Belgium is home to several renowned universities and law schools known for their high-quality education and research in law and legal studies. Institutions like KU Leuven, Ghent University, and the Free University of Brussels (VUB) are highly regarded.
Belgium's central location in Europe, with Brussels as the de facto capital of the European Union, offers unique opportunities for students interested in European and international law. This proximity provides access to European institutions, international courts, and numerous NGOs and law firms.
Belgium is a multilingual country with Dutch, French, and German as official languages. Many universities offer programs in multiple languages, including English, providing a diverse linguistic environment that is beneficial for legal studies.
Studying in Belgium exposes students to a multicultural and international environment. Belgium attracts students and professionals from all over the world, fostering a global perspective and network, which is invaluable in the legal profession.
Belgium's legal education often emphasizes European Union law and international law, given its political significance within the EU. This focus provides students with specialized knowledge and skills relevant to careers in European and international law.
Belgium has a rich legal tradition and a complex legal system that blends civil law and common law elements. This diversity in legal education helps students gain a broad and comparative understanding of different legal systems.
Belgian universities offer excellent research facilities and opportunities in various areas of law. Students can engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to significant legal developments.
Belgium's legal market is vibrant, with many opportunities in law firms, international organizations, government agencies, and corporate legal departments. Graduates from Belgian law schools are well-prepared for diverse legal careers both within and outside Belgium.
Belgium offers a high quality of life, with rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and a welcoming atmosphere. The experience of studying in Belgium goes beyond academics, providing a fulfilling and enriching personal experience.
Compared to some other Western European countries, Belgium offers relatively affordable tuition fees and living costs, making it an attractive destination for international students.
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
KU Leuven |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
European Law, International and European Business Law |
Ghent University |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
International and European Law, Human Rights Law |
Université catholique de Louvain |
Master in Law |
Public Law, Private Law, Criminal Law |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
International and European Law |
University of Antwerp |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
International Business Law, International Public Law |
Université Libre de Bruxelles |
Master in Law |
Public and Administrative Law, Private Law, Criminal Law |
Hasselt University |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
European Law and Policy, Law & Technology |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
---|---|---|---|
KU Leuven |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
European Law, International and European Business Law |
English |
Ghent University |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
International and European Law, Human Rights Law |
English |
Université catholique de Louvain |
Master in Law |
Public Law, Private Law, Criminal Law |
French, English |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
International and European Law |
English |
University of Antwerp |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
International Business Law, International Public Law |
English |
Université Libre de Bruxelles |
Master in Law |
Public and Administrative Law, Private Law, Criminal Law |
French |
Hasselt University |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
European Law and Policy, Law & Technology |
English |
University |
Program Name |
Language of Instruction |
---|---|---|
KU Leuven |
Bachelor of Laws |
Dutch, English |
Ghent University |
Bachelor of Laws |
Dutch |
Université catholique de Louvain |
Bachelor of Law |
French |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel |
Bachelor of Laws |
Dutch |
University of Antwerp |
Bachelor of Laws |
Dutch |
Université Libre de Bruxelles |
Bachelor of Law |
French |
Hasselt University |
Bachelor of Laws |
Dutch |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
---|---|---|---|
KU Leuven |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
European Law, International and European Business Law |
English |
Ghent University |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
International and European Law, Human Rights Law |
English |
Université catholique de Louvain |
Master in Law |
Public Law, Private Law, Criminal Law |
French, English |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
International and European Law |
English |
University of Antwerp |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
International Business Law, International Public Law |
English |
Université Libre de Bruxelles |
Master in Law |
Public and Administrative Law, Private Law, Criminal Law |
French |
Hasselt University |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
European Law and Policy, Law & Technology |
English |
University |
Program Name |
Research Areas |
Language of Instruction |
---|---|---|---|
KU Leuven |
PhD in Law |
European Law, International Law, Human Rights Law |
English, Dutch |
Ghent University |
PhD in Law |
International Law, European Law, Criminal Law |
English, Dutch |
Université catholique de Louvain |
PhD in Law |
Public Law, Private Law, Criminal Law |
French |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel |
PhD in Law |
International and European Law, Human Rights Law |
English, Dutch |
University of Antwerp |
PhD in Law |
International Law, European Business Law |
English, Dutch |
Université Libre de Bruxelles |
PhD in Law |
Public Law, Administrative Law, Private Law |
French |
Hasselt University |
PhD in Law |
European Law and Policy, Environmental Law |
English, Dutch |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
---|---|---|---|
KU Leuven |
Advanced Diploma in International Tax Law |
International Tax Law |
English |
Ghent University |
Postgraduate Diploma in European Law |
European Law, International Law |
English, Dutch |
Université catholique de Louvain |
