For most student aspirants and law professionals, studying law in Belgium can be pretty intimidating and rewarding at the same time. All law schools have exposure to the regional political departments within the country and have close ties with the international organizations in the European Union. Undoubtedly, the country has cultivated some of the most prominent individuals and leaders.
Due to its diverse culture, the medium of instruction is Dutch, French, German, and English. Most law schools accept international students seeking masters and doctoral degrees. This has made the country a desirable destination to study law among foreigners, let alone Belgium’s cost of living is reasonably low.
Listed below are the top law schools in Belgium. This will help students and law professionals to get a good grasp of helpful information about each institution.
Top Law Universities in Belgium
1. KU Leuven – Faculty of Law and Criminology
Acclaimed as one of the most distinguished law schools in Belgium and in the world, the Faculty of Law and Criminology of KU Leuven has retained its profile as the preferred university among local and international students who wish to further their studies in the field of Law.
The faculty offers study programs intended for law graduate students seeking to continue their master’s degrees. However, the school accepts bachelor’s and master’s degree holders from different institutions with specific specializations. Qualified individuals may enroll in their preparatory program to be admitted to pursuing their studies in the Masters of Criminology. The university has partnered with two reputable schools across the globe: Zurich University in Switzerland and Waseda University in Japan. Both schools offer double degree programs in Master of Law.
The Faculty of Law and Criminology has the highest quality in research and discipline. It has produced multifaceted individuals in the field of public service across the European and International communities. It has been consistent in maintaining its high-ranking position as one of the best law schools in the world.
2. Université Catholique de Louvain (UC Louvain) – Faculty of Law and Criminology
Another top-ranked law school in Belgium that must not be overlooked is the Faculty of Law and Criminology of UC Louvain. Students can begin by taking up a bachelor’s degree to having the opportunity to secure a doctoral degree. The medium of instruction is mainly taught in French, with several master’s programs conducted in English.
The study programs offered by the faculty may be favorable to aspiring law students. They can obtain a bachelor’s degree in Law by completing 150 credits. The program structure is comprised of 3 categories with courses in Humanities, Foreign Language and Legal Terminology, and courses in Law. Upon gaining a bachelor’s diploma, students can progress their studies by continuing a 2-year master’s degree program in the same university. Holders of master’s degrees may also consider receiving a teacher training certificate or pursuing their doctoral training.
3. Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) – Faculty of Law and Criminology
Situated at the capital of Belgium where the headquarters of the European Commission, European Council, European Parliament, and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) are located, it can arguably claim that the Université Libre de Bruxelles have attracted a lot of hopeful law students in enrolling at the Faculty of Law and Criminology due to its strategic location.
One of the finest law schools in Belgium and with the highest standards of law programs, the university has decided to partner and collaborate with Université de Mons (UMONs) in 2004. Both schools have come up with a unique teaching method to enhance the law programs offered at UMONs. Teachers from ULB are appointed to teach legal subjects while UMONs instructors are in charge of non-legal subjects and foreign languages. At present, students have the option to decide where they would like to take their course between the two institutions.
Major law firms and political institutions are found in Brussels, which means there’s sufficient employment awaiting after acquiring a degree. This makes the university a favorite choice for law aspirants.
4. Ghent University – Faculty of Law and Criminology
This renowned university was founded in 1816 with its four earliest faculties – Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Medicine, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, and Faculty of Law. The school started accepting students the following year and has continued to provide advancements and excellence in various specializations.
The Faculty of Law, in particular, is being backed by the following departments: 1) Interdisciplinary Study of Law, Private Law, and Business Law Department, 2) European, Public and International Law Department, and 3) Criminology, Penal Law and Social Law Department. These departments have supported all faculty law programs and curriculum to ensure that superior education quality is implemented.
The faculty offers high-quality law programs in Belgium from a bachelor’s degree up to a doctoral degree. The program studies under bachelor’s degree are entirely taught in Dutch. However, the school accepts international students who aim to pursue their master’s degree as a handful of programs are taught in English. As for obtaining a doctoral degree, the medium of instruction is English.
5. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) – Faculty of Law and Criminology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel was originally under Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)– a French-speaking university, the 2 institutions have decided to split in October 1969 due to the demand of the Dutch-speaking community to teach courses in Dutch. After the split, the university became an independent institution. Both universities have maintained their harmonious relationship throughout the years. The university offers various specializations including law. The Faculty of Laws offer courses exclusively in Dutch, however by mid-2000, the school offer English law programs and had begun accepting foreign exchange provided that they meet the minimum requirements.
Widely known for its high-quality law curriculum in Belgium, graduates of the field have established themselves and had occupied high-ranking positions not only in the local government but are actively involved in international relations.
We hope that this article on Best Law Universities in Belgium was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Law Programs for International Students!
