Erasmus guide LUCA School of Arts
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at LUCA School of Arts in Leuven, Belgium.
Study abroad at LUCA School of Arts: overview
Study abroad at LUCA School of Arts means choosing Leuven through a specific academic fit: Multi-campus Flemish art and design school (audiovisual, music, drama, fine arts, product design) in association with KU Leuven; campuses in Leuven, Brussels, Ghent, and Genk. It works best when your courses, language and housing align with the faculty, not only with the university name.
Enrollment
Large student community; confirm the current headcount on the official page.
International Mix
Visible international community; availability depends on faculty and agreement.
Why students choose it
Belgium's leading arts university college, with campuses across Brussels, Ghent, and Leuven. Renowned for visual arts, music, theatre, and design — the go-to destination for creative exchange students in Belgium.
Language of instruction: Dutch (primary); some English-taught programmes in design and fine arts
Exchange & application at LUCA School of Arts
Exchange at LUCA School of Arts starts with nomination, official calendar and course confirmation. Check seats, language and prerequisites before promising yourself a fixed timetable.
✅Requirements
Partner nomination, online exchange application, learning agreement, valid ID/passport, transcript, and language proof when the host programme requires it.
📨Nomination Process
Your home university nominates you first. After nomination, complete the host online application and learning agreement by the faculty deadline; dates vary by semester and programme.
🛂Visa Support
EU/EEA students normally do not need a student visa. Non-EU students should check Belgian long-stay visa or residence rules early and keep proof of insurance and financial means ready.
👥Buddy System
LUCA exchange students should connect through studio/course cohorts quickly because the social rhythm is project-based.
🧭Orientation Week
International welcome days usually happen just before classes; attend them even if your course timetable is not final yet.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn intake | Usually spring; verify with the receiving faculty | Usually April-May depending on faculty and exchange type |
| Spring intake | Usually autumn; verify with the receiving faculty | Usually October-November depending on faculty and exchange type |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm campus and faculty before booking housing.
- Prepare backup courses in case your first choices are full or incompatible.
- Keep insurance, ID, nomination, and learning agreement PDFs offline.
- Register local admin steps early if your stay requires residence paperwork.
Academics & courses at LUCA School of Arts
Academics are anchored in Fine Arts, Graphic Design and Typography, Film and Photography, Theatre and Performing Arts. Bring backup courses and confirm credit conversion with your home university.
📝Course Registration
Course registration is usually handled after admission through the faculty or exchange platform. Build a backup shortlist because English-taught places and timetable combinations can change.
🎓Credit System
Belgium uses ECTS. A full-time semester is normally 30 ECTS; exchange loads depend on the home university learning agreement.
💯Grading System
Belgian universities commonly use a 0-20 grading scale with 10/20 as the usual pass mark, though conversion is handled by the home university.
✍️Exam Culture
Attendance, group work, and final exam dates vary by faculty. Do not book return travel until the official exam schedule is confirmed.
📚Library Access
Exchange students normally receive student-card access to campus libraries, study rooms, Wi-Fi, and digital learning platforms after enrolment.
Tuition & fees at LUCA School of Arts
Costs at LUCA School of Arts combine exchange agreement, housing, insurance, transport and materials. Always separate partner exchange from full-degree admission because the financial rules differ.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 0–50) | Erasmus tuition fully covered at all Belgian universities. Administrative fees €0–50 at enrollment. EU students use EHIC for medical care; non-EU need privat… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | EUR 906–1,100/year | EU/EEA ~€906–1,100/year. LUCA is Belgium's arts university — fine arts, music, drama, fashion, film. Campuses in Brussels, Ghent, Leuven, Genk. Portfolio + a… |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR 2,000–4,000/year | Non-EU: €2,000–4,000/year. Competitive admissions but very affordable for specialised arts education. Study in English possible for several programmes. |
EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 0–50)
Erasmus tuition fully covered at all Belgian universities. Administrative fees €0–50 at enrollment. EU students use EHIC for medical care; non-EU need privat…
EUR 906–1,100/year
EU/EEA ~€906–1,100/year. LUCA is Belgium's arts university — fine arts, music, drama, fashion, film. Campuses in Brussels, Ghent, Leuven, Genk. Portfolio + a…
EUR 2,000–4,000/year
Non-EU: €2,000–4,000/year. Competitive admissions but very affordable for specialised arts education. Study in English possible for several programmes.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at LUCA School of Arts
Housing should be chosen by safe campus route, contract and arrival timing. Start with official channels and avoid deposits before verifying identity and conditions.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Leuven
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at LUCA School of Arts
The international office, student services and faculty coordinators are the route for arrival, courses and documents. Use them early before small doubts become blockers.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Arrive with valid health insurance for the full exchange period and keep proof available for university and residence steps.
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
🏥Campus Clinic
Use the university student services or international office first; they can point you to local doctors, insurance guidance, and urgent-care procedures.
🧠Mental Health
Student services can usually route students to counselling, wellbeing support, disability services, or external care. Ask early rather than waiting for exam period.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Useful for many EU students for medically necessary public care.
Belgian mutuelle or private insurance
Varies by status and provider
Often relevant for long stays, reimbursements, or non-EU visa/residence requirements.
Campus services
International office
Main contact for nomination, learning agreement, arrival steps, and exchange paperwork.
Housing support
Start here before using private groups; it reduces scam risk and clarifies realistic rent ranges.
Student support
Use for insurance, wellbeing, disability support, study adjustments, and practical first-week questions.
Psychological Assistance
Free confidential psychological support for personal, emotional, or study-related difficulties. Available across LUCA campuses (art, design, music, drama).
Health Care
Student health care service for medical consultations, referrals, and basic care at LUCA campus locations.
Sports & Culture
Sports activities and cultural events for LUCA students. Access to sports facilities and cultural programme at Leuven and other campuses.
Special Needs Support
Assessments and academic adjustments for students with disabilities, ADHD, dyslexia, or chronic illness at LUCA. Register at the start of your exchange.
Student life at LUCA School of Arts
Student life at LUCA School of Arts depends on orientation, clubs, faculty groups and neighbourhood routine. Integration improves when you repeat plans instead of staying only in international circles.
Student Clubs
- LUCA artistic communities
- Studio and ensemble groups
- Leuven student culture and international groups
Buddy Program
LUCA exchange students should connect through studio/course cohorts quickly because the social rhythm is project-based.
Sports & Recreation
- University sport or city student sport routes
- Low-cost city events and faculty activities
Your First 2 Weeks
- Choose housing by campus and bike time, not only by distance on the map.
- Join orientation and one student association fast; Leuven social life is organized through circles and groups.
- Do course registration with backup options because popular English-taught modules can move quickly.
- Set up admin early: residence, insurance, bike, student card, and transport before classes become intense.
Key exchange dates at LUCA School of Arts
LUCA School of Arts dates change by semester and agreement. Save official emails, confirm nomination and application windows, and leave room for course changes after arrival.
-
1
Before nomination
Confirm that your home university has an active agreement for your subject area.
-
2
After admission
Lock housing, insurance, arrival date, and backup courses before peak September/February pressure.
-
3
Welcome week
Attend orientation, student-card setup, campus tour, and first social events.