Postgraduate Certificate in Law |
Public Law, Private Law, Criminal Law |
French |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel |
Postgraduate Diploma in International Law |
International and European Law |
English |
University of Antwerp |
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Law |
Business Law, International Trade Law |
English, Dutch |
Université Libre de Bruxelles |
Advanced Diploma in Environmental Law |
Environmental Law, Public Law |
French |
Hasselt University |
Postgraduate Diploma in European Policy |
European Policy, Law & Technology |
English |
Course Program Name |
Institution |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
Advanced Master in International and European Law |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
1 year |
6,000 |
Summer School on EU Law and Policy |
College of Europe |
2 weeks |
1,900 |
International Summer School on Dispute Resolution |
University of Ghent |
2 weeks |
1,500 |
Short Course on European Law |
University of Antwerp |
1 month |
2,000 |
Intensive Course on European Social Security |
KU Leuven |
2 weeks |
1,200 |
Advanced Programme in European Business Law |
Université Libre de Bruxelles |
1 semester |
3,000 |
International Arbitration Training Program |
International Chamber of Commerce |
1 week |
2,500 |
Summer School on International Humanitarian Law |
Université Catholique de Louvain |
2 weeks |
1,700 |
University |
Course Program Name |
Degree Level |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (USD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
KU Leuven |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
3 years |
1,000 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
1 year |
1,500 |
|
Advanced Master of European Social Security |
Advanced Master |
1 year |
2,500 |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
3 years |
1,200 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) in International and European Law |
Master |
1 year |
6,000 |
|
Advanced Master of International and European Law |
Advanced Master |
1 year |
7,000 |
Ghent University |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
3 years |
1,300 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
1 year |
1,800 |
|
Master of Laws in International Business Law |
Master |
1 year |
2,000 |
Université Catholique de Louvain |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
3 years |
1,100 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law |
Master |
1 year |
1,500 |
|
Advanced Master of European Law |
Advanced Master |
1 year |
2,200 |
University of Antwerp |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
3 years |
1,100 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
1 year |
1,600 |
|
Advanced Master of European Law and Policy |
Advanced Master |
1 year |
2,400 |
Université Libre de Bruxelles |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
3 years |
1,100 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
1 year |
1,500 |
|
Advanced Master of European and International Business Law |
Advanced Master |
1 year |
3,000 |
University |
Course Program Name |
Degree Level |
Intake Period |
---|---|---|---|
KU Leuven |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
September |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
September |
|
Advanced Master of European Social Security |
Advanced Master |
September |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
September |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) in International and European Law |
Master |
September |
|
Advanced Master of International and European Law |
Advanced Master |
September |
Ghent University |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
September |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
September |
|
Master of Laws in International Business Law |
Master |
September |
Université Catholique de Louvain |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
September |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law |
Master |
September |
|
Advanced Master of European Law |
Advanced Master |
September |
University of Antwerp |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
September |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
September |
|
Advanced Master of European Law and Policy |
Advanced Master |
September |
Université Libre de Bruxelles |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
September |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
September |
|
Advanced Master of European and International Business Law |
Advanced Master |
September |
University |
Course Program Name |
Degree Level |
Tuition Fees (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
KU Leuven |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
1,000 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
1,500 |
|
Advanced Master of European Social Security |
Advanced Master |
2,500 |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
1,200 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) in International and European Law |
Master |
6,000 |
|
Advanced Master of International and European Law |
Advanced Master |
7,000 |
Ghent University |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
1,300 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
1,800 |
|
Master of Laws in International Business Law |
Master |
2,000 |
Université Catholique de Louvain |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
1,100 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law |
Master |
1,500 |
|
Advanced Master of European Law |
Advanced Master |
2,200 |
University of Antwerp |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
1,100 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
1,600 |
|
Advanced Master of European Law and Policy |
Advanced Master |
2,400 |
Université Libre de Bruxelles |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
1,100 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
1,500 |
|
Advanced Master of European and International Business Law |
Advanced Master |
3,000 |
University |
Course Program Name |
Degree Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|---|---|
KU Leuven |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in English or Dutch, entrance examination |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
Bachelor’s degree in Law or related field, proficiency in English, letters of recommendation, personal statement |
|
Advanced Master of European Social Security |
Advanced Master |
Master’s degree in Law or Social Sciences, proficiency in English, relevant professional experience |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in English or Dutch, entrance examination |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) in International and European Law |
