Which specialisations are available?
This master’s programme (120 ECTS) is a research-based master’s programme in which you can specialise in the following fields:
- Pure Mathematics: algebra, geometry, analysis, and related areas such as algebraic geometry, group theory, differential geometry, functional analysis, and complex analysis
- Applied Mathematics: statistics, computational mathematics and fluid dynamics, with topics such as financial mathematics, extreme value and robust statistics and computational fluid dynamics
Why study Mathematics at KU Leuven?
The Master of Mathematics programme offers an outstanding academic experience at one of Europe’s top-ranked universities. As a KU Leuven student, you will develop a strong command of mathematical rigour, abstraction and problem-solving, while gaining the flexibility to specialise in either pure or applied mathematics. You will learn to analyse complex mathematical problems, design and implement solutions, and communicate your findings clearly to both specialists and non-specialists. Set within a stimulating international environment and closely connected to cutting-edge research, the programme prepares you for a wide range of careers in academia, industry and beyond.
This programme is also available in Dutch.
Accreditations and rankings
- #50 - Times Higher Education (Engineering Sciences subject ranking)
- #60 - QS (Engineering & Technology)
Am I a good fit for this programme?
- The ideal prospective student has completed at least 90 ECTS of coursework covering: linear algebra, analysis, algebra, geometry, differential equations, statistics, probability and numerical mathematics.
Check the official and current admission requirements
This master is a research-based master’s programme in which you can specialise in various fields of both pure and applied mathematics. You are trained to be a mathematician with a broad view on the scientific domain on the one side, and a thorough knowledge of a number of specialised disciplines within mathematics. You choose one of the two profiles – Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics (54 ECTS) – and one of the two options – Research Option or Professional Option (30 ECTS). The Option for Education is only available in the Dutch Master.
The profile allows you to specialise either in pure mathematics (algebra, geometry, analysis) or in applied mathematics. Research in pure mathematics focuses on algebraic geometry, group theory, differential geometry, functional analysis, and complex analysis. Within applied mathematics, research is conducted in either mathematical statistics or physically applied mathematics. Research in mathematical statistics covers topics such as extreme values, robust statistics, non-parametric statistics, and financial mathematics. Research in physically applied mathematics focuses on computational fluid dynamics and plasma astrophysics.
There is one common course: Mathematics of the 21st Century (6 ECTS). To complete the programme, you will carry out a research project that results in a master’s thesis (30 ECTS).
The admissions process will depend on whether you've obtained your secondary education and/or previous degree(s) in the Flemish Community (Belgium) or at an academic institution outside of Flanders.
Prior degree from outside Flanders
If you obtained your prior degree(s) at an institution outside of the Flemish Community, you need to go through an admission process before you can register for a KU Leuven programme:
- Check the official and current admission requirements
- For the most recent – and only official information – on application deadlines, check the application window for this programme.
Flemish degree holder
Students who obtained a prior degree at an institution of the Flemish Community may be eligible for direct access to their desired programme. Direct access is granted if the prior degree meets the programme's requirements for study level and academic content.
Tuition fees
It is worth noting that our tuition fees are more affordable than many other leading universities thanks to generous government financing of higher education in Belgium. The fees for any individual student are contingent upon their academic programme and the nationality of the student.
For the most recent – and only official – information on tuition fees, check the tuition fee calculator.
Study costs
The study costs consist of the yearly tuition fee on the one hand and degree-specific costs on the other hand. Besides study costs you also need to take living and transportation expenses into account.
Scholarships
KU Leuven offers a variety of scholarships for qualifying students. Just as with our tuition fees, these scholarships may be contingent on a student’s academic programme or nationality, so be sure to thoroughly check eligibility requirements before applying.
Where do our students go after graduating?
The Master of Mathematics opens up a wide range of opportunities for you to continue your studies at KU Leuven, among many others:
What are the career prospects for graduates of this programme?
Mathematicians are in high demand across the work field. As a graduate mathematician, you can find employment in industry and in the banking, insurance, IT, and education sectors. There are also openings in academic institutions, government agencies and think tanks, private companies, research centres, and industrial companies and departments.
Many graduates who choose the research option pursue a career in research and start their PhD in mathematics, mathematical physics, astrophysics, engineering, or related fields.
For innovative and entrepreneurial students wanting to start their own business, KU Leuven is proud to offer KICK. This unique KU Leuven community offers the resources, support and encouragement to get their businesses off the ground.
Career support & alumni network
Our Student Career Center is happy to put you on the right track towards your first work experience. Services including job search coaching and preparation for job interviews. As a KU Leuven graduate, you are part of a worldwide network of over 340,000 alumni. Stay in touch with your former classmates with the exclusive alumni platform KU Leuven Connect.
Studying in Belgium
Learn about studying in Belgium and at KU Leuven.
Info for prospective students
- Housing
- Immigration and residence
- Student life
Our campus in Leuven (Belgium)
As a Mathematics student, you will study at the Faculty of Science at our main campus in Leuven.
Questions about the programme?
You can ask about which classes you will take, the subjects you will study, the campus where you will be spending your time and much more.
Chat with our students
Do you have any questions about student life in Belgium, life at KU Leuven or do you want more information about a specific course or programme? The best source of information is to ask those who know best: our friendly and helpful students!
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