University of Luxembourg: Admissions, Courses, Visa, & Fees 

Ranked first in Luxembourg and 25th among young universities worldwide, the University of Luxembourg stands as the country's premier public research institution. Founded in 2003, this prestigious university has rapidly emerged as a global education hub, attracting over 7,000 students from more than 100 countries.

What makes the University of Luxembourg particularly distinctive is its trilingual learning environment, offering courses in English, French, and German. With a competitive acceptance rate of 21%, the university maintains high academic standards while providing affordable education - Bachelor's programs range from €500 to €900, while Master's programs cost between €800 and €1,500 annually.

Furthermore, the university's research excellence is evident in its €1 billion funding portfolio, specifically focused on health, energy, environment, and technology.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover everything you need to know about the University of Luxembourg's rankings, admission requirements, course offerings, scholarship opportunities, and application process for 2025.
 

University of Luxembourg Overview and Global Rankings

The University of Luxembourg has established itself as a significant player in the global higher education landscape since its founding in 2003. Despite its relative youth, the institution has secured impressive positions in prestigious international university rankings, cementing its reputation for academic excellence and research innovation.

 

QS World University Rankings 2025: #355 Position

In the highly respected QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Luxembourg occupies position #355 worldwide among more than 1,500 universities across 104 locations. This achievement places the university among the top 24% of institutions globally. The QS ranking system evaluates universities according to nine distinct indicators, with each score calculated on a scale of 100 points.

The University of Luxembourg demonstrates exceptional performance in several key areas:

• International Character: The university achieves perfect scores of 100 points for both International Faculty Ratio and International Student Ratio
• Academic Staff to Student Ratio: A remarkable score of 81 out of 100
• International Research Network: A strong score of 70 points
• Graduate Employment: A solid score of 53 points, based on university-provided data and global listings such as Forbes 30 under 30

Notably, the university scores 25 points for citations per faculty, based on Scopus Elsevier count of citations and publications. Additionally, the university recently began submitting sustainability data, obtaining an initial score of 3 points in this category.

Within the European context, the University of Luxembourg ranks in position 182 out of 690 institutions across 42 locations according to the first edition of the QS World University Rankings: Europe, placing it among the top 27% in Europe.
 

Eligibility for Admission at the University of Luxembourg

To be eligible for admission to the University of Luxembourg, students must meet the following requirements:

• Students must hold a high school diploma or equivalent with good grades.
• Students must have scored a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Students have to submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation.
• Take the TOEFL or IELTS for English language proficiency.

Standardized tests	Average scores
TOEFL (iBT)	80/120
IELTS	6.5 /9
GMAT	Not required
GRE	155/340
GPA	3.0/4.0

*Get expert coaching services from Y-Axis professionals to ace your scores.

 

Times Higher Education Young University Ranking: #25 Globally

The Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings specifically evaluates universities that are 50 years old or younger, providing valuable context for newer institutions like the University of Luxembourg. In the 2023 edition of these rankings, the University of Luxembourg secured an impressive 25th position globally.

The THE rankings comprehensively assess universities across all core missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook. The 2024 edition included 673 universities, a significant increase from 605 in 2023.

Looking at the university's historical performance reveals its consistent excellence. In 2021 and 2024, it reached as high as 20th position worldwide in the THE Young University Rankings. Its best performance came in 2017, 2018, and 2020 when it ranked among the top 12 young universities globally.

Moreover, in the broader THE World University Rankings, which include institutions of all ages, the University of Luxembourg has consistently performed well. It ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide in the 2022 edition, with a particularly strong showing in international outlook, where it ranked 3rd globally. In previous years, it achieved even higher positions, ranking 179th worldwide in 2017-2018 and 178th in 2016-2017.

 

Comparison with Other Top Universities in Luxembourg

When considering the higher education landscape in Luxembourg, the University of Luxembourg stands as the country's leading institution. In fact, it holds the distinction of being the only public research university in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

This unique position gives the University of Luxembourg significant advantages in terms of public funding, research opportunities, and national prominence. Unlike countries with multiple competing public universities, Luxembourg has focused its resources on developing a single world-class institution that can compete on the international stage.

The university's excellence becomes even more apparent when examining its performance relative to its age. Having celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, the University of Luxembourg has achieved rankings that typically take institutions decades or even centuries to attain. This rapid ascent speaks to the strategic vision behind the university's establishment and development.