Master |
Bachelor’s degree in Law or related field, proficiency in English, letters of recommendation, personal statement |
|
Advanced Master of International and European Law |
Advanced Master |
Master’s degree in Law, proficiency in English, relevant professional experience |
Ghent University |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in English or Dutch, entrance examination |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
Bachelor’s degree in Law or related field, proficiency in English, letters of recommendation, personal statement |
|
Master of Laws in International Business Law |
Master |
Bachelor’s degree in Law or related field, proficiency in English, letters of recommendation, personal statement |
Université Catholique de Louvain |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in French or English, entrance examination |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law |
Master |
Bachelor’s degree in Law or related field, proficiency in English, letters of recommendation, personal statement |
|
Advanced Master of European Law |
Advanced Master |
Master’s degree in Law, proficiency in English, relevant professional experience |
University of Antwerp |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in English or Dutch, entrance examination |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
Bachelor’s degree in Law or related field, proficiency in English, letters of recommendation, personal statement |
|
Advanced Master of European Law and Policy |
Advanced Master |
Master’s degree in Law, proficiency in English, relevant professional experience |
Université Libre de Bruxelles |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Bachelor |
High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in French or English, entrance examination |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Master |
Bachelor’s degree in Law or related field, proficiency in English, letters of recommendation, personal statement |
|
Advanced Master of European and International Business Law |
Advanced Master |
Master’s degree in Law, proficiency in English, relevant professional experience |
Scholarship Name |
University |
Eligibility Criteria |
Amount (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
KU Leuven Scholarship for Master’s Students |
KU Leuven |
Merit-based, international students, enrolled in a Master’s program |
Up to 10,000 per year |
VUB Scholarships for Master of Laws (LLM) |
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
Merit-based, international students, enrolled in LLM program |
Up to 5,000 per year |
Ghent University Top-up Grants |
Ghent University |
Merit-based, international students from developing countries, enrolled in a Master’s program |
Up to 6,000 per year |
UCLouvain Master's Grants |
Université Catholique de Louvain |
Merit-based, international students, enrolled in a Master’s program |
Up to 8,000 per year |
University of Antwerp Excellence Scholarships |
University of Antwerp |
Merit-based, international students, enrolled in a Master’s program |
Up to 5,000 per year |
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Master’s Scholarships |
Université Libre de Bruxelles |
Merit-based, international students, enrolled in a Master’s program |
Up to 4,000 per year |
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships |
Various Universities |
Merit-based, students enrolled in selected Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree programs |
Full tuition and stipend |
Belgian Government Scholarships (ARES) |
Various Universities |
Merit-based, international students from developing countries, enrolled in a Master’s program |
Full tuition and stipend |
VLIR-UOS Scholarships |
Various Universities |
Merit-based, international students from 31 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America |
Full tuition and stipend |
FWO Scholarships |
Various Universities |
Research-oriented, merit-based, for PhD candidates in legal studies |
Full tuition and stipend |
Career Path |
Description |
Potential Employers |
---|---|---|
Lawyer |
Represents clients in legal matters, provides legal advice, and represents clients in court. |
Law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies |
Legal Consultant |
Offers specialized legal advice to organizations on various matters such as contracts, mergers, compliance, etc. |
Consulting firms, multinational corporations, NGOs |
Corporate Counsel |
Handles the legal affairs of a corporation, including contracts, mergers, compliance, and intellectual property. |
Private companies, multinational corporations |
Judge |
Presides over court proceedings, ensures justice is administered fairly, and interprets laws. |
Judiciary, government |
Legal Researcher |
Conducts in-depth legal research, prepares legal documents, and assists in the preparation of cases. |
Universities, research institutions, think tanks |
Policy Advisor |
Advises government agencies, NGOs, and other organizations on policy development and legislative matters. |
Government agencies, NGOs, international organizations |
Diplomat |
Represents and protects a country's interests abroad, engages in negotiations and international law matters. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international organizations |
Human Rights Advocate |
Works on issues related to human rights protection, advocacy, and policy development. |
NGOs, international organizations, advocacy groups |
Compliance Officer |
Ensures that organizations comply with legal standards and internal policies. |
Banks, financial institutions, large corporations |
Academic |
Teaches and conducts research in the field of law at universities and higher education institutions. |
Universities, law schools |
Mediator/Arbitrator |
Facilitates negotiation and conflict resolution between parties outside of the court system. |
Mediation firms, arbitration institutions, legal firms |
Public Prosecutor |
Represents the state in criminal proceedings, prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the government. |
Government agencies, judiciary |
International Law Specialist |
Focuses on laws that govern international relations, trade, and human rights. |
International courts, NGOs, international organizations |
Notary |
Prepares and certifies legal documents such as wills, deeds, and contracts. |
Notary offices, law firms |
Intellectual Property Specialist |
Focuses on laws related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. |
IP law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies |