Engineering opens many doors in a wide

range of sectors. Generally speaking, business engineers take up
managerial functions in various business domains, including, but
not limited to, marketing and finance. They usually start their careers
taking on expert positions within companies (e.g. banking and
insurance, ICT, telecom, logistics), in research or in consulting
services and move up to executive functions.

Clearly, with a degree in Business Engineering, you are fit to join

management in any department of a company or organisation.
Moreover, a business engineer’s unique profile is very much appreciated
by companies in Belgium and abroad. Thanks to language courses
and many opportunities to train your language skills at a foreign
partner institution, you will be prepared to embark on an inter-
national career.

Students and young alumni can consult relevant job vacancies and
internships via our online career platform Career Corner. And, you will
also have the opportunity to meet with potential employers at job
fairs, panel talks or other career activities organised throughout
the year on and off campus.

www.feb.careercorner.be
22

ADMISSIONS
To be eligible for the Bachelor of Science in Business Engineering, For the required scores as well as exemptions from the
you must have fulfilled the requirements to access higher education aforementioned requirements, consult the webpage below.
in your home country.

In addition, you must provide evidence of your proficiency in: For most recent – and only official – information on application
deadlines, check: www.kuleuven.be/programmes/
• mathematics, by means of satisfactory AP Calculus AB or bachelor-business-engineering
SOWISO OMPT-D test results;
General admission: www.kuleuven.be/admissions
• the English language, by means of a satisfactory TOEFL or IELTS
certificate, a CPE certificate or a CAE certificate.

If you wish to register for a bachelor's programme and obtained a

secondary school diploma issued within the Flemish Community,
you are not required to fulfill these requirements.
 23

MORE INFORMATION

APPLICATION HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

PROCEDURE
KU Leuven offers a variety of different housing opportunities.
Most students choose to rent a studentroom (‘kot’ in Dutch) in a
KU Leuven uses an online application system. You can submit your
privately-owned house with shared common spaces and facilities.
application via www.kuleuven.be/application.
Brik – the service desk for students in Brussels – manages the student
room finder Mykot, which features more than 4,000 rooms, both from
Students with a Flemish degree can consult
Brik and from private owners.
www.kuleuven.be/inschrijven.

www.mykot.be/en

APPLICATION DEADLINES
Application deadlines might differ from one programme to another.
Check our deadline tool for further information about your preferred
programme deadline.
We advise you to apply as soon as possible. Our Admissions Office
works on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll
receive an outcome about your preferred study programme and can
start preparing for your studies at KU Leuven.
If you are looking for student accommodation in Leuven, look for
accommodation that have earned the 'Kotlabel', which ensures that
the landlord and the building comply with norms regarding
the quality of living, fire safety, contract and student friendliness.
If you need any help with this, you can contact Stuvo, KU Leuven's
Housing Service, for assistance. The university owns and manages
a number of student residences in Leuven. A limited number of
rooms in these residences are reserved for international students.

www.kotwijs.be
www.kuleuven.be/english/application/when-to-apply

TUITION FEES
It is worth noting that our tuition fees are cheaper than in many
other European countries thanks to the generous financing of
the higher education system by our government. Although all of our
programmes are very affordable compared to equivalent universities
around the world, the fees for any individual student are contingent
upon their choice of academic programme and the nationality of
the student. Check out our tuition fees for your particular programme.

www.kuleuven.be/tuitionfees
24

WELCOME ACTIVITIES
When you first arrive in Belgium, you can take part in a series of welcome activities
to get to know KU Leuven, Belgium, and the many fascinating people around the
university a little better.

Orientation Days
The university offers a special orientation programme before the start of every semester.
Orientation Days helps new international students get settled in and invites them to learn
more about the university and the city. Associated activities include tips and tricks on
studying and living in Belgium, guided city tours, cultural visits and lots of other opportunities
to meet fellow Belgian and/or international peers.

www.feb.kuleuven.be/eng/international/welcome

Fresher’s Days
The Freshers’ Days give lecturers and student counsellors the chance to offer students an
enthusiastic welcome.

You’ll learn more about the structure and the content of your study programme, how to use
online tools to plan your lessons and exams, etc... You’ll also have the chance to get to
know your fellow students, the campus and the city through all kinds of recreational sporting
and cultural activities.

www.kuleuven.be/english/prospective-students/freshersdays

Buddy Programme
The Buddy Programme gets you in touch with a student who knows the university and the
town well. A buddy is a student volunteer with whom you can share your international
experience. They can help you from the start with practical matters and introduce you to
(student) life in Brussels. Please only apply once you are sure you will be studying at KU Leuven.

www.feb.kuleuven.be/eng/international/welcome
 25

Discord
Join now and connect with future fellow students on Discord.
Looking forward to coming to Belgium? Great! A little uncertain,
maybe a little nervous? Remember that there are thousands of other
international students just like you. To help get your life at KU Leuven
rolling, we’ve set up a Discord channel for our incoming students.
Come here to get to know others, find out more information about
the university and get excited about what’s to come!