Although there are other higher education options in Luxembourg, including private institutions and satellite campuses of foreign universities, none match the comprehensive academic offerings, research output, or international recognition of the University of Luxembourg. Its consistent performance in global rankings solidifies its status as the premier academic institution in Luxembourg and positions it as an increasingly important player in the European higher education landscape.

 

Popular Courses and Degree Programs for 2025

The University of Luxembourg offers a diverse academic portfolio tailored to meet global education demands. With 25 bachelor's degrees and 46 master's programs, as well as numerous vocational and lifelong learning courses, the University of luxembourg provides comprehensive study options for international and domestic students alike. This multilingual institution delivers programs across three faculties, creating pathways for academic and professional advancement.

 

Bachelor's Programs: Computer Science, Law, Finance

The university of luxembourg's undergraduate offerings span multiple disciplines, with particularly strong programs in computer science, law, and finance. The Bachelor in Computer Science (BICS) stands out with its three-dimensional approach focusing on creativity, scientific knowledge, and digital technologies. This program prepares students for further studies in computer science through a combination of theoretical lectures and hands-on research projects.

For those interested in legal studies, the Bachelor en Droit provides a solid foundation in law through a multilingual approach, with courses offered in English, French, and German. The Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance also offers the Bachelor en Comptabilité et Fiscalité and Bachelor en Gestion, both delivered in multiple languages to prepare students for Luxembourg's international business environment.

Consequently, these programs align perfectly with Luxembourg's position as a European financial hub, allowing students to benefit from proximity to European institutions and the country's vibrant business community.

 

Masters in Luxembourg: M.Sc., MIM, M.A., M.Arch

The master's programs at the university constitute the largest segment of academic offerings, with nearly 50 options across various disciplines. These programs follow different degree structures:

• M.Sc. (Master of Science) - Programs include Quantitative Economics and Finance, Mathematics, Data Science, and Psychology
• M.A. (Master of Arts) - Offerings in European Contemporary History, Learning and Communication, and Modern Philosophy
• M.Arch (Master in Architecture) - A specialized program focusing on architectural studies
• MIM (Masters in Management) - Programs like the Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The university recently expanded its portfolio with six new programs and redesigned three existing ones. Noteworthy among these is the Interdisciplinary Space Master, developed with the Luxembourg Space Agency, which trains professionals for the emerging global space industry through a project-based learning approach.
 

MS in Luxembourg: Duration and Specializations

MS programs at the university typically follow the European standard of 1-2 years duration. The Master in Information and Computer Sciences exemplifies the university's technical offerings, with specializations that prepare graduates for advanced careers in technology.

First, the cybersecurity programs deserve special mention, including the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Cybersecurity and the Master in Information System Security Management. Second, the Finance and Economics master offers specialized tracks in Banking, Investment Management, Risk Management, Financial Economics, Sustainable Finance, and Digital Transformation in Finance.

Besides these, the Department of Computer Science offers a comprehensive range of specialized master's programs, including High Performance Computing, Space Technologies and Business, and Technopreneurship.

 

Vocational and Lifelong Learning Courses

The University of Luxembourg is deeply committed to transferring academic knowledge to the business community through lifelong learning. These programs are designed for individuals, employees, job seekers, and professionals seeking to acquire new qualifications or advance their careers.

In collaboration with public institutions and ministries, the university offers vocational training covering a wide range of employment-focused courses[33]. The Competence Center of the University of Luxembourg functions as a training institute aimed at building organizational capacity through specialized programs.

Through the Luxembourg Lifelong Learning Center (LLLC), individuals and companies can access evening courses, seminars, university training, and professional certifications. Additionally, the "House of Training" helps businesses prepare for future challenges through sector-specific training.

 

University of Luxembourg Fees and Cost Breakdown

Understanding the financial aspects of studying at the University of Luxembourg is essential for prospective students planning their education. The cost structure at Luxembourg's premier institution consists of tuition fees, registration costs, and living expenses that vary depending on the program level and student category.

 

Undergraduate Tuition Fees: EUR 500–900 per Year

Studying at the undergraduate level at the University of Luxembourg is relatively affordable compared to many other European institutions. For international students, the undergraduate first-year tuition fee is EUR 800. This breaks down into registration fees of 200 euros per semester, making the annual cost approximately 400 euros for most programs.

