PECS : Application process

Application Requirements

Good Academic Standing

Since the academic system at K.U.Leuven is quite different to the one you are used to, we require a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0 for US students, or international equivalent.

In our academic system a stronger emphasis is put on the work you do outside the classroom (reading, research, …). Experience tells us that a student with a minimum Cum. GPA 3.0 will have less difficulty to adjust to the new and unfamiliar academic environment. PECS is very strict about this. Even when we see that, in spite of a minimum Cum. GPA of 3.0, your academic performance is weakening, we will either conditionally accept you or not accept you into our program.

On the other hand PECS has accepted students with a Cum. GPA below 3.0 before. In this case various aspects of the student's performance are taken into account. The most important one is an upward trend in the student's GPA.

We would also like to point out that acceptance into our program is never guaranteed. Meeting all our requirements (and the minimum GPA 3.0 is one of the most important requirements) however, puts you on top of the list.

Language Proficiency Requirement

For non-native speakers, we require evidence of proficiency in English: TOEFL 237 (computer-based test) or 580 (paper-based test) or 92 (internet-based test), IELTS 6.5.

Application Procedure

If you are interested in our Study Abroad Programme in European Culture & Society you must first discuss your plans with your Study Abroad Advisor. In general, your Study Abroad Office, will submit your application to K.U.Leuven, handle the financial arrangements, and help you prepare for your study abroad. In exceptional cases, individual arrangements can be made.

Fill out the online application form and the health information form and send it to our office before the deadline:

• February 15 for the first semester (September through December/January)
• October 15 for the second semester (February through June)

Make sure your application form is complete before you submit it. This will speed up the acceptance process. Detailed information on various aspects of our programme can be found on this site or at your Study Abroad Office.

The following items are important:

• GPA of 3.0 or more 
• Complete and correct course selection (on the academic and financial information form)
• Statement of purpose
• Housing form
• Official transcript of your completed semesters

Guidelines for filling out the online application form can be found here.

All applicants will be notified one month after the deadline. We will communicate with you through the Study Abroad Office of your home university. It will take approximately two more weeks before your "Letter of Admission" will be ready, during these two weeks you will have the opportunity to withdraw from the programme without extra costs. In case you withdraw at a later stage, a withdrawal fee will be charged (details to be arranged with your home university). In case you withdraw after arrival in Leuven, it is no longer possible to get a refund of your tuition fee.

Fees and cost estimate

Fees

Billing of tuition and housing is arranged via the Home University. Information on the tuition fee is available at your Study Abroad Office.
In case you are an exchange student information on the complementary fees can be obtained from your Study Abroad Office.

Tuition includes:

• All field trips and cultural events organized or promoted by PECS
• A sports card which gives you access to the facilities and services offered by the Sports Center.
• Participation in the orientation days
• A "third party liability" insurance (required by K.U.Leuven)

Financial aid

For information on financial aid, contact your home university.

Cost Estimate

Not included in this estimate are:

• Tuition (to be paid to the Home Institution)
• Health insurance, Air fare, Visa fare.
• Travel expenses and personal trips