Applying as an EXCHANGE STUDENT

Contact your own international office to make sure you qualify as an exchange student in your home institution.

You can apply/study at LUCA as an exchange student on condition that there is an active cooperation agreement between the higher education institute (university, school of arts or alike) where you are currently studying and LUCA. You can obtain more information about the cooperation agreements via the International Office at your university or by browsing the LUCA partnership database.* 

*It is one of our international policy ambitions to optimize our existing partner network, so we decided to introduce a temporary stand-still on new partnership requests from non-partner HEIs. We would like to focus on broadening/deepening our existing partnerships for the remaining multi-annual framework of Erasmus (2021-2027). Consequently, LUCA will not engage new partnerships in due time.

Freemover studies at LUCA

At LUCA we do not accept students via the ‘free mover’ system, as we have to limit our places first for degree and exchange students. So, it is only possible to apply for an exchange period at LUCA through one of our partner universities/institutions. If your sending university has no partnership with LUCA, applying as free mover is not possible.

Consult our exchange programmes, taught in English, via this link. Notice that not all programmes are offered in the first (autumn- winter) and / or second (spring-summer) semester or are able to welcome students for the whole year.

We STRONGLY advise to only apply for a programme in line with your current study. We expect exchange students to have sufficient knowledge on the discipline they apply for, and this needs to be reflected in the portfolio they submit while applying. Students who apply for a programme not connected to the artistic branch they are currently studying in will most likely not be accepted, unless they have an exceptionally strong portfolio in this field.

When applying, you’ll need to upload proof of nomination by the international office of your own university. For this purpose you may use our nomination form template. Alternatively, if you were nominated through an online platform, you can also upload a document with a link (and if necessary further instructions) where we can check your online nomination

1. Nomination letter

Pdf format

If you were nominated through an online platform, you can also upload a document with a link (and if necessary further instructions) where we can check your online nomination.

Important: If you don't use our nomination form, please clearly mention the specific exchange programme, level and semester(s) you want to apply for under 'Field of Study'. 

2. Portfolio

Pdf format and maximum 10MB.

A link to your website / Vimeo page in a document is also a possibility.

You can only add WeTransfer links if they do not expire.

Ideally the portfolio is one single file.

For music and drama this should be a document with a link to your live performance (total length should be around 10 minutes).

3. Motivation Letter

Pdf format.

Briefly state the reasons why you wish to study abroad at LUCA.

4. ID

Pdf format.

5. Picture

Jpg format.

To be used on your student card. 

6. Diploma or/(and) Transcript(s)

Pdf format.

Transcript of records from previous years during your current study at your home university.

This document should be in English (or with translation to English added).

7. CV

Pdf format.

(8. If applicable: Document related to special needs)

All documents related to learning facilities: more exam time, more time for deadlines, working students, ...

Pdf format.

The manual can be found here. You can access our LUCA application tool by clicking here. If you don't have an account yet, you will be redirected to create an account with the KU Leuven Association first. 

​The application deadlines are:

• Semester 1 or full year: April 1;
• Semester 2: October 1.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications will be processed within 6 weeks after the application deadline. Students receive the outcome of the application in the platform and will also be informed by mail.

Please note that in some programmes the number of places for exchange students are limited. Being nominated by your home university unfortunately does not automatically lead to a guaranteed admission by LUCA. If a student gets accepted, an acceptance letter will be uploaded on the platform where it can be downloaded by the student.

If accepted for an exchange at LUCA, the student has to accept or decline the offer LUCA made. Accepting or declining by the applicant is important for some of the next steps such as creating your LUCA student number or closing your pending application.

Once the international coordinator at LUCA receives your confirmation, the coordinator will inform you about the practical aspects regarding your stay as well. Each LUCA campus has its own international coordinator who will be your go-to-person during your exchange.

You’ll receive practical information about your exchange from your LUCA international coordinator and from the student services agency linked to your campus. They’ll inform you about housing possibilities, registration in the city, how to commute, … etc. Information can also be found via this link.

• Semester 1: classes start the third week of September with an introduction week organized the week before;
• Semester 2: classes start the second week of February with an introduction week organized the week before.