10 best universities in Belgium in 2026
Ranking based on the average of the three main global rankings: Shanghai (ARWU), Times Higher Education and QS.
KU Leuven
Average rank: #43
No. 1KU Leuven
Public Belgian Dutch-speaking university, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious.
No. 2Ghent University
Public Belgian Dutch-speaking university, leader in research and innovation.
No. 3Université Libre de Bruxelles
Public Belgian Francophone university, leader in fundamental research.
No. 4Catholic University of Louvain
Public Belgian Francophone university, one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious.
No. 5University of Antwerp
Dynamic public Belgian university at the heart of innovation and diversity.
No. 6University of Liège
Renowned Belgian public university excelling in multidisciplinary research and teaching.
No. 7Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Dynamic public Dutch-speaking Belgian university with a strong international focus.
No. 8University of Hasselt
Modern public Belgian university, focused on innovation and applied research.
No. 9University of Namur
Intimate public Belgian university, recognized for academic excellence.
No. 10University of Mons
Dynamic public Belgian university at the heart of innovation and creativity.