Language of instruction

One factor which may influence the composition of your course programme at UCL is the language of instruction. Here are some guidelines:

1. A French-speaking university in a multilingual environment
2. A programme in French, in English or bi-lingual
3. Language learning

1. A French-speaking university in a multilingual environment

The language of instruction at Université catholique de Louvain is mainly French, which is why a good knowledge of this language is indispensable for most subject areas.

However, many non-native French speaking students follow courses in our faculties and schools. This provides them with the opportunity to study in a French-speaking environment while living alongside students from 120 different nationalities who speak as many different languages.

For exchange students, therefore, UCL provides a unique opportunity to spend time studying in an international and multilingual environment, whilst at the same time taking advantage of various ways to enhance their language skills.

2. A programme in French, in English or bi-lingual

Making up a programme exclusively of courses taught in English is possible in a limited number of subject areas such as economics, management and computer science.

For other subjects, the availability of courses in English will vary from one school to another. When available, you can make up a bilingual programme and this might help you to assimilate the remaining courses taught in French. For further information on the language of instruction, please consult the course descriptions in the course catalogue.

Finally, even in a situation where all the chosen courses are taught in French, a non-French speaking student may be able to take advantage of certain possibilities such as having course materials in English or being able to take an examination in a language other than French.

3. Language learning

Notwithstanding these possibilities to lower the language barrier, the benefits of your period of study at UCL will be enhanced if you can speak some French.

You are therefore strongly encouraged to take one of the many language classes. In addition to language courses taken before or during your stay, there are also some less formalized opportunities for language learning and improvement, particularly by becoming involved in student life and the activities of the different kots à projet (student accommodation whose members organize events for charity etc. )

→ Learn more about language preparation.