Studying in Belgium is a unique opportunity. Located in the heart of Western Europe and with trains connecting the country to France, Germany, and the Netherlands, if you want to experience the broad spectrum of European cultures, Belgium might be one of the best places to study on the continent. This is helped by the many quality universities and engineering programs in the country.
Today we will discuss some of the best engineering schools in Belgium.
Top Universities for Engineering in Belgium
1. Ghent University
Ghent is one of the most famous and pleasant university towns in all of Belgium, with Ghent University at the heart of both the town and its reputation. The university, founded in 1817 as the first university to teach purely in Dutch, hosts one of the best engineering programs in Belgium. The Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, which ranks in the top 100 of the world, offers courses in biomedical, civil, electromechanical, and chemical engineering. The university also offers a variety of engineering masters and doctorates, taught in either English or Dutch. With numerous programs being offered, Ghent University is definitely one of Belgium’s best engineering schools.
Outside of the university, the cozy town of Ghent has a lot to offer students interested in immersing themselves in the culture of Belgium. The town has something for everyone; the largest climbing center in all of Europe, a large choice of green spaces and parks, and the Film Fest Ghent – one of the most prominent film festivals in all of Europe.
2. Université de Liège
Located two kilometers outside of the french-speaking city of Liege, the Université de Liège has, since its founding in 1817, remained one of the most prestigious universities in all of Belgium. The College of Engineering, in particular, offers a host of high-quality courses for those interested in studying engineering.
At an undergraduate level, students are taught the fundamentals of engineering with mathematics and physics being cornerstones of the curriculum. Students can also specialize in fields such as civil engineering and mechanical engineering – a decision that is particularly important if a student is planning on continuing their engineering studies at a master’s or Ph.D. level.
The University of Liege is also home to a wide array of student organizations and clubs. There are over 70 sports clubs in the university alongside various student organizations that offer benefits such as free training and a number of discounts from university partners.
3. University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is, in its current form as Belgium’s first explicitly pluralist university, an exceedingly young university, being founded in 2003. Even so, the university has already made a name for itself, ranking in the top 250 universities worldwide. The university offers courses in both English and Dutch. More particularly, the engineering department has four graduation tracks; chemical engineering, civil engineering, electromechanical engineering, and ICT engineering.
The 21,000 students attending this top engineering university in Belgium are well-looked after by the services being offered, including a buddy system for international students, a week each academic year devoted to mental health as well as time credits for those who need to take time off work to study.
The city of Antwerp is also well worth spending time in. Easily the most multicultural city in Belgium with 170 nationalities represented in the city, there is a wide selection of cultural activities to experience. From the Royal Museum of Fine Arts to the Antwerp Jazz Club, the city has something to offer to all of its many visitors.
4. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
The Catholic University of Leuven, also known as KU Leuven, is easily the largest in Belgium as well as one of the oldest. With nearly 58,000 students spread across the main campus in Leuven and its many satellite campuses, the university has earned a reputation as the best in the country, ranking 70th in the QS World University Rankings.
With KU Leuven being among the best engineering schools in Belgium, its Faculty of Engineering Science is also noted for its high teaching standards and wide choice of courses available. It should be noted, however, that there are only two bachelor’s level engineering degrees available at KU Leuven (Bachelor of Engineering Technology and Bachelor of Business Engineering). Many more options are available at the master and Ph.D. levels, including biomedical, civil, materials, and mathematical engineering, as well as others.
Outside of the quality of teaching KU Leuven, the university is also recognized for the impact its research has on the world outside the campus. From developing treatments to tropical diseases such as Dengue to reducing the noise from the tires of cars and trucks, the university strives to make a positive impact on the community outside of its walls.Ph.D.
5. Free University of Brussels
Finally, the last university we will discuss today that offers a stellar engineering program is the Free University of Brussels. Similar to KU Leuven, the university offers many more options at a master’s level including civil, photonics, and biomedical engineering. These courses are highly regarded, earning the institution a place in the top 200 universities in the world in the QS university rankings. This is probably why the Free University of Brussels is one of the top engineering universities in Belgium.
The universities campus is also worth talking about. With a dentist, GP, a physiotherapy center as well as other facilities, the VUB offers an extensive suite of services for its nearly 20,000 students.
The Free University of Brussels also benefits from its many international connections. Students studying at the VUB may go on an exchange trip to one of over 160 partner universities across the world.
In conclusion, Belgium offers many opportunities for students interested in studying engineering, all of which give prospective students the chance to develop their skills and make lifelong connections in preparation for their engineering careers.
Hopefully, this guide on the best engineering schools in Belgium was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
