MDM Belgium Forum

Is it better to do a masters degree in Leuven or Brussels

5 replies · 29 Oct 2026

antwerp_sales_pro

Is it better to do a masters degree in Leuven or Brussels

I am finishing my undergrad now and looking at CS masters, thinking about VUB but not sure if the city vibe or the uni name matters more. People say Leuven is 'better' but don't know if a tiny student bubble where everyone knows everyone is the vibe, maybe Brussels is more interesting for a real job later on? I heard Leuven is more prestigious for research but Brussels has all the international stuff. I am worried about the cost of living too because my budget is kinda tight.

Accepted answer

map_reader

Both are good but depend on what u want for work. Leuven is great if u want a historic town where u can walk everywhere and focus on research because KU Leuven is top tier for that. Brussels is better for networking with EU or NATO or big companies since u are right there, but living costs in Brussels are usually higher than in Leuven. Also dont listen to people saying a one-year advanced master is a 'half master', it's a full degree and perfectly valid. thanks, good luck

File:Belgique - Louvain-la-Neuve - Grand-Place - 01.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Replies

geography_geek_uk

I did my masters in antwerp and it was fine

vibe_check_be2

Honestly the rankin is just a 'guide' and doesnt mean everything!! u should look at the syllabus and what u actually study because a specific master at VUB or UCLouvain might fit u way better than some famous name that is a loose match. u also need to check the language of instruction and if u meet the entry requirements first lol

been_there_done_that

One thing to consider is that big firms like the Big Four sometimes prefer people who did a professional bachelor plus an academic master because they have more hands-on skills... It depends on the industry you want to enter!

belgian_skeptic

Just remember that a student visa is for studying and not for finding a job after graduation, so keep that in mind for your planning!

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