Application procedure

If you meet the elgibility conditions, you will need to complete the online application form accurately and fully. Please read the instructions carefully on how to download, fill in and send the application form. Please note the instructions about uploading PDF documents and sending the certified copies of diplomas and transcripts of records in hard copy.

  • Please note that the system only accepts one application form per faculty. Even though your research topic might be different and your prospective supervisor might be different within the same faculty, you still can submit only one application for the first research topic and supervisor, and you’ll have to contact the case administrator to inform him if you want to apply for a second topic and different supervisor within the same faculty.

For your proposed research, kindly print out your chosen faculty research topic from one of the doctoral schools, and include your motivation, OR submit your personal research proposal for a doctoral dissertation signed by your prospective supervisor. Include your one-page, written motivation explaining how your topic or proposal can be approached and treated in a manner relevant to development co-operation.

You are also required to submit:

  1. a certificate of professional engagement, signed by a person or an institution confirming that, upon your return, you will be accepted for a specific position or job in your country of origin or in another developing country
  2. a one-page, written motivation that answers the following key questions:
    a) How will your research contribute to sustainable development in your country or another developing country via direct intervention or critical reflection?
    b) How will the results of your research have an impact on sustainable human oriented development?
    c) How will your research contribute to the quality and and the capcity-building of the organisation where you will work in the South?
  3. two letters of recommendation by persons other than your (prospective) supervisor, who are qualified to assess your academic capabilities, to be submitted by the reference persons in sealed envelopes
  4. a certificate of English proficiency, for instance a TOEFL score or an IELTS score or results of an equivalent test (only for new students who have not yet been enrolled at KU Leuven)
  5. only for applicants for the doctoral programme in economics or applied economics: a GMAT or GRE score (for a GMAT score, please contact GMAC [code JQH7X51] and arrange for an original score card to be sent; see below)
  6. copies of applications for other scholarships, if any
Kindly submit your complete application file online before January 15.

The two letters of recommendation should be submitted in sealed envelopes or sent directly by the persons completing them to Mr. Edmund Guzman, International Admissions and Mobility, KU Leuven, Atrecht College, Naamsestraat 63 - bus 5410, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium also before January 15. The TOEFL or IELTS score should be sent to International Admissions and Mobility by ETS or by The British Council, respectively. The GMAT or GRE score should be sent to International Admissions and Mobility by ETS or GMAC, respectively.

Any applications that do not meet the requirements and any incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
KU Leuven does not acknowledge receipt of inadmissible applications.