Additionally, each application incurs an administration fee of 50 euros, which is non-refundable regardless of acceptance status. First of all, it's worth noting that these fees are significantly lower than many other European destinations, making the university an attractive option for cost-conscious students.

The university's commitment to accessible education is evident in its fee structure, with most Bachelor's programs ranging between 0 and 5,200 EUR per academic year. Overall, this reasonable fee structure helps maintain the university's competitive position among European institutions.

Postgraduate Tuition Fees: EUR 800–24,000 per Year

For graduate courses, the fee structure is more variable, ranging from EUR 200 to 24,000 per year. Typically, most Master's programs follow the same fee structure as undergraduate programs, with registration fees of 200 euros per semester.

However, specialized programs command premium fees:

• Master's in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: 24,000 EUR per academic year
• Other specialized professional Master's programs: Varying between 800-24,000 EUR annually

During your application process, it's important to verify the specific tuition that applies to you, as fees may vary based on citizenship status. Non-EU citizens might face different fee structures than EU/EEA citizens.

The university offers various financial support programs to offset these costs. For instance, the Guillaume Dupaix scholarship provides selected international students with 10,000 euros per academic year for a maximum of two years, significantly reducing the financial burden for deserving students.

 

Housing and Living Costs: EUR 4,500 Annually

Living expenses constitute a significant portion of the total cost of studying in Luxembourg. The university estimates that students need a monthly budget of approximately 1,805.56 EUR to cover all necessities.

For housing specifically, the university offers dormitory accommodations at a cost of EUR 4,500 annually. The minimum monthly rental budget in university dormitories is:

• €400 per month for Bachelor, Master, and incoming students
• €800 per month for salaried doctoral students

When securing accommodation, students should prepare for initial costs including:

• Rent guarantee deposit (equivalent to 2 monthly rents): e.g., 900 EUR if monthly rent is 450 EUR
• Rent insurance: from 60 EUR per year
• First month's rent must be paid within 10 days of receiving a room offer

Beyond housing, students should budget for additional monthly expenses:

• Meals (university canteen): 360 EUR per month
• Telephone: 40 EUR
• Leisure activities: 150 EUR
• Educational materials: 400 EUR per year

Private accommodation options outside university residences range between 600 and 1,000 EUR monthly, with utilities costing an additional 180-250 EUR. Fortunately, sharing apartments with other students can reduce these expenses considerably.

While Luxembourg offers an exceptional standard of living, prospective students should be aware that it comes with higher living costs compared to many other European destinations. Nevertheless, the quality of education and international exposure provided by the University of Luxembourg offer remarkable value for the investment.

 

Admission Requirements and Application Process 2025

The application cycle for the University of Luxembourg's 2025-2026 academic year opens on February 1, 2025. Prospective students must navigate a structured admissions process that varies based on program level and nationality. The university employs a selective approach with a 21% acceptance rate, ensuring high academic standards while maintaining its multilingual educational environment.

 

UG Admission: High School Diploma, IELTS/TOEFL, Motivation Letter

For undergraduate admission at the University of Luxembourg, international applicants must possess a secondary school diploma and demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0. Initially, all undergraduate candidates must obtain recognition of equivalence for non-Luxembourg secondary school diplomas from the Luxembourg Ministry of Education, Children and Youth—a process requiring at least six weeks.

Language proficiency remains a core requirement, with IELTS scores between 5.5-6.5 or TOEFL scores between 87-100 depending on the program. Most bachelor's programs require proficiency in multiple languages (English, French, or German), with specific requirements detailed on each program page.

Essential application documents include:

• Completed online application with €50 application fee
• Copy of identity card/passport
• Secondary school diploma with detailed transcripts
• Language proficiency certificates for all teaching languages
• Letter of motivation explaining career goals

PG Admission: Bachelor's Degree, LOR, CV, GRE/IELTS Scores

Master's program applicants must hold a bachelor's degree equivalent to at least 180 ECTS credits according to the Bologna Framework. Prior to enrollment, students with degrees from non-EU/EEA countries must register their qualifications with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research in Luxembourg.

