What IELTS score do you need for KU Leuven?

Each programme's admission requirements can raise the bar. The Bachelor of Business Administration (Brussels) asks IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 sub-scores or TOEFL iBT 90 with 20 sub-scores (new scale: Reading 4, Listening 4.5, Speaking 4, Writing 4), and accepts CPE or CAE.

For 2027-2028 the Master of Laws (LL.M.) asks IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 5 on the new scale or 100 on the old, or Cambridge C1/C2 180. The Master of Advanced Studies in Economics asks IELTS 7 with 6.5 sub-scores or TOEFL iBT 94 with 20 sub-scores (new scale: Reading 4, Listening 4.5, Speaking 4, Writing 4), or CPE/CAE 180.

You are exempt if you obtained a previous diploma in a programme taught in English in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, studied at a campus in one of those countries. The Brussels BBA also exempts IB Diploma holders with at least half their courses in English and EB holders with at least 16 course hours a week in English.

KU Leuven's test verification page says it can check IELTS online if the scores are not older than three years, and TOEFL if not older than two. If you are admitted on condition of a score, the deadline is the start of your programme, but for a Belgian study visa KU Leuven recommends submitting it at least 3 months before, because it can only send the official admission letter once conditions are met.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your KU Leuven programme page and in your admission decision, so check it there before you book a test.