Welcome desk
Each year, the KU Leuven Welcome Desk at Brussels Airport offers
a friendly face to arriving international students. The desk is set up
two weeks before the start of the academic year in September and
is open from early morning until late evening. Staff members and
volunteers help incoming students get to campuses, make sure
they know their way around and assist them with any other
urgent questions.
26
STUDY IN BRUSSELS
An international campus in every respect, located in the capital of
Europe. Programmes at our Brussels Campus are designed to
reflect and benefit from an international environment, including
those of our sister faculties of Law and Economics. Our international
programmes take advantage of the web of international businesses
and organisations to offer experiences and opportunities unique
to Brussels. Students drawn to this campus – Belgian and
international students alike – appreciate the intellectual atmosphere
and culture they find in Brussels. In addition to offering students the
excitement and challenges of a large city, the campus makes every
effort to create a close-knit international community where students
of all nationalities can feel at home. Brussels is also the ideal hub to
explore many other European cities, such as Paris, Amsterdam,
Cologne and London, which are all merely a train drive away.
www.kuleuven.be/english/campuses/brussels-campus
Do business in the heart of Europe
Learn business where business is done! Brussels is the economic
heart of Europe. As a business hub, it has a central position in
Europe and it hosts the EU and NATO, as well as a diverse range
of international trade and finance organisations. Brussels is where
hundreds of multinational corporations have their (European) head
offices and where many important political and economic decisions
are made. Your campus is in the middle of this decision-making
centre: a head start for launching your career. Studying at a
comprehensive university ranked 42nd in the world (Times Higher
Education University Rankings 2022) guarantees an interdisciplinary
approach and a healthy balance between rigour and relevance.
Capital of Belgium and the European Union
Capital of Belgium and
the European Union
1.2
million inhabitants
100,000+
students
19
municipalities
182
nationalities
 27

Open Days
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info
sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for
the right programme. Stay informed about our courses, info sessions and open class days.

www.kuleuven.be/open-days

LIFE AT KU LEUVEN
Get to know more about student life and the study environment at KU Leuven. Find information
on accommodations, practical matters, finances, cultural aspects and more.

www.kuleuven.be/life-at-ku-leuven

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
All information for future students is available in one place. You can learn more about programmes,
admission requirements, tuition fees, etc.

www.kuleuven.be/prospectivestudents

WHY KU LEUVEN
Still need convincing? Studying at KU Leuven offers you more than just a highly valued diploma.
Discover the myriad benefits that will make your time at our university unique!

www.kuleuven.be/english/why-choose-kuleuven

MEET OUR STUDENT AMBASSADORS

We have students on every campus who will be happy to tell you about life in Belgium and at
KU Leuven. Curious about their experiences?

Just head over to www.kuleuven.be/chatwithourstudents.

 KU LEUVEN
Oude Markt 13 bus 5005
3000 LEUVEN
onderwijscommunicatie@kuleuven.be
www.kuleuven.be/english

CONTACT
KU LEUVEN FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS
Brussels Campus
Warmoesberg 26
1000 Brussels, Belgium
www.feb.kuleuven.be/febadvisor
www.feb.kuleuven.be/eng

FOLLOW US
www.facebook.com/feb.kuleuven
www.instagram.com/febkuleuven
www.youtube.com/user/FebAtKUL
www.twitter.com/febkuleuven
www.linkedin.com/company/faculty-of-economics-and-business-ku-leuven

Publisher: Marketing and Communication Office, Isabelle Van Geet, Oude Markt 13 box 5005, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Composition and editing: Faculty of Economics and Business - KU Leuven Marketing
and Communications Office
Graphic design: Altera
Printing: Van der Poorten
Photos: KU Leuven - Rob Stevens
Updated as of October 2023
© 2023 KU Leuven

This brochure offers as complete an overview as possible of the programmes offered by

KU Leuven for the 2024-2025 academic year. However, changes may still be made to
programmes throughout the academic year. Therefore, the information in this brochure
does not constitute a legally binding offer by the University. The most recent information
about academic programmes on offer can be found at www.kuleuven.be/programmes

B014 • 2024-2025