The comprehensive application package for postgraduate programs includes:

• Bachelor's degree certificate with detailed transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Letter of recommendation
• Letter of motivation

Certain specialized programs may require additional documentation or higher language proficiency scores, with specifics available on each program's dedicated webpage.

 

Application Portal Steps and Deadlines

For the 2025-2026 academic year, all applications must be submitted through the University of Luxembourg Application Portal. Subsequently, the process follows these key steps:

1. Document Preparation: Gather all required documents before starting your application
2. Application Submission: Complete the online form and pay the €100 application fee per program
3. Document Verification: The Student Department verifies eligibility and completeness
4. Selection Committee Review: Eligible applications are forwarded to program selection committees
5. Admission Decision: Applicants receive notification of acceptance, conditional acceptance, waitlisting, or rejection

Important deadlines vary between EU and non-EU applicants. For undergraduate programs, applications must be submitted by April 30, 2025, with secondary school graduation required before this date. Henceforth, any student graduating after the application deadline cannot be considered for admission.

Presently, the university recommends starting the diploma equivalence procedure by March 1, 2025, at the latest, to ensure timely processing. International students requiring visas should apply well in advance to accommodate additional immigration procedures.

Remember that incomplete applications or those missing language certificates will not be processed after the stated deadlines.

 

University of Luxembourg Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financial support remains a crucial factor for international students considering study abroad options. The University of Luxembourg offers several scholarship opportunities and financial aid programs to help offset educational costs and living expenses for deserving students.

 

Excellence Scholarship Program for International Students

The Guillaume Dupaix International Master's Scholarship represents the university of luxembourg's premier talent support program for high-achieving international students. Funded jointly by the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Ministry of Research and Higher Education, this scholarship provides substantial financial assistance to both EU and non-EU applicants.

Key features of this scholarship include:

• A stipend of approximately €10,000 per academic year for up to two years
• Accommodation support of up to €650 monthly in university residences
• Maximum of 30 students supported annually (10 per faculty)

Indeed, the scholarship covers a significant portion of living expenses but does not include tuition fees. Primarily, the funding cannot be combined with other Luxembourg government grants or similar private sponsorships. Furthermore, continuation of support depends on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.

 

Aides Financières pour Études Supérieures

The Luxembourg state financial aid system (AideFi) offers comprehensive support through a combination of grants and loans. This financial package helps both resident and qualifying non-resident students manage their education costs at the university of luxembourg.

The AideFi package comprises several components:

• Basic Grant (Bourse de base): €1,228 per semester
• Mobility Grant (Bourse de mobilité): €1,528 per semester for students studying outside their country of residence
• Social Criteria Grant (Bourse sur critères sociaux): Up to €2,379 per semester based on household income
• Family Grant (Bourse familiale): €294 per semester when multiple children from the same household pursue higher education
• Student Loan: €3,250 per semester with state guarantee

Currently, the AideFi is disbursed in two semester installments annually. Loan repayment must begin within two years after completing or discontinuing studies, with a standard repayment period of ten years.

Additionally, the University of Luxembourg Hardship Fund provides emergency assistance to Bachelor, Master, and self-funded doctoral students experiencing unexpected financial difficulties. This fund acts as a safety net rather than a primary income source.

 

Eligibility Criteria and Application Timeline

For the Guillaume Dupaix scholarship, eligibility requirements include:

• International status (EU and non-EU applicants)
• Application for full-time Master's programs conducted entirely in Luxembourg
• Excellent academic performance in undergraduate studies
• Non-receipt of Luxembourg's State Financial Aid

The application process follows three essential steps. First, apply to your chosen Master's program through the online admissions portal. Thereafter, if the Program Director identifies you as a potential candidate, you'll receive an invitation to apply for the scholarship. Finally, submit your scholarship application with a personal statement and two academic recommendation letters.

Important deadlines to remember:

• Scholarship application deadline: March 31, 2025
• Notification of results: mid-May 2025
• Acceptance confirmation: Within three working days of notification

Regarding the AideFi system, application deadlines are structured by semester:

• Winter semester: August 1 to November 30, 2024
• Summer semester: January 2 to April 30, 2025
• Additional registration fees submission: May 2 to July 31, 2025

Non-resident students must first apply for financial aid in their country of residence before submitting an AideFi application, as it functions as a supplementary support system.

