The City of Leuven

Historically, Leuven is the capital and largest city of Flemish Brabant in the Flemish region of Belgium. Located about 25 kilometres (16 miles) east of Brussels, it is the eighth-largest city in the country, with just over 100,200 inhabitants. Measuring roughly 3.2 kilometres (2 miles) across in both width and length, Leuven is a compact, walkable city—cozy, easy to navigate, and remarkably safe.

Leuven is also home to the world-famous KU Leuven, the largest, oldest, and most international university in the region. First founded in 1425, it is consistently ranked among the top European universities for innovation, academic excellence, and research output. With 65,000 students attending KU Leuven each year, Leuven possesses a vibe that is exceedingly international, young, and dynamic.

Moreover, as the intellectual and educational heart of the Low Countries, Leuven sits at a global crossroads for health, science, and technology. It was recently awarded the European Innovation Capital (iCapital) title by unanimous decision. The city is home to major international businesses such as AB InBev, IMEC, and Materialise, and hosts offices for global brands including Siemens, Deloitte, and KBC Bank. Leuven also boasts a vibrant start-up culture, nurturing companies in sectors ranging from vaccine development to video game production.

To Learn More About Leuven

Ideally Placed in Belgium

Leuven also benefits from its centralised location within Belgium. Just under 30 km (19 miles) from Brussels, students are within easy reach of the country’s capital — a city rich in international business, culture, and stunning architecture. Brussels is also the political heart of Europe, home to both the European Union and NATO. With its concentration of diplomats, NGOs, media, and policymakers, the city offers a dynamic environment for learning about global governance and European affairs. Irish College Leuven engages directly with the EU Quarter, which hosts most of the EU’s political and administrative institutions, including the European Parliament, Commission, and Council, as well as with NATO, as we regularly organize visits for students to better understand its role in European and global security.

Leuven’s well-connected rail links also make it easy to explore other iconic Belgian cities. Our student groups have sailed down the medieval canals of Bruges, viewed Van Eyck’s Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in Ghent through augmented reality lenses, and discussed strategy with Antwerp’s diamond industry experts. We’ve also led reflective visits to World War I battlefield sites, memorials, and cemeteries near Ieper. In addition, Irish College Leuven has established partnerships with major international corporations in the region, including Nike and DHL’s logistics hubs and Johnson & Johnson’s pharmaceutical campus, as well as Microsoft’s Brussels offices  — offering students rare access to industry insight across multiple sectors.

 

At the Heart of Europe: A Gateway to Exceptional Learnin

Finally, Leuven is perfectly placed for exploring Northwestern Europe, the most densely populated and economically active region on the continent. With four additional countries within 150 kilometers, your tailor-made programme can easily extend across borders — turning a single destination into a truly international experiences.

Leuven’s excellent rail and road connections open the door to a world of possibilities:

  • Germany: Our programmes regularly visit historic cities like Aachen and Cologne — both home to UNESCO World Heritage cathedrals and centuries of cross-cultural exchange.

  • The Netherlands: Just to the north, students explore iconic cities like Amsterdam, tour Europe’s largest port in Rotterdam, and engage with international institutions such as the International Court of Justice, Europol, EuroJust, and the International Criminal Court in The Hague. We also maintain strong partnerships in Maastricht, where participants connect with the Maastricht Convention Bureau and local businesses — including the Mercedes-Benz HR division.

  • France: To the southwest, Lille and Paris are vibrant cultural hotspots that regularly feature in student weekend itineraries — offering a perfect blend of art, history, and café culture.

  • Luxembourg: A financial powerhouse and home to key European institutions — including the EU Court of Justice, European Investment Bank, Eurostat, and Translation Centre. Thanks to Ireland’s strong ties within the EU, Irish College Leuven enjoys privileged access to many of these organisations — making Luxembourg a key destination for our academic programmes.