 

Acceptance Rate and International Student Insights

With students from more than 100 countries converging at its campus, the University of Luxembourg creates a truly global learning community. This cultural diversity stands as one of the institution's defining characteristics, complemented by selective admissions and multilingual education that prepares graduates for international careers.

 

University of Luxembourg Acceptance Rate: 21%

Admissions at the University of Luxembourg remain highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 21% for international students. This selective approach ensures that only the most qualified candidates join the university community. Currently, the university maintains rigorous academic standards while fostering a diverse environment that enriches the educational experience for all students.

The relatively low acceptance rate positions the University of Luxembourg among the more selective institutions in Europe. Interestingly, despite this competitiveness, the university continues to attract applications from around the world, drawn by its academic reputation and unique multilingual approach.

 

Multilingual Instruction: English, French, German

The University of Luxembourg's commitment to multilingualism sets it apart from many other European institutions. Programs are generally taught in two languages (French/English or French/German), while some are delivered in three languages, and others—particularly at the Master level—exclusively in English.

This multilingual policy reflects Luxembourg's position at the crossroads of European cultures:

• The university promotes four languages: English, French, German, and Luxembourgish
• Multilingual teaching in bi- or trilingual programs fosters understanding of different academic cultures
• English serves as the lingua franca in research, while French stands as the primary administrative language

Essentially, the university considers multilingual and intercultural expertise an essential characteristic of academic internationalization, crucial for ensuring graduates' local and global employability.

Student Demographics: 100+ Nationalities

The international character of the University of Luxembourg is evidently one of its greatest strengths. Approximately 60% of students are international, creating a genuinely cosmopolitan learning environment. The university community includes more than 8,000 students and approximately 2,500 employees from around the world.

Faculty diversity mirrors this international outlook, with 88% of academic staff being foreign nationals—ranking the university 2nd in Europe for international faculty. Simultaneously, its position as 7th in Europe for international students further underscores its global nature.

The university has developed mobility programs with over 100 universities worldwide, while all Bachelor students must spend one mandatory semester abroad, distinctly enhancing the international dimension of their education.

 

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the University of Luxembourg stands as a beacon of academic excellence, combining world-class education with cultural diversity. Your journey at this prestigious institution promises exposure to a truly international environment, where students from over 100 countries pursue their academic dreams in English, French, and German.

The university's competitive 21% acceptance rate reflects its commitment to maintaining high academic standards while offering remarkably affordable education. Bachelor's programs ranging from €500 to €900 annually make quality education accessible to deserving students. Additionally, comprehensive scholarship programs, including the Guillaume Dupaix International Master's Scholarship, provide substantial financial support to exceptional candidates.

Research excellence defines the University of Luxembourg's global reputation, demonstrated through its impressive rankings - #355 in QS World University Rankings 2025 and #25 among young universities worldwide. The institution's €1 billion research funding portfolio focuses on critical areas like health, energy, environment, and technology, preparing graduates for future challenges.

Above all, studying at Luxembourg's premier university equips you with multilingual proficiency and cross-cultural competence - essential skills for thriving in today's interconnected world. The mandatory semester abroad for Bachelor's students and extensive international partnerships create unparalleled opportunities for global exposure and professional growth.

 

FAQs

Q1. What is the acceptance rate at the University of Luxembourg? 

The University of Luxembourg has a competitive acceptance rate of approximately 21% for international students, making it one of the more selective institutions in Europe.

Q2. How much are the tuition fees at the University of Luxembourg? 

Undergraduate tuition fees range from €500 to €900 per year, while postgraduate fees vary between €800 and €24,000 annually, depending on the program.

Q3. What languages are used for instruction at the University of Luxembourg? 

The University of Luxembourg offers a multilingual learning environment with courses taught in English, French, and German. Some programs are bilingual, while others are trilingual or exclusively in English.

Q4. Are there scholarships available for international students? 

Yes, the University of Luxembourg offers several scholarship opportunities, including the Guillaume Dupaix International Master's Scholarship, which provides up to €10,000 per academic year for high-achieving international students.

Q5. What are the living costs for students in Luxembourg? 

The university estimates that students need a monthly budget of approximately €1,805.56 to cover all necessities. University dormitory accommodations cost around €4,500 annually, with additional expenses for meals, utilities, and other living costs.

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